Jo Santini rolled over in the bed and her hand closed on empty space. She opened one eye grumpily to confirm she was alone. She sat up and looked around the bedroom. A slow smile crept across her face. Detective Ricardo Marin was certainly full of surprises although the room itself was a typical bachelor's bedroom; dark browns and greys, solid wood furniture. She stretched out under the covers and slipped out of bed. She grabbed Marin's discarded shirt and put it on before going in search of her missing boyfriend.

The bedroom was located right at the back of the apartment, the bathroom opposite with a short corridor back out to the sitting room. Jo dipped into the bathroom before she continued down the corridor. The sitting room was dominated by a large television screen with the sofa directly in front of it. There was a small kitchenette at the back and a door opened out onto a small balcony.

Jo frowned as she neared the doorway to the sitting room; it sounded like Marin was on the phone to someone. He sounded annoyed. She padded to the slightly open door and listened.

'Look, I've done everything you've asked.' Marin hissed.

Jo peeked through the gap. Marin was pacing, the phone at his ear. He was wearing a white vest and jeans; he looked agitated, a dull flush on his olive complexion. His hand was clutching his hair as though he was extremely distressed.

'No. You don't understand. I've swallowed a hell of a lot to get my foot in the door at Santini Air not to mention getting you Santos.' Marin snapped angrily at the person on the other end of the phone. 'No, I've told you, I've got the niece and she knows something. I know she does.'

Jo felt her heart start to pound uncomfortably.

'You want the proof. The niece is in my bedroom.' Marin said. 'I'm taking a bigger risk and I want more money.'

Jo wanted to run back to the bedroom, pull the covers back over her head and pretend that she hadn't heard any of Marin's conversation but her feet remained rooted to the spot.

'OK. Today at twelve. Yeah, I know the Z Bar. It's out by the desert road, right?' Marin nodded. 'I'll be there. Just make sure you bring the money.' He hung up.

Jo silently rushed back to the bedroom and stripped the shirt from her body. She dived under the covers and had only just pulled them back over her head when she heard Marin's footsteps coming towards the bedroom.

'Hey, sleepyhead.' Marin drew the covers back.

Jo opened her eyes and blinked at him a couple of times to try to make it appear that she was just waking up. 'Hey.'

Marin reached down and kissed her.

Jo pulled away and glanced around to see if she could see a clock. She latched onto the alarm clock with barely concealed fervour. 'Is that really the time?'

'I'm afraid so.' Marin brushed Jo's hair out of her blue eyes.

'I should take a shower.' Jo said slipping from his grasp and grabbing his shirt again to cover her body.

Marin grabbed her arm. 'There's no rush.'

'I've got to get back.' Jo said. 'My uncle will be getting worried.'

Marin frowned at her as she pulled her blond bob out of the shirt. 'Is there a problem?'

Jo attempted a smile. 'Of course not.'

'Then why don't I believe you?' Marin said. He blocked her step toward the door.

Jo tried to ignore the fear knotting her stomach. She gave a sigh and rubbed her arms. 'Look, waking up with you and everything…I guess it's just hit me that we're just moving a little fast.'

Marin stared at her for a while. 'I guess things have moved a little quick.'

'Maybe we ought to slow down just for a little while.' Jo suggested.

'Sure.' Marin said. He stepped away from the door. 'Why don't you take your shower? I'll make you some breakfast.'

'Sounds good.' Jo forced herself to drop a kiss on Marin's lips.

The phone rang.

Marin kissed her again. 'I should get that.'

'Sure.' Jo gestured at the bathroom. 'I'd better get that shower.'

Marin headed into the sitting room as Jo stepped into the bathroom and locked the door. She turned the shower on, put the lid down on the toilet and sat on it putting her head in her hands. She took a gulping breath and stripped his shirt off. She got under the rushing water and turned the heat up. She felt dirty and she scrubbed her skin until it was pink. She wrapped herself in a clean towel and took a deep breath before stepping out of the bathroom. The apartment seemed quiet.

'Hello?' Jo said. She padded into the sitting room and her eyes caught on the note propped up on the coffee table. She snatched it up.

'Had to go into work. I'm afraid you'll have to take a cab to the airfield. I'll call you. Ricky.' The number of the cab company was on the bottom.

Jo's eyes flew to the clock. It was ten in the morning. If she hurried she could get to the airfield and tell her uncle and Hawke about Marin's duplicity. She hesitated with her finger over the numbers and wondered if she should just call the airfield. She dialled the number for the cab company; she would convince Hawke and her uncle better in person.