Page 11 of Criminology of a Character

“Thank you. Talk soon.”

Bel hung up and changed out of Eamon’s shirt into more appropriate attire. She made herself a quick cup of coffee, and when her phone rang, she sat with the artist until the sketch vaguely resembled the man who’d almost knocked her over that afternoon.

“Emerson, one last question before I let you get back to bed,” Barry said. “Have you seen anything that points to L’Oasis knowingly aiding a fugitive? Do you believe the island is involved, or was this the act of a single doctor taking advantage of the location?”

“We’ve seen nothing odd,” Bel said. “That doesn’t mean the resort is innocent, but nothing seems out of the ordinary. We’re at a charity fundraiser that benefits plastic surgeons who help children and accident victims, though. Doctors are in abundance here. It would’ve been simple for one to smuggle Gianni here on their jet, perform the procedure away from the public eye, and send him on his way without anyone figuring it out.”

“That’s going to make it difficult,” Barry said. “If the resort was to blame, and we found proof, we could raid the island since it’s technically under the United States’ jurisdiction. But if it was a private doctor operating under duress or the promise of cash, they’ll be almost impossible to discover.”

“I can look into things if you like,” Bel offered.

“No,” Barry and Eamon said in unison.

“You have no authority there,” the agent continued. “If the wrong person learns you’re investigating them, it’ll place a target on your back. I don’t want you getting hurt. You’ve been more helpful than you know.”

“I’m sorry I couldn’t do more.”

“You’re on vacation. You shouldn’t have to do anything, but I’m thankful you recognized him. It’s late, though.” Barry glanced at his wristwatch. “I’ll let you go.”

They said their goodbyes, and after hanging up, Bel joined Eamon on the bed.

“That look on your face,” he said as her head fell against his shoulder. “Why do I have the feeling you have no intention of heeding his warning?”

“Because I don’t.”

“Detective…”

“Don’t worry, I’m not planning anything dangerous.” She patted his stomach reassuringly. “This island is owned by a plastic surgeon, so it’s the perfect place for the rich and famous to get procedures done without the public figuring it out. I can ask Dr. Hyde to examine my scars and offer his expertise. If he tells me to book an appointment at his main office in the States, then we’ll know the resort isn’t involved, but if he mentions something inside the hotel, we’ll have somewhere for Barry to start.”

“Seems safe enough,” Eamon said. “And now you have me curious.”

“See.” Bel pinched his stomach, but he didn’t so much as flinch. “Now you understand why I can’t let things go. I need answers.”

“Really? I thought it was because you like to keep me in a constant state of heart failure.” He leaned over and buried his face in her neck.

“That too.” She slid her fingers through his hair and kissed his head. “Definitely that too.”

Eamon nudgedher with his elbow and nodded toward the opposite end of the dining hall, and Bel followed his line of sight, finding the island’s owner making his rounds.

“Care to dance?” Eamon extended his hand, and she slid her fingers into his grip as they made their way onto the floor close to where Jake L. Hyde was chatting with a grey-haired man and his significantly younger date.

“You look beautiful,” Eamon whispered against her hair as he guided her closer to their target.

“And I guess you clean up okay.” She smirked as she slid her palm suggestively up his chest,careful to trailher fingers over every muscular curve until his black eyes burned. “You dance well,” she said as he spun her so she could watch Hyde for their opening. “Classes or a side effect of your nature?”

“History,” Eamon answered. “During the Regency Era, I spent much of my time in proper society. As a wealthy, eligible man, I danced at most gatherings. I’m naturally graceful, but those years taught me how to move… what?”

“Regency? Like Pride and Prejudice?” Bel’s mouth fell open, and for a moment, she forgot to watch Hyde.

“As in, I danced with many fine young women, but none were handsome or tempting.” He winked.

“Oh my God.” Her eyes lit up. As an avid reader, she’d read every Jane Austen work. She’d also seen every Pride and Prejudice adaptation, and here stood a man who might’ve met the author most book lovers were obsessed with.

“Did you meet Jane Austen?” sheblurted.

“I don’t think so,” Eamon said.

“But you could have.”

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