Deep Waters

"I'm aware that off-shore money is planning to move into Whispering Waters Cove in the next six months. I know all about the plans for a world-class resort and spa the company wants to develop here. Going to be built along the same lines as the properties the outfit developed in Hawaii, right? Except with an emphasis on golf in stead of sunbathing, of course."
    Elias held his breath to avoid inhaling the odor of mint. "Is that a fact?"
    "No need to play dumb."
    Elias thought of the kiss on the bluff. "But I do it so well."
    "Sure, sure." Another wink. "I like a man with a sense of humor."
    "No one's ever accused me of having one."
    "Not everyone appreciates a keen wit." Sweat glistened on Leighton's brow. "Let's put our cards on the table. I know you own a consulting company called Far Seas, and I know just what kind of consulting you do. Only one reason you'd be here in our little town."
    "What reason?"
    Leighton gave him a very knowing look. "You're the advance man for the off-shore resort developer who wants to move in here to Whispering Waters Cove."
    "I see."
    "Don't worry." Leighton held up a plump hand. The huge diamond glittered. "I won't try to pin you down. No questions asked. Man in your position has to keep a low profile. But, frankly, I wondered when you or someone like you would show up."
    "Did you?"
    "Of course. Your client is getting ready to move. I just want you to know that you're not the only player in this situation. I've got a piece of the action, too. Or I will have, very soon."
    "Uh-huh."
    The smell of breath mint grew stronger as Leighton edged closer and lowered his voice. "Can't discuss the details yet. Like you, I've got to keep things quiet for a while longer. But I'll be able to speak more freely early next week. Bottom line here is that I'm the one you'll be dealing with when the ball starts rolling. Re member that."
    "Be hard to forget."
    Leighton chuckled. "You can say that again. Well, I'd better be going. Got an appointment. Just wanted to put you into the big picture before everything breaks loose. Hey, enjoy the weather. Summer doesn't usually last more than a few weeks around here."
    "I'll keep that in mind."
    "We'll talk later." Leighton turned and strode toward the door with a purposeful air. A man with a piece of the action. A player.
    Crazy Otis shuffled back and forth on his perch and hissed softly.
    Elias waited until Leighton had left the shop before he picked up the phone and dialed a familiar number in Seattle.
    A woman answered in low, rich tones. "Thorgood, Green, and Esteredge." She reeled off the names of the partners in the law firm as if they had each been canonized.
    "Craig Thorgood, please."
    "May I tell Mr. Thorgood who's calling?"
    "Elias Winters."
    "Just a moment, Mr. Winters."
    Craig Thorgood came on the line. "What's up, Elias?"
    His voice matched his office, rich and cultivated. The sort of voice that implied Thorgood had de scended from several generations of old money and had followed a venerable family tradition when he had chosen to study law. Elias was one of the few people who knew that he had actually started out life on a farm in eastern Washington. "Got time for a small job?"
    "I've always got time to squeeze in a few extra bill-able hours. How small is the job?"
    "I want you to find out whatever you can about a woman named Gwendolyn Pitt. Until a year ago she lived in Whispering Waters Cove. She's back here now, but I'd like to know where she's been for the past twelve months."
    "What kind of business is she in?"
    Elias heard a faint squeak on the other end of the line and knew that Craig was leaning back in his chair. "At the moment she's running a spaceship cult. But she used to be in real estate."
    "Spaceship cult, huh? You do meet some interesting people in your line of work, Winters."
    "You don't know the half of it. Give me a call when you get something."
    "I will. How's the curio shop business?"
    "Just the way I like it. Slow."
    Craig laughed. "I give you six months at the outside. You'll be back in Seattle by the first of spring."
    "I don't think so, Craig."

    Charity showed up on the doorstep looking like the Spirit of Summer Night in a pale, high-waisted dress made of a fabric that seemed lighter than air. Elias felt his stomach knot with anticipation. The low, rounded neckline and little cap sleeves of her dress were at once flirtatious and innocent. Her auburn hair was done up in a casual twist that allowed little wispy tendrils to