Page 40 of Perfume Girl

I was wearing my floral print dress and gold sandals, and I felt sure I could easily hide in the crowd. I made my way along the bridge and was met with loud club music and people talking over it. Some guests wore bikinis…this didn’t look like a professional soireeat all.

So this was how the Beauregard family threw a big reveal—they served champagne and appetizers on silver trays carried by staff in white uniforms. They played rock music and gave the party a relaxed feel to woo the staff into thinking they were a fun company to work for.

I didn’t recognize anyone as I hurried to find a secluded area to hide out in until we left the harbor. We’d be halfway out on the ocean by the time I made an appearance. I sought out a cabin where I could avoid the guests and lock myself inside. If they were showcasing my work tonight, I would get the chance to get close to it. Then I’d confront Astor and his sister in front of everyone.

The engine thrummed to life and we headed out to sea.

Pacing back and forth in the small space, I ran through all the events that had led me here. I should have gone with a different security company. Not the local firm that was the least expensive and the most likely to fail to keep my precious place safe. I’d been so obsessed with my work I’d not raised my head long enough to see the threat from my competitors. Knowing my carelessness had caused the loss of my most unique scent left a bitter taste in my mouth.

It was easy to restock the store, but the theft of my beloved fragrance, the one I had worked so hard to perfect, left me feeling violated. After my divorce it felt like the final blow. I wasn’t sure I’d ever get over this string of betrayals. The dull ache in my heart was a constant anguish I couldn’t shake.

There’s no other way.

My chances of getting that scent back were slim to none, but I clung to the hope. Being on this boat was like stepping out onto a high wire knowing that a fall was imminent.

Time dissolved as I finally settled into a comfortable chair and waited while going over all the things I was going to say if I got caught before I pounced on them.

Someone rapped on the cabin door.

I sprung up out of my seat and waited to see if they knocked again.

“Ms. Wren.” A woman’s voice.

Oh, God.

With a twist of the lock I had the door open and peered out at a waitress holding a tray carrying a glass of champagne and a plate of chocolate-covered strawberries.

She gave me a polite smile. “Mr. Beauregard wanted to offer you some refreshments.”

Almost cringing, I opened the door wider to see if he was with her.

“Can I come in?” she asked.

I stepped back and she walked into the cabin, placing the tray on a side-table.

“Mr. Beauregard wanted to make sure you’re comfortable.”

“I’m fine.”

She turned to leave.

“Do you know where Mr. Beauregard is right now?”

“He just left.”

“What do you mean he left?”We’re out on the ocean!

She glanced at her watch. “You might catch him.”

I recalled Astor mentioning he had a garage for his speedboat on theRiveting. “Is he getting on his boat? Can you take me there?”

“Sure.”

I hurried along the starboard side of the ship close behind her, stealing a glance at the vast ocean. We were definitely in the middle of nowhere.

When we reached a narrow staircase, the girl pointed down to the deck below.

“He’s down there.”