“Gypsies?”
‘Yes, gypsies, travelers, or the more derogative term, pikies. It’s a wandering community of some 30,000 throughout Ireland with roots dating back to the Middle Ages along with their Romani cousins in Europe.”
“You sound a lot like Delroy right now. He loved talking about such things.”
The comment clearly pleased Fin. He folded his hands together and leaned forward. “I don’t have a formal education beyond my basic schooling but have always had a natural inclination toward such things. I suppose you could say I’m self-taught.”
“Your mother was a traveler?”
“Partly on her father’s side. She did regular business with them—horse business.”
“Horses?”
‘Yes, she raised them just like her father and grandfather did before her. Given her gypsy blood, they trusted her. Horses are a major part of the traveler lifestyle. A good horse is valued more than gold. Delroy was living among the gypsies for his research and the gypsies eventually introduced him to my mother as they bartered with her for a mare she was selling. They were inseparable for weeks after that and then he left to return to the university here in America.”
“And you arrived into the world not long after.”
Fin’s faint smile was distant with a touch of pain. “Indeed, I did.”
Adele reached across the table and lightly squeezed his hand. “Thank you for making the trip. I’m happy you’re here.”
“As am I, Ms. Plank.”
“Call me Adele.”
The twinkle in Fin’s eyes was so much like his father’s it both delighted Adele and also made her a little sad. “Adele it is,” he said with a wink and another crooked grin.
The two continued to talk like old friends. Adele found Fin to be a mixture of easy charm and curiosity that she soon felt completely at ease with. He described his home village of 1200 in the middle of Ireland’s interior located an hour’s drive north of Waterford and how his mother had sold the old family property prior to her death and then left the proceeds to him with instructions that he was to go off and see a bit of the world. “That was one of her great regrets,” he said. “She was always working and never took the time to properly get away from the drudgery of everyday life and didn’t want me making that same mistake. So, I took that money and came here to walk in my father’s footsteps. I think that would have made her very happy. I don’t think she necessarily loved Delroy, but she made clear she adored their time together.”
“And without him there wouldn’t have been you and it’s clear your mother was especially grateful to have had you in her life.”
“Yeah,” Fin said with a nod. “Pitiful consolation prize that I am.”
At Fin’s urging, Adele described some of the mysteries she had published in the newspaper, including the conflict with the Russians. “Do you think it’s really over between you and them?” he asked.
“It’s impossible to know for certain, but I sure hope so. They’re a nasty bunch who have no business infecting a place as beautiful as this.” When Fin grew quiet, Adele looked at him with narrowed eyes. “What is it?”
“Nah, my thinking is out of line. Never mind.”
“Go on, say whatever it is you want to say. You didn’t travel all this way to go mute on me.”
“I was just wondering, well, what was it like killing that big Russian fellow? Does such a thing haunt you? I imagine it couldn’t have been easy to take a life regardless of how much he deserved it.”
Adele sat back and bit down on her lip as Fin began to fidget. “Ah, geez. I went and did it. Me and my big mouth. I don’t know when to keep it shut. I apologize. It was a terribly rude question.”
“No need to apologize,” Adele said. “I’m the one who told you to say what was on your mind. Do I regret having to kill someone? Yes. Am I glad I did it? Absolutely. It was either him or me. I chose him.”
Fin scratched under his chin as he stared at Adele. “Good on you for putting up such a powerful fight that day. Many wouldn’t have regardless of whether they were a man or a woman. You’ve the heart of a warrior, Adele Plank. I can see that clearly and I’m certain my father saw the same. I wonder though.”
“You wonder what?”
Fin’s smile was full of playful mischief. “I wonder if you were more concerned with saving the lives of Lucas Pine and Roland Soros than your own. And then I can’t help but further wonder which of them you’d wish to save first. Those two names are on the tongues of the women in my village often and many an argument has been the result.”
“What in the world are you talking about?”
“Why, team Lucas versus team Roland of course.”
Adele started to laugh and then suddenly stopped. “Wait. You’re actually serious?”
“Oh, yes. Where I come from, on some days, it’s all anyone wishes to talk about.”
“They talk about Roland and Lucas?”
“Indeed, they do—and you. More specifically, which one you’ll end up choosing.”
Adele dropped her head and sighed. “Oh, now I understand.”
Fin wagged his finger at her. “Methinks this isn’t the first time someone has had a bit of fun with this subject.”
“No, it isn’t.” Adele decided to turn the tables on Fin. “So, you seem like an intelligent man capable of forming a reasonable opinion. Tell me. Which one should I choose?”
“Eh?”
“Yeah, go ahead. Is it Lucas or Roland?”
When Fin’s confusion caused him to start stammering, Adele slapped the table. “Hurry up. I don’t have all day, you nosey potato-eater.”
Fin’s deep-throated laugh was almost exactly like his father’s. “Ah, you got me. I thought you were being serious. Lucas or Roland—I haven’t yet met either of the two lads yet. Until then I’ll just have to wait before forming a proper opinion on the matter.”
“Stick around and you’ll get to. They’re bound to show up here sooner or later.”
“That would be grand. I’d like that. Say, I have a question. I suppose it’s a bit out of left field, but I read about it in a travel journal years ago and thought I’d see if you knew anything about it.”
Adele was instantly intrigued. “Sure, go ahead.”
“I was wondering if you’d ever heard anything regarding the supposed healing powers to be found on Orcas Island. Apparently, Oprah bought a place there for that very reason.”
“Oprah? As in Winfrey?”
Fin’s eyes were dancing again. “Yeah, is there any other? She’s into all that power of the earth stuff, health and long life, right?”
“I suppose we all are to some degree. I mean, who doesn’t want to live longer and healthier? I’ve never been much of an Oprah fan, though you can’t deny she’s created a lot of success for herself.”
“You didn’t know she bought a place somewhere on the island?”
Adele shrugged. “We get a lot of celebrities here. The locals don’t pay them much mind, which I assume is a big draw to people in the public eye who want to get away for some peace and quiet.”
“Like your friend the writer.”
“Decklan? Yeah, he’s definitely a ‘just leave me be’ kind of man. You really think there’s something to the article you read?”
“Oh, I don’t know. That’s why I was asking. It fascinated me is all. I recall it mentioning something about an ancient magnetic vortex that runs through much of the island and the waters surrounding it. Apparently, there’s only a handful of places in all the world with a similar phenomenon. People seek them out for their alleged healing powers.”
“That’s news to me. I’ll ask around. Now that you brought it up, I won’t be able to help myself. I have to find out more.”
“That’s likely what makes you such a successful investigative reporter. You’re among those who suffer from insatiable curiosity.”
Adele grunted. “I suffer all right. You ready to head to the hotel?”
Fi
n stood and smiled. “After you.”
Once outside he paused to admire the Chris Craft Lancer that shared the sailboat slip. “That’s yours as well?”
Adele didn’t hide the pride she felt toward the little diesel-powered cruiser that she had purchased last year from one of the island’s longtime locals. Since then, she and the boat were inseparable as she used it to further explore the endless nooks and crannies of the San Juan Islands. “That,” she said, “is my ticket to ride.”
“You think I might join you on the water sometime soon?”
“Sure. If you can handle it. Chop or no chop, I like to go fast. You might get a little wet—or seasick.”
“With you behind the wheel I’m sure I’ll be in good hands.”
Adele nodded. “Better than most.” She looked up at the hotel. “We best get going. It’s never a good idea to keep Tilda waiting.”
“Indeed. That woman scares the hell out of me.”
“Yeah,” Adele said, chuckling. “She tends to have that effect on people. Trust me, though, when your back is against the wall, Tilda Ashland is who you want fighting by your side.”
Fin stood on the dock with his arms crossed while looking up at the hotel and the resort’s other white with green trim buildings, most of which were more than a century old. “I see now why my father chose to live here,” he said. “It reminds me so much of home. Yet, it’s different. It’s better.” He glanced back at Adele. “There really is some sort of magic to this place.”
Adele closed her eyes, lifted her head, and enjoyed the contrast of cold wind and warm memories. Her brief reply was a whisper of her own accumulated experience since coming to the islands—a change in course that undeniably altered her life for the better. Another seagull’s strident wail seemed to urge her to hurry up and say the words.
“I know.”
4.
A Dele stopped walking toward the hotel when she realized she was being closely watched by an attractive, dark-haired woman standing at the top of the marina entrance. It was Marianne Rocha, the Seattle-based television news reporter who, it was rumored, had taken a keen interest in Roland since first getting to know him while she investigated all the related trouble with the Russian mafia for a news story last year.
“Nice to see you again, Ms. Plank,” Marianne said with a wave.
“Who’s that?” Fin murmured.
“Potential trouble.”
“She’s very attractive.”
“Yeah,” Adele growled between clenched teeth.
Marianne looked like she had just walked off a television studio. A dark skirt hugged her thighs while the tight white sweater she wore struggled to contain the generous swells of her breasts that also happened to be announcing how cold it was outside for all the world to see. “I was just on my way down to your boat,” she said.
Adele continued walking up the marina ramp. “Why?”
Marianne gave Fin a long look and then stuck out her hand. “Hello. My name is Marianne Rocha, Action Five News.”
“I’m Fin Kearns.” The two shook hands. “Nice to meet you. You’re in the news business, eh? Just like Adele.”
Marianne flashed her perfect, brilliant white smile. “Yes, I suppose we do share an interest in getting to the bottom of a story. Your accent—is it British?”
“God no,” Fin said with a grimace. “I’m from Ireland.”
“What brings you all the way to the islands, Mr. Kearns?”
Before Fin could respond, Adele intervened. “I was about to ask you the same thing, Marianne. What are you doing here?”
“Perhaps we could go inside to talk? It’s chilly out here.”
“Yeah,” Adele said. “I noticed. We’re on our way to the hotel. You’re welcome to tag along. Is this about a story you’re working on?”
“I’d rather not say until we’re inside.”
Adele looked back at her. “Suit yourself.”
Tilda sat by herself in front of the fire inside the hotel lobby. She glanced at Adele and Fin and then did a double-take and got up when she noticed Marianne coming in with them. “Hello. Would you like a room?” she asked.
“No,” Marianne answered. “I’m just here to see Ms. Plank.”
Tilda arched a brow. “I remember you. You’re the news woman who made all those false accusations against Sheriff Pine last summer. You’ve once again crawled out from under your big city rock I see.”
Marianne wilted under Tilda’s hard gaze. “It’s okay,” Adele said. “This won’t take long. We’ll sit down at that table over there.” She looked at Marianne. “You have ten minutes.”
Fin appeared nervous at being left alone with Tilda until she poured them each a shot of whiskey. He dropped into a comfortable leather chair, held up the glass, grinned at Adele, and then drank it down. “I’ll be fine,” he said. “You go have your talk. Me and old iron britches will hold down the fort here.”
“Iron what?” Tilda hissed.
Fin’s mouth dropped open. “Oh, uh, I assure you I said it with affection.”
“And you won’t be saying it again. Understood?”
“Yes ma’am.”
Adele walked across the lobby’s wood floor and sat down at a small circular table as Marianne scurried to join her. “How do you know Mr. Kearns?” she asked while taking the seat across from Adele.
“That’s none of your business. Just focus on why you’re here. Your ten minutes start now.”
“There’s no need to be like that.”
“Like what?”
“Like such a . . .”
“Go on,” Adele said. “Say it. You know you want to.”
Marianne folded her hands in front of her and took a deep breath. “We might never be the best of friends, Ms. Plank, but I believe my intentions for coming here are good. It concerns someone we both care for.”
Adele waited to hear more.
Marianne continued. “It involves Roland.”
“What about him?”
“Do you know where he is? Have you spoken with him recently?”
“I’ll give you a yes on the first question and a no on the second. Hurry up and get to the specific reason why you’re here.”
“I’m worried about him.”
“Roland? Why?”
Marianne cleared her throat. “I’m not sure if you know but we’ve had a few dates. They seemed to go well at first. And then . . .”
“And then what?”
“He became different. Tired. Irritable. Distracted. Like something was really bothering him—something he refused to share with me.”
“Maybe he lost interest but didn’t want to hurt your feelings.”
When Marianne scowled, it made her appear even more beautiful, like a forlorn, dark-haired Ingrid Bergman. “I don’t think that was it. Just like I don’t think Roland is the kind of man who would string someone along. If he didn’t want to see me anymore, as unlikely as that is, he’d tell me.”
“Look, Roland is a complicated man. There are a lot of layers there. Even I don’t know all there is to know about him. I don’t think anyone does—including Roland.”
Marianne shook her head. “I’ve been around plenty of complicated men. This is different. You said you know where he is. Could you please tell me?”
“If he didn’t tell you that himself, I’m guessing he had a reason. I don’t wish to violate his trust.”
“Or perhaps you think you might be able to keep him all to yourself.”
Adele rolled her eyes. “Really? What’s next? We gonna go fight behind the gym after school?”
“Do you know when he’ll be back?”
“I do.”
“Well?”
“Well what? It’s none of your business. Besides, you’re supposed to be a reporter, right? Figure it out yourself.”
“You’re ridiculous. You know that? A jealous, ridiculous child of a woman. Fine, act that way. I’ll wait until he comes back. Is that what you really want? Having me on yo
ur precious island day after day until Roland returns?”
“Look, Marianne, it’s no secret I don’t like you and I’m pretty sure you feel the same about me. If Roland chose to go out with you a few times that’s his business. I’m not his keeper. That said, if he’s avoiding you then he has his reasons and that’s between you and him. Keep me out of it. I don’t run a relationship repair shop.”
“To think I once hoped we might work together.”
“I’m sure it’s for the best that we don’t. Now, if you don’t mind, I have friends I’d like to get back to and you should have somewhere else to go because you’re not welcome here.”
“Friends? You mean the mystery man from Ireland? Does Roland know about him?”
“Why would he?”
“Oh, please,” Marianne said, smirking. “Don’t play innocent with me. You and I both know there’s been plenty of your water under the Roland bridge.”
“That’s disgusting.”
“You’re right. The thought of you two together makes me sick.”
A spark from the fire popped loudly on the other side of the lobby. Adele could feel Tilda and Fin watching her. “I’m not going to ask you again,” she said. “It’s time for you to leave.”
“I don’t believe for a second you’re half as tough as you think you are. In fact, I’m pretty sure I could throw you out of here if I wanted to.”
Adele glanced down at Marianne’s four-inch stiletto heels. “In those shoes? I doubt it. You’re not meant for these islands. Go back to Seattle where you belong and leave us alone.”
“You need to stop torturing Roland. Let him go. Let him be with someone who cares for him. Who wants the best for him. Who loves him.”
Adele’s eyes widened. “You love Roland?”
Marianne sat up straight and stuck her chin out. “Maybe. I’d like a chance to find out, but it’s a lot more difficult with you in the way.”
“What are you talking about? I’m not in your way.”
“Whatever. Keep hiding behind the false deniability you’ve spent so much time constructing. Sooner or later, Roland will finally move on from you, and when he does, I intend to be there for him in a way that you never could.”
“Lady, you’re crazy. I’m serious. You should really think about getting some help. If you’re having problems with Roland, I assure you I’m not the cause. If you came all the way here to convince me otherwise it was a wasted trip.” Adele stood and extended her hand toward the door. “We’re done here.”
Roche Harbor Rogue Page 3