Page 40 of Riptide

“The truth?” Seth shrugged, his expression serious. “I’m not going to lie. It used to be true when I was younger. When I surfed professionally, I definitely took more risks. Now that I’m older, I’m more focused on my business. But I’m not going to say I won’t take risks or do the things I love. In life we all take risks, Kai. You’re more likely to die in a car accident than skydiving.”

“Do you think any of these people really know anything about Evan?” She changed the subject. “So far, it seems like they’ve accepted his death.”

“Not sure yet.”

“But we’ve hardly interacted,” she told him.

“It’s best we don’t make a huge splash. It’ll look staged and draw too much attention. Let’s give Selby a chance to plant seeds. She’s letting them know that someone who knows Evan is here. It’s going to be hard to shake out a mole, but that’s Garrett’s job after we leave.”

“We probably should get back,” she told him, trying to shove her feelings away.

“Yeah. Garrett said there’s a game tonight.”

Kaimana’s stomach dropped. “What kind of game? I don’t think—”

She lost her train of thought at the sound of branches breaking. “Someone’s coming.”

“Put on your mask,” he told her as he slipped on his own. “We’ve got to stay in character.”

Kaimana gasped as Seth took her hand and brought her into his embrace. Her heart pounded as voices grew closer.

Out of her peripheral vision, a shirtless man wearing a silver ram-horned mask approached. Kaimana tamped down her fear, her mind spinning logic. This is a costume party with many people in costume. There’s nothing to be afraid of. No matter how demonic he appeared, this event was merely a party…or so she told herself.

“Stone,” Kaimana whispered.

“Paris,” Seth groaned, his hand reaching up her leg.

“Oh yes,” she moaned loudly in an attempt to resume her role.

“Stone Maddox?” The stranger asked, interrupting their privacy.

“Yes?” Seth answered, still holding tight to Kaimana.

“I’m Drew. Garrett sent me to look for you. The game is about to begin.”

“Yeah, sorry, we got a little preoccupied.”

“No worries. That’s kind of what this party is about.” His eyes painted over Kaimana. “Perfect spot, huh? What happened to the other club…it’s a miracle there’s anything left to even try to restore. But this place is pretty sick, right?”

“It seems like a great house.” Seth stood, but held tight to Kaimana’s hand, carefully bringing her to her feet.

“Yeah, it’s been a rough couple of months. We weren’t really sure if Altura was going to continue. But Garrett thought we should at least get together once. Have a toast to Seth. Evan. Fuck, it’s been a month.”

“Evan Tredioux?” Kaimana asked.

“Yeah. Did you know him?”

“Yes. We were quite close. We first met in Fiji. But we’ve also met in New York. Hawaiʻi too. He was one of those people that when you meet them, you feel like you’ve known them forever.”

“You were close?” Drew stopped and turned to her as they approached the pool.

“Yes. Yes, we were. It’s hard to believe he’s really gone. It’s almost as if he’s somewhere and he’ll pop up one day.” Kaimana’s voice remained calm while she spoke. “He was a man with many enemies. Hard to believe though. He was so nice.”

“Evan, enemies? Sorry? What are you trying to say?” Drew asked.

“I’m just saying he was a boss. A true businessman. It’s a dog-eat-dog world and whatnot.” She shrugged. “It feels like he’s not really gone. That one day he will walk back into all our lives.”

“He won’t, though, will he? He’s dead. And so is Seth.” Drew swiveled his head, appearing to search the crowd. “If you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to go.”