Crashed in Oasis Read online

  Collin laughed and hung up. He turned to Dottie and said, "My crew just located the Vittoria galleon and I've got to return to sign paperwork before the salvage can begin. Government rules, regulations, and all that crap."

  He thought he saw disappointment flash across her eyes, but then she smiled brightly. "That's wonderful! I'm so happy for you." She joked, "I guess that solves your media problem here."

  She reached for her door handle but Collin placed a hand on her shoulder. "I think we can solve your problem with the media, too."

  She gave him a questioning look.

  He said softly, "Come to Florida with me."

  Her eyes widened.

  Before she could answer, he said hastily. "We shouldn't be gone more than a week or two. I have a house in Key West that has several guest rooms, so you'll have plenty of privacy. And if you've never been to the Keys, it’s a place everyone should put on their bucket list. After the initial hullabaloo with the dive, I can turn everything over to my partner and return to Oasis to resume the hunt for Schneider's gold." He paused, holding his breath.

  Dottie chewed her bottom lip and Collin got the kissing urge again. She glanced away, bit her thumbnail, and then returned her gaze to his. He had a sudden revelation and hastily added, "And your expenses are all on me because it's my invitation."

  Shyly, Dottie said, "That doesn't seem right. I should pay my own way–"

  Collin interrupted. "Hell, no! I invited you, and besides, money is a non-issue with me. After I salvaged the La Lucia years ago, I was set up for life. Please, let me do this."

  Dottie chewed her bottom lip again and then grinned. "Okay. How can I say no? Traveling to the scene of sunken treasure is too tempting to turn down. But I won't let you pay my entire way. I have some savings and what better way to spend it." She placed her hands on her cheeks. "This is so exciting!"

  Collin breathed easier and decided not to argue. Squabbling about money might rock the boat and cause her to change her mind. Dottie was a woman of principle. He'd just do his damndest to try and cover her expenses before she did.

  For the remainder of the afternoon, Collin and Dottie sat at her dining table while he diagramed The Florida Keys and explained how the ship had come to rest in its current location near the Marquesas Keys, twenty miles west of Key West. He also gave the history of the ship and the cargo it was carrying. He said the galleon had departed from Puerto de Málaga in southern Spain in 1566 bound for the New World. In its cargo it carried supplies for colonists living in Veracruz, Mexico, and after unloading those supplies, the hold had been reloaded with gold, silver, precious jewels, and agricultural products for its return trip to Spain. He said the ship had successfully made it back to the fleet waiting in the Keys, when a violent storm blew in two days after they set sail for Spain. The storm sunk the Vittoria and the remaining ships were so damaged that recovery efforts suffered. By the time the weather calmed, the Vittoria and all 187 occupants, both military and civilian, had disappeared under the sea.

  Goosebumps skirted up and down Dottie's spine as she listened to the sad tale.

  That evening as they sat in the living room after dinner sipping coffee and eating cherry pie, Collin received a return call from Smith, the pilot who handled his travel needs. Smith said he had a Lear lined up for departure from Sky Harbor in Phoenix the next afternoon. Collin hung up and apologized to Dottie for the short notice, but she brushed it aside. "We could leave tonight and I wouldn't complain. This is the adventure of a lifetime. I won't even sleep tonight."

  Collin grinned and lifted a forkful of cherry pie. Dottie was an intriguing combination of domesticity and adventuress.

  Chapter 14: I'd Love To Go For It

  The next evening Dottie found herself staring out the porthole of a Lear jet and she almost pinched herself to see if she was dreaming. Collin had been on the phone most of the day, and even now held the device to his ear.

  Throughout the drive to the airport and then the flight, she'd had a chance to observe the famous treasure hunter in action. He was straightforward and decisive in his phone interactions.

  Before boarding their flight, Dottie had parked in the airport's long-term parking garage and started to unload their carryon bags, but Collin had said, "Leave the bags, help should be here in a few minutes."

  True to his prediction, a sleek Mercedes pulled in front of Dottie's car and a distinguished, middle-aged man jumped out. "Hello, Collin. Good to see you again all in one piece. That was a nasty crash."

  Collin chuckled. "Hello Smith. Believe me, it's good to be in one piece." He motioned toward Dottie. "I'd like you to meet Dottie Arnez, the woman who risked her life to save mine."

  Smith extended his hand toward Dottie.

  Collin continued, "Dottie, this is my longtime pilot, Franklin Smith. But he goes by Smith."

  Smith said, "Well, Dottie, saving the boss's life deserves more than a handshake." He pulled her into a hug.

  Collin coughed. "Smith, you're not getting emotional, are you?"

  Smith guffawed, "Over you! Never!"

  There was an awkward silence and then Collin asked, "Who's our co-pilot, Zack or Zeke?" He looked at Dottie to explain. "Zack and Zeke are identical twins who have worked for the Banks Foundation for years. They do everything from diving to piloting to fundraising."

  Smith said, "Zack is co-piloting. He and Zeke both wanted to come so I had to make a choice in the only scientific way possible…" He grinned. "I made them draw straws and the long one won."

  Now, gazing out the window as they soared above the clouds, Dottie heard Collin say goodbye and disconnect his call. She glanced at him and he smiled. He said, "I promise no more calls for at least an hour."

  "Oh, goodness, please don't think you have to entertain me. I'm perfectly happy staring out the window. I haven't flown since returning to Oasis from San Diego years ago with my daughter. You make all the calls you need."

  Collin leaned forward and touched his hand to her knee. "I'd rather talk to you."

  Dottie blushed and said the first thing that came into her mind. "Are all your employees as friendly as Smith and Zack?"

  A shadowed expression flitted across Collin's face. "Most of them are. One of my employees is angry with me right now, however." He paused and sighed. "I might as well let you know up front about Kate Sorenson because you'll surely feel the vibrations." His eyes darted away from Dottie's and then returned. "I had a relationship with her that went south. She's one of the best divers I've ever worked with, so I don't want to let her go, but if she can't release the past, I may have to."

  Dottie's eyes rounded and then she quickly glanced at her lap. "Ah, you don't have to talk about this."

  "I know. But I want you to know. As divers, Kate and I are great together, but as lovers, not so much. I think she's angry because she wasn't the one to call things off, more so than any feelings she still has for me. So…with that being said, now I can breathe a sigh of relief."

  Dottie gave him a questioning look.

  He explained, "I won't be walking on pins and needles wondering when Kate's going to have an outburst and make me sound like a low-life predator of young women."

  Dottie frowned. "I would never think that."

  Collin gave her a sad smile. "Thank you, sweet Dottie."

  The door to the cockpit opened and Zack appeared. He said, "Smith gave me a few minutes reprieve; said I could give you the particulars on the discovery thus far."

  Collin patted the seat next to him and Zack sat down. Zack grinned at Dottie. "You're the first woman I've seen hold Collin's attention. He's usually in the back studying diagrams or maps and charts."

  Dottie was at a loss for words and again she felt that awful blush creep up her neck. When she'd boarded the plane and first been introduced to Zack Danielson, she'd thought him friendly and handsome. Now, while he teased her, she realized he was amazingly handsome. He couldn't be much older than her daughter. Wondering how Lucy would react to Zack put a s
mile on her face. Her daughter would no doubt think him good-looking, but then she'd dissect his character. So far, Lucy hadn't met a man with a personality she liked enough to fall for. What would she have to say about Zack, Dottie wondered?

  Zack related some of the artifacts that had been found before the actual ship was discovered and then Collin asked him questions that turned into technical jargon. Fascinated, Dottie listened until Zack stood and excused himself. He grinned widely at Dottie. "Hey, Collin, you gonna teach Dottie to dive so she can join us?"

  Before Collin could answer, Zack was gone.

  Dottie moved her gaze to Collin's. He looked thoughtful. "You want to go for it? Would you like to learn to dive?"

  Dottie was so taken aback that she couldn't form a coherent response. "Ah, umm, hmm…"

  He quirked an eyebrow. "We could have you certified in three or four days and then take you to the dive site. You'd dive with a partner so you'd never be alone."

  Dottie held her breath. She was being invited to dive at the site of a sunken galleon with real treasure! Never had she imagined something so wonderful. She clasped her hands over her heart and said breathlessly, "I'd love to go for it!"

  Chapter 15: It's…Perfect

  Just as dusk was mellowing the sky into pale pinks and yellows, the Lear landed in Key West. Exiting the plane behind Dottie, Collin saw Jake leaning against the company's Range Rover waiting for them. Jake smiled lazily and waved in his layback manner.

  Collin leaned forward slightly and said to Dottie, "That's my partner. He'll drive us to my home." He returned Jake's wave.

  Smith and Zack exited the plane behind Collin and Dottie and the four of them walked across the tarmac to meet Jake who was now strolling toward them.

  Jake tilted his head to the side and perused Collin's cast and crutches. He chuckled. "You're quite a sight, partner…but a sight for sore eyes. It's good to have you home." He patted Collin lightly on the back before turning his attention to Dottie.

  Collin said, "Dottie, I'd like you to meet Jake Chivers. Jake, this is my heroine, Dottie Arnez."

  Jake clasped one of Dottie's hands in both of his. "This is an honor, ma'am. Words can't express how grateful the whole crew is for your courage and quick thinking."

  Softly, Dottie replied, "Thank you," and turned that pretty pink again. Collin knew she was embarrassed by all the attention, so he turned to Smith and Zack and said, "Thanks, guys." To Smith he said, "I'll call you later this week to catch up." To Zack he said, "And I'll see you tomorrow when we go over dive strategies."

  The group continued on to the Land Rover and while Collin shuffled inside the back seat, Smith and Zack loaded the hatchback with Collin's and Dottie's carryons and backpacks. Jake rushed to open the passenger door for Dottie, and she said, "I don’t mind changing places with Collin so the two of you can talk."

  He waved her concern aside. "No way. Besides, you're much prettier than Collin. I've been staring at his mug for twenty years. I'd rather look at you."

  Collin called through his open door. "I heard that and you can just keep your playboy ways to yourself." He saw Dottie grin and was surprised that he actually meant what he'd said to Jake.

  Smith and Zack said jovial farewells and headed toward the hangar Collin's company rented.

  The drive to Collin's home was pleasant as the sun dipped low and bathed the world in pink light. Collin loved Key West and was excited to be home. He looked forward to taking Dottie on a tour of the home he'd owned for over ten years. After traveling the world and living out of suitcases, he'd finally succumbed to a craving for stability, and when he'd considered a location to call home, Key West had been uppermost in his desire. Not only was the area beautiful, it was strategically located for his many searches for sunken ships and treasure.

  When he'd divorced, he hadn't worried about Alexis wanting the house. For years she'd done nothing but complain about the remote location, the weather, and his endless sailing into the blue. On more than one occasion, he'd angrily retorted that it was his "sailing into the blue" that supported her grand lifestyle.

  His ex-wife had insisted on a penthouse in Manhattan and Collin had agreed, thinking maybe a change of scenery would make living with her easier. She'd moved into the penthouse fulltime and, hell, his life had become easier—no more nagging and complaining because she was gone. That's when he'd known divorce was the only solution to years of discontent.

  Collin leaned forward as Jake rounded the bend that afforded the first view of his home nestled in a cove of palms and ferns facing an ocean turned indigo by the waning sun. He held his breath for a few seconds, like he always did, and then shifted his gaze to Dottie. Softly, he said, "That's my home and hideaway, Dottie."

  She lifted a surprised hand to her mouth. "It's-it's just beautiful. It's…perfect," she breathed.

  Collin released his own breath. "That's what I've always thought." He returned his gaze to the house and grounds. The home wasn't overly large, only three thousand square feet, but it included exotic foliage, an expanse of lush grass, and a swimming pool built on a rise to afford an unobstructed view of the ocean. The southwest facing floor to ceiling windows encompassed incredible views from the living room, dining room, library, and two of the four bedrooms.

  Of course, maintaining such a fabulous estate required live-in caretakers. For the past three years, Collin had been happy with the services of a retired couple who lived in a cottage on the grounds. He'd met Oliver and Sandy Decker when they'd been referred by an employment agency he often used. The agency was discreet and trustworthy. After interviewing the couple, he'd discovered they were both fifty-five years old, had sold their home in California, lived in an RV, but were tired of traveling. They loved The Keys and hoped to settle there. They said their retirement income was such that they needed to work a few more years and save, but the thought of continuing as they had for the past thirty years, was unbearable. Collin had liked them immediately, and they were excellent caretakers: Oliver of the grounds, and Sandy of the household. He had no complaints.

  Jake hit the fob on his keychain and the front gate opened. Before he even parked the car in front of the portico accessed by a circular drive, a large door with carvings of palm fronds was thrown open and Oliver and Sandy rushed toward them.

  Collin grinned and opened his car door. Holding the frame, he pulled himself to a standing position and waited for Jake to retrieve his crutches from the trunk. It felt good to be home. Dottie had already exited the Range Rover and stood off to the side waiting for him. He liked the fact that she didn't hover.

  Sandy gushed. "Oh, sir, it's wonderful having you home." She patted his shoulder. "It scared the daylights out of me and Oliver when we heard about the accident. We're just so happy you're on the road to recovery." She glanced at Dottie, but before Collin could make introductions, she gushed again, "And you must be Ms. Arnez! It had to have been fate that you were there to save Collin!" She stepped to enfold Dottie in a hug. "Thank you, my dear girl."

  When Sandy stepped back, her husband took her place, welcoming Collin and hugging Dottie. Collin was a little embarrassed by the display of emotion, but he'd learned early on that his caretakers were loud and expressive.

  While the greetings had been happening, Jake had retrieved and handed Collin his crutches and unloaded their baggage. Now Jake and Oliver carried the bags toward the house.

  Chapter 16: Meeting Her

  Dottie watched Oliver rush to open the front door, and Collin, always the gentleman, leaned on his crutches and motioned everyone inside first. She stepped into a large foyer opening into a living room spanned by windows overlooking the sea. A spectacular view stole her breath! The setting sun had enshrouded ocean waves in a golden womb of phosphorous tranquility.

  For long moments she immersed herself in beauty she could never have imagined seeing in person. When she turned her head to meet Collin's gaze, she felt lightheaded by a rush of emotions. His kindness in inviting her to his home melte
d her heart. Softly, she said, "Thank you for bringing me here. I will never forget this view."

  Collin's smile enfolded her in delicious sensations and she moved her gaze back to the ocean to compose her emotions. She heard Sandy say, "Collin, the guest room is ready. Do you want me to show Ms. Arnez there now?"

  "In a few minutes, Sandy. Oliver, why don't you take Dottie's bags to her room."

  "Yes, sir." Oliver turned to Dottie, "Just point them out and I'll have them there in a jiffy."

  Dottie indicated her carryon and backpack and said to Sandy and Oliver, "You must call me Dottie."

  Sandy grinned. "And you must call us Oliver and Sandy."

  Jake said, "Well, I, for one, need a drink." He started toward the living room.

  Collin said, "We're right behind you."

  Jake walked to a bar against a side wall in the large room and opened a small refrigerator. He glanced up. "Name your poison."

  Collin leaned his crutches against the edge of the couch and gingerly sat down. He said to Dottie, "The bar is well stocked. What would you like?"

  "7Up, please."

  Collin said to Sandy. "How about you, Sandy?"

  "I'll pass, sir. I need to check on supper." She winked. "I'm preparing shrimp scampi with linguini."

  Collin's expression looked ecstatic. "Oh, be still my heart. If you weren't already taken, Sandy, I'd marry you in a heartbeat and be three hundred pounds heavier."

  The older woman laughed loudly. "Tell that to Oliver. The man needs to gain some weight in my opinion."

  Dottie found herself grinning at the comradery around her.

  Collin said to Jake, "I'll have a brandy."

  Sandy excused herself and Jake brought their drinks to them, returned for his own, and then sat in a chair across from Dottie who had also settled on the couch. While the men conversed, Dottie could hardly remove her gaze from churning waves sparkling in the deepening night. She sipped her soda and visualized walking on the beach. She was so caught up in her fantasy of running in and out of frothy waves, finding seashells, and breathing salty air, that she barely registered her name being called.