Terminal

Sean cast a desperate glance around for Claire, but she was nowhere in sight. With resignation rare for him, he allowed himself to be led down the patio steps and out onto the dock. Every few steps he had to steady Sarah as her heels slipped through the cracks between the planking. At the base of the gangplank leading to the yacht, Sean was confronted by a sizable Doberman with a studded collar and white teeth.

“This is my boat,” Sarah said. “It’s called Lady Luck. Would you like a tour?”

“I don’t think that beast on deck wants company,” Sean said.

“Batman?” Sarah questioned. “Don’t worry about him. As long as you’re with me he’ll be a lamb.”

“Maybe we could come back later,” Sean said. “To tell the truth, I’m starved.”

“There’s food in the fridge,” Sarah persisted.

“Yeah, but I had my heart set on those oysters I saw under the tent.”

“Oysters, huh?” Sarah said. “Sounds good to me. We can see the boat later.”

As soon as he got Sarah back on land, Sean ducked away, leaving her with an unsuspecting couple who’d ventured toward the yacht. Searching through the crowd for Claire, a strong hand gripped his arm. Sean turned and found himself gazing into the puffy face of Robert Harris, head of security. Even a tux didn’t dramatically change his appearance, with his Marine-style crew cut. His collar must have been too tight since his eyes were bulging.

“I want to give you some advice, Murphy,” Harris said with obvious disdain.

“Really?” Sean questioned. “This should be interesting, since we have so much in common.”

“You’re a wiseass,” Harris hissed.

“Is that the advice?” Sean asked.

“Stay away from Sarah Forbes,” Harris said. “I’m only telling you once.”

“Damn,” Sean said. “I’ll have to cancel our picnic tomorrow.”

“Don’t push me!” Harris warned. With a final glare, he stalked off.

Sean finally found Claire at the table featuring oysters, shrimp, and stone crab. Filling his plate, he scolded her for allowing him to fall into the clutches of Sarah Mason.

“I suppose I should have warned you,” Claire said. “When she drinks she’s notorious for chasing anything in pants.”

“And here I thought I was irresistible.”

They were still busy with the seafood when Dr. Mason stepped to the podium and tapped the microphone. As soon as the crowd was silent, he introduced Howard Pace, thanking him profusely for his generous gift. After a resounding round of applause, Dr. Mason turned the microphone over to the guest of honor.

“This is a bit syrupy for my taste,” Sean whispered.

“Be nice,” Claire chided him.

Howard Pace began his talk with the usual platitudes, but then his voice cracked with emotion. “Even this check for ten million dollars cannot adequately express my feelings. The Forbes Cancer Center has given me a second chance at life. Before I came here all my doctors believed my brain tumor was terminal. I almost gave up. Thank God I didn’t. And thank God for the dedicated doctors at the Forbes Cancer Center.”

Unable to speak further, Pace waved his check in the air as tears streamed down his face. Dr. Mason immediately appeared at his side and rescued the check lest it waft out into the wine-dark Biscayne Bay.

After another round of applause, the formal events of the evening were over. The guests surged forward, all overcome with the emotion Howard Pace had expressed. They had not expected such intimacy from such a powerful person.

Sean turned to Claire. “I hate to be a drag,” he said. “But I’ve been up since five. I’m fading fast.”

Claire put down her drink.

“I’ve had enough as well. Besides, I’ve got to be at work early.”

They found Dr. Mason and thanked him, but he was distracted and barely realized they were leaving. Sean was thankful Mrs. Mason had conveniently disappeared.

As they drove back over the causeway Sean was the first to speak. “That speech was actually quite touching,” he said.

“It’s what makes it all worthwhile,” Claire agreed.

Sean pulled up and parked next to Claire’s Honda. There was a moment of awkwardness. “I did get some beer this afternoon,” he said after a pause. “Would you like to come up for a few minutes?”

“Fine,” Claire said enthusiastically.

As Sean climbed the stairs behind her he wondered if he’d overestimated his endurance. He was almost asleep on his feet.

At the door to his apartment, he awkwardly fumbled with the keys, trying to get the right one in the lock. When he finally turned the bolt, he opened the door and groped for the light. Just as his fingers touched the switch, there was a violent cry. When he saw who was waiting for him, his blood ran cold.

“EASY NOW!” Dr. Mason said to the two ambulance attendants. They were using a special stretcher to lift Helen Cabot from the Lear jet that had brought her to Miami. “Watch the steps!”

Dr. Mason was still dressed in his tuxedo. Margaret Richmond had called just as the party was ending to say that Helen Cabot was about to land. Without a second’s hesitation, Dr. Mason had jumped into his Jaguar.