Page 19 of Stone Coast (Tyson Wild Thriller)

T yson was hesitant to talk about it. "It's the kind of place that you call when you need intel or operations that require discretion."

"So, illegal.”

"Illegal is a strong word. Let's just say they operate without the usual constraints."

"Constraints are usually put in place for a reason," I said.

“We can debate the merits of off-the-books clandestine agencies another time. I don't work directly for Cobra Company anymore."

"You still have connections to them, yes?"

Tyson nodded.

"Why did you leave?”

"That's a long story."

"We've got all night," I said with a smile .

"You need to get some sleep. And I need coffee."

We boarded the Intrepid , and Tyson made himself at home, putting on a pot of coffee. The smell of hot Java swirled. It smelled good, and I wanted to join him, but I was wound up enough as it was. I would have a hard time falling asleep.

My phone buzzed with a call from Olivia. "Oh my God, are you okay?"

"I'm fine."

"Is it true what they're saying on the news? Is Grayson…?”

“Yes,” I said in a soft voice, still emotionally disconnected from it.

"I'm so sorry," she said, her voice full of sadness. “Do you want me to come over? I can be there in a few minutes."

"I thought you were on a date.”

"Sisters before misters," she said. "Besides, he was lame. Are you sure you’re okay? You sound surprisingly calm.”

“I’m okay.”

“You’re in shock. I’m coming over.”

“Not necessary. Tyson’s here.”

“Tyson?”

“We have a lot to talk about,” I said.

“That’s an understatement.”

I hesitated. "Did you know Grayson was having an affair?"

"What!? "

"I'll take that as a negative.”

“How did you find out? Did he admit to it?”

"Like I said. We have a lot to talk about."

"There's no way. Grayson loved you. Are you sure?"

"I'm not sure of anything," I said. "Did I ever mention anything to you before? Did I have suspicions?”

"As far as I knew, that wasn't even a blip on your radar.

Then again, you always did hold your cards close to your chest. Especially about things like that.

" Olivia paused. "I'm not going to say that you were secretive.

But you were kind of secretive. I mean, you could disappear for days at a time, then come back and write it off as something casual for work.

But it always seemed like there was something more going on. Maybe that's just me.”

"I'm sorry if I was ever distant."

"Girl, you ain't got nothing to be sorry about. There is definitely some shit that I don't share with anybody. A girl’s got to have a little mystery."

"I've got plenty of that."

"Are you sure you're okay?"

"I don't know if I’d call anything about my life right now okay . But I'm fine. Really."

"I'm a phone call away. You know I'll be there in a heartbeat.”

"I know.” In a sincere, appreciative voice, I said, “You’re a good friend. ”

I thanked her again and ended the call.

Tyson inquired about Olivia, and I told him everything I knew. He was suspicious of everyone, and rightfully so.

We chatted for a little while, and I did my best to unwind. Eventually, I crawled off to sleep in my stateroom. But it was a nervous, sweaty sleep. I tossed and turned, never really leaving the conscious world behind.

I woke with the sunrise as amber rays pierced the portholes.

Tyson wasn’t below deck.

A quick spike of adrenaline rushed through my veins. I didn’t think he would abandon me. I climbed the companionway and opened the hatch.

Tyson sat in the cockpit, sipping coffee, keeping a watch on things. He looked as bright-eyed as the night before.

“Have you been out here all night?”

“Mostly.”

“That’s dedication.”

He shrugged. “It is what it is.”

“Well, thank you,” I said in a heartfelt voice.

A slight grin tugged his face. “My people did some digging.”

“Cobra Company?”

“I’m pretty dialed in with the sheriff’s department, in case you forgot.

There is a guy named Carter Wallace who is connected to Isaiah Jordan and has been arrested multiple times.

He fits the description of the second assailant that got away.

Same height and body type. I think you should have the local authorities look into him. ”

“I don’t have the most confidence in the local PD.”

Tyson frowned, and I got the impression he didn’t hold the Pineapple Bay Police Department in the highest regard. “Pineapple Bay is in Coconut County. I can look into this.”

“You’ve got your own life and your own cases. You don’t need to do that.”

“It’s not a problem. But I do have a prior commitment. I’ve got business out of town tomorrow. So, take advantage of me while I’m here.”

It sure was tempting. But I don’t think that’s what he meant. In a slightly naughty voice, I said, “What do you have in mind?”