Free Utopian Day by C.L. Wells Page B

to the top deck helped them down into two
awaiting inflatable boats. James and Laura were offloaded into one,
where there were two other commandos waiting. J.T. was placed in
the remaining boat, which the lead commando entered, along with
their guard.
    As the two boats sped away from the larger craft,
they headed in the direction of the boat that James had thought he
spotted when they had first come on deck. In a few minutes, they
were approaching a one hundred foot long yacht. The first
inflatable boat pulled up alongside of the boarding ladder and one
of the commandos climbed up, then turned around to help bring J.T.
aboard. Once the first inflatable was secured, the boat that James
and Laura were in similarly unloaded their occupants.
    After everyone was on deck, James, Laura, and J.T.
were led to a seating area at the back of the boat where a table
had been set with a lavish lunch. James’ stomach rumbled as he was
reminded that they hadn’t eaten anything since being abducted the
day before. The lead commando headed off into the interior of the
boat, while the remaining three commandos positioned themselves
around the deck and watched the three prisoners.
    Moments later, Nick Bartonovich came through the
sliding glass door leading on to the back of the boat, followed by
Mia and the lead commando. Nick smiled devilishly as he saw
J.T.
    “ Well, hello, J.T., it’s been
quite a long time.”
    “ Hello Nick,” J.T. responded
flatly. Turning to Mia, he added, “Hello Mia.”
    Mia nodded, with a slight smile. Nick turned to
address the lead commando.
    “ Let’s not leave our guests tied
up; they won’t be able to eat.”
    He crossed the deck and sat down at the head of the
table along with Mia. The guards cut the hand restraints and they
all began massaging their hands where the restraints had been
hampering their circulation. Nick motioned to the table.
    “ Please, come sit down and enjoy
some lunch. We have much to discuss.”
    Each of them took a seat. As Mia and their host
began to eat, both Laura and James began serving their own plates,
while J.T. looked warily at Nick.
    “ What do you want with us, Nick?”
J.T. asked.
    “ In due time, my friend. Why don’t
you try some of this shark? It’s delicious and fresh. I just caught
it this morning.” He motioned towards a plate in the middle of the
table with his fork as he took another bite.
    J.T. could tell Nick was enjoying himself and
thought that there was no reason to deprive himself, considering
the situation, so he began serving his own plate.
    “ I’ve thought about you often
these past several years, J.T. Languishing in that prison all by
your lonesome. I have to say, I appreciate that you didn’t give me
up to the prosecutor during the trial in exchange for a
deal.”
    James and Laura eyed each other.
    “ But what I didn’t exactly
appreciate,” Nick continued, “was that you took eighty percent of
our hard-earned profits and stashed them away
somewhere.”
    Nick watched J.T. closely for a reaction. He leaned
forward, keeping his gaze fixed on J.T. as he spoke the next
sentence. “I want it back, J.T.” He broke his gaze and focused back
on his plate, cutting another bite of shark and eating it.
    “ I don’t have it,” J.T. replied.
“I had to give the feds something or they would never let me out of
prison. I turned it over to them in exchange for a
deal.”
    “ J.T.,” Nick feigned an offended
expression as he spoke, “I’m hurt. After we spent so many years
building up that little nest egg and leading others astray in the
process, do you really think you can lie to me and I won’t know
it?” He took a sip of wine and sat back in his chair.
    “ Look around, J.T. Can you hazard
a guess as to where we are?”
    J.T. continued to look at Nick.
    “ I know you can’t see land from
here, but the climate and the color of the ocean should give you a
clue,” Nick said mockingly. “We’re anchored just off the Cayman
Islands, my