Page 84 of Deadly Designs

Christian chastised himself. She’d done a noble deedby setting up a scholarship in Jay’s name, and he shouldn’tdisparage her.

He surveyed the deck in front of them. Christian haddone a quick search online about the yacht and knew some of itsspecifics. Among other amenities were a helipad, three indoorpools, three cinemas, two bowling alleys, four game rooms with golfsimulators, and twenty-four lavish guest suites. On this level, afull bar served patrons cocktails while a fountain sprayed waterand an orchestra played classical music from a raised dais.

Christian was unfamiliar with the movers and shakersof the Norfolk/Virginia Beach area, but he thought he spotted twonotorious senators and several A-list actors among the guests.

He couldn’t fathom the kind of money it would take toown and operate the boat. Heathcliff Sinclair was famous forpursuits like launching a rocket to the moon and erectingskyscrapers that bore his name. Even though tonight’s event was afundraiser, he wasn’t known for his philanthropy.

Christian’s phone buzzed, and he answered Tyler’scall.

“I found something interesting on Aja Blue’sphone.”

It seemed Christian’s hunch paid off. “What’sthat?”

“It’s big. I mean humongous. No, colossal.Gargantuan.”

“Tyler, what is it?”

“I’m sending it to you now.”

Christian pulled the cell from his ear and opened thetext. There were several pictures. He swiped with his fingers tozoom in and almost dropped the phone. “Holy shit. Is that CesarNofeshku?”

“One in the same.”

Dear God, The Butcher of Kormu.

“He’s a notorious arms dealer, war criminal, and massmurderer.”

“I’m familiar with his resume.” All the blood inChristian’s veins froze. “That’s Heathcliff Sinclair in the picturewith him.” The same person whose yacht they were currentlyaboard.

“It is.”

Christian turned to Aja Blue. “When did you take—” Hespun around, looking for her. She’d been beside him a second ago.Maybe she went to the ladies’ room. “I’ll call you back.”

He stopped a woman about to enter the bathroom. “Mygirlfriend wasn’t feeling well. Can you tell me if she’s in there?”He described what Aja Blue was wearing.

“Certainly, dear.”

She entered and returned a few seconds later. “I’msorry. It’s empty. She wasn’t there.”

Damn it. Where was she? “Thank you for looking.”

The boat was packed, and searching for her would takea while. He called Kayne. “I need you two here as soon as possible.Aja Blue has gone missing. Leave Detective Herbert on land.” Whilehe could use her investigative skills, her injury would hamper herfrom doing her job.

“We’re on our way . . . uh, Christian? The yacht hassailed from the dock. We’ll have to commandeer a boat.”

“Do it.”

#

Aja Blue listened to Mrs. Sinclair prattle on aboutthe features she wanted to add to the pool house, and all Aja Bluewanted to do was scream for her to stop. Jay was dead, and theproject was the last thing she wanted to consider. Yes, the womanhad hired her, but it took a backseat to Jay’s murder. Instead,she’d rather discuss the scholarship and how the funds would bedistributed. How would the recipients be selected? She had so manyquestions but couldn’t get a word in edgewise.

Aja Blue took a sip of the expensive champagne andglanced around. The yacht was teaming with Glitterati. Diamonds andpearls—the genuine kind—were blatantly displayed around the necks,wrists, and fingers of most women, Mrs. Sinclair included. The menwore tuxedoes with gold cuff links, expensive watches, and Italianleather shoes. Classical music wafted through speakers. Somewhereon the ginormous boat, an orchestra played live.

Her gaze drifted to Christian chatting on his cell.He looked amazing in the black tux that fit him like a glove. Hisblond hair was tousled, and she’d seen many of the women—and somemen—checking him out, Mrs. Sinclair included. Aja Blue wanted todrag him off the boat and away from the crowd. She’d never feltjealousy before, but there it was.

Someone called for Mrs. Sinclair, and Aja Blue wantedto weep with gratitude and hug the man who’d interrupted theirconversation. Mrs. Sinclair could talk the ear off a . . . what wasthe saying? Corn cob? No, that wasn’t it. A statue? Yes, thatsounded right.

Aja Blue’s head started to swim. She hadn’t had thatmuch to drink . . . oops. She lifted the flute to see all theliquid was gone. A passing waiter retrieved the empty glass, andshe turned to find Christian when someone tapped her shoulder. “Ms.LaLonde?”

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