Free Fighting Me by Cat Mason Page B

I hit refresh, I am hit with an update announcing our current location along with an update from Kat, herself.
    ATTENTION SHAFT SPOTTERS! This is Katheryn with an all-points bulletin on location with a Shaft sighting. It looks like a much needed vacation and possible wedding are underway. The entire group has been spotted at the Galleon Marina in beautiful Key West, Florida. We are just waiting on a visual confirmation ourselves. Photos to come. If you’re out and about give us a shout if you spot Shaft. Remember, we always pay cash for the good stuff, so keep those eyes peeled.
    The posts are getting hits by the second. Everyone will be on the lookout for us and the vehicle we were in, so my plan going off without a hitch is vital at this point to insure privacy for the wedding. Only problem is, she wants a visual confirmation of us leaving the marina. Instead of getting mad, inspiration hits me. “I’ve got an idea,” I shout, turning and running toward the van. Opening the door, I reach for Rae’s hand. “Get out of the van and come with me.”
    Climbing from the van, Rae looks at me skeptically but doesn’t argue. Keeping her hand in mine, I help her to the ground and lead her back toward Mack and Simon.
    “What’s going on?” she asks, her eyes going from me to the monitors. Moving from screen to screen, her eyes grow wider. “How are we possibly going to be able to leave here now?” she asks, covering her mouth with one hand.
    “I have a plan, but need your help to pull it off,” I explain, showing her my phone screen. “Best way to distract vultures is to feed them trash. You’re gonna call the tip line and let them know where the boat I chartered is heading.”
    “Wait, what?” Rae gasps, shaking her head. “Why in the hell would I possibly give them inside info like that? Even if I hadn’t have signed that non-disclosure agreement, I would never do that!”
    I run my hand up her arm, attempting to soothe her. Knowing Katheryn, she’s just waiting on a phone call to come in. She’d peg my voice automatically, and honestly, a woman is the way to go anyway. Katheryn is smart, resourceful, and I’ve got one shot at making this work. Rae is our ticket out of this boat house without adding media seating to the wedding party. “Rae, just trust me on this. It’s our best option of getting out of here without being followed.”
    She stares at the monitors again, her brow furrowing. Tugging her bottom lip between her teeth, Rae finally nods. “Okay,” she sighs, blowing out a breath. “What do you need me to do?”

8
    Beachside Head Trauma
Rae
    I can’t help feeling guilty for the amount of press that ended up tailing us to the marina. Seeing me with Brannon was just the proof of us being at the diner needed to load the parking lot with reporters and photographers all desperate to get a shot of the band or a detail worthy of a grocery store checkout rag. I have no idea how I can possibly help this insane situation, but if I can, I will.
    “Here,” Henry says, pointing to a phone on a nearby desk. Picking up the receiver, he begins dialing numbers. “When she answers, you tell her that you work for the Galleon Marina and have information to sell for the right price.”
    The surfer looking guy who let us in hands me a notebook. “This is the log and destinations for Wisteria. Tell her you have it, then read it to her.”
    I nod shakily, and put the receiver to my ear as it begins to ring. “This is Katheryn, are you calling to report a Shaft sighting?” Her voice sings into the phone and I put two and two together.
    She’s the chick who was talking to Henry outside the diner.
    “I am.” Squaring my shoulders, I remember the reason for my call. “My name is Nikki, and I work for Galleon Marina.” Looking up at Henry, I continue when he nods, silently encouraging me. “I think I’ve got some valuable info for sale, if you’re interested.”
    “Well, well, well,” she tsks, clicking her