Desperate Measures (2 page)

A muffled sinister voice said, “Sorry, ma’am. I’m late for my flight.”

She could’ve sworn she heard a chuckle. She righted herself with an intense look, planning on responding with a tart remark but all she saw was a mass of frenzied travelers. She shrugged off her second ominous feeling of the day and reunited with Chad. They made their purchases and went back to the gate.

Chad devoured his personal pan pizza. Alexandra picked at her sandwich and Caitlin pulled out her cell-phone. A few minutes remained before the passengers could board the plane. A quick call to Victoria assured her all was well at CSM. Vice President Steve Albright was in charge and more than capable of filling Caitlin’s shoes in her absence.

Alexandra had enough sitting around and she became antsy. “Me go on plane now! I sit with Daddy. CC sit with Mommy.”

The first boarding call couldn’t come soon enough. Caitlin reassured her daughter. “We’ll be getting on the plane soon and you can sit with Daddy.” Her son was engrossed in a DS Pokémon game, oblivious to everything around him. She anticipated a nice peaceful flight.

Chad would return to his DS once airborne. Alexandra would conk out for a nap clutching her blankie. Scott had a briefcase full of case files to occupy his time. Caitlin had plans of her own, tucked in the carryon bag was reading material. Fun reading. Not contracts, no financial statements nor any research reports, just entertaining fiction mystery and suspense/thriller. Her fingers itched with desire to start turning the pages for three hours of uninterrupted reading. She was a compulsive reader, almost an addict. Anytime not spent working or tending to her children was consumed by fiction books. Running a scientific research company and raising two small children created enough real life drama.

* * * *

He stood by the windows overlooking the runway. He separated himself from the crowd and observed the busy activity of the airport. Business men and women dressed in suits lugged laptop computers, power point projectors, and carry-on luggage. Summertime vacationers dragged whining, impatient children from gate to gate for connecting flights. Miami might be the final destination or the port to catch a cruise ship. He found the airport an interesting place to contemplate human activity, full of wonder and mystery of the comings and goings.

He caught his reflection in the glass window and marveled over his own smirk, sinister and evil. Beyond his image, American Airlines flight 299, nonstop to St. Kitts, soared into the sky. The smirk turned into a look of self-gratification.

The plan would work. Deliberately bumping into Caitlin had been a big risk but too tempting to pass up. The disguise was brilliant. She had no idea. For someone so smart she could be so naïve. Beauty, family, success. She had it all, even a pet name, Aces. What an irritating and stupid name.

Once the plane landed on the island, little miss Aces would find herself in total chaos. The thought pleased him and he smiled at the idea of so much more to come.

A plane landed, passengers streamed into the main terminal. A tall dark haired woman walked by and thoughts of Caitlin diminished. His mind raced with new possibilities and terrorizing plans. It couldn’t be her but it sure looked like her. He stepped away from the windows and followed his new target. It got better and better. The tall woman walked toward the exit, unaware that he sauntered behind her.

The underbody of the plane shuddered and the landing gear disengaged. The pilot announced instructions for final descent. The same robotic routine of every flight; seats up straight, tray tables secured, loose articles stored under seats or in the overhead compartments, and all electronic devices turned off. Caitlin groaned and forced herself to dog ear the page of the psychological thriller she’d been reading. As predicted Alexandra slept, Scott flipped through reports, and Chad played the DS.

A shake and nudge finally got Chad’s attention. “We’re landing. You’ve flown enough to know during landing electronic equipment must be turned off.”

“There it’s off. Happy now?” Chad grumbled and put the slender black case into the carry-on bag.

Caitlin didn’t worry about Chad’s interest in DS video games. He got straight A’s in school and she allowed him the privilege. She’d prefer if he shared her love of reading but he didn’t.

Alexandra’s blanket represented another matter. Still sleeping, she grasped it with a tight fist held close to her chest. The ragged blanket could easily be classified as bio-hazardous waste. Level three contamination. She dragged it everywhere. Soon it would be the size of a wash cloth, a very thin and small washcloth. Most of the animal prints had worn off or were sewn together. Take it away from her for a minute and a soundproof booth better be nearby.

The plane banked to the left. Brimstone Fortress loomed ahead. Mountains barricaded the landing strip on both sides. The runway appeared only a few yards longer than a football field. The pilots who flew the jets scheduled to land on these Caribbean islands were most likely former NASA astronauts, used to the jarring impact involved upon re-entry into the earth’s atmosphere.

Scott and Caitlin flew onto the island often, ever since their honeymoon visit. They still hadn’t become accustomed to the abrupt landing. Each grabbed an armrest with one hand and the respective child sitting next to them with the other, in preparation for the nerve wracking connection with solid ground.

Caitlin prepared herself for the next event. The minute the plane’s back wheels hit the runway, the brakes would immediately be applied. Each passenger had no choice but to follow the laws of inertia. Heads would involuntarily shoot forward. One miss calculation and the plane would hang over the cliff. Two missed calculations and the plane would drop into the sea.

The tires screeched but the jet continued forward. It slowed down, slower and slower. Finally it made a turn, headed toward the small terminal of Robert L. Bradshaw Airport then stopped. The exit signs lit up and the cabin door opened. No need for a gate on this tropical island. The passengers climbed down a set of portable stairs and walked across the tarmac into the open air.

The Martels were seated in first class and among the first to disembark the aircraft. Winds blew; heat and humidity engulfed them. But, they were in paradise.

They by-passed the traditional photo spot,
‘Robert L. Bradshaw Airport. Welcome to St. Kitts.’
Enough family photos had been taken in front of the sign. They raced toward the building, eager to clear customs and see their new vacation home, completed at last after three long years of construction.

Trudging across the tarmac, Chad shouted over the roar of the jet engines, “Mom, what are we going to do today? I want lobster for dinner and a swim in the pool. Alexandra does too.”

“Chad, we’ll do everything you want to. We’re here for three weeks. We need to get the car and see our new house. We’ll go out to dinner tonight and you can have lobster.”

“What about the pool?”

“Our house has a pool. You can swim there.” Caitlin blew out an exasperated breath. They had just landed and already her son’s enthusiasm exhausted her.

Chad huffed. “I like our house but the pool at the Oceanside is better.”

Caitlin ignored the remark and nudged her son forward. Who wouldn’t like the pool at the Oceanside Royal Resort and Casino? It was huge! Swim up bar and restaurant, waterfalls, jacuzzis. During previous visits, the Martels had stayed at the resort in a three-bedroom ocean front suite.

The arguments of swimming and lobster resolved, customs cleared, no more issues should arise. Caitlin walked down the stairway ahead of her family, stopping in her tracks at the sight of Drew, his face similar to her own earlier that morning. Despite the heat and humidity, a chill ran up her spine. She gripped Scott’s elbow and whispered, “Something’s wrong. Drew’s here, waiting for us.”

Confused, Scott turned to look at Caitlin and then followed the direction of her gaze. Drew Porter, Chief of Police, didn’t look happy. Worried and upset best described his expression. Caitlin and Scott had known Drew for years. He always smiled. Not today.

“Stay here and wait with the kids. I’ll go see what’s up.” Scott handed over a still sleepy Alexandra.

Caitlin grabbed Chad’s hand and walked to the revolving carousel that carried luggage. She didn’t take her eyes off the men. Their faces told her something was wrong, very wrong. She shook her head and tried to convince herself Drew was here for a social visit. The look on his face contradicted that thought but maybe he didn’t feel well.

They were in St. Kitts for crying out loud. What could have possibly happened to warrant the presence of the Chief of Police? Nothing. This was a peaceful island, inhabited by trustworthy and honest people. She became impatient and anxious, eager to receive whatever news Drew had come to deliver. She snapped at her son, “Chad, get the last suitcase, I’ll wheel the other two.”

Alexandra lifted her head and wailed. “Where Daddy go?”

Chad started with a barrage of questions. “Why did you have to yell at me, Mom? I got the bag. Why’s Drew here? Is something wrong?”

Caitlin forced herself to be calm. She felt guilty as hell, more so than earlier. Now she’d turned into a royal screw up and upset her children. That damn letter! She took a deep, cleansing breath. Well, as cleansing as it could get in a non-air conditioned and crowded building. “Chad, I’m sorry. Thank you for getting the bag. Alexandra, Dad is right outside talking to Mr. Drew. You remember him don’t you?”

Alexandra didn’t get a chance to nod or even fully wake up before Mr. Inquisitive, Chad, got the last word. “That’s what I asked you, Mom. Why is Drew here? What’s wrong?”

In an attempt to refrain from lashing out, Caitlin bit her bottom lip. A moment later, in a voice she hoped projected a modicum of reassurance, she replied, “Nothing. I’m sure Drew just wanted to welcome us back and see our new house.”

Her last statement contained false bravado for the benefit of her children and didn’t reflect the internal jitters Caitlin continued to experience. It had to be the heat and humidity. Nope, not that. Florida’s climate was similar during this time of year. That damn letter started all of this.

The scene outside became even more disturbing. Linda Sampson joined the men. Why was she here? What had happened? More importantly, what did they know?

Caitlin, Chad, and Alexandra exited the baggage claim area. Linda raced forward, embracing the children. “Linda, Linda!” they both screeched.

She replied and shot a worried look in Caitlin’s direction. The look appeared to say “I am sorry.” Linda returned her attention to the kids. “How would you two like to go swimming at the Oceanside and have dinner with me tonight?”

“Yay! We love that pool and swim up bar.” Chad spoke for himself and his sister.

What the hell was going on? Caitlin’s mouth opened. She could form no words. Her hands reached out to her son and daughter.

Their sweet innocent voices echoed, “Is that okay, Mom?”

Before she knew it Scott moved behind her, grabbed her elbow, and answered, “Yes, have fun with Linda. She’s in charge so make sure you listen to her.”

“We’ll be good. See you later, Mom and Dad,” Chad reassured his parents then got in the car.

“But…but,” Caitlin tried to choke out. What the hell had just happened? She attempted to run in the direction of Linda’s parked car but Scott’s grip tightened, becoming almost intense.

Scott whispered, “Walk to Drew’s car now. Don’t make a scene, the children haven’t left yet. You were right. There’s a problem. Drew will explain when we get to the house.”

Her teeth gritted in frustration and fear. She followed the directions given and slumped into the back seat of the police car. Caitlin rarely found herself in such a situation. As a leader, she always gave the directions. She built her own company. She was used to being in charge but now she wasn’t. She had no control over what had already happened and couldn’t shake the ominous feelings that plagued her since she left the office.

The police cruiser left the airport then entered Kim Collins Highway. Not much of a highway, a two lane road, named in honor of an Olympic runner from St. Kitts.

Caitlin’s restraint broke loose. She unhooked her seat belt and grabbed the back of the seats, ready to demand answers.

Before she could say anything, Scott stated, “The kids are safe, Linda’s watching them. Drew checked us into the Oceanside.”

Caitlin shot back, “I know the kids are safe, you idiot. Linda’s like family and babysits for them everytime we come here. What about all of this subterfuge? Why the hell are we staying at the hotel? What’s wrong with our house?”

Drew took charge of the situation. “Caitlin, we’re at the top of the mountain and almost at the house. As far as we can tell, the break-in occurred early this morning. Rita stopped by around one this afternoon. She used the extra key the locksmith gave her. She wanted to leave some essential provisions to welcome you back; eggs, milk, butter. She even made her special mutton. Everything looked in order until she entered the kitchen. That’s when she found the disturbance.”

Caitlin sagged against the back seat and muttered under her breath, “First the letter, now a break-in. Will this day ever end?”

Scott unbuckled his seat belt. Yup, the Assistant Director of the FBI of the United States of America committed a vehicular felony. He turned in his seat. “What letter? What the hell are you talking about?”

Caitlin grumbled. She knew the direction this conversation would take. She opted to be direct and concise. State the facts and move on. “It was more of a note. When I went to the office this morning, Victoria gave me a manila envelope. It must have been delivered over the weekend.” She gulped. This was the part that would raise flags and cause uproar. Get it over with, she told herself. “The note said ‘No DNA Bitch or you Die’.”

Caitlin ignored her husband and turned her attention to Drew. Her last statement had a profound effect on the man. His jaw clenched and he appeared agitated. The car swerved abruptly but then straightened. Her mind filtered out most of Scott’s comments but she pondered Drew’s reaction to the mention of the damn note. It had put the Chief of Police on edge and caused him to drive recklessly. Why? He had already violated the law and had two passengers in his car without seat belts. If he hadn’t regained control quickly, the police car would’ve cascaded down the cliff. The chance of survival of the passengers wouldn’t have been good; seat belts or not. Caitlin didn’t analyze Drew’s sudden anxiety further. Scott’s loud voice broke through her daze.