Page 53 of Girl Lost
A man came out of the shop through the glass door, carrying a fishing rod with a microfiber cleaning cloth in one hand. He wore a crisp white polo shirt, khaki shorts, and boat shoes. Sun wrinkles lined his tanned face, and a gold Rolex glinted on his wrist.
“Oops, forgot to put the closed sign out.” The man chuckled. “But since you’re here, what can I do for you?”
“Caleb Morales?” Corbin flashed his badge. “Agent King, FDLE. This is Agent Rosati. We have a few questions for you.”
Well, that wasn’t how she’d have gone about it. She cringed. So much for easing him in. Corbin’s approach was about as subtle as a SWAT team busting down the door.
Morales’s smile faltered. He set the fishing rod down, his gaze flicking between their badges. His smile returned, a bit strained this time. “Sure, officers. What can I do for you?”
“We’re investigating a case,” Corbin said. “We understand you do some salvaging at the boat graveyard out near the preserve area.”
Morales’s smile widened. “Salvaging? Now that’s an ugly word, Agent. I prefer to think of it as ... recycling. Giving those old boats a new life.” He chuckled.
Corbin’s hand twitched. A barely perceptible movement, butLuna caught it. He didn’t like Morales and his nervous laughter any more than she did.
She stepped closer to the counter, her gaze fixed on Morales. “You said you recycle those old boats. What exactly do you do with the parts?”
“Sell them,” Morales said, his smile returning. “To other boat owners, repair shops, collectors. There’s a big market for vintage parts, Agent. Especially here in Florida.”
She’d seen that look before. He was lying. Or at least leaving something out.
“Interesting,” Corbin said. “So you’ve got records? Invoices? Proof of who you’ve sold to?”
“Of course.” Morales gestured toward a computer on his desk. “Everything’s computerized now. Perfectly legal. I’ve got nothing to hide.”
Did Morales know what dark things they’d found out there? Was this guy selling more than boat parts?
The door chimed, and a tall, well-dressed man entered the shop. He wore a crisp white linen suit and a Panama hat perched on his silver hair. A gold chain was buried in his protruding chest hair.
“Caleb, mi amigo!” The man pushed past Corbin and clapped Morales on the shoulder. His deep voice held a hint of a Cuban accent. “Thank goodness you’re still open. Mi querida Goldie needs a little TLC. And you’re the best in the business, Caleb.”
“Mr. Fuentes. A pleasure, as always.” Morales’s smile was strained. “These are from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.”
Fuentes turned and gave Luna a quick up-and-down. “Since when do they make agents as beautiful as this?” He lifted his chin at Corbin. “You’re one lucky man to have a partner like this, no?”
“Gracias, señor.” Luna couldn’t pretend to be shocked over his blatant flirting. The guy had money. Connections. Influence. He’d be used to women throwing themselves at him. At his money, really. She leaned against the counter. “And who might Goldie be?”
Fuentes’s eyes crinkled at the corners. “Goldie is my boat. She’s a bit of a demanding lady, you know?”
“TheGolden Horizon,” Morales chimed in. “A hundred and ten feet of pure luxury. State-of-the-art everything. You should see the master suite, Agent Rosati. It’s bigger than my whole condo.”
Probably room for a whole harem in there. “I’ll take your word for it.”
Fuentes waved a dismissive hand. “Bah, it’s just a bachelor pad. A place to entertain a few compadres.”
“I’m surprised you can handle servicing a yacht that size here.” Corbin gestured to the modest shop.
“We don’t do the big jobs here.” Morales shook his head. “We have a full-service marina and shipyard down on the water. Anything from routine maintenance to complete refits. We also provide charter crews, and Mr. Fuentes is one of our most valued clients.”
“Gracias, amigo, it’s why I stopped by. I’m throwing a little party on her this weekend. Nothing too fancy. Just a few friends. But I need a caterer who can handle all my usual requests.” He looked at Luna. “Nothing but the best for my guests.”
Morales glanced at Corbin, then back to Fuentes. “Well, let’s see. Were you comfortable with the caterer who handled your event last time? They specialize in exclusive clientele like you.”
Fuentes clapped his hands together. “Perfecto! Yes, set it up. And you’ll get my Goldie looking shipshape for the weekend, won’t you?” He winked. “No expense spared, of course.”
“Of course. Nothing but the best for you, sir,” Morales said.
“Perhaps I’ll see you aboard on Saturday, florcita?” Fuentes flashed Luna a smile that came across a little more predatory than charming. “I always enjoy the company of a beautiful woman.” Fuentes paused at the doorway and grinned. “Enjoy the evening, agents.” He tipped his Panama hat and disappeared out the door.
