Lantern Beach Mysteries Box Set

by Christy Barritt

  Thankfully, a bunch of headlines filled her screen and distracted her.

  She skimmed them, stopping at one halfway down. Martin Chaser Buying Island off SC Coast.

  South Carolina? That wasn’t far from Lantern Beach. Could he have actually bought that island where the women had been kept—and eventually escaped?

  Martin moved up higher on her suspect list.

  And what did that mean for Serena’s upcoming interview with the man? Was she even safe talking to him?

  Cassidy wasn’t sure. Serena wasn’t a girl meeting an online love connection. But she was an impressionable college student who was easily taken in by handsome men.

  Cassidy nibbled on her lip as she contemplated what to do. Where was Serena even doing that interview?

  Not her place at the campground. Not Ernestine’s—the editor’s—house. No, Ernestine was too much of a hermit. So where?

  Lisa’s place, she realized. She would bet Serena was meeting Martin at the Crazy Chefette.

  She glanced at her watch. She really should sell ice cream.

  But she was going to swing past the restaurant first and ask Lisa to keep an eye on the situation there.

  Cassidy sold ice cream for the next three hours. As she did, she searched for the sedan she’d seen last night, but she didn’t find it. It had been dark, so the vehicle would be hard to identify. But she’d be remiss if she hadn’t at least tried.

  The town was all abuzz with tomorrow’s upcoming festivities. The police had already started to set up barricades for the parade, and a stage had been erected on the boardwalk, boasting everything red, white, and blue.

  Which begged a question in Cassidy’s mind . . . what were her limitations during the parade? Could she sell ice cream? Did she need a special permit?

  There was only one person she could think to ask: Niles Shepherd.

  She smiled at the thought.

  Maybe he could clear up some other questions as well. In fact, this made the perfect excuse to talk to him.

  She headed down Main Street and stopped at the municipal center. The receptionist there told her Niles was supervising parade setup downtown and that Cassidy should head there.

  Once in the retail district, it wasn’t hard to find the man. He must be the one with a whistle around his neck, standing on the sidewalk looking like he was directing traffic. That had to be Niles Shepherd.

  Cassidy pulled up beside him in her ice cream truck and offered her most winning smile. “Niles, right?”

  He blinked and looked up from his clipboard. “Yes?”

  “Someone told me I needed to find you,” she started. “I was wondering if I was permitted to sell ice cream tomorrow during the festivities?”

  “They told you to find me?” He rolled his eyes. “Of course. My staff evidently cannot make a single decision on their own. What do they think I’m going to do? Cut their heads off if they make a mistake?”

  Cassidy would guess that was a very real possibility.

  He let out a sigh and snapped his attention to one of his workers. “That banner goes on the other side of the street, you idiot! How many times do I have to tell you?”

  Oh. My.

  He turned back to her. “I suppose you can sell ice cream.” His gaze swiped Elsa and he frowned, as if the truck didn’t meet his standards. “As long as you don’t get in anyone’s way.”

  “I would never.”

  As he began yelling out more directions, Cassidy’s eyes went to the sleeve of his teal colored Polo. Was that a . . . tattoo peeking out?

  Cassidy’s breath caught. It was. But was it a cobra?

  She scanned his other arm for a sign of injury but didn’t see any. Of course, depending on how serious it had been, he could have taken the bandage off.

  This might be her only chance to find out if he was her guy.

  Think ditzy blonde. Think like someone who’s not a detective. Think like anyone but yourself.

  That settled it. She knew what she needed to do.

  Cassidy gasped loudly—so loudly that Niles jerked his head toward her, his upper lip pulling back in disapproval.

  She pretended not to notice and pointed at his arm. “A spider just went up your sleeve.”

  He looked down, halfway confused, and swatted his arm. When nothing happened, he pulled his sleeve up.

  Cassidy’s spirits sank. It was a mermaid tattoo.

  “I don’t see anything,” he muttered.

  “It must have fallen out when you slapped your arm.” She smiled again, making sure her eyes appeared unassuming.

  He glared at her. “Anything else?”

  “Since you asked, I do have one more question.” That was really the last thing Niles wanted, but Cassidy may as well keep this conversation going for as long as possible. “I know you’re busy with the parade and all, but have you heard anything else about that raft that washed up here?”

  He looked back at his crew, sweat filling his forehead like an army under the afternoon sun, and then let out the world’s longest sigh. “Why would you ask me that? And why right now when you can obviously see I’m busy.”

  Cassidy pretended again like she didn’t notice his irritation. “You seem like someone in the know, Mr. Shepherd. I thought you ran this town. I am the one who found it, and I’ve been trying to find out some information.”

  That seemed to appease him. He wiped his forehead with the back of his hand and shrugged. “It’s still at the police station. I was hoping they would release it before the parade.”

  That was curious. “Why’s that?”

  He gave her a look that made it obvious he thought Cassidy was stupid—just like everyone else in his life. “I wanted to feature it as a way of bringing attention to those less fortunate . . . of course.”

  “Those less fortunate?” she asked, just wanting a little bit of clarification.

  “You know . . . the refugees.”

  She nodded slowly, purposeful realization dawning over her face. “I see. Good idea.”

  “I thought it would be nice publicity. But it’s not happening. Not now, at least. But maybe later we can bring some additional publicity to Lantern Beach. We need something to boost tourism around here and put this place on the map.”

  “Or you need someone. Someone like Smith Anderson.”

  His face reddened. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  Oh, but she bet he did.

  She didn’t say that aloud, though. Instead, she asked, “Can I get you an ice cream sandwich? My treat.”

  Chapter 17

  When Cassidy got back to her place, Serena was already waiting in the driveway to start her shift. She leaned against the hood of her sedan, studying her nails and the chipped blue fingernail polish there.

  She sat up straight when she saw Cassidy and waved like someone seeing a long-lost friend.

  Cassidy pulled her gaze away long enough to note the car in Ty’s driveway. That had to be Renee’s. Which meant that Ty was probably home.

  Cassidy’s heart lurched. As much as she wanted to rush over and chat with him, she knew she couldn’t—for more than one reason.

  “His girlfriend is pretty,” Serena said, following her gaze.

  Her heart skipped a beat at her pronouncement. “She is.”

  “She came downstairs a few minutes ago and talked to me,” Serena continued. “Seemed nice enough.”

  And that was enough of this conversation.

  “How’d the interview go?” Cassidy asked.

  “Martin seems like a nice enough guy.” A dreamy little smile feathered across Serena’s lips. “Handsome too.”

  “He is handsome.” Cassidy put her hands on her hips, anticipating what Serena might say next.

  “But Lisa was acting all weird,” she continued, her light smile turning into a faint frown.

  “How so?”

  “I don’t know. She kept coming over and offering us more food and drinks. Maybe she has a crush on Martin or some
thing. But that’s just weird, cause she’s old.”

  Lisa wasn’t even thirty, but Cassidy kept her mouth shut.

  “You think Lisa likes him?” Cassidy tried to keep the amusement from her voice.

  “Yeah, and then when the interview was over, she asked if I’d taste something for her in the kitchen. It was one of those weird salt-and-vinegar sugar cookies. Totally not my thing.”

  “Hmm . . . I wonder what got into her?”

  Thank you, Lisa. Her friend had done just what Cassidy asked of her.

  “I don’t know.” She let out a breath and stretched out her arm, reaching for Cassidy’s keys. “But now I’m ready to sell some ice cream. Skye is going to fire me soon if I don’t work for her more.”

  Cassidy remembered the financial troubles her friend was having. “I have a feeling she’s fine not having an employee there right now. She’s still trying to get back on her feet after the whole Buddy situation.”

  A competitor had opened across the street from her and wreaked havoc on Skye’s business—and on her life. That was over now, but Skye was still recovering.

  “I know.” Serena frowned. “That was crazy. I’m kind of sad I wasn’t here when it all happened. She could have used my support.”

  Serena would have only added to Skye’s stress, most likely. But Cassidy didn’t say that out loud.

  “Okay, go sell some ice cream,” Cassidy said, suddenly anxious to talk to the women staying in her house.

  “It’s so hot outside that I bet a lot of people are buying.”

  “You bet correctly,” Cassidy said. “It’s a good thing I got a new shipment in today.”

  As Serena left, Cassidy went upstairs to check on the women. She hoped and prayed they were doing okay.

  Rose was sleeping soundly in her room when Cassidy came back, as was Kat.

  Trina, however, was up and almost seemed to be waiting to talk to Cassidy.

  “Trina, you’re up and about,” Cassidy said, grabbing a water bottle and taking a long sip.

  “I’m doing much better. Thank you.” Her voice sounded shaky.

  Cassidy recognized a deep insecurity inside the woman. It wasn’t one born of what had happened to her—though the abduction had most likely made things worse. No, Cassidy had seen this kind of emptiness before. It was an emptiness borne of a rough life, lacking a stable support system. Probably marred with abuse and people who’d let her down and the fact that no one had ever given her a soft place to fall.

  Cassidy’s heart panged at the realization.

  “Can I fix you some tea?” Cassidy asked.

  “I’d love some, if you wouldn’t mind.”

  “Not at all. Hot or cold? I’m pretty proficient at both.”

  “Hot, please.”

  She went to the stove to prepare some. As she did, Trina sat at the breakfast bar and watched her.

  “What’s your story, Trina?” Cassidy asked, setting the kettle on the stove.

  She stared at her hands a moment before shrugging.

  “Bad home life. Shuffled to different foster-care families. Thought I met the perfect guy. Turns out he was a predator.” She shrugged again. “Same old story, I guess.”

  “I’m sorry, Trina.”

  “I should have known better.”

  “What we all want deep inside is to trust someone, to know they’re going to look out for our best interests.” Cassidy swallowed hard at the words. That was true for her too, wasn’t it? If only she could tell someone the truth . . .

  She pulled out a mug and a tea bag and waited for the water to boil.

  “I want the life I’ve always dreamed about. I thought Kent would give it to me.”

  “Is that what he called himself?”

  “Yeah, I should have known that a guy like that would never be interested in me.”

  Cassidy squeezed her hand. “Don’t sell yourself short.”

  “Look at me. I’m a mess. I had a drug problem and went into withdrawal when I was abducted. It was so bad . . . even right now, all I want is another hit. Makes me feel crazy sometimes.”

  “It’s never too late to change.”

  Tears rimmed her eyes. “I have a daughter, you know.”

  Cassidy’s heart pounded in her ears now, the sound cut by the squeal of the kettle. “Do you?”

  “She’s in foster care. I’m doing to her what I always blamed my mom for doing to me.”

  “We’re going to get you out of this situation, Trina.” Cassidy poured the tea and slid the mug toward her. “You don’t have to follow in your mother’s footsteps.”

  “Why do you want to help us?”

  “I . . . I don’t believe in coincidences. I found you three for a reason.”

  “I was thinking the same thing, Cassidy.” She offered a weak smile. “Anyone else would have run away or called the cops. You know you’re putting yourself in danger by helping us.”

  “I believe in doing the right thing, even when it’s hard.”

  “Thank you, Cassidy. May your kindness be repaid one day.”

  “You can repay me by staying clean.”

  She nodded a little too rapidly. “If get out of this, I will. I’m going to make some changes.”

  “I believe you, Trina. I believe you.”

  Chapter 18

  When Cassidy had a free moment, she hopped on the computer.

  Rose had mentioned that the Cobra said something about stopping in Myrtle Beach before coming here. Out of curiosity, she looked at the crime reports for the area.

  She scanned each of them from the past three days, hoping something might make sense.

  She finally found an article that did just that. Her heart pounded in her ears as she read the details.

  A twenty-year-old was nearly abducted after trying to meet someone she’d first connected with on an internet dating site. The woman got a bad feeling in her gut and decided to cut the date short, but her online match didn’t want to let her leave.

  One of his friends even stepped in, and she’d thought for sure she would disappear never to be found. But before they could get her into their car, she pulled out a knife from her purse. She always kept it there as a precaution. She managed to slice one man’s arm before getting away.

  The Cobra.

  Cassidy nibbled on her lip for a minute before making a decision. She put in an anonymous call to the Myrtle Beach Police Department, hinting that the man involved in this case may be in Lantern Beach, North Carolina, right now.

  She didn’t leave her name, and she stayed on the line for only a few minutes.

  Then she hung up and prayed, hoping she hadn’t done something she would regret.

  She stepped outside, ready to get some fresh air and clear her head. She wandered downstairs where it was shady beneath her house. But as soon as her foot hit the pavement, she felt someone staring at her.

  Renee.

  She was pulling a bag from the back of her car.

  “He’s not yours,” she said, crossing the distance between them.

  “What are you talking about?” That had been abrupt.

  Renee’s eyes narrowed. “Ty and I need to see if we can work things out. That’s never going to happen if you’re around.”

  “I’m his neighbor. What do you want me to do?”

  “Oh, I see the way he looks when he talks about you. Stay away from him.”

  “I really think that’s Ty’s choice, not yours.” Cassidy felt herself bristling.

  “He’s already chosen.”

  “If that’s true, he’s all yours. I’m not about forcing someone to be with me.”

  A glimmer of a smile lit her gaze. “Good. Cause I’m not going anywhere. I already lost him once.”

  Renee stormed back upstairs, forgetting the suitcase she’d left behind her car.

  Cassidy stood there a minute, the first touch of grief hitting her.

  Had she really lost Ty before she ever really had him?

  And, if so, why was t
hat reality going to be harder to swallow than leaving Seattle behind had been?

  An hour later, Cassidy stepped onto the deck.

  She’d already fixed a large pot of chicken noodle soup for the ladies to eat later. As she’d worked, she’d wrestled with her thoughts. And now she felt a headache coming on.

  Maybe some fresh air would help clear her mind.

  This was the golden hour, her favorite time of the day. At an hour before sunset, the sky began to cast lovely colors across its expanse. The temperature was cooling off. Nighttime lingered close.

  The ladies inside were fine. In fact, they seemed to be doing great. They’d showered. Changed clothes. Eaten.

  And now they were playing a game of Chinese checkers. They’d also binge-watched Grey’s Anatomy, apparently. Everything felt calmer, and she was grateful for it.

  But her quiet moment was interrupted by commotion next door.

  Cassidy’s head swung toward Ty’s house just in time to see Renee storm onto the deck and slam the door behind her. Renee didn’t stop either. She kept going down the stairs until she reached her car.

  Even from the far distance, Cassidy could see the tears rolling down Renee’s cheeks.

  Uh-oh.

  Maybe the woman had finally gotten the message that Ty wasn’t interested.

  And, even if Cassidy didn’t particularly care for the woman, it was still agonizingly hard to see someone look so heartbroken.

  She waited, listening as the car started. Pulled out. Squealed away.

  She contemplated what to do next. But she knew inside exactly what she wanted to do.

  Cassidy wanted to check on Ty and find out what had happened.

  Before she could overthink anything, she trotted across the space between their houses and pounded on Ty’s door. He opened it a few minutes later, a stormy expression on his face. His eyes softened ever so slightly when he saw Cassidy.

  She soaked him in for a moment. His arm was in a sling, but his face was finally getting some color back. Overall, he looked 100 percent better.

  “Cassidy. Come on in. But I’ve gotta warn you that I’m not in a great mood.”