Hugh Sinclair hung the telephone receiver up and looked at Laura. "Everything is set Desiree darling, or should I say Laura Holt, P.I.?"
When Laura remained silent Hugh picked up her purse and threw it at her. "You really shouldn't leave this laying around, you never know who might discover it. I can't tell you how delightfully surprised I was to find out you weren't who you said you were,"
"It seems you have experience in that area Gino, or should I call you Hugh Sinclair?" Laura shot back.
"Fiesty on top of daring, I like that." Hugh looked at The Maiden's Tear he'd taken from her and smiled. "I really didn't think Daniel would stoop to sending a woman to retrieve this,"
"He didn't stoop to anything, he wanted proof you..."
"Don't defend the coward Miss Holt, he knew I had it the moment I left my calling card on his windowsill. To bad he's dragged you into something that you've no business being involved in. It makes it...messier this way but make no mistake, I intend to see this through," he promised pulling Laura to him.
"Desiree...Dad, what's going on? Isn't 6 a.m. a bit early for a social gathering?" Cole said from the doorway.
"Ah Cole, perfect timing. Allow me introduce Miss Laura Holt, Private Investigator," Hugh laughed and shoved Laura towards Cole.
Cole reached out and caught Laura before she could fall. He looked down at her in question. "Laura Holt?"
"Yes Cole, I told you to check this woman out thoroughly and as usual, you didn't follow my instructions. Pity for you I didn't find out sooner that she was here on a fishing expedition for an old aquaintance of mine. She's not only a detective, she's a thief to boot," Hugh said holding up The Maiden's Tear for Cole to see.
Cole looked incredulously at Laura. "You lied to me? All this time you were here investigating my father?"
Laura saw the pained expression in his eyes and nodded. At this moment, Laura hated her job.
"Yes Cole. That gem belongs to a dear friend of mine, I came here to find it and prove your father stole it,"
"So you saw me as a way to get into my father's house and search it? You used me, lied to me and had me believing you cared about me when you were only here to prove my father's guilt?" he said incredulously.
Laura looked Cole directly in the eyes. "Yes Cole, I'm an investigator but I..."
"Save me the speech Laura Holt! Don't even bother to say you didn't mean to hurt me, that you were just doing your job. That's bullshit! You didn't need me to develop feelings for you and it certainly wasn't necessary to pretend you cared in order to find a piece of jewelry!" he accused.
"One your father stole!"
"Well I'm not my father! Why did you have to involve me in your investigation? You could've left me out of it and found the thing on your own. You are a detective aren't you? Isn't that what the hell you do? Break and enter? Since when does that badge you carry give you the right to play with people's emotions?" Cole raged.
Laura was about to reply when Cole stalked past her toward his father.
"And you! Since when does a shipping magnate need to resort to petty larceny to get what he wants?"
"No hold on Cole..."
"No YOU hold on! Haven't you tormented me enough directly without having to rake me over the coals indirectly? "
"That's enough! I'm your father and I demand you respect me!"
"Respect you? Do you respect me? Have you ever respected me? You find every possible opportunity to remind me what a failure and dissapointment I am to you. How much you detest my not wanting to follow in your footsteps and take over the business,"
"A business I built from the ground up! You forget yourself son; you wouldn't have anything if it weren't for me and my ingenuity! I built this fortune you spend on cars, boats and all those wastrel friends of yours. I paid for you to go to all the best schools money could by and what do you do with that ivy league education? Nothing! All I've ever wanted was for you to take an interest in the company, to run things after I'm gone. Is that too much to ask from an only child? All this will be yours and all you want to do is spend your days living the good life. Well that good life won't last forever Cole. You're going to piss it all away and then where will you be?"
"You never understood me Dad and you never will. If you'd taken one bit of interest in what I'm doing and what I want out of life you'd know that I didn't daydream my days away. I have a brain in my head and the education you payed for to go with it! You refuse to take my interests seriously because they don't coincide with yours. You want to know what I do? I build boats, that's what I do and I'm damn good at it. I have a growing company of my own and just because I don't want to follow in your footsteps doesn't mean I'm drinking and pissing my life away. There is no in-between for you, it's either all or nothing," Cole said bitterly.
Cole looked at his father and then to Laura and shook his head in disgust and left.
"Cole where are you going? We're not finished here!" Hugh roared.
"Oh yes we are Dad. It's finished," Cole ground out then looked at Laura pointedly. "All of it,"
Cole left and slammed the door behind him. Laura went to go after him but Hugh pulled her up short. "Uh, uh, not so fast Laura dear. We have a boat to catch and I don't want to keep my old friend waiting."
###
Remington checked his oxygen tank a final time before he hefted it on his shoulders. "You're sure that's the one?"
"It has to be. Hugh told me to wait here and he'd send a tender out to get me." Daniel looked at the Yacht through his binoculars again. "Besides, how many Yacht's can there be named "The Black Pearl?"
"Point taken," Remington replied. "Are you ready Monroe?"
"If I weren't, would that matter?"
"Not at all,"
Remington and Monroe checked their equipment a final time before boarding the small boat and giving Daniel a thumbs up. Remington cranked the engine and slowly headed away from the dock. Daniel looked at his watch and prayed they'd be at a clear distance before Hugh's craft showed up to get him. Daniel looked anxiously toward Remington's boat until it dissapeared into the night. He heaved a sigh of relief ten minutes later when a tender headed toward him.
"That should give them enough time," Daniel whispered.
Daniel saw two rough looking men slow the boat in front of him. "I say, nice night for a jaunt eh?"
"Get in," one of the men said sternly.
Daniel got in and barely sat down when the boat lurched around and headed back toward Hugh's yacht.
Once they were moored alongside The Black Pearl, Daniel was helped up the ladder and onto the deck.
"Welcome aboard old friend," Hugh said from behind him.
Daniel turned around and saw his ex-partner sitting in a deck chair. "I'd have preferred my arrival be under different circumstances,"
"Well we can't always have what we want can we? At least, not all of us," Hugh laughed. "Haven't changed have you old boy? Still getting other people to do your legwork,"
"If I'd have known you'd go to such lengths to steal from me I wouldn't have asked Laura to come,"
"Steal from you? I wouldn't call it stealing, more like getting back what is rightfully mine. The Maiden's Tear was half mine Daniel. I brought you in on the deal and you repayed me by setting me up and leaving me when I needed you,"
"What the devil are you talking about Hugh? We had an arrangement, the plan was perfect but you botched it up by getting greedy. That was always your trouble Hugh, you didn't know when to leave well enough alone. You always let your desire overrule your judgement,"
"You called the cops so that I'd take the fall and you'd walk away with The Maiden, you knew I'd go back inside,"
"I had no idea until you headed off in another direction. I implored you to come with me but you refused. And then when something exploded inside, I thought you were dead,"
"How convenient for you. You kept the gem for yourself and didn't give me another thought!"
"You were my partner Hugh, and my friend! I waited at the rendezvous point until almost dawn. When you didn't arrive I thought you'd been killed. I tried for weeks to find some trace that would let me know you were still alive but I wasn't successful,"
"I don't believe you! Anyway it doesn't matter now, I have what I wanted and you'll soon get what you deserve,"
"So, your adding murder to your list of accomplishments," Daniel said distastefully. "Let Laura go, this is between you and me Hugh,"
"I can't do that old friend. She knows too much and I never leave loose ends, it isn't good business."
###
Laura's hands ached from the rope binding them. She'd tried in vain to free herself but it had proved pointless. She was searching the stateroom for something that could be used to aid her escape when she heard noises at the door. Laura hid behind the door and waited for someone to enter. It was dark but Laura's eyes had adjusted to the lightless cabin. The door opened slowly and a dark figure slipped into the room. As the intruder walked past, Laura used the wall as support and kicked the person with all her strength. There was an audible groan as the person hit the floor. Laura tried to run get around the prostrate form and out the door when her foot was caught and pulled out from under her. She hit the carpet and the wind rushed out of her lungs. Kicking behind her Laura struggled to wound her attacker as she was dragged away from the door. She refrained from screaming because she knew that would end her plans of escape. Laura was flipped over and crushed under the weight of her assailant. A hand came up and closed over her mouth causing Laura to struggle to free herself.
"This would go smoother if you didn't try to maim your rescuer," a man's voice whispered in her ear.
Laura heard the familiar voice and stilled. "Much better. Now hold still while I cut these,"
Remington pulled out a small knife and sliced the rope binding Laura's hands. He got up and pulled her to her feet.
"Remington what's..."
"Later," he whispered and pulled her along after him.
They were forced to step over two men lying face down in the hallway as they made their way to the yacht's stern. When they arrived there Remington told Laura to stay put and he'd be back.
"But where are you.."
"Stay put!" Remington commanded. He didn't wait around to see if Laura would comply; she did.
Remington headed toward the bow where he knew Daniel and Hugh would be. He knew there wasn't much time and that Hugh would soon give orders to bring Laura on deck. He saw Monroe hiding near the command bridge and gave him a signal. Remington heard Hugh's voice booming in the silence and Daniel's calm replies. He knew Daniel would try to stall him for as long as he could but they didn't have much time. Remington came behind Hugh and stood to his right. He knew Daniel could see him but there wasn't any recognition on his face.
"Moreau! Go get Miss Holt and bring her on deck," Hugh shouted.
When his order wasn't acknowledged he shouted again. He was just about to turn around when suddenly a loud blast ripped through the silence. Daniel and Hugh looked overhead and saw a bright flare go off a short distance from the yacht.
"What the hell?" Hugh said in surprise.
Remington made his move. He rushed Hugh and knocked him over. Hugh went sprawling on the deck and the gun in his hand slid in the opposite direction. Monroe dropped the flare gun and went to aid Remington. Hugh recovered quickly and began fighting Remington in earnest.
"Harry, I should've known. Long time no see," Hugh said and sent a blow into Remington's jaw.
Remington's legs buckled under the blow but he remained upright. He returned the favor by landing a punch to Hugh's midsection and one to his jaw. Hugh charged Remington and both men slammed into a side wall. Daniel was trying to retrieve the gun when a large crash sounded and the yacht reeled starboard as if struck by something. Everyone went sliding across the deck and grabbing anything they could to keep from going overboard. Remington heard a scream from the stern and yelled.
"Laura!?" He clawed and desperately tried to right himself before Hugh could.
Remington scrambled to get to the stern as fast as he could. "Laura!? he yelled again.
"Help!" she said weakly.
Sliding down the deck Remington reached the spot he'd left her, scanning frantically for any sign of her. He finally spotted her dangling over the side and clutching the railing.
"Laura hold on," Remington called out as he made his way to her.
"Hurry...I'm slipping,"
Grabbing the railing, Remington leaned over and tried to hoist her up but the boat lurched and he lost his hold on her.
"Dammit! Monroe? Monroe I need some help!" Remington called.
"On my way Mick!"
"Hurry, she can't hold on much longer,"
Remington wound his arms around her middle to keep her stable when an arm shot out from behind him and put him in a neckhold.
Hugh laughed as he increased the pressure on Remington's neck. Remington's grip loosened on Laura and she struggled frantically to pull herself over the rail.
"Dad stop! Let him go," Cole yelled from behind his father.
"Cole! You're the one that rammed my damn boat? What's the meaning of this!"
"It's over Dad. Let him go," Cole repeated and raised a gun.
"Cole I'm your father, put down that gun,"
Monroe came up on the other side and was able to pull Hugh off Remington. Remington got to the railing and lifted Laura onto the unstable deck.
"I can't believe you'd turn on me like this. I've done everything for you and this is how you repay me? We're bound by blood and you've betrayed me," Hugh raged.
Hugh broke free from Monroe and charged Cole. Cole pulled the trigger and fired. Hugh doubled over and fell onto the deck and slid toward the rail. Before anyone could get to him he went over the side and plunged into the water.
They heard splashing and Hugh screaming for someone to help him.
"You didn't kill him," Monroe said matter-of-factly.
"No. Just shot him in the leg." Cole replied nonchalantly.
Daniel slowly made his way to the group and wiped his brow. "I'm getting too old for this sort of thing,"
"We'd better get off this boat before it capsizes," Cole said seriously.
"Is your boat in any better condition than this one?" Remington remarked.
"No, but the Coast Guard is on its way," Cole replied.
"How do you know?" Laura asked.
Cole pointed into the night and everyone saw the light approaching.
"It appears your flare tipped them off," Remington told Monroe.
"Is someone planning to go in after Hugh? I don't hear much splashing anymore," Daniel remarked.
Everyone looked at Cole and Cole swore before climbed up on the rail and dove overboard.
###
The Coast Guard arrived and fished Cole and Hugh out of the water. Hugh's wound wasn't fatal and the medical staff tended him while they read him his rights. After everyone had given statements they were free to go. Laura thanked Cole for his help and he flatly told her his conscience wouldn't let him do otherwise. He left and Monroe and Daniel followed. Laura asked them if they'd like to ride with her and Remington but they took one look at Remington and quickly refused.
"We'll meet you back at Daniel's," Monroe said hurrying toward the car.
Laura and Remington drove in silence for almost two miles before Laura spoke up.
"Thank you, for coming to my rescue,"
"You're welcome," Remington replied tonelessly.
Laura could tell by his flexing jaw that he was struggling for composure.
"I...look I know you're upset and you think I did was wrong but..."
"Wrong? Why would I think it was wrong Laura? You and Daniel work out this ridiculous plan between the two of you, behind my back, you put yourself at risk by going undercover and attempting to seduce Hugh Sinclair's son..."
"If this is about you're being jealous of Cole..."
At that Remington abruptly pulled the car over, turned off the engine and faced Laura.
"You have no clue do you? This isn't about my being jealous, Laura. After wondering about your strange behavior and what was going on, I followed you. I saw you with Cole while you were on the beach. I don't recall jealously being one of the emotions I felt at seeing the two of you together. I was hurt Laura, beyond words. This is so much deeper than something as trivial as jealously.
You can't imagine the anguish I felt when I saw you with another man, now, after what we've shared and how much our lives have intertwined over the years. I thought I'd failed you somehow, that I'd caused you two go elsewhere. It was a pain that ran straight through me Laura and now I find out it was all for nothing, that you were on some damn case with Daniel. That all of my anguish could've been avoided if you'd both just been straight with me from the start."
Laura looked at Remington and saw the validity of his words. She had hurt him, deeply and at the moment there didn't seem much that Laura could say to make things better.
"Remington, I know I'm at fault and believe me, I've had a sour taste in my mouth from the moment I agreed to this. You can't imagine how much I agonized over not being honest with you and lying to Cole. I hated deceiving both of you but I only did it to help Daniel. I know this is a feeble excuse but it's the only one I can offer,"
Turning back around, Remington started the car again. They drove in silence the rest of the way to Daniel's house. As soon as they arrived, Daniel asked to speak with Remington alone. When they were in his study Daniel shut the door and faced his son.
"I know you're upset with both of us Harry and you have every right to be, but this is more my fault than Laura's. I asked for her help instead of yours because Hugh already knew you. I thought Laura would be able to..."
"Woo his son to get the information you needed? You know Laura and I are involved Daniel, why would you ask her to do this?"
"Son, you've both had to play roles before, I didn't see this as any different,"
"Well it was different! You know the kind of man Hugh is, it was stupid to think he wouldn't figure it out, especially since he knew you'd show up eventually. No man likes being duped Daniel, what if Cole would've taken out his anger on Laura? She claims she can take care of herself but we both no that isn't always the case, especially against a man bent on getting retribution for being made a fool,"
"I'm sorry son, truly I am. You're right, it was foolish to take the chance. I assure you it won't happen again," Daniel promised.
Remington nodded briefly. "Will you see that Laura gets home safely? I need some time alone,"
"Sure Harry,"
Daniel went to the kitchen and found Laura sitting at the table drinking tea.
"How did it go?"
"As well as could be expected," Daniel replied.
"Where's Remington?"
"Uh...he left Laura. He asked that I see you home, he needed some time alone,"
"Oh. I see," Laura tried to smile but the churning in her stomach made it impossible.
###
Mildred had been filled in on what had transpired and wisely kept her comments at a minimum. To say that things hadn't gotten back to normal was mildly understating the situation. Remington was polite, involved in agency business but otherwise slightly remote toward Laura. Mildred knew it was affecting her more than she let on. It had been a week since they'd returned to "business as usual" and the tension was mounting. Mildred had enough experience working alongside the two of them to know that everything was coming to a head and would eventually errupt. She prayed it would be soon!
"Excuse me, I'm here to see Remington Steele," a man said from above Mildred's desk. She looked up and her mouth almost hit the floor. Second to Mr. Steele, he was the most handsome man she'd seen in a long time.
"Uh...may I tell him your name?"
"It's Cole Milan,"
For a split second Mildred's mouth did drop and she had the hardest time remembering her boss' two-digit intercom code. She didn't have to because Remington came out of his office and walked up to her desk.
"Mr. Milan, nice to see you again, right this way," Remington said professionally.
"Hold all call Mildred please,"
Mildred still hadn't regained her faculties yet so she simply nodded. When the door closed she pondered if she should alert Miss Holt about Remington's guest. Mildred decided not to, she'd find out soon enough.
Laura had retyped the same line three times before she gave up and pushed her keyboard aside.
"This is pointless," she said with annoyance and got up and stalked toward Remington's door.
"Look this has to stop we can't..." Laura started then abruptly stopped.
Remington was leaning against his desk conversing with Cole Milan. Laura's mouth hung open and she just stood there looking from Cole to Remington.
"I agree Miss Holt, things need to be settled and I think now is as good a time as any don't you?"
Laura nodded but looked at them with uncertainty.
"We'll let you start," Remington said and motioned for Cole to share his perch on the front of his desk.
Cole leaned on the desk next to Remington and eyed Laura with interest. Laura looked at both men and felt the familiar nervous tension mounting in her stomach.
"Um well this is definitely awkward, with both of you here at the same time but you're right, this has to be done. This past week has been extremely difficult for me. Cole, you're a wonderful, caring man and I'm sorry I had to lie to you. I know you were developing feelings for me..."
"Developed," Cole corrected.
Laura sighed but continued. "It wasn't easy for me either, playing a part when I knew my...heart was already spoken for," Laura looked at Remington but his expression was unreadable.
"Remington, everything you said the other day in the car was right and I take complete responsibility for my actions but I don't know what I can do or say that would make things right again,"
Remington looked at Cole and whispered something in his ear. Cole nodded and they both looked at Laura. Laura couldn't take their indifference any longer and exploded.
"Will someone tell me what I can do to make this right? I've apologized repeatedly and I honestly don't no what more I can do,"
Cole elbowed Remington and he leaned in. Laura watched them debating back and forth and when one person nodded the other one shook his head no and vice versa. Finally when Laura was ready to give up and walk out they both nodded and looked at Laura. Remington cleared his throat and spoke.
"Yes well, Cole and I have discussed this and agree, you've treated us both abominably and although you were on a case, real feelings were involved and subsequently damaged. We think there is only one thing you can do that would appease us both,"
"What? Whatever it is I'll do it. What do you both want that would make things right between us?" Laura almost yelled.
Remington and Cole looked at Laura and spoke in unison. "A threesome."
Laura gasped and put her hand to her chest. She looked incredulously at them. "What!? You can't possibly...there's no way you could be serious."
Remington crossed his arms in front of him, and gave her his signature quirked eyebrow as an answer.