Free Killer Knots by Nancy J. Cohen

person’s influence that he could manipulate Eric Rand as well? It crossed her mind that one of her dinner companions might even be that donor, watching all of them, waiting for…what?
    Swept to the wing console with a crowd of fellow passengers, she lost her chance to continue their discussion. Nor did she get the opportunity at dinner. Interrupted by the wine steward, ship’s photographer, and singing waiters, she barely concluded her meal before the next seating arrived. Martha Shore had already left her table by the time Marla sought her. Maybe they’d run into each other in San Juan the next day.
    Early the following morning, Marla lounged by the pool and then browsed in the ship’s gift shops along with Kate and Brianna to check out jewelry prices. As a concession to her betrothed, she’d agreed to go along on the El Yunque Rain Forest tour, but they’d still have a short time left in town afterward for shopping. Kate had picked up extra copies of maps with stores recommended by the cruise line.
    After lunch, Marla lined the railing with the others in her party to observe the approach into port. A strong wind tossed her hair into her face as she watched the mountainous island emerge from the blue ocean canvas. Strips of sandy beach outlining the land grew larger as they neared at a slower pace, the ship gently rolling side to side.
    At the tip of the island stood a massive stone fort, its flags rippling in the breeze. City buildings loomed tall as they sailed farther into the harbor, where the seawall gave way to parking lots and palms. Snapping photos, she jostled with other passengers for the best view.
    Thirty minutes later, Marla handed her ID card to a security officer, who swiped it through a machine and handed it back. Upon exiting the ship, she halted with her group to pose for the ever-present photographers in front of a San Juan sign. Having viewed the outrageous prices for photographs in the gallery earlier, she doubted she’d be adding this one to her collection. Between the drinks, photos, shore excursions, and duty-free shops on the ship, their all-inclusive vacation could end up costing hundreds of dollars more. And she didn’t even waste money on bingo or the slots!
    Passing through the terminal outside to a covered walkway, she searched for their tour group leader. Taxis and buses waited just past the security gate. Beyond was a government building, Departamento de Hacienda, while another crumbling fort jutted on a distant hill. Flagstone sidewalks invited exploration, as did quaint structures with wrought-iron balconies and flowering plants. A maze of streets generally led upward from the pier. Marla’s mouth watered at the sight of a Starbucks and a place called Mojito’s Restaurant.
    “Over there,” Dalton said, pointing toward a tour host holding up a sign.
    Marla trailed her fiancé toward the bus that would transport them to the rain forest. Unaccustomed to traffic noise after the tranquility of the sea, she winced at the brutal sounds of horns honking, engines idling, and motorcyles roaring along the busy street in front of the terminal.
    A man stuck a coupon for Senor Frog’s in her hand, while another guy yelled, “I give you a private tour, lady. Only ten dollar per person to take you around island.”
    “Let’s go,” Marla said to Brianna, urging her inside the bus. She didn’t like the way the man looked at the girl.
    Sitting next to Brianna, while Vail kept his mother company and John sat behind them, she relaxed in her seat as the bus entered traffic. “Look at the mountains in the distance,” she said to Brianna.
    “Awesome, they have McDonald’s here,” Brianna pointed out as the bus rumbled down the street, starting and stopping in the congestion.
    “Look, there’s Martha Shore,” called Kate, gesturing. Sure enough, Martha ambled along the sidewalk with Brooklyn Jones. Engaged in a heated discussion, they nearly got run down by a charging taxi.
    Craning her