Walker—or Jim, as he was known on the island—did Alex a favor by attending the wedding of his cousin, Jonathan. Now, he could kick himself. Would he do it again? Yes; most likely to run interference for his friend. And he was having a good time with the gorgeous Jenna.
She was tall for a woman, making her a viable dance partner for his height. Their conversation flowed smoothly, and he could tell she was interested in knowing him better—a lot better. He was warming to the idea when he saw his son, David, then Sydney. His thoughts about the evening with Jenna were interrupted and he slid into a personal hell, knowing Sydney was a few feet away.
He sensed her presence from behind him as she walked into the cathedral. He didn’t dare look to his left, for seeing his eyes might spark recognition. Of all days to not be wearing his colored contact lenses. He’d thought nothing about it, for his friends on the island knew him as Jim Godwin. He didn’t need to disguise himself, as they never knew him as Walker.
He first saw David seating the bride’s family and remembered Alex saying it was Jonathan and Daniela’s wedding. He didn’t put Sydney in the picture then, as they were thousands of miles away in Atlanta. But now he remembered, Daniela was David’s nanny.
He’d profiled her early in her employment with Sydney for his own peace of mind. She’d left Barbados with her sister, who’d received a high-paying job offer from one of the bottling companies in Atlanta. When her sister married, she had a choice whether to return to Barbados and continue her education or stay in Atlanta. She wasn’t ready to return home and took a live-in position as a nanny so she could see her sister and explore Atlanta. Apparently, she’d met Jonathan there and they’d decided to return home.
His evening would have gone much differently with Jenna if not for seeing Sydney and his son. He froze. He was sure his date was surprised, and probably thought he was an idiot. A wedding—everyone has sex afterwards. And from the look in her eyes, it would’ve been an enjoyable night.
Well, he hoped Alex didn’t give him any shit if Jenna mentioned what a dud he was that evening. He dropped her off at home after the reception and thanked her for the evening. She looked surprised. Hell, so was he, for that matter. But that’s what Sydney does to him. A mixture of fear and love erupts and drives him crazy. She’s the one link to his past that could ruin him and expose him to the CIA or other US government agencies. Not to mention the unexpressed, buried feelings he had for her that wanted to explode when she was around. He needed to stay away, as far as possible, or a bounty would be plastered on his head.
When things settled down, he’d ask Jenna out for dinner. He wasn’t going to let Sydney ruin his social life. He knew he needed to move away from any thoughts of them as a couple. He’d done it before and could do it again. There was no reason to put them both—and possibly David—in danger.
He looked out over the azure ocean, wishing things could be different, and popped the cap of another beer. Drowning, he thought. Drowning in sorrow for what might have been. He shook himself. He’d not follow that path to self-destruction.
Under different circumstances, he’d like the opportunity to know his son. To teach him scuba diving, fishing, and how to use a weapon. The basics every boy needs to know to become a man. The pleasure of teaching him, he’d never know. He left it at that—what might have been—and went to sleep. No more dwelling on the past or imagining an impossible future.
Sydney was pleased when her attorney called and said everything was in order to close on her island dream property. She made note of the time and place to sign the final real estate documents and get the keys to her new vacation home.
David would be beside himself when learning they’d get to live in their new home before leaving. She was glad they could leave their luggage behind and stock their new home with necessities for their next trip.
Daniela mentioned their maintenance man was interested in more work and would give a price. She wanted to finalize an agreement before she left, to keep their home’s pool and lawn maintained in their absence. Plus, it’d be nice to have someone keep an eye out on the property, although it was in a luxury gated community.
According to Daniela, the vandalism and crime on the island wasn’t caused by the natives, but from the misfits and criminal elements taking advantage of the island’s tourism.
Most Barbadians were middle class, with an almost 100 percent literacy rate across the island. Free education through the university level with top-level degrees in medical, legal, hospitality management, and other professional studies was available for natives.
She, David, and Len cleared their rental villa and took their personal belongings and supplies to their new home. Len was helpful, and exceeded his normal duties by helping box supplies from the pantry and refrigerator to move to their new vacation home.
The first thing she did after putting away their belongings was to ask everyone to gather around for a toast to their new home. She poured a glass of wine for her and Len and a sparkling, non-alcoholic drink for David.
She held up her glass and said, “May this home always be a welcome haven to us, our family, and friends.”
“Cheers,” said Len and David.
Sydney told Len to look around and make any suggestions to security he thought was needed. Afterwards, change into his bathing suit and meet her and David at their 45’ infinity pool overlooking the ocean. They’d have dinner on the terrace and enjoy their evening.
Sydney watched as David swam like a fish while she enjoyed the cool trade breeze blowing in from the Caribbean. She’d dipped her toes into the pool and relaxed. She was already thinking about taking the summer off for her and David to return in a month. With David out of school and becoming a middle-schooler, she believed he’d enjoy his summer more in Barbados. He’d met Daniela’s extended family and there were many children his age.
Their options in Atlanta were limited. She worked nonstop, and the southern summers were sweltering, with temperatures reaching 100 degrees in the shade during the hottest months.
Her practice required working long hours to stay on top of her personal caseload. This left David unattended unless she hired another nanny or made other age-specific childcare arrangements. She could enroll him in a day camp, sports, or music camp, and hire a nanny to shuttle him between activities and classes she enrolled him in.
The pluses were stacking up for taking the summer off. This visit was relaxing, and Len wasn’t needed, unlike the previous one. She hoped he enjoyed this trip; he deserved it. But from now on, in Barbados, she’d be just fine. She’d met more locals, friends of Daniela and Jonathan’s, who indicated interest in knowing her better. It was time to stretch her wings and make new friends.
With her mind made up she asked, “David, what do you think about our spending the summer here?”
“Do you really mean it?”
“Yes. We need a break from the city.”
“I’d love it. Me and my new friends will have fun!” He smiled and hugged her.
“Yes, you will have a great summer.”
Sydney leaned back and gazed at the starry skies with shooting stars trailing overhead. She relaxed, thinking finally she could distance herself from the unsettled past with Walker. This was going to be a good move for her family. A new beginning—a second chance.
The End
From the Author, Carolyn M. Bowen
Thank you for reading the Sydney Jones Series, Primed for Revenge, Book 1 and Chance—A Novel, Book 2 in the trilogy. The final novel in the series will be available in early 2021. Stay connected for details about special offers and giveaways.
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Chance Page 17