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Intro :: Part 1: Revolution :: Part 2: Reward :: Part 3: Rewiring :: Part 4: Remembrance
January 1989
Fort Lauderdale
He stood there watching with cold hooded eyes, knowing the man before him was a fraud. The coke was real, and his credentials had checked out. But Pedrosa knew in his gut that this guy had to be heat.
"There's plenty more where this came from," the man was saying, as he turned the case around to show Pedrosa the plastic bags of dope. "I got an endless supply from a Columbian pipeline feeding into Mexico. And I got the border patrol in my pocket. I tell you, this deal is sweet, Pedrosa. You can't miss!"
Too bad the story was bogus. Pedrosa would have loved making such a lucrative arrangement.
"So. How much we talking? And how much you asking?"
"Ah, ten keys here. Ten in the trunk. 20 thou a key. Easy numbers, so you figure it out. I want it in big bills, Pedrosa, just like we discussed."
Pedrosa snorted with contempt.
"What, you think I carry around that much cash in this kinda neighborhood? You gotta be kidding, Bonner. I got the cash at my place. We take the truck to little Havana. That's where we make the exchange."
"Truck?" Bonner asked. Pedrosa was positive he heard a slight quiver in the man's voice.
"Yeah. You know. A van. No windows. No one can see us inside. It's the way I do business, Bonner. Take it or leave it."
"Okay, for this kind of money, I guess it makes sense."
Never missed a beat. This undercover cop was good. Pedrosa scratched his chin, wondering to himself if the guy was wearing a wire.
Hopefully, before long, he was going to find out.
Pedrosa watched as Bonner opened the trunk and took out the second briefcase.
"There's a combination lock on this one. If it's all the same to you, I'd just as soon open it when we get there."
"Sure, sure." Pedrosa crooned. "Whatever you want. This way, amigo."
The back door of the van opened and Pedrosa hopped on, beckoning to Bonner. "Here. Let me help you," he said holding out his hand with a smile.
For just a moment, Bonner hesitated and Pedrosa's smile widened.
"You forget something, señor?"
"No, no. I just was worried about leaving my car behind. Like you said, this neighborhood and all."
"No, no señor. It's better if we go in here. We won't be noticed so much. Your car, it's okay. I have plenty of young ones on the street who will watch it for you. I pay them quite a bit for this service, and they are very reliable. Come now. It is getting late, and I have another appointment in an hour. Let's go."
Bonner avoided Pedrosa's hand and helped himself into the van. He watched suspiciously as one of Pedrosa's men climbed in and closed the door behind him. Another heavy-set man came around to the front and got into the driver's seat. The van's engine roared to life, the tires spinning crazily on the loose gravel. With a breathtaking burst of speed, it peeled out of the empty parking lot and quickly disappeared down the deserted highway.
Pedrosa was able to see out the van's back window and he chuckled when he saw the delivery truck turn out of a narrow alley way and pull into the lane behind them.
So, this was the surveillance vehicle. He had wondered where the backup was hiding.
He glanced over at Bonner, his eyebrows arched with amusement.
"Friends of yours, señor?"
"What do ya mean?"
"That truck over there. Three-a.m.'s kind of early for deliveries, don't you think, Manuel?" Pedrosa asked one of his men.
Pedrosa reached over to grab a handful of Bonner's shirt and ripped it down the front. Just as he suspected, there was a transistorized transmitter taped to the man's chest.
Manuel had pulled a gun from his belt, positioning it carefully against Bonner's temple.
"Jorge!" Pedrosa said sternly as he banged his fist against the side of the van. The vehicle began to accelerate when the driver received his signal. Pedrosa watched the road behind them and sighed with satisfaction when he saw the delivery truck struggling to keep up.
"You don't think you're going to get away with this, do you?" Bonner asked, his eyes wide with fear.
"Why, Señor Bonner. I already have gotten away with this. Your friends, you know, the ones that were so impolite, listening to our little chat...they are far behind by now. I don't think they will be catching up any time soon either, do you?"
The driver of the van had successfully maneuvered down a series of narrow streets, cutting through several alley ways and across a bank parking lot, managing to put a significant distance between them and the delivery truck. Before long, the back up team was nowhere to be seen.
After several miles, Pedrosa banged the side of the van once more.
"Pull in!" Pedrosa said loudly to the driver in Spanish.
The van turned into a driveway and waited for a minute as an automatic garage released the door and allowed the van to enter. Just as quickly, the door closed, sealing them inside a cavern like storage area. They sat in silence for several minutes. Even in the dim light, it was easy to see the beads of sweat on Bonner's upper lip.
Opening the first briefcase, Pedrosa took out one of the bags, smelling it appreciatively. "We'll test it later," he said coldly. "I'm sure it's top quality."
He then picked up the second valise that had been in the trunk.
"The combination, señor."
Manuel poked the barrel of the gun against Bonner's forehead.
"The combination," Pedrosa repeated. "Now, please!"
Bonner mumbled a set of numbers through clenched teeth.
"Again. And slower this time."
Once he had heard them the second time, Pedrosa turned the small dial right and then left, grunting with satisfaction when he heard the gentle click of the releasing latch. He opened the case and frowned when he saw the two yellow phone books in place of the dope.
"I see," he said quietly.
Bonner looked away and licked his lips nervously. "If you knew I was a cop, what did you expect? There was no way I could have gotten that much dope on such short notice."
"It doesn't really matter. Ten keys are good, no? I am perfectly satisfied with ten."
Manuel laughed.
The back of the van had opened and Jorge stood there watching them, a semiautomatic in his hand.
"It's time to go, señor. Out please."
Bonner was trembling visibly now, and he swallowed hard as he felt the burning bile rise up into the back of his throat. There was no more time for stalling, and help was very far away.
He bent his head and proceeded to step out onto the cold concrete floor.
"Kneel!" Pedrosa ordered.
"Ah, come on, Pedrosa. That's not necessary."
The gun's barrel jammed hard against his spine.
"Do as you are told!" the drug lord hissed.
Bonner shut his eyes for just a minute and eased himself to the floor. He then took a deep breath and tried to pull his torn shirt over his bare chest.
"I'm disappointed! Aren't you going to beg, Señor Bonner? I love it when cops beg!"
"They'll find you, you bastard," Bonner moaned. "And when they do, you'll pay for this."
The gunshot echoed a thousand times before there was absolute silence in the empty garage. Pedrosa shot Bonner twice more, threw the pistol on the body and walked back quickly to the van. Retrieving the case full of coke, he closed the van door and headed for the back door of the building, followed by Jorge and Manuel.
"Yes, ten keys should do just fine," he said happily. "I would have been happier if I had gotten the twenty, but I am satisfied for now."
Closing the metal door behind him, he turned the key in the lock and then tossed it in the bushes.
"Won't be needing that anymore!" he said to Manuel. And with a soft chuckle, he leaned over to enter the long sleek limo that had been waiting for him behind the building.
"Okay, let's head for the airport," he said to the driver after settling himself comfortably into the plush leather seats. "We have an hour to make the flight to Miami, so I suggest you avoid the highway traffic and make sure you keep to the outskirts of the city."
"Si, Señor Pedrosa," the chauffeur answered respectfully as he sped off into the dark.
January 1992
Miami
He leaned against the doorframe, watching her as she sipped her coffee from a Styrofoam cup. He hadn't told anyone that he was coming in today, and he enjoyed the opportunity to study her before she had the chance to notice him.
She was just as he remembered her; the soft, translucent skin, her face framed by her rich, black hair. He was finding it hard to tear his eyes off the silky green blouse that draped sensuously over her soft curves. Her short skirt hugged her hips, ending just above the knee, giving an excellent view of her long shapely legs.
What would she say when she saw him? Would she be angry that he hadn't called in all this time? Or worse yet, would she seem indifferent as if she had finally stopped caring whether he lived or died?
Somehow, that didn't sound like Gina. She might be hurt, but the warm, affectionate woman he remembered always had room for forgiveness.
There was a thick tension in the air and he knew the rest of the staff was hanging on his every move. He was uncomfortable, wondering how he should play this. He hadn't wanted their first encounter to be so public, but the coward in him was hoping that having so many friends around might soften her reaction.
She suddenly swung her head toward the door as if she sensed his presence, and their eyes locked for a moment when she saw him standing there. The little smile that started to play at the corner of her mouth gave him some hope that maybe there'd be a warm reception after all.
"Gina!" he called, his grin lighting up his handsome face as he came over to her. Her cheek brushed against his day old stubble and she started to laugh.
"I guess some things never change," she said shaking her head with amusement.
Relief flooded over him, but then he felt her stiffen slightly when he tried to pull her closer.
"It's good to see you again," he murmured, breathing in the familiar scent of lavender.
"It's good to see you, too. Welcome home, Sonny."
It turned out better than he had expected, but the sadness in her eyes weighed heavily on his conscience.
"You're looking well," she said quietly. "Thin, but more relaxed at least. So...where've you been for all this time?"
He knew that was coming.
"It's a long boring story. Let's just say I was lost on a slow cruise to nowhere and leave it at that." He leaned casually against her desk, thinking of ways to keep things light.
"So what's been happening with you?" he asked.
"Oh, not much. Been busy with assignments and all. You know how this place can be."
He laughed derisively. "Don't I! Kinda makes me wonder why on earth I came back." He stopped short when he realized what he'd said.
"And just why did you come back?" she challenged.
Embarrassed, he looked away.
"Got tired of running, I guess," he said. "Besides, I needed to straighten a few things out...before it was too late."
"I see. Then, I guess you'll have you're work cut out for you."
Her manner had turned cool, almost detached. She started to gather the files from her desk as the silence hung heavily between them.
"Castillo's briefing is at eight," she said at last. "I understand that you and Rico will be the guests of honor."
"Did Rico get in yet? Man, it will be good to swap horror stories with "Mr. New York"! It's been way too long!"
"Yeah. Way too long." He caught the bitterness in her tone.
"Gina..."
"I have to go, it's almost eight."
"I need to talk to you," he looked around the room, "away from here."
"I don't think so, Sonny. I know you want to clear the air, but I'm not sure what you could possibly say that would explain three long years of silence?"
She had a point.
"Okay. But at least hear me out."
She stopped what she was doing to look at him.
"I guess if we are going to work together again, I owe you that much."
"That's not what I meant."
"I know what you meant."
He sighed. "We could go to dinner. How about tomorrow night?"
"Incredible," she said, shaking her head. "Just pick up where you left off, is that it?"
"Come on, a simple dinner. That's all I ask."
"A simple dinner. Fine. But this time, Crockett, we'll keep it simple. I've gotten tired of feeling used."
He avoided their old haunts and picked a restaurant that was new and trendy. The table by the water gave them a glorious view of the boats on the bay.
She barely looked at him as she picked at her food, distracted and unhappy. He watched her as she held the crystal wine glass and sipped her chilled chardonnay slowly.
No doubt about it. Gina was going to make him sweat.
"I've hurt you. I'm sorry," he said sadly.
She put down her glass and studied him for a moment.
"We had stopped being lovers a long time ago, Sonny. But we had never stopped being friends. You barely said goodbye after that last case in Costa Morada, and then, for three years, it was as if I had never existed. I'm still having a hard time accepting that. A really hard time."
Crockett tapped his cigarette on the white tablecloth, trying to find the words that would make her understand. Three years ago, he had thrown his badge down into the dust. That last case had made him realize he had lost the fire and the truth had torn him apart. He never looked back because he was afraid of what he might do if he had to face the truth. Living as an undercover cop for so long, he knew it would have taken very little to push him over the edge.
"I don't blame you for being angry. But don't count me out yet, Gina. I promise you, I've changed," he told her.
She smiled ruefully.
"I doubt it, Sonny."
He felt a sudden flash of annoyance.
"That's not like you, Gina."
"Well, then I guess I've changed, too," she answered, as she started to stand. "I have to go, it's late."
"So that's it? You barely even touched your dinner."
"It's been a long day and I have an early shift tomorrow. Goodnight, Sonny. And...thanks."
"At least let me take you home."
"You don't need to. I have my car, remember?"
She glanced at him and hesitated as if trying to think of a way to exit gracefully. She lowered her eyes.
"I'll see you tomorrow," she said softly.
Then turning quickly, she hurried toward the parking lot without looking back.
Sonny flicked the un-smoked cigarette over the dockside railing. He wasn't used to rejection and he had all he could do to keep his volatile temper in check. Her words burned into his thoughts as he rode home to the empty silence.
We stopped being lovers a long time ago.
All that time he'd been gone, drifting along the crystal blue water of the Keys, the solitude had made him focus on the important things in his life: his son, his failed marriage to Caroline, his life as a cop. It had forced him to face the loss of his second wife, Caitlin, and a child he never knew.
At first, the introspection had filled him with despair; in fact, it had almost killed him. But after chasing away his ghosts and making peace with himself, he finally decided it was time to start living again.
Crockett knew he needed to find a place where he could set down roots, a place where he could find people he cared about and friends he could count on. Castillo had called and offered him a job back with Metro Dade. At first, Sonny turned him down but Marty persisted, even promising to take the St. Vitus' Dance out of mothballs and locate suitable wheels for his cover from the impound lot.
Then he sweetened the deal by telling him that Ricardo Tubbs was returning to Miami. Three years of police work in New York must have taken its toll.
Sonny thought about his old partner and how much he missed him. Rico had always helped him to keep things in balance. The man had been his anchor. And Castillo was a fellow soldier, a man of principle whom Sonny admired and respected more than anyone else on earth! It would be great seeing them again, working side by side just like the old days.
But could he go back to undercover work after what it had done to him in the past? He knew he was good at it, but could he prevent it from taking over his mind and soul, perhaps leaving him far worse off than he had been before?
The Lieutenant must have known how risky it would be to bring a burned out cop back into the war and yet, he had enough faith in Sonny to put his reservations aside. Sonny was immensely grateful but terrified he might let him down. Indecision haunted him for months.
But in the end, it was the memories of Gina that that helped him to overcome his doubts and finally pull him home.
Memories full of her acceptance, her loyalty, her warm brown eyes offering him a promise of things to come...
He never got tired of picturing her face.
Or of thinking back to the time they were together.
From the moment he first met her he had found her intriguing.
Trudy must have warned her about him, because he remembered noticing that wary look in her eyes that first time he asked her out. She had turned him down flat, without even so much as a decent excuse. After four more refusals, he finally managed to talk her into sharing a nightcap with him on the St.Vitus.
But before she had even stepped aboard that night, she made it very clear to him she was not interested in a man who had just separated from his wife. He knew he would have to jump through hoops if he was going to convince her he was finally over Caroline.
So maybe it was the sincerity in his eyes when he reached for her, or their sudden intense need for each other on that warm and starry night. He was never really sure. But before he realized what was happening, Gina had found her way down the galley steps to wait for him in his bed.
As she herself put it the next day: "This was the last situation I wanted to find myself in Crockett! Sure it was great. A few drinks, a little romantic music, soft moonlight... But let me tell you. Nothing is worse for a girl's ego than to have a man roll over and hear him whisper his ex-wife's name in her ear!"
He still winced when he thought about the look on her face when she said that to him. At the time, he had truly believed his divorce from Caroline was inevitable and chalked off the incriminating slip to force of habit and ten years of marriage.
Gina didn't buy it. It took several days of apologizing and a single red rose in her mailbox before she finally relented and agreed to go sailing on the St. Vitus with him.
"Don't be so hard on me, Gina," he had said to her. "Let me try and make things up to you and maybe we could start again."
Water dripped like tears down her cheeks, and he caught one as it fell, brushing it away gently. He cupped her chin in his hand, and when she turned her face to kiss his palm, he let that be his answer.
They were inseparable for a while. He knew that she had always entertained the idea that someday they would end up together, but for him, the romance was quick, the attraction not lasting more than six months. He had no need to make things permanent, and the minute a beautiful face distracted him, his eyes began to wander.
He pursued one woman after another, never even trying to keep his intentions a secret from her. It wasn't fair the way he had treated her; he knew that. He had left her heart battered and bruised. And yet, despite it all, she always seemed to be there for him, supporting him whenever he needed her most.
Like that night when he had been shot...her face had been the first thing he had seen when he woke up from the surgery. After Caitlin's funeral, when no one else could reach him, he would cherish forever his memory of Gina's eyes, full of compassion as she watched him standing in the cemetery, angry and alone. And after he had regained his memory and been arrested as Burnett, everyone but Gina seemed to distrust him. Her reaction had been one of concern for him and not fear for herself.
Out there on the ocean when he was ready to call it quits, her image had come back to him, leaving him with an aching need and a heart full of regret. He wanted to die, but he couldn't let her go.
He realized now that he had never really stopped wanting her.
Now, all he could hope was that somehow, she had never stopped wanting him.
January 1992
I knew you were there watching me this morning, Crockett.
Tell me the truth. Just what did you think would happen?
Did you imagine that I would come running as soon as I saw your smile?
Sorry.
It's been too long since I felt those adolescent palpitations.
You don't have that effect on me anymore.
I'm cured.
Yeah. It hurt plenty after you left.
I cried...for a while.
That summer before, I watched you struggle with Caitlin's death,
And I was frightened when you embraced your alter ego, Burnett.
I knew you were having a tough time.
You were sick.
I understood.
But after you woke up and remembered who you really were, you kept to yourself.
You were cold and distant.
You had always said that you could tell me anything and I loved that.
It made me feel that I was special to you.
Imagine my surprise when I discovered that it wasn't true.
That's right. I wasn't special at all.
I was just someone who was convenient.
Someone to satisfy your needs...
You didn't love me then. You don't love me now.
It's a harsh reality, Crockett!
And I have the shattered heart to prove it.
You bastard!
February 1992
He'd been watching the guy in the three-piece suit casually sitting on the edge of Gina's desk. He must have said something funny since her eyes were tightly shut and her whole body was shaking with laughter. The scene had a definite unsettling effect on him.
"That's Josh Deavers, one of O'Brien's Assistant DA's," Trudy whispered. "They've been going out for about a year, now. Didn't Gina tell you?"
Crockett looked annoyed.
"Bet you couldn't wait to tell me yourself, Trudy," he thought
"Actually, she hasn't said much to me about anything," he said out loud. "Guess that's her way of officially putting me in my place."
"Come on now, Sonny. You didn't think she was going to wait around for you forever, did you?"
"No. No, of course not. That would have been stupid."
"Honestly, you don't have a leg to stand on with this one. You gave up your right to protest a long time ago."
"Bullshit!" he growled to himself.
He studied the guy from across the room.
Like it or not, he had to admit, Josh Deavers definitely had class. His suits were imported and cut perfectly to fit his lean, hard body. His smile was wide and inviting, every hair on his head knew where it belonged. He was charming and witty.
And it didn't take much to see how Gina felt about him.
Be cool, Crockett! Don't let her think this is getting to you.
"Are you hungry?" Mr. GQ asked her smoothly.
"Starved!" she answered as a smile lit up her face.
Don't count me out yet, Gina...
He refused to watch them leave, but cringed when he heard the swinging doors swish together loudly.
I've changed, Gina...
I doubt it, Crockett...
He looked across the room and caught sight of Trudy grinning at him impishly.
Throwing his pencil down on his desk, he leaned back in his chair and glared back at her in silence.
Bullshit!
"Time to retrench, Sonny," Trudy said as sat on the edge of his desk and put her hand on his shoulder.
"First step, repair the friendship. Then, bury the bitter, cynical cop routine. Keep the conversation light and upbeat. Stop pouting. Be patient."
Sonny groaned softly.
"It won't be that hard, Crockett," she said mockingly.
"Uh huh."
"Josh is a sweet guy, really," Trudy continued, enjoying the effect her conversation was having on him. "And I must say, he certainly has Gina all figured out."
"Okay, are you going to tell me what that means, or am I going to have to play twenty questions?"
"Now, you see, Crockett? That's what I mean. Sarcasm. Not exactly the best way to earn brownie points with the ladies. You may not want to believe this, but deep down inside, I've been rooting for you since the beginning."
"You have? With all the dirty looks and exasperated sighs you've been sending my way lately, I was beginning to think I was public enemy number one."
"That wasn't disapproval, Sonny. That was frustration. I've watched the two of you ignoring each other these last few weeks, trying to pretend that seeing each other again doesn't really matter to either of you. You're both in pain, for God's sake! But how much longer do you think Gina is going to hold out waiting for you to make the next move? And Josh, well, he's over there in the wings, just biding his time. If you don't do something soon, you're going to be handing her over to him on a silver platter"
"She told me she wanted things simple. I stepped back to give her some space." Sonny set his jaw determinedly and fixed her with an angry glare. "I don't crawl, Trudy. It's not my style."
Trudy shook her head disgustedly. "As usual, your pride gets in the way. That's a big problem, Sonny. I thought you were trying to show her things were different."
She stared at him for a moment before she continued.
"There were plenty of nights that I had to stay up and listen to that girl tell me how much she missed you. You don't deserve her if you keep on acting this way."
Sonny looked over at Gina's empty desk and wondered to himself if perhaps he had waited too long.
"What am I supposed to think when I see this guy show up and she skips off with him for the evening? She's not exactly pining now, is she?"
"Josh has been in the picture for quite a while. He came along when she was at a low point in her life. Wined and dined her for a year, and then, tried to get her to take a ring. She turned him down flat. Told him it wouldn't be fair."
She could tell from the startled look on Sonny's face, that she had finally hit pay dirt.
"So, did Josh Deavers go off in a huff to lick his wounds? No! Not at all. Bright boy, that Josh. Knows a good thing when he sees it. He just keeps chipping away at her doubts. Persistence! He has it down to a science."
Trudy slipped off the edge of the desk and looked down at Sonny sternly.
"Wake up, Crockett, you're losing ground, fast."
"Just tell me that his guy is spinning his wheels with Gina, Trudy. Be honest. I have to know."
"That's what I've been trying to tell you. She's never completely gotten over you, Crockett, although she won't admit it. Trust my instincts on this one. And please trust Gina. I promise. You won't be sorry."
Sonny sighed unhappily as he watched Trudy retreat back to her desk.
"How do you compete with a thoroughbred when you're hobbled by a bad attitude and day old stubble?" he asked himself. The way things looked now, "Mr. Charm" was definitely the lead horse in this race.
Time to retrench, Crockett.
Sonny stood up and grabbed his coat off the back of his chair.
"Going somewhere, partner?" Rico asked.
"Yeah, I've had it for the day. I'm out of here."
"Want some company?" The look on Sonny's face was enough to make most people avoid all conversation much less seek his company, but Rico understood Crockett better than anyone. Right now, it was pretty clear to him that Sonny needed some help.
Sonny swirled the ice in his drink moodily before he finally looked up and stared at Rico sullenly.
"So, she's putting you to the test, is that it?" Rico asked sympathetically.
"Something like that. At least, that's what Trudy thinks. I don't know, Rico. I've been out of the loop a long time. Maybe I've lost too much ground. Maybe she's had enough and wants something better."
"Naw, I don't think that's it. She's been burned a little, that's all. Wants to let you see how it feels. Don't forget, she used to give me the third degree whenever she worried about you getting serious with your latest fling. I saw up close how bad she was hurting."
"Thanks, man. That's just what I needed to hear."
"But all that's passed, now. At last, she's number one, only she doesn't know it yet. At least, not by the way you've been acting around her. Where's that famous Crockett charm, anyway? You have to show her you are the soul of romance, my man. A little effort in the right places...guaranteed to go a long way with a woman like Gina. Worth a try, don't you think?"
Crockett grumbled quietly as he drained the glass and signaled to the bartender for another.
"That won't help, Sonny." Rico glanced nervously at his partner, expecting a nasty comment for his bluntness. He wasn't disappointed.
"Don't recall asking you to monitor my bad habits, Rico. Since when did you feel a need to comment on my drinking, may I ask?"
"Whoa, buddy. Let's not make this into a battle between us. I just thought you might want to keep a clear head. But if all you need right now is to feel sorry for yourself, well then maybe you don't need me to be here after all."
"Suit yourself," Sonny growled.
Rico slid off the bar stool and started to throw money on the bar, when Sonny reached over and caught the sleeve of his jacket.
"Hold it, man. I'm sorry. I hear myself, and I don't believe that I'm doing it again. That's exactly what Trudy was trying to say, I guess. I have to stop flying off the handle with the people I care about. You're just trying to help, I know that."
Rico sat back down and asked the bartender for a seltzer and lime. He looked over at Sonny and laughed when he saw his look of disgust.
"Don't knock it. You should try it just once. Might sweeten your personality a little."
"So, what are you saying? That I'm difficult to get along with?" Crockett asked in feigned surprise.
"Sometimes. But then, I'm not the sensitive type, my friend. Unfortunately, Gina, is a whole 'nother story."
"Okay then. Bartender! Cancel the bourbon." Sonny called out loudly.
The big man behind the bar looked up at the two men with a grin. He had been serving Crockett for as long as he could remember, and based on his vast experience he was skeptical that Sonny would ever change his ways.
"Will that be all then Crockett?" he asked in his thick Irish brogue.
"No. No, get me a seltzer, John. A seltzer like my friend, here. And put in some lime, while you're at it. Or is it lemon. No, no it's lime. That's what I'll have, John. But go easy on the ice, if you don't mind. It's my first time, and I want to make sure I get the full flavor, if you catch my drift."
John laughed and made sure he filled the glass to the brim, before setting it down before the surly detective.
"Bottoms up, Crockett," Rico said with a smile as he raised his glass in the air. "And here's to new beginnings."
"I'll drink to that!" Crockett shouted with sudden newfound enthusiasm. "To new beginnings and...to happy endings, Rico. That's what this tale is going to need, don't you think? A good old fashioned happy ending!"
That night, he tossed and turned as he tried to shut his eyes, but scraps of conversations he had had during the day kept haunting his dreams. He sat up in bed and thought about a nightcap, but his promise to Rico made him reconsider.
"The booze makes you nasty, Sonny. You've got to tone down that part of your life. Give it a try. You might be surprised."
It wasn't something he hadn't heard before. The docs in rehab had tried their best to get him to see it. He reached for the cigarettes, and flicked his lighter savagely until it finally ignited. He inhaled the smoke hungrily and responded with a sudden fit of coughing.
"Damn! I managed to cut these out a year ago. What the hell is the matter with me?"
Still, he knew he needed sleep. He had to calm himself somehow. He went up on the deck to look out at the boats around him and finished his cigarette slowly as he thought about his life and where he was going.
What a mess he had made of things! Caroline. Billy. Caitlin. His career was hanging by a thread. Even his relationship with Rico was having its ups and downs.
And Gina. He wanted Gina so badly he could taste it. But Trudy was right. If he kept on acting the way he had been, he was going to come up empty handed. He had to make an effort if he was going to get her to change her mind about him.
The little pep talk that he had with himself seemed to help, and he returned to his rumpled sheets and twisted blanket below, hoping to catch a little shuteye before the sun made it's early unwelcome appearance.
Even before his morning coffee, he started by trying to be more civil. He was quiet, polite and not as boisterous as usual.
Stan looked over at him with curiosity.
"You feelin' okay, Sonny? I wore this shirt purposely to get your attention, and you haven't said a word about yet. I'm hurt!"
Sonny glanced at the loud Hawaiian number and tried not to wince.
"Not bad, Stan. Maybe I could borrow it sometime."
"Humph. Now I know your sick." Stan grumbled. He much preferred Crockett's sarcastic side.
Gina never lifted her head, but instead kept reading the report on her desk as if he didn't exist. It was okay. He knew he had a lot of work ahead of him.
For the rest of the day, his tone with Gina was casual and friendly. At one point, he offered to help her with a case she was working on and went out of his way to praise her investigative technique. A simple gesture, but he had to start somewhere.
As the week went on, he hoped his romantic hints were nagging enough to keep her off balance and maybe even a little unsure of her relationship with Deavers. He left a rose on her desk. He told her he liked her perfume. He reminded her how beautiful it was to look at the Miami skyline from the deck of the St. Vitus, especially when there was a full moon.
She watched him with an amused expression, but she no longer seemed as angry or aloof and even started to smile occasionally when she saw him.
After noticing her look over at him warily every time Josh showed up to chat, it didn't take long for him to realize that his best weapon had been in front of his nose all along.
Gritting his teeth with determination, he stood up slowly from his desk.
"Ah, excuse me. Counselor?"
Startled, Josh turned to see one of the Vice detectives with a pale pink tee shirt and a sleepy-eyed expression approaching him with his hand extended.
"The name's Crockett. Sonny Crockett. Just wanted to make your acquaintance since I've heard so much about your...ah...about your...expertise in the courtroom."
"Don't remember seeing you around before, Sonny. Where do you hail from?" Josh asked as he pumped Sonny's hand vigorously.
"Well, I was just reassigned to "Vice", actually. Spent a few years down in the Keys on a sort of prolonged fact finding mission. So, I guess for now, the best way to put it is to say, I'm making a comeback."
"I see. Well, I must say, it's always good to work with a well seasoned investigator." He turned to look across the office until he made eye contact with Gina.
"If you'll excuse me, I see the lady I'm here to meet. Nice to make your acquaintance, Sonny."
"Likewise," Crockett muttered as Josh focused his attention on his date for the evening.
Rico let out a low whistle.
"Now that was definitely a strange encounter of the 'third kind', Crockett. I thought for sure you were looking for a way to push Mr. Deavers off a twenty story building."
"Yeah, but I thought I'd try the subtle approach first. Kill him with kindness."
"Way to go, Crockett," Trudy whispered as she gave him an enthusiastic thumbs-up.
Round one for Crockett.
Gina came over to his desk after Josh left to get the car.
"So, what are you up to tonight?" she asked him pleasantly.
"Not much. A little of the club scene maybe. Thought I might try and talk Rico into coming along for the ride."
"Oh. Well have a good time then, Sonny. I'll see you Thursday. I'm off tomorrow."
"Uh huh. Okay. Have a good one."
She smiled at him warmly and his heart started to trip into high gear. He watched curiously as she left through the swinging doors and wondered to himself if he might have just witnessed a shift in the wind.
After several weeks, he was sure that things had become better between them. That is, until Mr. DA showed up one Friday afternoon with his endangered species briefcase and his ever confident smile.
"Are you ready?" Josh asked her as he kissed her on the cheek.
"Yup. Just let me clear off my desk."
Sonny rubbed his hand over his chin, annoyed with himself for not taking the time to shave.
Just where in the hell did this bozo think he was taking her?
She barely looked at Sonny as she said, "Have a nice weekend everyone."
"I guess it's going to take a little more than an attitude adjustment," he muttered under his breath.
"Time and patience, Crockett," Trudy whispered as she came up behind him. "She waited for you. You owe her that much."
April 1992
Gina had hated watching Sonny suffer in silence over the past few weeks. So many times she stopped herself from giving in to the temptation of forgiving him. She could feel his eyes on her when she passed his desk and his little romantic gestures began to stir up those old feelings, no matter how hard she tried to ignore them.
Damn you for doing this to me again!
I was just getting back on my feet. Why couldn't you just stay away!
Damn you!
After a few months, the burning anger had turned into a dull ache. It was useless to fight it. She knew he had successfully planted the seeds of doubt about her relationship with Josh. But this time, she would not let him con her so easily. This time, she wanted to be sure it wasn't another game.
Josh had been her ace in the hole over the last few lonely years. He was sweet, really, but a little on the pompous side. They had been going out for a year and a half before Crockett had returned on the scene, and she had no intention of letting the romance cool just yet. It was probably unfair to lead Josh on, but she needed to test the waters before she would risk going "down for the third time".
Trudy had been watching the drama unfold, and made her way over to Gina's desk one morning while Sonny and Rico were in meeting with Castillo.
"Enough, Gina," she said softly, shaking her head with disapproval. "Sonny's paid his dues. I'm starting to feel sorry for the guy."
"What makes you think I would want him back in my life after all this time?"
Trudy gave her a disdainful look. "Girlfriend, this is Trudy you're talking to, and I know you a lot better than anyone. You forget. I'm the one who has had to listen to you cry about him for five long years. You're not fooling me. The chemistry is still there. You've got it bad, and so does he."
"Been talking to him about me, have you Trudy?" Gina asked with one eyebrow arched challengingly.
"As a matter of fact, just the other day I brought him up to speed on your love life. He had no idea how busy you'd been since he left." Trudy leaned closer to Gina with mischief in her smile. "I just gave him a little something to think about, actually."
"Trudy!"
"Never mind! He deserved it. Now he's on the hook, and you have me to thank."
"You're forgetting about Josh. He's still very much in the picture, you know."
"Uh, huh. Right. Well, okay, if you want to try and convince yourself that he's the one, that's your business. But if I were you, I'd listen to that old worn out heart of yours and figure out what it is that will really make you happy. Just don't torture poor Sonny too much longer though. He's starting to look a little desperate."
It had bothered her to see the hurt look on Sonny's face that Friday afternoon when Josh had arrived to pick her up, so she left in a hurry, before she had a chance to change her mind.
During the ride to the resort hotel she said very little, and when Josh asked her what was wrong, she had answered, "Just tired." He squeezed her hand reassuringly, and she turned her head away as a wave of guilt washed over her. She was using this man and it made her feel rotten.
The suite Josh reserved had an ocean view and she wandered out to the balcony to drink in the scent of the sea.
"What can possibly be on your mind, darlin'?" Josh asked as he came up behind her.
Gina cringed. "Do me a favor, Josh. Please don't call me that. It brings back memories that I'd rather leave buried right now."
"What? You mean when I called you "darlin'"? I don't understand."
"Trust me. It's not a good idea."
She had to give the man credit. He knew enough not to press the issue.
"So. What do you think of this place?" he asked, quickly changing the subject. "Pretty special, don't you think?" He looked around the room with a hopeful grin.
"It's just what the doctor ordered. Thanks." He took her face in his hands and she smiled up at him, hoping her expression was reassuring.
"Whatever you want, beautiful," he said, placing his lips gently on hers.
It had been a while since they had been this close. She had worried obsessively all week about how she would react when he finally reached for her. The kiss should have filled her with excitement, driven all doubts and reservations from her mind. She stiffened slightly as she realized the magic wasn't there. As Josh drew his face away, he studied her reaction with disappointment.
"It's been a tough week, Josh. I'm sorry."
"Okay. We can take it slow if you want." He continued to watch her as she made her way over to the porch railing
"How about something to drink?"
Gina hesitated. She had wanted to keep a clear head and a careful reign on her emotions. This weekend was going to be her opportunity to make some serious decisions.
"Ah, well, maybe just a glass of wine."
She thought she detected a slight hint of annoyance flit across Josh's face, but he recovered quickly before she could be sure.
"Coming right up, dar...I mean, sweetheart."
Any other time, she would have laughed, but she had a sudden image of Sonny smiling at her from the across deck of the St. Vitus, and a cloud of misery started to drift down around her.
"I think I would like to unpack, and freshen up a bit," she told him as she fled from the balcony and into the bathroom. She looked at herself in the mirror and was startled to see how haggard her face had become. This turmoil she was feeling had been more stressful than she realized. She bent over to splash cold water in her face before she went back out to deal with Josh's attempt to lighten the mood.
He was already waiting for her on the couch and as she joined him, he handed her champagne in a long crystal goblet.
"So, to us?" he asked hopefully, leaning over to click his glass gently against hers.
"To us," she repeated, trying not to look into his eyes.
She watched him over the rim of her goblet as she sipped the sparkling beverage. The feel of the bubbles fighting in her throat irritated her and she quickly put the glass down on the coffee table.
"It's good. But I asked for wine. I'm not sure I can tolerate champagne just now."
She could see his eyes cloud over with anger this time. At last she had managed to get a normal reaction from this well controlled iceman!
"I guess there isn't much I've done right so far, is there Gina?"
"Josh, don't." Gina moved closer to him and nestled against his chest. She realized she might as well play this thing out to see if she had any tiny doubts left to conquer.
"Now, that's more like it," he said warmly. He picked up her hand and kissed the palm, lingering for just a moment, as he smelled her sweet perfume.
"Gina, it's been so long. I...I've missed you," he said tenderly.
"I thought about us a lot this last week," she said wistfully.
"I'm glad," he said smiling. "So, what do you say? Want to start off the weekend getting to know each other a little better?"
Gina forced herself to take a deep breath. This was it. She had to make a decision whether to call the whole thing off or not. Josh had already stood up and was slowly pulling her to her feet. He put his arms around her and pulled her against him.
"God, I want you," he murmured into her ear.
This isn't fair, Gina! Don't let this go too far!
She bit the inside of her lip as he took her hand and led her toward the bedroom suite.
Stop him, stop him, stop him! her conscience pleaded with every step.
He kissed her in the doorway, acting as if he didn't notice her reluctance. Removing his jacket and tie, he draped it carefully over the upholstered chair next to the bed.
So different from Sonny, she caught herself thinking as she envisioned Crockett, pulling off his tee shirt and throwing it in a corner as he rushed to join her under the sheets.
Josh was in the midst of undoing the cuff links on his shirt when she finally came into the room. She found herself groaning inwardly as he took off his trousers and folded the legs together, meticulously lining up the creases before he put them across the arm of the chair.
Hastily, she unbuttoned her blouse and let it drop to her feet, wondering what she was expecting to accomplish.
"You really are something, you know that?" he said, his eyes traveling over her body as she slipped off her skirt.
She didn't answer but instead sat down on the edge of the bed and quietly waited for him to come closer.
The air conditioner turned on, creating a gentle hum behind them. Her skin prickled from the cool draft it created and the sudden chill in the room made her shiver.
He sat down beside her and smiling, reached around her back to unhook her bra. Gina breathed in quickly as he pulled the straps down and off her shoulders. His eyes looked down at her as he let his fingertips play along the sides of each breast, stroking over her nipples until they hardened from his touch.
Helping her to her feet he slid his hands under the elastic of her panties and tugged at them gently until they fell down around her ankles. As she stepped out of them, he bent over to pick them up.
"Leave them, Josh, please," she begged between clenched teeth.
"Oh, sure," he smiled.
He pulled the spread down to the foot of the bed and watched as she lay down.
Josh had always been a slow and deliberate lover. Gina thought back to their first time together remembering how she marveled at his self-control. But this time, the memories of Sonny's lusty foreplay almost made her recoil from Josh in horror.
God, what am I doing?
Josh's hands were everywhere, exploring new ways to excite her while caressing her gently. When she felt him kiss her neck passionately, she closed her eyes to hold back the tears that were threatening.
"Don't count me out, Gina. I've changed!" she heard Sonny say, as she fought the impulse to push Josh away.
He eased himself down and groaned as he thrust into her, pumping slowly with a steady, plodding rhythm. Gripping his shoulders, she let her nails dig into his skin as her own frustration deepened. At last, he shuddered and stopped. His energy spent, he lay on top of her, panting, his sweat trickling slowly down the side of his face.
"Happy?" he asked.
Overwhelming guilt seemed to gag her. I never meant to hurt you, she answered with her eyes.
Puzzled, he rolled off and sat on the edge of the bed, running his fingers through his hair.
"I don't understand, Gina. I thought you wanted this."
I did once when I thought I had lost him forever, she groaned inside.
"What is it, honey? What did I do wrong?" His tone had become slightly desperate and she fought the impulse to put her arms around him and lie again.
"I'm sorry, Josh. You don't deserve this," she said instead.
His body stiffened as if he had turned to stone. Looking over at her sadly, he asked, "So now what? Is this where you tell me it's not going to work?"
"We need to talk," she said quietly. "Away from here. This place is beginning to depress me."
"So, I guess that answers my question." He looked over at her angrily, but his expression softened when he saw her eyes fill with tears. "Okay, okay. I'm listening. Where shall we go?"
The night air felt cool against her burning cheeks. He had put the top of the convertible down as she had asked, driving fast and recklessly until finally, she put her hand on his arm.
"Josh...please."
Slowing down gradually, he pulled over to the side of the road and turned off the engine with a sigh.
"Okay. Do you want to tell me what this is all about? I think you owe me an explanation."
"You're right. I do. See that little restaurant over there on the water. Let's stop for a drink."
They picked a quiet table in the back, far from the crowded bar. She looked at Josh as he sat back against the dark green vinyl of the upholstered bench, his face calm and thoughtful.
The waitress had served them coffee, but the steaming cups sat in front of them untouched.
"This was all wrong, Josh," she began. "I should have never agreed to go with you this weekend. I thought I could bring things back to life between us, but I should have realized it was not going to happen."
Josh picked up his spoon and stared at it for quite a while before he answered.
"It's that cop, Crockett, isn't it?" he said finally.
Gina reacted with surprise. She had never let on that she and Sonny had ever had a relationship.
"You didn't have to say anything," he laughed softly, anticipating her question. "I could see the way he looked at us whenever I came up to see you. And once, I caught you looking over at him. That was the moment when I knew I was going to have a fight on my hands. Tell me I'm right, and let's end this charade. I'm tired of all the pretending."
His remark was said with bitterness, but she could tell he was resigned to the truth.
"I'm sorry. I thought I was over him. I can't fight it anymore. You were so good to me, and I'm ashamed of how I've been acting."
He smiled at her sadly. "No, Gina, you're a decent woman, and I know you well enough to realize that you were confused about your true feelings. Just let's say, we had fun while it lasted and part as friends at least."
Gina reached over to stroke her hand along his cheek. "You are a wonderful man, Josh Deavers. Having you as a friend means a lot to me."
He took her hand in his, kissing her palm lightly. "That bastard is one lucky guy," he said to her. "I just hope he realizes what he's got."
"It took us both a while to realize that," Gina said with a faraway look in her eyes. "But this time...this time, I think we'll get it right."
April 1992
For two days, he stewed quietly aboard the St. Vitus with a fishing pole and a bottle of Jack Daniels at his side. He distracted himself by watching the stars as he blew cigarette smoke into the night sky and worried just a little if the dozen red roses he had sent to her apartment were too late to make a difference
The insistent ringing of the phone from the galley made him sigh with annoyance and he toyed with the idea of ignoring it.
"Sonny? Are you there" Gina's voice floated out from the answering machine, causing him to jump up and dart for the stairway.
Why the hell didn't I leave the phone up on deck!
He missed the bottom step and landed with a thump on his knees. Desperately, he dove across the table to grab the portable phone, shouting loudly into the receiver, "Hello! hello..."
"Sonny? Sonny, it's Gina."
"Gina, yeah...ow! Right... Hi."
"What happened? Are you alright?"
"Sure, just trying to relive some of my college football days, I guess. Not a problem."
She winced as she heard him let out a soft moan.
"I..I got the roses. They're beautiful," she told him.
"Glad you like them. I got red ones. I remembered red roses were your favorite."
Boy, that sounded juvenile!
He had never felt so awkward with a woman.
"Ah, so, how've you been, Gina?"
"Actually, I...I've been away."
Sonny cleared his throat. "Yeah, I know."
He waited for her to pick up the conversation, feeling his pulse quicken.
"I made a mistake, Sonny. I...I didn't think things through that carefully.
I guess I was confused."
"Uh, uh."
"Sonny?"
"Yeah."
"I'm coming over. We could have that talk now, if you want."
Crockett's face broke into a lopsided grin.
"I'll be here, darlin'," he said stupidly.
"Just give me a few minutes to get unpacked."
"You know, you could save time and just bring your suitcase along."
"Bring it along?"
"You know. Your toothbrush, travel alarm, hair dryer. You never know what you might need. And besides, I'm fresh out of hairspray."
She laughed. "Pretty confident, aren't you, Crockett?"
"Can't blame a guy for trying."
He heard the click in his ear as she hung up the phone.
Well, she didn't say yes. But then, she didn't say no, either.
The angry fog that had numbed him to the core had suddenly lifted and he looked around at the chaos of his existence with newfound hope.
"I guess I'd better clean this place up before I scare her away
completely," he mumbled happily.
He started by grabbing the pizza box off the deck floor and he stuffed it quickly into a garbage bag. Then, he frowned at his rumpled suit and coffee stained tee shirt.
"Guess I could use a long, hot shower...not to mention a change of clothes!"
The half-filled bottle of Jack Daniels caught his eye and he paused for just a moment to study it. He had found a lot of comfort in that deep amber firewater over the last few years. He unscrewed the cap thoughtfully and held the bottle up so that it caught the sparkle from the harbor lights.
"This time, Crockett. This time you're going to work your ass off to make this happen.� He turned the bottle upside down and watched with a satisfied smile as the remainder of the liquor splashed into the bay.
Without a second glance, he tossed the empty bottle into the garbage bag and turned his attention to the rest of the boat as he whistled a happy tune.
April 1992
She tried to stay calm as she sat there, watching the St. Vitus bumping gently against the dock. The cabin lights were off, but she knew he was on the boat somewhere, waiting quietly for her in the shadows.
It had been a long time since she had been intimate with him. Her heart thumped wildly with anticipation.
At first, she did not want him back in her life. He had always been a selfish man, who managed to hurt her every time she got too close. She had tried to convince herself that she was finally over him.
Stupid.
Once you fell in love with Sonny Crockett, he was a part of your life forever. Even Caroline, his ex-wife, had admitted that to her once.
It had been frightening to watch him sink into that deep depression after Caitlin had been killed. Even worse than that was his emotional breakdown when he disappeared into the Burnett identity. His memory had finally come back, but much to her sorrow, she saw very little of the endearing qualities that had made him so special to her in the past. All that seemed to be left was a bitter and disillusioned cop, going through the motions of fighting the crime and the corruption all around him. His smile was hollow, his eyes vacant. At times, he seemed as if he looked right through her.
She had confronted him when she heard he was leaving the force, hoping he'd give her some answers. She remembered how she bit her lip in frustration when he refused to meet her eyes. His kiss goodbye was barely a brush against her cheek. She knew he was still hurting, because of the huskiness in his voice as he said her name.
For weeks after he left, she waited for the phone to ring or a letter to tell her he had changed his mind. The weeks turned into months. And then they stretched into years.
Rico called her from New York every once and a while, to let her know whenever he heard from his old partner.
"Looks like he's wandering from job to job. Just can't seem to find a place to call home. Be patient, Gina. He's got a lotta bad history to bury."
Lieutenant Castillo called her into his office one day and asked her what was on her mind. He was not a very emotional man and Gina didn't really expect him to understand.
"Sonny, I guess," was all she could say, as she turned her head to look away.
But Castillo surprised her.
"I know him, Gina. He'll be back," he told her. "He needs some time to heal. Besides, this work is in his blood. He's too good at the game to stay away forever."
Her partner, Trudy was less optimistic. "You can't waste all this time on a dream. Find someone who will care and who will want the same things out of life that you do!"
She had tried to date and had almost gotten engaged to Josh, who promised her the moon. But she gave back the diamond after only one week. "It wouldn't have been fair," she told Trudy.
Time ticked on and still not a word. It hurt so much to think about him, and finally, she decided it was time to bury the memories and forget him as best she could. In fact, she had been doing a pretty good job pretending he didn't matter, until late one night in December, she heard his raspy voice coming out of her answering machine, telling her he was coming back.
Her first impulse was to erase the message but he had sounded so broken and so lost, she quickly dialed him back before she could change her mind.
Damn him and that tortured soul routine!
The full moon cast a shimmering glow over the bay, reminding her of much happier times. She was doing it all over again, letting him twist her up into tight little knots. The romance of the moment beckoned to her. Her instincts told her to turn and run but her foolish heart kept her frozen in her seat.
Gina sighed miserably as she rested her head against the steering wheel. It was no use. She couldn't face another sleepless night, tossing and turning with indecision. Opening the car door, she swung her legs around to the pavement, feeling herself drawn to the soothing sound of the waves lapping against the boat. She'd forgotten how enticing the St. Vitus could be. Climbing aboard, she kicked off her sandals and stepped barefoot onto the deck.
"Hey there, girl. Did you miss me?" she whispered, smiling as she ran her hand along the smooth teak railing. She could hear the boat groan as it gently tilted with the outgoing tide.
"Sonny?" she called out softly. A bell from a channel marker rang mournfully in the distance. For just a moment, she wondered if he might already be asleep. Thinking back to their phone conversation, she began to wonder if perhaps he had been drinking when she called.
Great.
That meant that he was either polluted and gearing up for a nasty argument or passed out cold in the stateroom below.
Gina could feel the heat of anger flushing her cheeks.
Sonny, if you've spoiled this...
"Hey, beautiful."
He stood near the stairway to the galley watching her, an amused grin on his face.
"Don't do that!" she laughed, relieved to see him alert and sober."
"Never can be too careful. Thought I heard someone sneaking on board." He took her hand and led her over to the deck chairs by the railing. "So, is that what you were doing? Sneaking on board?" he asked.
"I told you I'd be over."
Yeah, but that was over 2 hours ago. And you never said it was definite. In fact you kind of hung up in my ear."
"Sonny, I did not! Your question just caught me off guard."
"Speaking of which, where is your suitcase?"
She stared over at him nervously tapping her foot.
"That decision is going to take a while, Sonny. We'll take it one step at a time, if you don't mind."
"Fair enough. So, can I get you something cold to drink? Are you hungry?"
Gina remembered that she had skipped dinner and after hearing his suggestion, she realized her stomach was grumbling uncomfortably.
"As a matter of fact, I'm starved! I completely forgot..."
His hand went up to quiet her.
"Not a problem. Just wait right here."
She watched with delight as he lit the hurricane lanterns on the small table. It had already been set for two. Crystal goblets were set along side a bottle of champagne chilling in a bucket of ice.
"I've had this with me for a while," he told her as he prepared to open it. "Been saving it for a special occasion." The loud pop was startling and they both laughed appreciatively as the foam bubbled over in a rush. He poured a generous amount in each glass and set the bottle back in the bucket.
"So," he asked quietly. "Is this toast for us? Or is that subject still up for more negotiation?"
"How about we drink to the future. That certainly covers a lot of territory."
"The future," he said tapping his glass against hers.
"What about dinner?" she asked, changing the subject quickly. "Shall we call for Chinese?"
"I'm way ahead of ya, darlin'." He stood up quickly and disappeared down the galley steps, coming back up with a covered tray in his hands. Sonny flicked the linen napkin off to reveal his barbecued "catch of the day" on a platter, with slices of lemon on the side.
"There's a salad and baked potatoes coming up. I've been slaving over a hot stove ever since you called."
"I'm impressed, Crockett!"
When he touched her shoulder, she put her cheek against his hand.
"This was sweet, Sonny."
He didn't answer, but instead, went around the back of the deck chair and offered her a seat. "Madame," he said gallantly. The flickering candlelight caught the mischievous glint in his eye and she swallowed hard to control the tightness in her throat.
"Why thank you, kind sir." The conversation was light and easy, laughter floated on the air. "More champagne?" he asked casually, reaching over with the half empty bottle.
"I'd better not, Sonny. I have to drive home."
It had suddenly gotten very quiet.
"Don't." she said when she saw his disappointment.
"Can't we skip all these formalities, Gina? I told you, this time would be different."
"I need to set the ground rules, first."
"So. Tell me. How do you want to play this? I'm up for it."
"It's not a game, Sonny. Holding on to someone's heart is serious business. Once I believe you realize that, then I can trust you with mine."
She paused for a moment to let her words sink in. "And before we even continue with this discussion, there's something I need to know."
"Okay?"
"What about Caitlin, Sonny?"
She saw his shoulders stiffen.
"What's that supposed to mean? She's dead, Gina!" His words were cold as ice.
"I know that, Sonny," she said softly. "But she was torn away from you. I know you felt responsible for her death and even after all this time, I know you still have a lot of guilt feelings. But most of all, I know how much you loved her. I'm not sure I could ever compete with her memory."
"Who said anything about competition!" He was beginning to shout, but Gina held her ground, determined to show him what a fragile hold he had on reality.
"I have to be the one who means everything to you. Can you promise me that, Sonny? Can you look into your own heart and at least admit to yourself that she is still there, holding you back."
He looked heartsick as he glanced out at the water. "That's not fair, Gina. I can't make my feelings for Caitlin disappear. She was a part of me once. That will never change."
"Well, at least your honest," she answered, wondering deep down if it was really what she had wanted to hear.
"But I have learned to deal with it," he continued. "It took three long years and lots of nautical miles to ease the guilt, but I think I've done it. I'll always carry around some of the pain but it won't be a pain that leaves my feelings totally paralyzed like before."
Sonny looked back at Gina. There was remorse in his eyes and she wondered if the ghosts of his past would ever set him free.
"While I was down in the Keys, I had a lot of time to think. At first, I couldn't even look at myself in the mirror. The face I saw there was the face of a stranger and I found it hard to admit to myself the kind of man I had become. For a while there, I came pretty close to giving up. In fact, if it hadn't been for Martin...." Gina felt a coldness pass over her as she heard his words.
"I had set sail on a boat by myself with a just a case of Jack Daniels to keep me company. A bottle a day was supposed to keep the bad dreams away. I didn't care; I drank every one of those damn bottles. And if it meant the stuff was poisoning me slowly, well, that was fine too. I wasn't afraid to die. Hell, I wanted to die."
"I had lost Caitlin and the baby. My friends were scattered to the four winds, my career was in the toilet. I had ruined everything I touched."
He lit a cigarette and drew the smoke in deeply, closing his eyes as he relived the painful memories.
"Someone down there on the island knew who I was. Turns out Martin and this guy were buddies, and he was keeping an eye on me as a favor to the Lieutenant. When the boat didn't return after a few days, he set out on his own to track me down. He found me all right. Took one look at me lying there on the deck and made a mayday call to the Coast Guard."
"I was in the ICU for three days. I almost died. Or so they tell me. I don't remember much. Then when the crisis had passed, and I started to come around, I sorta went off the deep end, I guess. Took four security guards to hold me down. They had me in a psych ward, tied to a bed and pumped full of sedatives to stop me from having seizures. The next thing I knew, I woke up one morning and there was Castillo sitting there, glaring down at me with that furious stare."
Sonny laughed ruefully.
"I can still remember trying to pull the sheet up with my toes to try and hide those damn leather restraints. Having Castillo see me that way! Man, I was mortified. All I could think of to say was how sorry I was that he had come."
Gina felt the tears sting her eyes. "Sonny, you don't have to tell me this."
"Yes I do, Gina. I need to tell you."
Flicking ash over the railing, he took another drag from his cigarette and watched the smoke curl lazily into the sky.
"He saved my life, actually. Even after all the rehab I had to go through, it was Castillo's words that kept echoing in my head. Man, he was brutal. Said he was disappointed in me and that this wallowing in self-pity was destroying my soul. He said I didn't appreciate what I had-a son who loved me and missed me terribly and loyal friends that were still waiting for me to come back home. Yeah, that was a lot for Castillo to say. The man of a thousand words!"
Sonny laughed again.
"I thought he had finished and I turned my head to the wall and bawled like a baby. But the man was merciless. He was a whole lot more effective than any God damned shock therapy, that was for sure!"
Gina reached over and took his hand, allowing their fingers to intertwine.
"He said that if Cait were alive and saw me lying there, she would be disgusted to see the man I had become. He said I owed it to her memory to pull myself together, and to try and make a new life for myself."
She squeezed his hand when she heard the quiver in his voice.
"I wanted to kill him when he said that. I thought I was going to puke out my insides, I was so furious.
Well, Marty never said another word. He just got up and walked out. Left me lying there tied to that bed, screaming obscenities and floating in my own urine. Nice story, huh?"
He looked over at her and she turned away when she saw the tears in his eyes.
"I didn't know it then, but he had made arrangements to have me brought back to the mainland. Did a two-month stint in a Vet detox center in Lauderdale. Can't say I've been completely sober ever since, but I don't use the booze to forget anymore. Just an occasional drink to take off the edge so to speak."
She had heard that routine before. Sonny would always have to fight the demon of alcohol, but at least for now, he was managing to hold it at bay.
"Castillo was right. I had hit the bottom, and there was nowhere else left to go. I coasted around the waterways for another year, and thought long and hard about what he had said. I thought about my son, and my friends. I know I had let them all down and the regret was awful. I thought about Cait and her lovely smile. I knew it was time to let her go. And you know, I seemed to be at peace with that at last."
He stood up suddenly and reached over to pull her out of the chair and take her in his arms.
"Then it hit me. I knew I had been blinded by grief, unable to see what a fool I had been. I began to think about you constantly, Gina. I thought about how much you cared about me, even when Cait and I were married. Whenever I was in trouble, I saw the concern in your eyes. While I was exiled out there on the ocean, with only your faded photograph and lots of sweet memories, I fell in love with you all over again. You have to believe me, Gina. When I told you I'd changed, I meant it this time."
Gina began to sob helplessly.
"Come back to me, baby!" he whispered in her ear. "Please, Gina! Don't give up on me now!"
May 1992
She lay there watching him while he slept, his face peaceful at last.
She loved this time of the morning when she could study his features without him knowing, enjoying the feeling of contentment that still lingered after she had opened her eyes to find him there.
She got out of bed carefully, trying her best not to disturb him.
Early morning sunlight had just begun to filter through the portholes of the St. Vitus, bathing the room in rich shades of orange and pink. She could hear the seagulls cry in the distance and she watched them swoop toward the water as they searched frantically for breakfast in the waves.
"Hi," she heard him say behind her.
"Hi, Sonny," she answered softly.
"So, what's on your mind, darlin'?" he asked as he came up behind her and put his arms around her waist.
"Just thinking. Thinking about us."
"Oh yeah?"
He turned her around to look at her, his eyes full of curiosity as he began to search her face.
"I'm glad," he told her.
Then his eyebrow arched invitingly as he began to pull his tee shirt over his head. It made her laugh with delight to see him toss it carelessly into the corner of the room.
"Know what I'm thinkin'?" he asked, a tease in his tone.
She reached up to brush back the stubborn shock of blond hair that persistently fell over his right eye.
"Why don't you show me?" she asked him.
"With pleasure!" he growled playfully, pulling her into his arms.
July 1992
Sonny was watching his superior carefully as he came into the room.
"What's up, Lieutenant?"
"Sit down," Castillo answered gruffly. "We have a lot to go over."
It was early and the rest of the staff had not come in yet. Sonny pulled up a chair.
"The Pedrosa case," Martin began. "Things have begun to escalate."
"That's Gina's case, isn't it?"
"Yes, it is."
"And you want me to step in? She's not going to like this, Lieutenant."
"She may not want to hear it, but she's in over her head on this one, Crockett."
Sonny sighed. His relationship with Gina was just starting to take off, and professional interference was not going to help his cause. But, by the look in Castillo's eyes, he knew he was not going to be given a choice.
"Okay then. Fill me in."
Castillo handed him the file. He began reading, his interest growing as he scanned the single-spaced type hastily. It was the kind of case that was full of pitfalls, and certainly not for amateurs. He could almost feel electricity flow through him as he prepared himself for the game.
Wanted in Colombia for the violent crimes of kidnapping and murder, Carlos Pedrosa left his homeland and arrived in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on July 8th, 1988. He was full of cunning and cash, ready to establish himself as a major player in the lucrative drug trade on the Florida coastline. The DEA had their eye on him from the beginning, especially when they suspected him of killing one of their top undercover agents. But without sufficient evidence, they were never able to make the murder charges stick.
In 1992, he moved to Miami. Quietly, he began to make connections, biding his time and getting the lay of the land. Slowly but surely, he was making a name for himself, earning a reputation as a dealer who was smart as well as ruthless. His expertise was smuggling large amount of coke into the state. The port of entry was still unknown
Fort Lauderdale and the Feds were just bringing Miami up to speed, when Gina stumbled onto a connection that she was sure would get her close to Pedrosa. She'd learned that he loved the jazz scene, and she had little trouble convincing the manager of the jazz club, The Blues, that she would be able to fill in for one of his singers whenever he needed the coverage.
She had never sung professionally before, but when she was young, her aunt recognized her talent and had made sure that her niece was trained by some of the best voice coaches on the jazz circuit.
Gina's voice was spectacular and her fresh, exciting arrangements of some of the classics guaranteed her lots of attention. It wasn't long before she gathered together a loyal following. And it wasn't long before she heard that Pedrosa himself was asking who she was.
He treated her well, sending flowers and champagne to her dressing room after each of her performances. She found she was excited when he invited her to sing at his yacht parties and although he kept a respectful distance, she could tell by the way he watched her that he was thinking of more than just musical entertainment. It would only be a matter of time before she'd discover a doorway to the inside.
But now, she was about to discover that Castillo was going to interfere.
Sonny was right when he said Gina would protest.
"I'm this close to nailing this guy and now Castillo wants to pull me out? You have to help me, Sonny. I've put a lot of time into this case. Please, he'll listen to you."
"I'm not so sure I disagree with him, Gina. I don't think the risk is worth it either."
"Not you too!" she shouted in disbelief.
"Easy there, now. I didn't say I wouldn't help. But if I do, I have to do it my way."
Gina looked at him warily. "And what does that mean."
"Knowing this guy's specialty, I'm willing to bet he could use some reliable runners. Introduce me to him and if the vibes are right, I'll tell him about the Scarab."
"I almost have him where I want him. Pedrosa will lose interest if a new player shows up now!" She stood and glared at him. "He might even become suspicious!"
"Gina, cool down." Sonny said, stopping her before she stormed out of the room. "The Lieutenant's concerned. He showed me the file, and I didn't like what I saw, either. He's suspected of killing an undercover cop, not to mention a few rivals along the way. This isn't good, Gina. You're all alone out there. You need backup badly."
"When it comes down to making the arrests, that will be just fine. But this is not the time! I don't need a guardian angel!"
"No one should be above asking for a little help now and then. Look at it this way. I'll watch your back, and when you have your boy detained in the interrogation room, I promise, you'll get all the credit."
"It's not about credit, Sonny. I'm a cop, just like you. And I want to be treated like everyone else. If you want to put a wire on me, fine. If you want to watch the action from a distance, that's okay, too. But if you come into the picture now and start acting like a partner, you're going to blow my cover. Give me a chance to show what I can do!"
Castillo had come back into the office and looked over at her sternly when he overheard what she said.
"It's all been arranged," he said.
Sonny saw her look of disappointment.
"You mean you and Crockett discussed this without me? This is my case, Lieutenant. The least you could have done was to include me in the "negotiations"." She looked over at Crockett.
"Knowing when to accept guidance from your superiors is one way you win their respect, Gina," Castillo told her. His tone became softer as he continued. "I'm aware of the effort you have put into this case and I admire the skill it took for you to get in his organization as far as you did. But I also have a responsibility to protect you whenever I see I've put you in serious danger. Crockett already has a reputation with the drug trade as Burnett. Working with him will make your position even stronger. I thought about this long and hard. It's for the best."
The negotiations were over.
It was 10 PM and Gina's performance on the stage of The Blues Jazz Club had just ended. The lights on the stage had been toned down and a soft blue haze hung over the room, giving it a foggy, dream like atmosphere.
The Blues' clientele had settled down for the moment. Cocktail waitresses began to circulate in a hope of attracting more business and eventually, some well deserved tips.
Sonny picked a table in the back so that he could watch the entire club, unobserved. Gina was at the bar, and she looked away quickly as soon as she noticed him.
After ordering his drink, Sonny glanced around casually, hoping to catch sight of his mark. Pedrosa was not hard to spot.
He was a powerfully built man, with a commanding presence that must have served him well whenever he needed to intimidate his clientele. A large diamond ring adorned his pinky and the suit he wore was an expensive Italian design. His dark brown eyes missed nothing as he gazed about the room, nodding coldly to one of the waitresses as she quickly approached his table.
Pedrosa had already spotted Gina and he raised his hand to catch her attention.
Crockett saw her turn on the charm as she sipped a champagne cocktail, her eyes staring meaningfully at the drug lord sitting across the room. She read the note the waitress handed to her and then slowly made her way to Pedrosa's table.
"This is it, Sonny!" she told him excitedly as she rode with him back to headquarters. "He's asked me to join him on the yacht tomorrow night! It will be a small intimate party, just a few couples. It's not to perform. I'm his date for the evening."
Sonny was not thrilled.
"Stop looking at me like that! It's just a party and there will be other people on board. He wouldn't dare try anything."
"We'll see, Gina. I just don't trust him."
Castillo was not thrilled either.
"This guy is a major threat and I'm learning he's got contacts everywhere. If someone tips him off, she finished. I want you there on that yacht," he told Crockett.
"I've already taken care of it. I talked to one of Pedrosa's people and it turns out the Columbian's trying to establish a new trade route. My contact will make the intros and if my credentials check out, Pedrosa himself will check out my "transportation". I insisted on tomorrow night. It didn't take much to persuade him."
"Good," Castillo said. "And Crockett..."
"Yeah?"
"No cowboy stuff. Just set him up and get her out!"
"Right, Lieutenant."
The party turned out to be a lot smaller than she had been led to believe. She arrived at eight, dressed in a shimmering white cocktail dress, a simple diamond pendant hung around her neck. Her black hair was loose and fell in rich waves around her shoulders. Several of Pedrosa's men were standing on the deck and they turned their heads admiringly when Gina made her appearance. She asked for Pedrosa and they directed her to the lounge area that had been set up for the guests.
Sonny had already arrived and was sitting at the well-stocked bar in the back of the room. Pedrosa sat in a lounge chair nearby, sipping a tall drink filled with ice.
"A drink, Señor Burnett?" the hired bartender was asking.
"Bourbon," Sonny answered. "Straight up."
Pedrosa rose from his chair, and held out his hand to her.
"Finally. You are here," he said, a thoughtful smile on his face.
"So, where is everyone?" Gina asked him nervously, as he escorted her to the bar.
"They'll be along. Soon. I just wanted this opportunity for you and me to get better acquainted."
Gina looked over at Sonny. "And who is this?"
"He's here on business. Let me introduce you, my dear. This is Sonny Burnett. Sonny, this is Gina Caliendo. I believe you saw her perform at The Blues last evening."
Sonny's smile was casual. "Pleasure," he mumbled, as if he couldn't have cared less.
"You look lovely tonight, my dear. Doesn't she look lovely, Mr. Burnett?"
Sonny cringed inwardly as he watched Pedrosa undress Gina with his eyes.
"Yeah." Crockett took a sip from his drink, looking at her reassuringly over the rim of his glass. "Yeah. She's something all right. Now, why don't we get this show on the road, Pedrosa? I have other customers and it's getting late."
Pedrosa chuckled. "Relax, the night is young. I have a very interesting evening planned and you are more than welcome to join us. Life is short, Mr. Burnett. Learn to enjoy it while you can."
He took Gina by the hand and led her over to one of the comfortable lounge chairs. Settling down on the chair next to her, he gave her a smile as he handed her a glass of champagne.
"Comfortable?" he asked her.
"Yes, very. Thank you for inviting me tonight. After all the times I performed for your guests, this is the first time I will be able to relax and enjoy the surroundings." She looked out at the water. "This is heavenly," she added with a sigh.
Sonny watched her admiringly. She could put on a good act when she had to. Damn, even he might have believed she was a club singer trying to make a score.
"So, how is it you just suddenly appeared on the scene?" Pedrosa asked her suddenly. "I know most of the jazz club performers in this area and none of them have ever heard of you before either. Strange, don't you think? With your talent, and looks, I find it hard to believe that you just came out of nowhere."
Gina shifted uncomfortably, but managed to smile as if unconcerned.
"Working the clubs can be tedious and I don't like to be locked into a contract. It's much less of a headache to be a free agent. I can come and go as I please."
"I imagine you would like to go further with your career, though. You have a lot to offer."
"I'm content."
Pedrosa smiled.
"I could make a few calls. Put you in touch with an agent. The right people can make all the difference."
Gina was getting impatient. "I'll think about it. For now, I'd just like to relax, if you don't mind."
"Of course." He took a sip of his own drink. "Come," he said, suddenly getting up and reaching out to her. "I'll show you around my floating palace."
She glanced at Sonny who was looking at his watch, and tapping his fingers on the bar.
"You come, too, Burnett. I insist." Pedrosa ordered.
Sonny took the bottle of bourbon away from the bartender.
"You're not fast enough, bub," he grinned as he splashed a generous amount into his empty glass. "I need ya to be a little more alert because if I read the signals right, the real party isn't gonna be happenin' for a quite a while!�"
The bartender smirked and looked away to hide his expression from Pedrosa.
Pedrosa was proud of the luxury that surrounded him. He led them through the well-stocked galley, complete with a chef and his assistant, working hard at preparing the elaborate dishes for the evening. Then, he ushered them down a second flight to the staterooms, making sure they noticed the marble tile and gold fixtures in the master bath.
"Imported. From Italy," he boasted.
"Very nice," Gina murmured absently. She had been going since six that morning and the champagne was already making it hard for her to stay focused.
Crockett's eyes were wandering over the cabinets that lined the staterooms' walls and he wondered for just a moment what secrets were stashed behind the locked doors.
"Nice storage on this tub. Guess that comes in handy when you're on the lam."
Pedrosa shot him a look of warning.
"Later, Burnett."
"Oh, right," Sonny answered, raising his eyebrows mockingly as he looked over at Gina.
She sighed.
"How many can you sleep comfortably?" she asked, doing her best to sound interested.
"Comfortably?" He grinned. "Ten...maybe twelve. It depends on the sleeping arrangements, obviously."
He looked at her for a moment.
"Obviously," Sonny mimicked, glancing at one of the king sized beds. "That baby could hold at least four, gee, maybe even five."
Pedrosa laughed heartily. "I've never tried that, Burnett, but you may have a point."
The lighthearted banter was getting him nowhere, and Sonny decided to shut his mouth when he saw Gina glare at him angrily.
A young woman was passing them in the hallway and she glanced at Gina for just a moment.
"I want the caviar brought up in a little while, Angela," Pedrosa told her.
"Fine. I'll have Julio prepare it right away," she said.
Gina did not notice the girl studying her closely.
"Here, let me take your glass," Pedrosa was saying to her. "You need a refill."
They marched through the narrow hallway single file and climbed back up to the deck.
"The kitchen calling, for you, Señor Pedrosa," the bartender said when he saw his boss reappear. He pulled up the aerial on the handset and handed Pedrosa the portable phone.
"Excuse me," Pedrosa said to them both and he walked a short distance away to take the call.
"You're impossible," Gina said under her breath. Sonny smiled and picked up a handful of peanuts from a bowl on the table.
"Looks like I'll be staying for dinner."
"I better think of a way to make a graceful exit, because I think he has plans for dessert," she muttered angrily, looking back over at Pedrosa.
"Not if I have anything to say about it," he retorted.
Gina noticed Pedrosa turning to look in their direction. His expression was odd and she suddenly felt her blood run cold. She saw him push the aerial back down and look back out at the sea.
"I apologize," he said when he finally rejoined them. "The staff seems to be having problems with one of the ovens. A minor technicality."
He filled her glass to the top and this time, handed it to her without looking at her. Gina definitely sensed a change in his mood.
"I need to know when we're going to get down to business, Pedrosa," Sonny said irritably. "I want your full attention before the rest of the guests get here."
Pedrosa smiled.
"Oh, that won't be for a few hours, Burnett. Hold off for just a while longer. Right at the moment, I have something more important I need to take care of."
Sonny looked annoyed, but said nothing.
"So, my dear," Pedrosa began, his attention riveted on Gina once again. "I have a question for you."
Gina looked up at him and smiled expectantly.
"You say you're a free agent. Does that mean you might be available for some acting roles as well?"
"Acting? No, that's not one of my interests."
Sonny saw her puzzled expression and wondered where this line of questioning was going to end up.
"That's too bad," Pedrosa said as he examined his fingernails carefully. When he looked back up at her, he was no longer smiling. "You obviously have quite a flair for it. You did convince me for a while, but fortunately, one of my loyal employees recognized you and set me straight."
Uh, oh, here it comes!
"Angela Ramos. We passed her downstairs. Do you know her?"
Crockett looked over at Gina and saw a shadow of fear flicker over her face.
"Should I?" she bluffed.
"Indeed you should. She says she knows you quite well. Told me you busted her a year ago on a prostitution charge. Ring a bell, my dear?"
"She's mistaken," she answered weakly.
"I don't think so. She was pretty insistent."
"She must have me confused with someone else. I've only just arrived in Miami."
Pedrosa watched her coldly.
"You had a good cover but I think you should have stuck to patrol cars and deskwork, Gina. You're too well known on the streets."
Gina said nothing but Sonny's pulse rate had quickened and he found himself instinctively focusing on the weight of the pistol strapped against his chest.
"Sorry about this, Mr. Burnett. But I cannot ignore a threat to my security. I'm sure you can appreciate that."
Crockett dismissed the comment with a casual wave of his hand and this time, he pretended to take another sip from his glass. No sense in numbing his senses with the undiluted JD when all hell was breaking loose. His mind was racing in a thousand different directions. Timing. That would be the key.
Pedrosa stood up and pulled her roughly to her feet.
"Let's go!" he ordered coldly. One of his men standing in the shadows, had stepped forward and had begun to point his weapon at her, but Pedrosa stopped him with a hostile glare.
"I don't think she is going to give us any trouble," he told him.
Gina glared at him defiantly.
"This is crazy! You're making a mistake, Señor Pedrosa!"
"I don't think so, Gina. There were certain things about you that had puzzled me. For instance, where did you come from and why didn't you have an agent? Now it all makes sense. You were setting me up."
He grabbed her wrist and pulled her closer to him.
"It's too bad, though," he said, shaking his head with regret. "You are stunning. And you sing like an angel. But...underneath it all, you're still just a cop!"
"How do you want us to play this?" the guard asked curiously.
"Take the smaller boat, Manuel," Pedrosa ordered. "Go out as far as a half of a tank will take you." He looked at Gina's face carefully to watch her reaction. "And take your time," he told Manuel, smiling slowly.
Gina swallowed hard, her eyes growing wide with fear. One of the men took her by the shoulders and began to push her toward the side of the boat.
"What a waste, Pedrosa." Crockett gravelly voice intruded on the scene, stopping them all in their tracks. "We could have a little fun before you give her over to these two."
"You think so, Burnett?" Pedrosa asked with mock surprise. "And just what did you have in mind?"
Sonny put down his glass on the bar and he swiveled around to face them. "Personally, I like to watch a woman suffer a little. Can be quite a turn on, if you know what I mean."
He made a point of letting his eyes wander over Gina's body. A suggestive grin lit up his handsome face as he quickly slid off the barstool and walked over to the tight little group. "In fact, I could start things off for you right now. I'd certainly like a chance to try out that king size bed."
"Now wait a minute!" Gina shouted, trying to pull away from the guard's tight grip.
"It doesn't matter to me who you are," Sonny said, stroking the side of her face with the back of his fingers. "Even if you are a cop, I still find you fascinating."
He saw Pedrosa eyebrows arch in amusement.
"Let me have her for a while and maybe I'll go a little soft on that price I quoted earlier."
It had gotten so quiet that Sonny could hear the sounds of waves lapping against the side of the yacht.
"If you wish, Señor."
It was hard to read Pedrosa's expression, but Sonny could not help but think the man was still making up his mind about him. Desperately stalling for time, he continued to dream up dialogue for the little charade he had just begun.
"I guess business can wait after all," he said to Gina as he ran the edge of his finger down her bare arm. "Just give me an hour, Pedrosa. Who knows? Maybe this little lady will be the deal breaker." Then he wrapped his hand around her wrist and began leading her toward the stairway.
"Save some for me or else I may not be that interested in what you have to offer, Burnett."
Gina hit Sonny's chest with her other fist. "Let go, you bastard!"
Not bad, Gina!
Laughing, he pinned her arms to her side and pulled her against him.
"Come on now. Take it easy. This is going to be fun."
She squirmed and twisted against him while Pedrosa's men laughed appreciatively.
"Stop...it..." she protested.
Sonny grabbed the back of her head twisting his fingers into her hair and forced his mouth over hers. Despite the danger, excitement went through him as he felt her struggle in earnest.
"Mmmm," he crooned, finally releasing her. The hatred in her eyes almost looked genuine and he knew Gina was angry.
But that was good. Better she be angry than frozen with fear.
"Later, Pedorsa," he mumbled, pushing her roughly in front of him. It killed him to handle her so callously but he knew he had to make it look convincing.
"You're hurting me!" she hissed when they reached the darkened hallway. Sonny kicked a door open and pulled her inside one of the staterooms. Taking her in his arms, he kissed her again, long and hard.
As they broke apart, Gina glared at him as if he were crazy.
"This is hardly the time, Crockett! Now tell me how are you going to get us out of this one?"
"You're beautiful. Did you know that?" he asked her with a grin.
"Crockett. Wake up! This is serious!"
"I know."
She saw the dazed look in his eye and tried not to let him see her holding back a smile.
"You're going to get us killed, Sonny. Tell me what you have in mind, or I'm going to have to take matters into my own hands!"
He reached behind his back and pulled out the small caliber gun he had stashed in the waistband of his pants.
"Guess we'll have to storm our way outta here! Take this and make sure you make it count!" he told her as he handed her the weapon. He proceeded to check his own revolver in the cabin's soft light.
"Ready?" he asked as he looked up, giving her an impish grin.
"Let's go, Crockett. Now's the time he'll least expect us. He's convinced you'll be busy for a while!"
"Don't I wish!" Sonny muttered.
Gina ignored him and headed for the door. She looked out and signaled for him to follow her into the hallway. With her finger to her lips and her gun cocked and ready, she headed for the stairs with Sonny close behind.
Pedrosa was standing at the top, already waiting for them.
"Did you really think I would fall for your little distraction, Señor?" he said to Crockett, the satisfied smile becoming wider as he saw Sonny's startled expression. "I grew up on the streets of Bogota and there, you learn to trust no one." He carefully aimed his gun at Gina and said, "Put down the gun, or I'll have to finish things now."
They stood like statues as Gina gave him a smoldering stare.
"Looks like a stand off to me, Pedrosa," Sonny said. "We both have our guns trained on you."
It was then that Sonny suddenly felt the jab of hard metal against his back.
Damn!
One of the guards must have been stationed below, waiting to see if Sonny was on the level. Surrendering his weapon, he raised his hands into the air and sighed. The last thing he remembered was the sound of metal against bone and the excruciating pain that, for the time being, obliterated any possibility of conscious thought.
July 1992
Sonny moaned.
Watching them beat him so savagely was more than she could bear. The glint of cruelty in Pedrosa's cold eyes filled her heart with despair.
"Please don't hurt him anymore!" she begged.
Pedrosa laughed but did not order them to stop. The one called Manuel was taking great delight in kicking Sonny in the side with his metal tipped boots. Gina could hear Sonny's muffled grunts as the furious onslaught became more and more vicious.
"That's enough, Manuel," Pedrosa said finally. "I want him to know what is going to happen to him."
Jorge grabbed Sonny by the hair and pulled his head up. Sonny's eyes were closed, his breathing shallow and ragged. Gina prayed that none of his ribs were cracked.
"I'm afraid he's out for a while," Julio muttered.
Their attention now turned to Gina.
"So, tell me. Does he work with you?" Pedrosa asked her as he took her arm and led her back to a chair.
"Sit!" he ordered, pushing her down.
"Think, Gina. Think!" she thought, her mind racing. She could hear Pedrosa breathing deeply as he stroked her hair, acting as if he admired its silky texture. The sensation disgusted her and she tried not to shudder.
"I...I never saw the man before tonight," she answered, her mind grasping at straws. "He told me he felt sorry for me and didn't want to see me get killed, that's all. I swear."
"My, my. How noble." Pedrosa's hand strayed to her cheek and he let his fingers glide across her soft skin. "I don't believe you, but it doesn't matter, my dear. He is a dead man, anyway. No one crosses me and lives to tell about it. And you, well, you must disappear as well, I am afraid."
He looked over at Manuel.
"I would love to play some games with this lovely lady for awhile, but I am sure that the police may be expecting some contact from her soon. So, we must get the both of them off my yacht as soon as possible. I don't want any evidence that they were ever on board." He looked over at Manuel and smiled.
"You know, I think you should take them out in Mr. Burnett's boat. Having them both vanish from his Scarab will leave the authorities puzzled. He takes this lovely woman for a ride, there's an accident; he falls overboard. She tries to help him and she too, is swept into the sea.
Jorge had just finished binding Sonny's hands behind his back and they yanked him roughly to his feet. Crockett's chin dropped to his chest, his knees bucking under his weight. They dragged him to the side and Pedrosa pulled Gina along behind them, his fingers clamped around her wrist like a vise.
"I am sorry, Gina. It hurts me to put an end to such talent." He pushed her toward the ladder and sighed. "Good bye, my little songbird. Don't worry. It will be over quickly." She heard Manuel laugh, and from his mocking tone, she knew her death would be anything but quick.
They herded her down the ladder and onto the Scarab. Jorge held her tightly against him while Manuel prepared to cast off. Turning her head to the side, she saw Sonny lying motionless on one of the cushioned seats in the rear of the boat.
"Wake up!" her mind screamed. "Please, Sonny. Wake up!"
Manuel had just finished releasing the boat from the pier and had started up the motor. He maneuvered the boat away from Pedrosa's yacht and then turned it around to the right until it was headed out to sea. With a spectacular roar from the engine, the boat leapt forward and within seconds began to gain speed. Gina felt the sting of the salt water against her face as the savage wind whipped back her hair.
She had never felt so completely helpless. Pedorsa's men sped along into the night, with no specific destination except to put distance between them and the authorities they thought were on the shoreline waiting to make an arrest. She looked ahead into the darkness and panicking suddenly, she tried to pull her arm out of Jorge's grasp.
"Where...do you think you're going?" he laughed as he jerked her back by her long hair.
Gina screamed but he just laughed and slipped his arms around her waist while nuzzling against her cheek.
"You taste so good...so good," he murmured as he began to nibble her ear.
She stopped struggling and tried to calm herself despite the nausea that was creeping up the back of her throat. She had to keep her head.
Sonny opened one eye and watched the sea washing over the boat as the Scarab skipped across the waves. His side was on fire, and the vibrations from the throbbing motor made his head pound painfully. He thought he heard Gina scream and then whimper softly.
"No, please..."
The Scarab began to slow down, and then finally, it stopped. The engine growled for a just a moment and then sputtered once or twice before it died.
A deep male voice laughed and then another began chattering excitedly in Spanish. He heard someone's harsh breathing and then the sound of fabric being ripped.
"No!" she screamed again.
The events of the past few hours came back to him like a punch. Adrenaline raced through him, almost making him sick to his stomach.
He was lying on his side on the passenger seat of the Scarab, his wrists bound painfully behind him. Gritting his teeth against the dizziness, he finally managed to focus on what was happening a short distance away.
One of Pedrosa's men was straddling Gina and the other held her by the arms. Fortunately, they were too busy to notice him trying to sit up, but never the less, he realized the odds of getting them both out of this were probably slim to none.
Gina's face was contorted with pain but Crockett saw hope come into her eyes when she saw him. They had ripped her dress down the front and were attempting to pull it off her shoulders when she elbowed the guy behind her, making him grunt with surprise. Spanish curses filled the air as they slapped her hard in the face, stunning her for the moment.
Furious, Sonny struggled to sit up.
I'm coming, Gina!
He could see that her eyes were looking off into the distance, glazed and unfocused as if she were going into shock. Desperately, he twisted his wrists, praying he would find a little slack in the ropes. He barely noticed the pain as the rough fiber tore into his skin.
Looking up, he paused for a second and grit his teeth, seething when he saw one of the men begin to slide his hand up Gina�s leg and under her dress.
"Get away...stop...no!" she shouted, suddenly coming back to life. She turned frantically from side to side, trying to push him away. She almost succeeded and for the moment, the large man lost his balance, his bulky body tilting to the side. Catching on to the side of the boat, he tried to right himself.
It was the moment Sonny had been waiting for.
Carefully, he leaned against the back of the cushioned seat and dug his heels into the deck flooring. Taking a deep breath, he catapulted his body across the short distance until he met the big man's back with his shoulder. The momentum sent them both hurtling over the side, and for one sickening moment, Sonny realized that with his hands tied behind his back, there was no way he would be able to keep himself afloat in the choppy sea.
Water filled his nose and mouth and he thought his chest would explode. Kicking his feet, he rocketed to the surface and began to cough violently. Letting his shoes slip off his feet, he began to concentrate on loosening the ropes around his wrists as his legs churned desperately to keep his head above water. The effort was exhausting but he refused to give up despite the painful pounding of his frightened heart.
Then a wave smacked him hard and his head slipped under.
There was shouting from above, and he could see the boat rocking back and forth. The guy he had pushed out with him was floating right beside him and he was surprised to see that he was barely even struggling. Then the body stopped moving altogether and Sonny saw him sink slowly to the murky bottom.
"Geeze, that's too bad. Guess he couldn't swim," he mused.
Kicking frantically, he broke the surface once more, pulling in large mouthfuls of precious air. The ropes had become swollen and soggy with seawater and no matter how hard he tried to work them off; they only seemed to be getting tighter.
My God. Gina!
Man, he had messed this up. Castillo had insisted he go with her to make sure things didn't get out of hand and now look what had happened!
But then, how did he know that someone would recognize Gina?
Castillo's stern words rang in his ears.
"No cowboy stuff Crockett. Set him up and get her out!"
Yeah, but he barely had time to work out a deal with Pedrosa before the fireworks exploded in his face.
Sure, make excuses, Crockett. The truth is, you didn't play the hand right. The signs were there and you didn't act in time!
The weight of his water-laddened clothes began to pull him down and he twisted his head around trying to pull his body up so he could float on his back. Skittish waves buffeted against him pushing him out and away from the boat.
"Sonny!" he heard Gina shout.
He closed his eyes and tried not to picture the look he had seen in her eyes.
"I'm sorry, darlin'," he moaned with regret.
Anger filled his heart, renewing his determination to get free. He turned onto his stomach and scissor-kicked one last time, his mind exploding with fury. Looking up fearfully, he saw the boat bob up and down like a helpless cork. Its searchlight seemed to beckon to him like the comforting rays of a lighthouse beacon.
"Sonny!" he heard her sob.
He lowered his face into the water and gathered up his strength for one last try but he was tiring very fast. If only he could just ease out of these heavy clothes.
Then he felt someone's fingers tangle in his hair and he almost cried out when sharp pain shot through his scalp. Before he could react, his head slammed hard against the hull of the fiberglass boat. It was the second time that night that he had cracked his head and sheer panic took over when he realized he was going to go out again.
"I'm gonna drown!" he whispered hopelessly. Whoever had him by the hair, tugged viciously, and his vision began to blur.
"Nooo!" he screamed, thrashing like a furious fish that had just been caught on a hook. The fingers in his hair tightened and pulled hard. He jerked back, but it only made things worse when a wave of water hit him squarely in the face, filling his throat with water and cutting off his air supply completely. The fight drained out of him and he felt his body go limp.
"This is it, Crockett," was the last thing he remembered thinking as the fingers released him and he sank beneath the waves.
July 1992
Castillo was squinting into the glare of the early morning sunrise. Rico sat in the Caddy watching him quietly without letting him know that he was there. Still stunned by the events that had occurred just a few hours before, he needed time to get his thoughts together before he met with his superior.
He looked down at the radio in his hand. He could still imagine he heard the clicking of the radio static when Stan had started calling frantically for emergency backup. Sonny had left him on the dock, posing as a deck hand for the St. Vitus while he monitored the Pedrosa party from the bug under Sonny's suit jacket lapel. Stan heard the commotion when all hell broke lose and he knew Sonny and Gina were in trouble.
Rico had responded by immediately calling the Coast Guard for assistance as he raced to the marina with two squad cars behind him, their sirens screaming full blast. He remembered yanking a pair of binoculars from his glove compartment and stumbling out of the Caddy, peering anxiously out onto the dark horizon.
He knew that Stan had already started out after the Scarab in his little outboard dinghy, all the while shouting a running dialogue into the radio, praying that Rico could hear him. Rico held the radio in his other hand, clicking furiously to keep the channel open.
"I...I see them slowing down. I think they're going to stop..." Stan screamed. "I'm cutting the motor so they don't hear me coming...okay. They've stopped."
Stan's voice got softer. Sounds carried pretty far across the water, and Rico knew that Stan wouldn't want to give Pedrosa's men any advanced warning that he was nearby.
"I gotta get closer somehow. I've got oars so I think I'm gonna row. They have a search light, but from what I can make out they seem to be pretty distracted at the moment."
Rico didn't dare imagine what Stan meant by that.
Then he heard Stan say that Sonny and one of Pedrosa's men had gone over the side. Ten minutes stretched into eternity.
"Hurry, Stan. Hurry," Rico had whispered, almost afraid to hear a break in the crackling static.
"I see Gina!" Stan was practically whispering.
"She's trying to get free...she's struggling with one of the guards. No sign of Sonny...Rico, I'm getting too close for radio contact...they might hear me... Okay, I'm going to sign off now. Hope you guys are on your way."
Just as the radio went dead, Rico saw the Coast Guard cutter pull out from the dock and head out to sea. Again, the minutes crawled by and Rico took away the binoculars from his eyes to wipe away the anxious sweat. He couldn't see anything anyway. Not even a searchlight bobbing on the water's surface. He waited and prayed until the radio came back to life.
"I got them," Stan was sputtering.
"Sonny?" Rico asked fearfully.
"Gina managed to topple the other goon overboard. Sonny was floating on the side of the boat and Gina was trying to hold him up by the hair. The current pulled him out of her grip just when I came along. He's knocked around a bit and he's coughin up a lot of water, but he's breathin'. You'd better get over here, though, Rico," Stan said into the radio. "Gina thinks that Sonny's gonna need some medical attention in a hurry."
Rico had notified the Coast Guard that they might need a medavac and was gratified to hear that they had already taken the precaution. Rico was anxious to get over to the hospital and find out how Sonny and Gina were doing. Instead, here he was, as usual, waiting to fill Castillo in on the details.
"Report!" Rico heard Castillo growl.
Startled out of his reverie, Rico looked over and saw the lieutenant's angry stare.
"They're okay," Rico answered, getting out of his car and approaching Castillo cautiously. "But Pedrosa's yacht...it disappeared. My guess is, he knew we would be distracted trying to get to Sonny and Gina, so he took advantage of that and took off."
"Where's Sonny and Gina now?" Castillo was asking.
"Ah...the Coast Guard helicopter took them to the ER at Biscayne General. The doctors want to keep Sonny for twenty-four hours. He's got some cracked ribs, a concussion and, and looks like he swallowed a stomach full of the Atlantic Ocean." Rico shook his head and sighed. "He'll live. Gina, she's pretty shaken up, but all she got was a split lip and a sprained wrist. They were lucky, Lieutenant. If Stan hadn't been on the ball, the story could have been a lot different."
At first, Marty didn't answer, but turned back around to look out to sea, as if searching for a sign of the fugitive yacht.
Finally he spoke. "Pedrosa's bad news. And he's smart. I guarantee that we haven't heard the last from him," he said into the wind.
"What was that, Lieutenant?" Rico called out.
"Nothing, Detective. Tell them both I'll be by to see them in a little while."
Rico waited for a moment before he realized that Castillo had said what he had to say. When the Lieutenant didn't make an effort to leave, he yawned, and turned to head back to the Caddy. Climbing in tiredly, he sighed as he settled in against the soft leather upholstery. It had been a long night, and he needed some sleep badly. But before he collapsed into bed, he wanted to lay eyes on his partner just once, just to make sure everything was really okay.
He pulled up to Biscayne's ER entrance and bounded in through the ambulance bay entrance. Nodding to one of the cops writing out a report on a clipboard, he flashed his badge and asked him if he knew where Crockett was being treated.
"Over that way," the young patrolman answered by jerking his thumb over his shoulder. "And he ain't happy!"
Sonny was sitting up on a stretcher, holding an icepack over his eye. Gina, her arm in a sling, was on a chair next to him, holding onto his hand.
"Hey, Rico," Sonny muttered.
"Hey, yourself. How's the head?"
"Well, the room's finally stopped spinning about an hour ago. I guess you could call that progress. But I wanna get out of here, and they're insisting on holding me no matter how much I threaten them with bodily harm."
Gina looked over at Rico and shook her head tiredly.
"Sounds like a good idea to me," Rico said with a laugh. "Only way I can think of to keep you our of trouble."
He could almost see steam come out of Sonny's nostrils.
"Gina won't tell me. What happened to Pedrosa?"
"He took off while we were fishing you out of the drink."
Sonny snorted with contempt. "Figures. All that pounding for nothing."
"Well, look at it this way. We finally have something solid to charge him with. We're bound to catch up with him, eventually. So, how are you feeling, Gina?" he asked her worriedly.
"I'm okay...."
She said it so softly, that Rico had to strain to hear her.
"Want me to take you home?"
"No."
"Gina..." Sonny moaned. "I'm fine. You need to take it easy. Go back to your apartment and get off your feet."
"I could use a hot shower and a change of clothes," she said, glancing down mournfully at her ripped dress.
"Good." Rico stood up. "Then let me go and get your discharge papers. Be right back."
Rico pulled back the curtain from around the stretcher and turn his head from side to side, looking for a nurse.
"Ah...miss?" he called to one as she scooted past him with an armful of linen. Sonny laughed as he saw his partner's look of exasperation.
"She looks like she'll answer your questions, Rico. That is if you can slow her down long enough ask her."
Ignoring Sonny, Rico ventured out into the ER chaos, trying hard not to look like a lost soul. Minutes later, he returned with a little brown bottle filled with capsules and a list of written instructions.
"Never underestimate my powers of persuasion," he grinned, holding up the bottle in front of Gina's eyes. "Pain medication."
"I don't need that, Rico. And I'm not going home to stay. I'll get a few essentials and come back here. Then when Sonny is discharged, I'll go and stay with him on the St.Vitus."
"Not necessary." Crockett squeezed her hand. "You go home and get some sleep and I'll call ya before they spring me."
"Yeah. Sleep. I don't think I'll being doing much of that for a while."
"Sure you will. As soon as your head hits that pillow, you'll be out. You're exhausted, only you don't realize it yet."
"Maybe." She shifted her position and grimaced.
"See? You are hurting!" Rico insisted.
"Not really. Actually, when you come right down to it, I think it's my ego that's suffering the most right now..."
"Listen, Gina," Sonny interrupted. "No one could have predicted what happened. Thank God Castillo had the presence of mind to interfere. Besides, I'm suppose to be the one with the crystal ball, and I never saw it coming either."
"Having Stan as backup was key," Rico added. "He outdid himself this time."
"Yeah. I owe the guy plenty."
"And I guess I owe you one too, Crockett," Gina said. "If you hadn't been there, this could have turned out very badly."
"Oh, I don't know. You handled things pretty well up until the so-called "party". Maybe my hovering threw you off guard."
"That's pretty decent of you, I must say. Thanks for not gloating."
"Who me? Gloat? Never!" he said, trying not to laugh.
But Gina looked back at him with a serious expression.
"The Sonny of old would have never let me live this down. I can hear you now, dismissing me as if I were a helpless incompetent: " 'Ever hear of reconnaissance, Gina? Undercover 101, remember?' "
Rico saw Sonny wince as he remembered a case from long ago.
"Yeah, well I told you," he said softly. "That was another life. I don't say things like that anymore. I've changed."
Gina looked up at him with shining eyes.
"I've noticed," she said lovingly as she leaned over to kiss him.
Putting the icepack down on the stretcher, Sonny took her face in his hands and kissed her back. It was a sweet, lingering kiss that went on and on, without a hint of ever ending. Rico turned away, pleased to see that the romantic heat between Gina and his partner had just gone up a notch, right before his eyes.
"I'll...I'll go look for a wheelchair," he muttered uncomfortably.
Completely engrossed, neither one of them seemed to hear him, much less bother to give him an answer.
July 1992
He could feel their eyes watching his every move. His men were deciding for themselves if their leader had lost some of his strength.
He found it humiliating.
This debacle, with Burnett and the singer; why hadn't he seen it coming? His intuitions had never failed him before! Now that he knew who they were, he looked back with a clear head and analyzed what had happened.
The truth disgusted him. Signs had been everywhere, but he had been too bewi