Chapter Ten
Rachel stayed close to Abe, appreciating his strong arm and confidence as they hurried through the storm. The wind was at least at their backs, pushing them forward like an invisible hand. The rain slung at them from behind and from the side. It stung like a million tiny bee stings pricking against Rachel’s bare legs. She cuddled deeper into Abe’s side, grateful for his strong arm and large frame. He walked stoically forward as if the storm didn’t bother him at all, sheltering Rachel and dragging Preston along.
Finally, she saw the large shape rise out of the darkness and the many lights of the main building appear up ahead. Unfortunately, the lobby was open-air. The beautiful flower arrangements were shredded—petals ripped and greenery strewn everywhere. The water features were still on and dancing wildly with the wind, many of them drenching the once-polished wood floors even more than the storm. The computer equipment behind the desks was most likely ruined.
They hurried through the main lobby and into the lobby of the spa and fitness center area. It was a relief to be out of the wet and the wind, but the air conditioning was running and almost immediately Rachel started shivering. Both the spa and all of the fitness center rooms were filled with people milling about. The fitness equipment that could be moved was pushed to one side. Employees were bringing guests warm robes from the spa, pillows, blankets, drinks, and food.
Abe looked to Kelton, who had his arm around a very wet Angel, nobody had offered her or Preston a raincoat. “Who’s the assistant manager?” he asked.
Kelton glanced around and pointed. “Jason, sir.”
“Jason,” Abe called.
The dark-haired man was helping an elderly couple. His head darted up and his eyes widened in surprise as he took in Preston being manhandled by Abe. He excused himself and hurried to them. “Is everything all right, sir?” It seemed he didn’t even know who he should address the question to.
“No,” Abe and Preston said at the same time then glared at each other.
Rachel stepped forward. “Jason, I’m Rachel Jewel.”
He smiled at her and to his credit his eyes only dipped to her scars and didn’t linger there. “I know that, ma’am.”
“Luke has instructed us to hold Preston Sant and Angel Falslev until the authorities can come for them after the storm. They have been embezzling from the company.”
“You have no proof of that,” Preston protested.
Abe silenced him with a look that would’ve quelled Jesse James. Preston tried to back away, but Abe held him fast.
Jason’s eyes were wide but he schooled his expression quickly and nodded to her. “Of course, ma’am. Should we … tie them up?”
Rachel looked to Abe. That seemed a little extreme and besides, where were they going to go in the storm?
“Did someone take the keys from the helicopter and the boats?” Abe asked.
Jason nodded.
“Then no. They have nowhere to go in this storm and they wouldn’t dare run from me again.” He gave Preston a significant look as wind and rain slammed into the windows.
“I don’t know about Preston, but I won’t run,” Angel said sweetly, smiling at Jason. “I’m innocent and would be happy to prove that.”
Abe grunted but didn’t say anything to her. He looked to Preston. “You and Angel sit over in that corner and don’t move unless Jason or Kelton escorts you to the restroom.” It was not a suggestion at all but a command.You obey or I’ll rip you apart for what you’ve done to meis what Rachel read between the lines.
Preston nodded shortly. Abe released his arm. Preston extended his hand to Angel. She tilted up her head and walked past him, turning back to give a parting shot to Abe with a beautiful smile. “Just think about how much I’ve always loved you, Abe, and what a snake Preston is. You know it’s him who betrayed you, not me.” She actually blew him a kiss.
Rachel would’ve thought it was comical if it wasn’t done with the sweetest look. If she didn’t know Abe’s side of things and hadn’t overheard Angel and Preston’s conversation a few nights ago, she’d think this woman was as sweet as her younger sister, Eve. She felt jealousy roar in her gut. How could Abe stay impervious to her?
“Don’t you dare speak to me again,” Abe said in a low, cold voice that had several other guests staring at him apprehensively.
Angel’s lips turned down, but she walked with Preston. They sat exactly where Abe had indicated, water dripping down both of their faces, but neither said anything to each other. Preston looked down at his clasped hands and Angel kept staring at Abe as if he were her hero.
Jason looked to Rachel. “What do you need, ma’am?”
“A towel would be wonderful, thank you.”
He nodded. “And you, sir?”
They both tugged off their rain jackets. Jason automatically extended a hand and they handed over the wet plastic jackets.
“A towel and some water bottles, please,” Abe said, then he turned slightly. “Kelton. Can you stay close to Angel and Preston, watch over them?”