by Kay Correll
“You could probably persuade me. I haven’t taken a night off in a long time.”
“Okay then. We’ll set something up. Maybe next week?”
“Next week sounds good.” Tally wondered if the evening would actually happen. Half the time when they planned to get together, something would come up at the gallery or at Magic Cafe and they’d have to cancel. “Let’s really try and make it work.”
Tally walked away from the table, her mind already on the list of errands she needed to run before heading back to Magic Cafe for the dinner crowd.
* * *
Reed spent two days watching Julie’s business tank and saw the fear in her eyes. She tried to hide it from him, from everyone, but he knew it was there, always riding just beneath the surface. He told jokes to make her smile. He spent each evening with her at her cottage—she said no to going out again, the talk and the stares were just too much.
But mostly he saw the panic in her eyes about her slowly declining business. There were only a few tables filled today at lunch, though her first-of-the-morning customer, Dan, had come in not only for breakfast but for lunch each day in a one-man stand in solidarity.
Reed decided he was done waiting for Sheriff Dave to figure out what a mistake he’d made.
He trotted down the beach, heading towards Camille’s mother’s beach house. Someone else had to have been there that day when the silver went missing. It was obvious Sheriff Dave thought his job was finished, and he just needed to catch Julie with the silver. Which, of course, would never happen. In the meantime, her business was suffering through no fault of her own. He couldn’t bear to see her like this, so beaten down and looking like she was waiting for the other shoe to fall. He couldn’t blame her after what had happened to her as a kid in the foster system. No one believed her innocence then. Most of the town had judged her guilty this time.
It ended now.
He strode back and forth on the beachfront by Camille’s house and a few of her neighbors. A strong wind buffeting him as he paced. Another storm was coming in. He’d made a lame excuse to Julie about working on his smartphone app tonight. He didn’t want to get her hopes up, but he couldn’t just stand by and do nothing.
He looked at the beach houses standing regally in a row, each one a little bigger and fancier than the next. It didn’t look like anyone was home at any of the houses. A gardening crew was trimming some privacy bushes in front of Camille’s neighbors, but no signs of occupants. No one in their swimming pools, no one sitting on chairs on the beach.
He sighed. Enormous houses, just sitting empty most of the time. He stopped and stared at them, then laughed out loud.
That was it.
He headed off to find the sheriff.
* * *
Julie walked into The Lucky Duck. She wanted a cold drink, and with any luck—it was The Lucky Duck after all—she could sit at the far end of the bar and no one would notice her. She was tired of the stares and whispers this week. Business had dropped off at the bakery the last few days and she’d like to blame it on the slow season, but she knew better. People were avoiding her. Well, most people, except Dan Smith. His daily support at breakfast and lunch had meant so much to her. When he’d left today he’d told her to “buck up, kiddo. It will all blow over.” She hoped he was right.
She slipped onto a barstool, the very farthest one down the bar. Willie came over and plopped a drink in front of her. “A basil-motonic, on the house.”
Julie sighed. “I guess you’ve heard.”
“Sweets, I’m pretty sure everyone in town has heard. Camille doesn’t leave much to chance. She’s like a one-woman gossip announcer. Don’t pay her any mind, though. It will all die down soon.
“Die down… like my business the last few days. I even had two cancelled catering orders.”
“You’re kidding. Who would ever listen to and actually believe Camille?” Willy shook his head.
“Sheriff Dave, for one.”
“Nah, even old Dave can’t believe her. He’s just doing his job.”
“Maybe. He seemed pretty serious when he came to question me as—what did he call me—oh, yes, a person of interest.”
Julie sipped on her drink as Willie waited on more customers. In here, no one really paid any attention to her, which suited her just fine. Maybe she’d make this her new hangout.
She sensed someone slip onto the stool next to her and turned to see Jamie sitting there. “Hey, Jamie.”
“Jules, drinking your problems away?”
“I wish it was that easy.”
“I’m pretty sure even Willie’s soon-to-be-famous basil-motonic won’t make Camille disappear.” Jamie waved to Willie, pointed to Julie’s drink and gave a quick me-too flick of his hand.
“Mom talked to Tally. I hear she sent Camille away from Magic Cafe. Probably just fueled the fire with Camille.”
“Probably, but it made me feel better.” Julie flashed a small smile.
“Well, if it makes you feel any better, Mom is still arguing with Camille about the bill for the extras she ordered for the guests she sent to stay at the inn. Thinks we should just comp all the gift baskets and be grateful she sent guests our way. Honestly though, expensive wine, fancy chocolates, cheese, crackers, bottled sparkling water? We can’t afford that for all of our guests. We usually have one bottle of sparkling water and a package of chocolates. That’s it.”
“And yet, that doesn’t make me feel better. I’m not surprised, though. Camille has always acted so entitled. I’m sorry I ever agreed to cater their silly party.”
“Mom is beginning to regret she gave Camille a deal on room prices for last weekend, too. Between that, then not wanting to pay for the gift baskets, we’ll have barely broken even on the weekend with the extra help we hired.”
Willie walked up and set a drink in front of Jamie. “You two eating or just sitting with a drink?”
“I’ll have a burger and fries.” Julie realized she was famished, she wasn’t sure she’d eaten all day.
“Same here.” Jamie reached for his basil-motonic and took a sip. “Man, that is just a great drink, Willie.”
Willie grinned. “I think it is, too. I’m pretty good at this drink creation thing, aren’t I?”
Julie laughed. “And modest. That’s what we like about you.”
Two young blonde women walked in The Lucky Duck. Willie winked at Julie. “I best go show those two some hospitality.”
“You best.” Julie flashed him a grin. Willie would never change. Good guy, but with a definite eye for the ladies.
“So where is your man friend tonight?” Jamie reached for a handful of pretzels and nuts from the bowl on the bar.
“My man friend? Is that we’re calling him?”
“What do you call him?”
Good question. Boyfriend? Just a friend? Buddy?
“How about we call him just Reed? And he said he was busy this evening.”
“Just-Reed will work.” Jamie said it like it was all one word. “You know, I am sorry about the whole Camille mess. Anyone who knows you, knows that you didn’t take the silver.”
“And yet, I seem to be the only suspect.”
“They’ll figure it out.”
“It doesn’t seem like Sheriff Dave is much interested in finding out who really did it. He has his prime suspect. I imagine he’s just hoping to turn up some proof.”
“Well, that won’t ever happen, so he’s going to have to admit he failed to close the case, or get off his duff and find the real thief.”
“I can only hope it’s sooner than later, or my business is in real danger.”
“I’m sorry, Jules. Things will pick up as soon as tourist season starts.”
“But I’m afraid with a rumor like this hanging over me and my catering business, I’m not going to have much of a stellar season.”
“I’m sorry. I wish there was something I could do to help.”
“There isn’t anything. I just have to hope
they find the real thief soon, before my business is ruined.”
Chapter 21
“I’ve got a great idea for this afternoon.” Reed helped Julie clean up after the last customer left the bakery after the breakfast rush. Though there had been nothing rush about it. She’d only had a handful of tables filled. He wanted to erase that haunted, worried look from her face.
“What’s that?” The corners of Julie’s mouth turned up with a meager attempt at a smile. Exhaustion hung on each of her words.
“Susan and I were talking. She said we could take their boat out this afternoon if we wanted. Bet you didn’t know I grew up on a lake. Boats are in my blood.” Boats were one thing he knew. Too bad he couldn’t take boats everywhere. They weren’t scary to drive. Boats don’t come out of nowhere and kill you. There was plenty of ocean for everyone.
“Oh, I don’t know. I should stay for the lunch shift.”
“I bet Nancy can handle it.”
Julie tossed him a wry smile. “The sad thing is, she probably can. We’ll be lucky to get another handful of customers.”
“So you’ll go?”
“I don’t know. I have so much to do. I need to see what I can figure out to get some more catering business. I think I’ll run some ads on the Sarasota website and maybe with some of the rental agencies on the island.”
“I think you need a break.”
“I really shouldn’t.” Julie looked torn.
“Come on. You know you want to. You don’t want me to go alone do you?” Reed put on his best please-please-please face.
Julie laughed. “Okay, I give up. I’ll go with you.”
“Great, I’m going to run by the inn. Susan said she’d pack us lunches.”
“Let me finish up here and I’ll pick you up at the inn in about thirty minutes. I’ll drive us to the marina.”
“Perfect.” Reed walked out of the bakery whistling, proud of himself for convincing Julie to take the afternoon off and go for a boat ride with him. The ocean was calm today, and Susan had told him about an island not too far from shore. The small island wasn’t developed, but people went there for its beautiful beaches and great shelling. He was going to give Julie a special day she wouldn’t soon forget. And, with any luck, she’d leave her troubles behind her for a few hours.
* * *
Julie didn’t really feel like going for a boat ride, but she hadn’t wanted to disappoint Reed, and it probably would do her good to get away for an afternoon. It was so scary to think that Camille’s rumors had hurt her business so much, and Julie had no control over it. She remembered feeling that same sensation of her world spinning out of control when she’d been arrested as a young girl. But she was an adult now. She’d stood up for herself and proclaimed her innocence, not that it had done her any good.
She decided she was going to put all thought of her problems out of her mind and just try to enjoy the afternoon. She swung by her cottage and put on her swimsuit, then slipped on shorts and a t-shirt over the suit. She grabbed her sunglasses and drove over to the inn.
Reed and Susan were sitting on the front porch chatting as she pulled up. Reed waved, pushed off his chair, and picked up a large picnic basket. Susan stood and they walked down the steps to the van.
“I gave Reed the boat key. He assures me he’s an expert, but I know you know how to run the boat, too. I think it’s great you’re going to get away for a while.” Susan handed her a beach blanket.
Reed put the picnic basket in the back then climbed into the van. “You ready for this?”
Julie forced a big smile. “You bet.” She saw Susan looking at her and knew she’d been busted. “It’ll be fun.” Julie sent Susan a don’t-say-anything look.
“Yes, you two have a good time. Reed, take care of her. Make sure she has a great afternoon. She deserves it.”
“I will. She’ll have a great time. I promise.”
“Okay, okay you guys. I’ll have a good time.” Julie held up her hands in surrender. “At least I promise to try.”
“Looks like a beautiful day for it. The ocean is calm. I told Reed about Blue Heron Island.”
“I haven’t been there in forever.”
“That’s because you never take any time off.” Susan cocked an eyebrow.
“Looks who’s talking. You want to come with us?”
“Me?” Susan laughed. “No, I think I’ll let you two go alone.”
“Thanks for the loan of the boat.”
“No problem. We don’t get out on it very often anymore.” Susan gave a pat to the side of the van. “Off with you two. Have fun.”
Julie pulled away from the inn and took a shortcut across the island to the marina. They grabbed some cold sodas, water, and ice from the shop at the marina and carried their things to the boat.
Reed climbed onto the boat and held down a hand to help her onto it. He looked around the boat and grinned. “So nice to be on a boat again. She is fabulous. You can tell someone spent a lot of time refurbishing her.”
“That was Jamie’s uncle. He loved this thing. It was in such bad shape when he bought it. Rebuilt the engine, restored the seats, re-painted it. Named her The Lucky Lady.”
Reed laughed. “Of course he did. Wouldn’t want to let an opportunity to use the words wish, luck, or lighthouse pass by.”
Julie grinned. “Susan and Jamie don’t take her out often these days, but we all had some good day trips over the years. Jamie taught me to drive the boat and all about boat safety.”
“She’s a beaut.”
Julie pointed at one of the padded seats. “There’s a cooler under that seat.”
Reed put the bottled water and sodas in the cooler and dumped the ice on top. “I think we’re all set.”
Julie untied the boat, and Reed skillfully maneuvered the boat out of the slip and headed out of the marina. A short ride up the inland waterway led them out into the bay between Belle Island and the mainland. Reed increased their speed as they got further into the bay, and the breezes blew her hair this way and that in a joyous dance of freedom. It had been so long since she’d been out on the boat. She could feel her troubles blow away in the breeze. For this one afternoon, she was going to put all her problems behind her.
She turned and smiled at Reed. “This is great, isn’t it?”
“It is. I haven’t taken a boat out in years. Not sure why. Just never made time for it.” He laughed. “Well, that and I’d have to have someone drive me to the marina.”
A laugh bubbled up in her. It was good to see Reed relaxing, talking about his inability to drive a car, and joking about it. Maybe someday soon he’d be able to drive again without panicking. She hoped so.
“So you know the way to this Blue Heron Island?”
“I do. Head out of the bay, then turn southwest. It’s a few miles out, about five, I think. It’s so beautiful there. Long stretch of white sandy beach. Lots of shelling.”
They passed from the almost lake-like smooth water of the bay and out into the ocean. The gulf was calm now, though, with just some small swells. She wasn’t much of a high surf boater, so today was perfect.
She stood beside him at the helm, feeling the rise and fall of the boat, the wind against her cheeks, and the salty-tackiness of her skin.
They road on in silence. She watched the birds swoop overhead and the sunlight bounce off the waves and break into a million sparkling diamonds. They reached Blue Heron Island and she pointed to the far end where there was a small cove with shallow water. “There’s a small pier in the cove. We can tie up there.”
Reed steered to the pier and they secured the boat. Julie filled a small cooler with some of the water, soda, and ice. Reed grabbed the picnic basket and they headed to the shore. Julie was glad to see no one else was around on the island. They walked down around the bend and spread out their beach blanket under some trees on the ocean side of the island.
“You up for a swim?” Julie looked at Reed.
“Sure am.” Reed tugged
at the back neck of his t-shirt and shrugged it off.
She tried not to stare at his tanned chest. “I, uh, good. Let’s swim.”
* * *
Reed tried not to stare as Julie shrugged off her t-shirt. The shirt was emblazoned with big pink letters that said, “Did your wish come true?”
Pretty much it had.
Julie slipped off her shorts, revealing a modest two-piece purple swimsuit. She dropped her shorts on the blanket and laughed. “Last one in is a rotten egg.” She took off running towards the water’s edge, her tanned legs spraying sand behind her as she raced to the surf.
He shook his head, grinned, raced after her, and plunged into the surf.
Julie popped out of the waves and pushed her hair back with both hands, laughing. “I win.”
“You did. You win the prize.” He grinned slyly at her.
She looked at him, her eyes filled with merriment. “What prize?”
“This one.” He swung his arms wide and scooped up an armful of water and splashed her.
“Hey.” She stumbled backwards then dove underwater.
He spun around to see where she would come back above water, when he felt her jump onto his back. He fell sideways and they both went splashing into the water.
They splashed around in the surf, laughing. Each laugh was like someone was putting a bit of life back into him. The sun glistened off Julie’s wet hair. She grinned and frolicked like a kid on her first trip to the ocean.
They finally exhausted themselves with horseplay and waded to the shore and up the beach to their blanket. She handed him a towel, and he dried off a bit before he dropped onto the blanket. She knelt beside him and started unpacking the picnic basket.
“Susan must have thought we were staying for a week. Look at all of this food.”
Reed was ravenous, he figured he could make a good dent in the provisions. He reached for a sandwich and bumped hands with Julie. She looked up, smiled, and handed him a soda. He reached for it and noticed she paused, just slightly, before she released the can into his hands. He popped the can open and took a long, cold swallow. And another.