Page 39 of Perfume Girl

I relaxed my hands so they didn’t form fists. “We can call the press to cover this. How about they feature this place and match it with photos of hundreds of dead turtles outside. Imagine the headline…customers having to step over the bodies of baby turtles when they arrive. That will dull their appetites.” I folded my arms across my chest. “Alternatively, and by far the best offer I have, is having the press cover the story of how every restaurant complied with the law and saved the lives of thousands of turtles. We can feature Romero’s and bring you more customers. Choice is yours.”

“Are you threatening me with slander?”

“Only the truth. I can have the news team down here with their cameras focused on your clientele, asking if their lobster dinner was worth the burden of knowing what it really cost them. Cut to a dozen dead baby turtles and you have your story.”

He pushed to his feet. “Who the fuck are you?”

“Astor Beauregard. And I’m leaving. We have a long night ahead. We don’t have time for this. When I reach the other side of the beach your lights will be off. Am I clear?”

“Who’s going to cover my lost profits?”

“Visit every table and explain to your customers why you’ve turned out the lights. Be the hero here. That will have them showing their loyalty and coming back.” I turned and stormed out.

When I made it to the other side of the street, I turned and waited, counting the seconds as I reached into my pocket for my phone. Calling the news station wasn’t an idle threat. I brought my iPhone to my ear, ready to make the call.

I’d shut that place down in a heartbeat.

Romero’s lights went out

I turned to face the others and we raised our fists in triumphant cheers.

Sierra came over and wrapped her arms around my waist. “What did you say to him?”

“I told him I was going to send you in to deal with him.” I smiled at that.

She smiled too. “I’d have burned the place down, only that would’ve just lit the place up worse.”

“Defeats the objective really.” I gave her back a pat. “Let’s follow Garcia’s lead and proceed as peaceful warriors.”

“That’s a better idea.” Sierra took my hand and led me across the sand. “Come see. They’re so cute.”

With the moon lighting our way, Garcia and Lawrence joined us and we stood a little way back from a mound of golden sand and watched a hatchling wriggle to the surface. Soon he was joined by his siblings rising out into the evening air with their shells soft and their eyes bright.

They waggled their way down the beach toward the ocean and we stood guard, all of us ready to redirect the ones that were drawn to car headlights or other distractions of light or noise.

I kneeled next to a baby turtle that had rolled onto his shell and was struggling to right himself, his legs waving in the air.

“I know it’s tempting,” said Garcia from behind me.

I wanted to give the edge of his shell a nudge to turn him right side up. “Hardest part of the job,” I admitted.

The turtle flipped himself over and we watched him scurrying to catch up with the others.

“Thank you for being here, Astor.” Garcia knelt and we shared a smile. “I don’t think you quite realize how many lives you saved tonight.”

I shot him a look. “You’ve saved far more, Garcia.”

“We’re a team.” He tapped my back with affection.

“It’s because of you we’re here.”

And here was where I was meant to be.

IHAD DRIVEN TOKEYWest all the while reassuring myself I could back out of gate-crashing this work party at any second. I was close to blowing everything up and my plan to remain beneath the radar at The House of Beauregard was in jeopardy.

That terrifying thought stayed with me as I strolled along the wharf. When I recognized theRivetingmoored to the docks, I was again reminded of the Beauregards’ impressive wealth. It’s not like they needed the money—though the rich always wanted more. And Astor struck me as a man who loved to wallow in luxury.

Still, up there on that yacht was a possible resolution to all of this. And this time I’d be staying aboard no matter what.