The Case Of The Phantom Diver Ch 13

"Let me get this straight. Your ancestor traveled to Lagos with a small cargo and plans to sign a new trade agreement with a local businessman. Instead, he left another relative in charge of signing the deal and ventured deep into Central Africa to search for a lost city in the jungle. Only he returned empty-handed four months later to find the trade deal had collapsed. Is that correct?" Phineas checked while not staring at the display of cleavage in his face from the leaning rich girl.

After Katie left, Regina's sleeveless blouse magically dropped from a lone undone button. Yet, it didn't return to the two from her door greeting. Nope, the beautiful brunette's massive lace-encased blossom now shouted hello from behind three open buttons.

"Somewhat. My past relatives preferred to gloss over the part where Jason ended up in a local jail for almost a third of that time. The family was incensed and never trusted Jason with a business deal again. His uncle didn't even want to search for him after he arrived to discover what had happened. He ordered another nephew, Christopher, to take

Fleetwing

back home while he restored a lesser deal. However, Christopher refused and ended up locating Jason in jail. The whole situation caused family infighting for years and led to Jason throwing himself full-time into his travels. Rarely did he manage to drum up business on his adventures for the family company," Regina explained.

"Ah, yes, Christopher. I've also been searching for more about him," Phinn admitted, gesturing to a pile of folders to his left on the long, narrow table.

"You have? Why?" Regina asked, clearly confused and surprised. "Jason's the family fortune-hunter during this period. While they were close, I don't think Christopher traveled much with Jason."

"Precisely. My research shows that a Tarr living in Edgewater, such as Christopher, might be a better suspect for any salvage operation/treasure hunt," Phinn said, lying about his research. He didn't want to reveal all of Kate Pettit's theory yet.

"Well, I don't know about that," Regina replied slowly. A quick flash of annoyance flashed across her face. "I think you should stick with Jason and his close associates."

"You did say that Christopher and Jason were close. My prior research also showed the same."

"It's my family and I should know!" Regina snapped. Immediately, the buxom brunette's expression softened. "Oh, gawd. I'm sorry for getting snippy. It...It's been a strange day."

"Of course. I'd imagine finding a burglar in an upstairs closet is stressful. I can always continue on my own if you want a break," Phinn offered.

"Ah, I don't know. Uncle Barley wouldn't like it if I left someone unsupervised. Jace would likely...Hmm, how about we order some food? Do you have any delivery preferences?" Regina inquired.

"Anything is fine," Phinn responded, shrugging. He often skipped eating while consumed by a case. Due to Pamela's insistence, Jake frequently had to jam food in Phinn's face to get him to eat during those times.

"How about Mulcaster's or SmokeStone?" the heiress queried, referring to two upscale restaurants.

"They deliver?" Phinn questioned.

"They do if you're a Tarr," Regina replied matter-of-factly.

"Uh, SmokeStone is fine," Phinn responded, adding that a chicken sandwich worked for him. Hopefully, it also worked with his nearly empty wallet, as the steakhouse's menu was slightly cheaper. Fortunately, he thanked his mother for forcing him to take money for the lunch he had already skipped after she learned he planned to meet up with Katie.

"Great! I'll go place an order," Regina announced, standing up. "Be right back."

Glancing at the stack of papers relating to Jason Tarr's trip to Australia, Phinn sighed. Despite it not seeming to matter, he knew he'd have to dig into the final journey Jason returned to Edgewater from. However, there might be the slimmest chance that Jason discovered information about Thornbeard while near his old East Indies stomping grounds. That fragile possibility could be the connection they needed to show Jason knew about Thornbeard and had an interest in his death.

Phinn yawned while stretching. As he twisted his body from a few long days of investigating, the corner of his eye noticed an unusual sight high on the wall to his side. Knowing better than to stare, his brain rapidly ran through the objects at his disposal. He discarded the mirror as too obvious before settling on an old brass sextant. Acting curious, he got up and walked over to it. Picking up the sextant, he pretended to look through its telescope while he moved it around the room. In reality, he squinted through his other eye and got a second, better look at what he'd noticed on the wall and confirmed its identity.

Returning the sextant to its proper spot, Phinn stretched his legs this time. Muttering to himself, he bent down and noticed a leatherbound book slightly sticking out from beneath one of the wooden file cabinets. Pulling the book out, he saw the old leather cover featured a strap and lock. Giving a tug, Phinn found the book locked. Unsure about its contents, he placed the new find on the table. Then, he left the room to find the nearest bathroom. Once inside, he relieved himself while messaging Jake with a new plan for tonight.

Finished with his business, Phinn returned to the guest room simultaneously as Regina. She gave an estimate for how long until the food arrived. Climbing the narrow staircase, Phinn watched how the coed's curvy ass moved under her tight pair of shorts. A blind man couldn't miss the exaggerated sway added to her climb as the bottom of her blouse swished. Unsure about the latest development, Phinn opted to hold off on any confrontation until he had additional information. Too many suspicious events had already occurred between his and Jake's visits to be mere coincidences. Supporting that feeling, Regina suddenly acted as if a light bulb went off in her head.

"Hey, how about we get out of this cramped room? We can bring these folders down to the drawing room and spread them out," Regina suggested, despite sounding like she'd already decided on the idea.

"Sounds good to me," Phinn responded, adding a fake chuckle. Letting Regina grab the Jason Tarr folders they hadn't examined yet, Phinn picked up the papers on Christopher. At the end, he tossed the locked book on top.

"What's that?" Regina inquired, her eyes blazing with unbridled curiosity.

"Oh, it's probably nothing. I found it wedged under the cabinet, but it's locked," Phinn revealed nonchalantly.

"Huh? Locked? Well, that's odd," Regina said, yet Phinn didn't buy her calm dismissal.

She knows what's in the book or has an idea. I'll wait until later before opening it. Let me see how long it takes for her to suggest it first,

Phinn planned.

Once situated in the drawing room, Phinn noted that Regina sat near him on the sofa rather than on the other couch or in an armchair. He nodded at her flimsy excuse about using the large coffee table. As they settled into searching the papers, Phinn peppered Regina with a few questions about Jason's life in Edgewater.

"I'm sure he had close friends here as he had an outgoing, fun-loving reputation. But I couldn't really name any off-hand. Wait, I think he was good friends with one of the Kirkcaldys. They lived down the street for generations until the last one died about fifteen years ago," Regina recalled. "Jace knows more. He always took a special interest in Jason since he's his namesake."

"Right, your brother. I'm sorry I missed him. Perhaps he could fill in some of the blanks. Where was it you said he went again? Darlingport? Anchor Rock?" Phinn asked, drawing a blank look on the young woman's face.

"I'm not quite sure. Jace mentioned seeing a friend," Regina replied, catching the teen's inquisitive expression and adding a chuckle. "It could be a woman he doesn't want me to meet yet."

"Ah, that could be it," the junior detective said, nodding. "Did Jason have any particularly special woman in Edgewater?"

"From the family stories, I'd say he had many women he liked all over the world," the brunette responded, laughing. "But I can't say he did."

They carried on their search for nearly ten minutes until the doorbell rang. Before Regina answered, she mentioned they had drinks, condiments, and plates in the kitchen if Phinn wanted to go there. Nodding, he walked down the long hallway before entering the kitchen. The all-white design did no favors in hiding the kitchen's age, Phinn realized while searching the cabinets for the plates.

"Huh," Regina sounded, entering the kitchen with two bags. "That was weird. The driver asked if we had any luck in finding the treasure."

"He did?"

"And when I paid him, he glanced at the tip and commented that I must not have," Regina recounted, placing the bags on the counter. "Why would he say that?"

Immediately sensing a problem, Phinn pulled out his phone. It took only a few seconds for him to groan before playing a video.

"The frantic search for Thornbeard's lost treasure exploded in Edgewater today. As you can see here, a flotilla of boats swarmed the potential location on the map released Saturday evening by the Kelpie County Historical Society," Hollie Kittler revealed, with the screen cutting away to show the numerous ships.

"I understand there were several exciting moments and disappointments. What happened, Hollie?" the weekend anchor asked.

"Yes, we had two false alarms. One featured a gunshot and an armed standoff before a chest could be broken into. However, dreams evaporated when it contained only rocks. A second loose find led to some speculation about a music box discovery. Unfortunately for the diver, a quick examination revealed it to be a chess set made of pewter. We also had an additional incident with a few spectators who apparently became intoxicated and put on a sexually explicit show," Hollie reported, with a brief video of the Coast Guard vessel alongside the

Rim-Rod

.

Phinn winced after recognizing most of the teens.

"Plenty of dashed dreams today. But I understand a new development has occurred. What can you tell us, Hollie?" the weekend anchor set up.

"That's right. Sources have informed Channel 9 that the skeleton found earlier last week may be connected to a much earlier treasure hunt from the late 19th century. Our sources believe that the leader of that salvage operation was Jason Tarr, a member of a prominent Edgewater trading family. That revelation has already led to speculation down at the city's lakefront. Several arguments broke out at the marina and a few taverns about whether or not the Tarr family had already found the pirate treasure nearly a hundred and fifty years ago," Hollie reported before an image of Tarr Manor appeared on the screen. "We attempted to contact the current Tarr family but received no answer at their home. However, the Edgewater Police Department was called to the grand house earlier this afternoon after a reported break-in."

"Oh, no!" Regina gasped.

"Shit," Phinn muttered. While he expected the Jason Tarr lead to get out eventually, he didn't expect it soon. The identity of the news station's sources intrigued him, but the development also concerned him. "Now, we have increased competition. You didn't mention that reporters were here."

"They must have stopped by while I was out," Regina assumed. "My family isn't going to be pleased, especially my parents."

"Aren't your parents overseas?"

"Yes, but this news will travel fast. My grandfather is in an assisted living center in Darlingport, where my uncle lives. They're obviously going to see or hear about this," Regina pointed out.

"You'll also need to keep an eye out. That intruder earlier might not be the last one," Phinn warned, causing the brunette to frown.

A subdued meal followed. Neither said much as they ate and listened to the rain increase outside. An occasional crack of thunder sounded distantly. Phinn's mind worked over who might have caught on and how, while Regina only asked a question near the end.

"Would you mind terribly if I ask if you or Jake can stay the night? I'm even more concerned after seeing that report. I could call a friend, but I'd have to answer more questions. Besides, you two wanted to keep searching our files," Regina pointed out.

"Hmm, I can see," Phinn replied, scanning the kitchen. With his eyes flickering over what he found, he nodded. "I can call my parents."

"Thank you. I'd greatly appreciate it and won't forget," the attractive coed promised, adding a smile while she moved to clean up their meal.

Phinn recognized and noted the unspoken and suggestive promise. Picking up his phone, he waited until the beautiful brunette turned around to face him before he snapped off a shot. The click surprised Regina, but she took it in stride, her smile morphing into a wider grin.

"What was that for?" she teased, positioning herself in a sexier pose.

Phinn took another picture before standing up.

"Proof. I need to show my mother I'm not lying," Phinn explained, leaving the kitchen.

"Um, maybe use the first one," Regina suggested, calling after the teen.

Entering the tiniest bathroom he'd ever seen in his life, Phinn selected number three on his contact list. His mother answered on the second ring, immediately inquiring as to his whereabouts.

"Are you still with Kate?"

"Ah, no. We split up a few hours ago. I think she had a date," Phinn revealed, seeking to throw Pamela off.

"A date? She didn't mention anything to me? With whom?"

"I didn't ask, and she didn't offer. We weren't alone when she left, Mom," Phinn replied before bracing himself for what came next. "So, I won't be coming home tonight."

"Why not? Where are you? Are you in trouble? Did the police detain you again? You better not be mixed up in this pirate hunt, Phinny," Pamela warned yet again.

"I'm not in trouble. However, I am with a girl who might be. Hold on," he told his mother before she could start asking about the girl's identity. "I'm with Regina Tarr at her family's house...Yes, that Tarr...Yes, the family that was on the news earlier...I know you said not to get involved...Would you listen for a moment? The poor girl asked for our help, Mom. Should I have turned her down?"

"What type of help? You had better not have been out with those boats today. Marcie heard someone was shot," Pamela relayed, referring to one of her gossiping friends.

"Nobody was shot, Mom--"

"You were out there!"

"No, I wasn't it! Jake was nearby on Luke's boat. They said somebody shot straight into the air as a warning...I don't know...I tell you, I don't know, Mom. I wasn't there to know that," Phinn replied to his mother's string of questions. "Look, somebody broke in over here earlier today." Phinn paused. "Yes, I'm at that Tarr mansion right now. Listen, since then, the news reported about the possible tie between her family and the treasure hunt."

"All the more reason for you not to be in that house!"

"Mom, I'm trying to explain," Phinn groaned in frustration.

Why can't she be a pushover like Dad?

"Regina's all alone. Her parents are on vacation somewhere, and her brother is out of town. She's nervous about the news report and the increased attention. So, she asked if Jake and I could spend the night."

"Spend the night? In a mansion that I assume has many doors and windows? I think not!" Pamela proclaimed.

"Look, Regina might have a few of her friends stay the night, too. Female friends. Think of it as a big sleepover," Phinn suggested, hitting send on the second picture he took of Regina.

"No, I don't think a...What--Who's that?"

"Regina. The poor girl who needs our help."

"Oh...my. She's an attractive...gorgeous young woman," Pamela commented. "You said her friends are staying over as well?"

"Yep. I guess they're her sorority sisters. Libby mentioned they're like the most popular sorority at Regina's college or something. Not that it matters," Phinn added, knowing his mother's weaknesses. She liked Jake's older sister and dreamed about her son dating popular, attractive girls.

"Libby is friends with Regina?"

"Regina is two years older than Libby, and they went to separate high schools in town. I wouldn't call them close friends, but they know each other. Jake said something about hot...I mean, popular girls always knowing one another," Phinn answered somewhat truthfully. Libby knew Regina enough to dislike her.

"Well..." Pamela hedged. Her voice grew fainter as she pulled the phone back to study the sexy pose again. "I guess it will be alright. Just make sure you call the police if you hear any noises. You don't need trouble...of any kind. Maybe ask Jake for some protection in case--"

"Great! Thanks, Mom! I gotta go," Phinn hurriedly ended the call before the sex ed portion started.

Before exiting the bathroom, the teen detective sent his partner another message with the updated plans. Only after Jake's confirmation did Phinn return to the drawing room. Straight away, he noticed the difference.

Regina had upped the sex factor. If Phinn didn't have an eye for detail honed through years of investigations that spotted the lack of a bra within seconds, he couldn't have missed the hard nipples poking against the tight sleeveless blouse. Nor did he miss the way the seductive coed lay on the sofa with her legs spread out just enough to entice almost any man.

I'm not any man. So let's play this game

, Phinn declared in his head. His first step led him to sit in one of the armchairs, not on the sofa next to Regina, as she assumed he would. A clear expression of surprise and annoyance washed over her face.

"Okay, what can you tell me about Christopher?"

"What? Oh, I mean, what do you want to know?" Regina replied to his question with her own as she sat up to recompose herself.

"How many trips did he take with Jason? Did Christopher own a ship? Was he close to any other captains in the area? Was either he or Jason known to associate with a sketchy crowd?" Phinn fired off a rapid succession of questions that left Regina staggering to reply.

"Um, I can't recall. I don't know. Maybe. And why would you ask that?" the bewildering brunette asked, slyly undoing a fourth button. The move left her big tits practically exposed if one looked at her from the side. Of course, Phinn had wisely chosen his seat straight across from her.

With a mischievous smile, the wily teen responded to each of her replies.

"I'd like a general idea of when Christopher might have been aboard a ship with Jason. Finding a log of his own vessel would help trace Christopher's whereabouts. The same applies to searching for who might have possibly helmed a boat searching for Thornbeard's spoils. And let's be honest here, Regina. Adventurer and fortune hunter are terms that can easily be switched with mercenary and grave robber. Or, in your case, I'd go with Tomb Raider."

As expected, the play on words about Regina's appearance went over her head.

"My...My family are not grave robbers!" the busty brunette shrieked indignantly.

Phinn picked up on her not yelling about the mercenary remark.

I'm sure if one digs deep enough, they'll find a shipment of guns mysteriously arriving in a Central or South American nation in the 19th or 20th century during a corporate crackdown of the locals. The Tarrs don't scream freedom fighters or revolutionaries to me.

"Apologies. I didn't intend to imply anything. Families often have a black sheep or two. Jason appears to be one when it comes to your family's day-to-day business operations," Phinn pointed out. "It's possible he was also a black sheep in other ways. It's fair speculation based on his adventuring and mysterious vanishing."