by Amy Saunders
After a few rings, it paused, then a voice said, “Detective…I’m impressed you still have my number.”
Jonas rolled his green eyes, walking down the road as Soto started talking behind him. “This isn’t a social call, Colleen. I have an empty truck and a cell phone with messages from you that you were supposed to meet Belinda this afternoon.”
After a pause, Colleen said, “I never texted Belinda.”
That was not what Jonas wanted to hear. “Never?”
She sighed in exasperation. “You know what I mean, Jonas. I haven’t talked to her since she was in the hospital.”
“You saw her in the hospital?”
Colleen hesitated. “Yes. She contacted me a few days ago, asking for some info. I stopped by when I heard what happened to see how she was doing.”
“I bet.” Jonas inhaled sharply.
“But that’s the last time I talked to her. I swear.”
Jonas frowned, but he did believe her.
“What’s going on?” Colleen asked.
“I don’t know yet…look, you’re sure you haven’t heard from Belinda today?”
“I’m positive.” She exhaled. “Can I help?”
“I don’t know right now…we’ll see.”
“Well, if you need something, call. I’ll be here.” For once, she sounded sincere, even concerned. But she and Belinda did have some history at this point, and even Jonas had to admit Colleen had feelings.
Jonas thanked her, then waved Soto over.
“Any news?” Soto said, jogging to his side.
“It wasn’t Colleen.” Jonas looked at him hard. “Take that phone back to the station and find out who sent that text.” Jonas walked back to his car, opening the driver’s door.
“Uh…dude, I’m with you…” Soto held his hands out in confusion.
“Yeah…you’ll need to call for a ride, too. Sorry.”
Soto ran over, leaning by the window. “Where are you going?”
“Back to the start,” Jonas said, turning the ignition. “This started with Henry Lawson’s people and I think it’s going to end there.”
Chapter 30
Belinda opened her eyes, thinking she was just waking up in her bed as usual. But as she became conscious, her bed felt hard as a rock, her head throbbed, and she thought she heard water.
“Belinda?” she heard a few seconds later. At least that was familiar. “Belinda?” Bennett shook her, which didn’t help her head. “I know your head hurts, but you need to get up. Now.”
Water sloshed over her face out of nowhere, forcing her to sit up. She coughed and spit out salt water, her eyes wide open now. “Bennett?” she spluttered, her eyes darting around. Everything was dark, except for a ray of light coming from one direction.
“Are you hurt?” Bennett said, putting his arms around her waist and forcing her up.
She could barely stand, taking a moment to consider that. “My head is killing me. I think I need to sit back down.” She tried to, but Bennett held her in place.
“No, no, no,” he said, keeping a firm grip on her. “You need to wake up. We have to get out of here.”
Water coursed past her feet, more aggressive than the first time. “Where are we?”
“A cave.”
“How did we get there?” her voice sounded distant, her thoughts not together. All she wanted to do was lie back down.
“Probably by boat. Look,”–Bennett forced her to stay on her feet–“high tide is coming in and we don’t have long before this thing fills up with water. If we don’t swim out now, we’ll have trouble pushing past the waves.”
“Swim?” Belinda said, wanting to laugh. “I can’t even stand.” She tried to pull away from him, but he wouldn’t let go. “Just let me sit for a second.”
“I can’t. I promise you can rest when we’re out of here.”
Another gush of water barreled over her legs–higher than the last wave. It was taking forever, but her understanding was starting to click. If they didn’t hurry, the water would be too powerful, and they’d probably get bashed against the rocks–and drown.
As another waved forced its way into the cave, Belinda blinked more awake, turning on her own to face Bennett. “Okay. Let’s go.”
Bennett nodded, but he looked worried. “I think I know roughly where we’ll come out. So just try and stay with me. Once we get past the rocks and cliff, we should have an easier time of it.”
That didn’t make her feel better. She knew what the waves were like around the cliffs–evil. The ocean showed no mercy. It could hold her under at the beach when she was barely waist-deep for crying out loud.
“You can do this,” Bennett said, gripping her hands and piercing her eyes with his gray ones. “Kick those legs with everything you’ve got, okay? You’re a strong swimmer. Just focus on the light if you get disoriented.”
She’d never thought of herself as a strong swimmer, and she wasn’t sure Bennett had either. But she nodded fervently as another rush of frothy water hit her, this time high enough and strong enough to lift her off her feet. Bennett grounded her, but he couldn’t do that forever with that much force coming at them.
With a short break in the incoming tide, Bennett dove first. Belinda followed, kicking hard, but the cave aperture looked a long way off and her head…
Another round of water pushed them both back to where they started. Belinda thought her head ached more if that was possible. They tried again–and again. Each time the tide rose higher.
Belinda gasped, her arms and legs burning and her head on fire now too. She was soaked and shaking and unsure she could try again. But Bennett forced her up. “You go,” she said, between deep breaths, her lungs aching too. “I know you can make it if you stop waiting for me.”
He gripped her shoulders, his eyes fierce. “I am not leaving you.”
Bennett held onto her with one arm as he tried to get them both out. Belinda kicked, but it was no use as another round of water forced them close to the rock wall in the back. Now, when the waves receded, they were treading water, floating closer to the ceiling. They both gasped for air, losing strength with each try.
Bennett held onto her, helping her keep her head above the water line. “We can try swimming under the water to get out, okay? Just hang on.”
Belinda nodded, but she was so tired. Her head hadn’t stopped aching and every muscle now felt limp and shaky.
Bennett studied her eyes for a moment, the water quieter until the next wave. His eyes were still resolved, but she could tell he knew she was losing power to keep doing this.
“Stay with me,” Bennett said, desperation coloring his tone.
“I’m trying.” Belinda fought to keep her legs moving enough to keep her mouth above the water line.
“No, I mean…” Bennett glanced up, like trying to find the words he wanted. “I mean, I want you to stay with me–forever.”
Belinda knew she was exhausted, but he wasn’t making sense considering their predicament. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
He laughed lightly. “I had everything planned out, but I should’ve known better.” Bennett gazed at her, his eyes intense. “Will you marry me?”
Another wave pummeled them as Belinda processed his question, everything he just said sinking in as she struggled to keep her face above the rising sea water. It sloshed into her mouth, the salt burning her throat before she could spit it all out. But she managed to grip Bennett’s shirt, looking into his eyes, everything else fading out.
As much as she’d imagined this moment, and mapped out what she might say, what came out of her mouth wasn’t even close.
“I thought you would never ask!” she yelled as more water poured into her open mouth. “Yes! Yes, I’ll marry you!”
Bennett slowly lit up, a full smile, with teeth and everything, spreading across his face. His gray eyes the brightest and happiest Belinda had ever seen them. His lips reached hers, ignoring the rising water.
&n
bsp; “I love you, Belinda Kittridge.” Bennett’s words were garbled as he gripped her tighter.
“I love you, too, Bennett Tate!”
Belinda took one more breath before the water covered her face. This wouldn’t be the end; she refused to accept it. No one was robbing her of getting to marry Bennett Tate. No one.
Chapter 31
Jonas watched from the land above as the red rescue boat rose and fell in the choppy water around the cliffside below. It had taken cameras, witnesses, and even Colleen’s help to find this place–this cave along the cliffs of the point. He never would have thought of this or found it otherwise. And he only hoped it was right and his friends were still…all right. He didn’t dare think the other word.
The Coast Guard boats floating around land drew attention from the tourists stopping at the Point as they cruised along Ocean Avenue. Instead of watching the kites hovering in the sky, they turned their attention to the scene by the water.
Rescue divers disappeared under the waves. Jonas wished he could do more than just stand there and wait.
After minutes crept by, one diver’s head finally emerged, then another head with fair hair bobbed up. Belinda was pulled up into the jostling boat, limp until she started coughing. Seconds later the second diver appeared with Bennett, who was also hauled up into the boat. Jonas had never felt so relieved to see any two people in his life.
Once he got the thumbs-up from the rescue team, Jonas booked it back to the harbor to meet them, along with an ambulance. By the time he made it over there, Belinda was wrapped up in a blanket, Bennett’s arm around her. They both had oxygen masks strapped around their faces, paramedics nearby.
Jonas smiled wide, his whole body finally relaxing, and he threw one arm around each of them. Belinda freed an arm to try and hug back while Bennett gave him a look of concern when he let them go.
“I’ve never been so happy to see either of you,” Jonas said, surveying them up and down. “We found you and you’re alive!”
Belinda glanced at Bennett, then her eyes started to tear up and Jonas wished he’d left the last part out. She waved him over and gave him a real hug, something that sounded like “thank you” coming through the oxygen mask.
He patted her back. “Hey–it’s what I’m here for.”
As Belinda pulled away, tears glistening on her cheeks now, Soto ran up, relief coloring his face too.
Soto put his hands on his hips, breathing hard. “Thank goodness,” he said, shaking his head. “You two must have nine lives.”
Bennett and Belinda traded a knowing glance. Then Jonas caught sight of Colleen running toward them and almost groaned, except she did help out. Colleen pushed past him to Belinda, crushing her in a hug. Belinda looked as shocked as Jonas felt, staring at Colleen with wide eyes when she pulled away.
“One day,” Colleen said, stepping back, “you have to write your memoirs. This is just gold.”
Belinda wrestled her mask off down to her chin. “If you think you’re going to put me on the news right now–”
Colleen held up her hands in defense. “I didn’t say anything about that. Besides, look”–Colleen gestured behind her–“I’m by myself. Why is everyone so shocked I’m concerned about your well-being?”
Jonas watched Bennett’s eyebrows shoot up, mask off, and poised to say something snarky. Before he got a chance, Soto interrupted. “Would anyone like to know who actually sent that text message to Belinda?”
Jonas guessed he’d interrupted, not to stop Bennett from biting Colleen’s head off, but because he was annoyed Jonas hadn’t asked.
Belinda raised a hand. “I would.”
Soto beamed, rubbing his hands together. “The text was sent via a computer and we traced it back to someone named Caroline Parish.”
Belinda’s eyes shot open again. “Are you sure?”
Soto nodded. “Yeah. We’re bringing her in.”
Belinda’s eyes darted back and forth. “Do you know her?” Jonas said.
“I met her at Lawson’s house; she was an employee.”
“And what was your take on her?”
Belinda shrugged her shoulders, the blanket sliding off one. “I didn’t have one. She was chatty, willing to talk, unlike everybody else. And she was freaked out after Elizabeth Hall was murdered and the police were there questioning everybody…” Belinda shut her eyes tight, shaking her head. “I can’t picture her being behind all of this, though.”
“Nothing says she’s working alone,” Colleen said. “I highly doubt one mere girl dragged this”–she waved at all of Bennett–“from the roadside into an underwater cave.”
“Then who else?” Belinda’s doe eyes were almost feverish. “We could say Alex, but she’s dead. Do you have any ideas?” Belinda looked to Colleen, who looked kind of surprised.
“I have a way of possibly finding out,” Colleen said. “But it won’t be fast.”
“Well, speak up.”
Colleen glanced at Jonas, almost sheepish. “I’ve tracked down two of the buyers.”
“Buyers of what?” Jonas said. “The company secrets?”
Colleen nodded. “They’re out of state and you can have them questioned, but that will take a while.”
Belinda glanced down, and Jonas could see her wheels turning. “We need something faster,” she said. “Who else would have a clear motive for all this?”
Nobody answered. Jonas mentally scanned through everything he could think of. The only direct links so far led to two of Henry Lawson’s employees. And Alex’ motives were still unclear.
Jonas smacked Soto on the arm. “Let’s get back and put some pressure on Caroline Parish.”
“She was friends with Alex,” Belinda said. “I got Alex’ contact info from her.”
Jonas nodded. “Then we’ll get to work. You two stay out of trouble, please. Just for a few days at least.”
They both smiled wearily, swearing they would as he walked away.
Chapter 32
As soon as Jonas and Soto left, Colleen hurried away, hinting she was off to check some things out. With everyone gone, Belinda felt more at ease. Well, relatively. Not that she could be all that relaxed after what they’d just experienced, totally unsure if they’d make it out. That was more than enough uncertainty for one day.
But her heart warmed when she reminded herself that she was not uncertain about one thing: Bennett had proposed. Yes, it was under the least predictable circumstances ever, but he’d asked. And now she really wanted everyone to disappear so she could make sure that had actually happened and she wasn’t delusional at the time.
Once they were cleared, they were escorted back to Belinda’s house, where they were stuck temporarily since they’d both managed to lose their cars.
As soon as Bennett shut the side door, he cupped Belinda’s face in his hands, kissing her like his life depended on it. Belinda leaned into him as he let go, feeling dizzy. It could’ve been that kiss, but she thought it was more from getting bumped on the head–again.
“I think I need to sit down,” Belinda said, the entryway spinning around.
Bennett pulled back, then scooped her up, carrying her to the living room, which Kyle had finally, almost, cleaned out.
“What are you doing?” Belinda linked her arms around his neck.
“You said you needed to sit down.”
“I know, but why are you carrying me?”
He shrugged a shoulder, one side of his mouth turning up. “Practicing.”
She realized her head still wasn’t right when it took her several seconds to know what on earth he meant by that. “Oh,” she said. “Practicing.”
Bennett grinned, placing her gently on the couch, which she hadn’t seen or sat on for weeks now. He sat next to her, pulling her in close. “I guess they hit your head harder than mine.”
Belinda wrinkled her nose, but snuggled up, curling her legs in. “I did have a car accident recently, too, you know.”
Bennett rested his c
hin on her head, rubbing her arm.
Other than that one joke, he didn’t mention what had happened before they were rescued. And Belinda didn’t want to broach it. In fact, she was happy not broaching anything at that moment. She was safe. They were alive. And she was happy just lying there in Bennett’s arms.
~ * ~
Belinda woke up sometime later, curled up on the sofa by herself. Well, by herself with two cats squeezing into the nooks around her. She’d slept the way she wanted to earlier in the cave. And it was a dreamless sleep, which Belinda was grateful for. She was sure any dreams she’d have had wouldn’t have been pretty.
Groggy and achy, though a little less so than before she slept, Belinda got up, unsure if anyone else was around. It was quiet, and she took advantage of it, leaning back and shutting her eyes for a little longer. Her thoughts felt clearer, and instead of replaying the terrifying situation in the cave, she reviewed everything she could think of about the case.
What were they missing? Or whom?
As tempting as it was to say that Marie or Vincent were the masterminds of the murders and other antics, Belinda just couldn’t see it. It was a big risk for two ambitious people. Not to say that ambition couldn’t blind you, but they seemed too careful and calculating. And it was tough to imagine how either person would benefit in the long run.
Now there was Caroline. And maybe she was the leader. Anything was possible. But motives were elusive for her and Alex. So, who was she missing–or overlooking?
Belinda’s eyes popped open.
No.
Maybe?
Maybe.
There were connections. Definite connections.
But why?
She could figure out how, but…
What did Jonas say? Or maybe Bennett? Follow the money trail.
“Bennett!” her lungs squeaked out.
Bennett peeked his head out from the kitchen. “You’re awake.”
“You’re still here,” Belinda said, lifting her head to see him. “I thought maybe you’d left.”