Delanie slid out of the berth and slipped on her shoes. She'd told Sam she'd wanted to sleep in her clothes because she didn't feel comfortable sleeping on the docked boat. He had told her they were totally safe.



She hated lying but what the hell was she supposed to do? Sam wouldn't listen to reason and that FBI agent would leave town soon. The probability of the Bahamian police getting this right was low as far as she was concerned. Maybe they were competent, she didn't know.



The sailboat didn't rock as she stepped onto the dock. Her steps were quiet as she moved towards land. The quiet morning air reminded her of this one shoot in Mexico. The ocean sounds lulled her senses. The dreamy quality of remembering a special day made her melancholy.



She made her way through the city streets, finally finding a cab. The streets were empty but for a few late night stragglers and early morning high achievers. No one recognized her and she was thankful for that.



The cabbie didn't talk, just drove. At the police station she handed the driver some American money and trudged up the steps. Once inside she wondered if she had made a mistake. Sam would be livid, but she didn't care. This maniac needed to be caught.



The desk sergeant wasn't helpful. "Please, I know he was here yesterday. His name is Bill and he's an FBI agent."



"There are no FBI agents here. This isn't the US."



Delanie held her breath and counted to five. "Sir, I know I'm not in the United States, but there was an FBI agent working out of this office yesterday and I need to speak with him."



"I don't know–"



Another local police officer stuck his head around a corner. "Did you say FBI agent?"



Delanie moved towards him, hopeful that this guy would know more than the other. "Yes, do you know where he is?"



"Sure, he's sitting in the back. About ready to leave the islands."



"Please take me to him."



Delanie followed the police officer through a labyrinth of halls with few markings. If she had to find her way out of the building she might not be able to. This was worse than yesterday and for a few brief moments she wondered if the police officer was trying to get her lost.



"Is he really back here?"



"Yes ma'am. This room."



Delanie stepped through the door, trying like hell to remember the FBI agent's last name.



"Ms. Skhye, you're here late. Are you're here alone? Do you need something?"



"Your last name."



"Rowland, agent Rowland."



"Is that like Bond, James Bond?"



The FBI agent's cheeks tinted red and he looked down at the desk, shuffling his feet. She hadn't meant to make him embarrassed.



"Sorry, that was uncalled for."



"No worries. What can I do for you?"



"I want to catch this guy."



"I do too, but there are hundreds of islands here in the Bahamas, and hundreds of thousands in the world. What do you suggest we do?"



"Use me as bait."



"Out of the question."



Delanie held up her hand. "Hear me out."



"Setting up a sting is difficult. The operation rarely works out the way you think it will. Plus the agency isn't going to give me more money to do a fools errand."



"Take a few days of vacation and help me help you. He's interested in me. He's probably going to check back on the island and try to take me again. It will be easy."



"Delanie, there is no way for this to end well."



"If you don't help me I'll be forced to do this myself. I can't let the guy keep hurting others. Plus, if you don't catch him he might just come back for me later. It's no secret where I live and I refuse to spend the next ten years living in fear because this cook is out there."



"This isn't the movies."



"Trust me, I know the difference. I see all the prep-work and sets in the movies. I know how it is."



"My boss wants me back in the states."



"Personal days, haven't you ever heard of them?"



"You are persistent."



"How do you think I've made it so far? Contrary to popular opinion, I never had sex to get a part. Please, just hear me out."



Delanie held her breath as the FBI agent shifted through papers. He picked up his phone three times before finally sitting down across from her.



"Okay, talk. I'm not saying I will do as you ask, but wow me with your plan and maybe we'll be in business."

Copyright Sara Thacker 2011