Page 111 of Hearts Aweigh
“Uh-oh.” Abby said. “I’ve seen the results of your plans in the past.”
Emily brushed a gray curl behind her ear. “Successful, weren’t they?”
“That wasn’t the word that came to mind.” Abby grasped Spencer’s arm. “You have no idea what the Shippers are capable of. Truth be told, I pity the blackmailer.”
Spencer squinted. “Dare I ask what you ladies are up to?”
“We made use of one of our old favorites.” Emily grinned. “The lost-and-found storage.”
Abby groaned. “Don’t tell me you locked someone in there again.”
Spencer drew back. “You locked someone in a storage room?”
“It was business.” Emily propped her cane against the wall and rubbed her hands together. “We wanted a recalcitrant couple we were matching to stop avoiding each other and thought it’d be a good idea if they enjoyed some togetherness.”
“It was my former roomie.” Abby chuckled. “I was the one who let them out. Boy, was she livid.”
Emily nodded. “But it worked, didn’t it? You were on the front row at Jon and Lacey’s wedding.”
“This is madness.” Spencer pointed at his mother. “I refuse to allow you to take part in any dangerous and possibly illegal activities. If you and your friends found information regarding the blackmailer, deliver it to the security team and let the professionals take care of it.”
Althea chortled. “You don’t know us very well, baby.”
Gerry folded her arms. “We can’t tell security because—”
Emily laid a hand on her shoulder. “No, he’s right, Gerry.”
“Huh?”
Emily faced Spencer. “Mr. Masterson, you have my word. We will definitely alert security.”
Abby mimicked Spencer’s position and pointed a finger at Emily. “And you promise not to lock anyone else in the storage closet?”
“Cross my heart and hope to die.”
Abby studied her warily. “I didn’t expect you to agree so easily.”
“What can I say?” Emily shrugged. “I see the wisdom of Spencer’s suggestion. Be assured we’ll let security know without fail.”
“I’m glad you’re listening to reason.” Spencer took hold of Abby’s elbow. “It’s time to pick up Madeleine.” He eyed every member of the Shippers before settling on Emily. “Remember. You promised to let security handle it.”
They exited the suite as a group, and Spencer and Abby walked to the elevators, leaving the Shippers in the hallway.
Gerry raised an eyebrow. “I don’t recall you promising to let security handle it.”
“How right you are.” Emily smirked. “I said I’d let securityknow. And I made no mention of when I’d do so.”
Althea clicked her tongue. “You’d think a lawyer would pay more attention to the details.”
Daisy bit her lip. “Spencer will be terribly irritated when he finds out.”
“That’s his problem.” Emily thumped her cane. “Come on, ladies. We’ve got a blackmailer to catch.”
CHAPTER 55
THE MAIN THEATER SAT EMPTYexcept for the bright red disappearing box at center stage. Darkness enveloped the space, with a single spotlight illuminating the trapdoors on the top and front side of the magic trick. The front panel was open, revealing the long black-and-white stripes inside.
Emily, Gerry, and Seamus descended the middle aisle of the shadowy room. At two in the morning, most passengers were asleep in their beds.
