Free Scent of Gardenia (Scott Tucker Series) by Dick Waters

Maggie heading our way, and waved her away. “The
four missing men are all rich bachelors. They were in the area on their own
yachts. Some of the men were traveling with friends.” She finished her beer. “I
have a different theory than the Bermuda authorities. I think the men have been
kidnapped and they are being held as objects. Given, there hasn’t been any ransom
requested for any of the men for well over a year.”
    “What do
you mean by ‘objects’?” Mike asked.
    “I don’t
know what else to call it. I think they might be held by either a group or an
individual for their bodies. If correct, I think women could be involved. Not
exactly the same scenario as we saw in Boston, where women were seeking
revenge. This could be something more basic; sex-slaves comes to mind.”

Chapter
17
     
    Mercedes
watched both of their reactions. Mike looked like he immediately dismissed that
theory. Scott looked like he had seen a ghost. He knew first hand what it was
to be a kept man, even though it was for hours and not days.
    “Mike, I
know that doesn’t sound reasonable to you, but you did ask for my theory. I
haven’t shared that theory with anyone, except the two of you. Analyzing the
facts of the cases leads me to that conclusion. Let me explain. All four men
were on their own yachts. They all went missing without any warning. No ransom
has been asked for, and no trace of the men has been detected since they went
missing. The first man missing almost eighteen months ago shows up decomposed
in a cage anchored to the ocean floor. Their expensive boats have yet to be
located.”
    She let
that sink in and then added, “If men were holding these men they would have
either asked for ransom, or killed the men almost immediately. Their motive
would have been some financial gain, which might be just the expensive boats.
However, I don’t buy that. I can picture the scenario of these men being held
against their will. Not for financial gain, but for what they have to
offer—their bodies.” Mercedes waved Maggie to come over to the table.
    Mike
offered, “The way you expressed the facts I can’t say you’re off base. You did
correctly profile the torso killers, and maybe you’re right on track for this
case as well. You’re the professional here. What do you think Scott…you’ve been
awfully quiet?”
    The
images of my own captivity came flooding back. I felt like her theory held
water and gave me the chills. “I think her theory is credible. The authorities
theories seem far fetched. It makes me uncomfortable to think someone, or some
group, could be doing this just for convenient sex. However, if that’s correct,
maybe they are getting rid of the men when they no longer find them desirable.”
    Mercedes
held a hand up to Maggie, who just arrived. “Well Scott, you may not have said
much while I was conveying my theory, but I think you were indeed paying
attention. I think your observation may also hold some water.” Her knee rested
against my leg. “I’ve worked up an appetite, is anyone else ravenous ?”

Chapter
18
     
    Mike
left after having an appetizer. Mercedes was going to call him after she set up
the appointment with Mr. Nielsen. Mike escaped, but I wasn’t so lucky…or
maybe I was even luckier. Mercedes had me hypnotized by her long red hair
and red finger nails. I could see myself helpless again.
    “A penny
for your thoughts, Scott. You look miles away. Are you okay?”
    I took a
deep breath before answering. “Mercy, now that we’re alone, I’m really glad we
got together, and I’m sorry for not calling you sooner.” She didn’t comment, so
I continued. “Mercy, from our time at the cabin I haven’t been able to get you
out of my mind. Even after Lisa and I were married, there were times when I
thought of you and that weekend.”
    She put
her hand over mine. “The weekend we just spent together was something special. I’m
glad we didn’t waste time going to the Cape and back. What