by Kaira Rouda
Chapter 21
Dorsey
Dorsey awoke with a hand clamped over her mouth. She was disoriented.
“Shhh, everything is okay,” Steve said whispering in her ear. “You were going to leave my island without saying goodbye? I just can’t believe that. I can’t have that happen again. Lila got away, but you won’t.”
Dorsey wanted to scream, to bite his hand, anything to get away. This had to be a bad dream. In the moonlit darkness, Steve looked like Uncle Rob, her dad’s partner in the practice.
Her dad’s murderer. Her memory suddenly jumped to life. Her heart thudded.
Steve was talking again, while pressing his hand so hard over her mouth her teeth were cutting into her lips. “Here’s what we’re going to do. Since you have a lovely ground-floor suite, we’re just going to walk out the sliding doors here and have our special time together.”
Dorsey moaned and tried to move out from under him but he yanked her hair hard. He straddled her, pinning the bathrobe she wore to the bed with his knees. She tried to kick him, but he was too heavy to move.
“Stop fighting it, honey. You’re going to like this. You don’t want another beating, do you?” he asked. His breath was sour, and smelled like whiskey. Dorsey couldn’t move, even as he pressed his lips onto hers, trying to force his tongue inside her mouth.
How could she have let him trap her again? She couldn’t breathe.
Suddenly the lights turned on in the room and Jack was punching Steve, and Sam was helping her up and hurrying her out of the room.
“Jack,” she said as Sam pulled her into the hall.
“He’ll be fine, and the sheriff is on the way.”
Dorsey nodded and followed Sam into the ice room, where they barricaded the door and huddled together until Jack knocked on the door.
As Dorsey walked out of the closet, and into Jack’s open arms, she saw Steve, handcuffed and surrounded by three sheriff’s deputies.
Steve stared beady-eyed and scowling at Dorsey until she looked away. The hate was pure, deep, and reciprocated. She wrapped the white robe more tightly around herself as she began to shake.
“We’ll get your statement in a little while, miss,” Sheriff Smith said. “Get him out of here.”
Chapter 22
Jack
“I need to tell you the rest of the story,” Dorsey said.
It was the second night of their Top Club paid stay at a five-star luxury hotel in Hilton Head. Dorsey sat up in bed, leaning against the headboard. She was wearing a new pair of soft green sweatpants and Jack’s oversized white t-shirt. She looked small and a little fragile. Jack wouldn’t leave her side, not ever again; he’d told her that as often as he’d told himself. He still felt responsible for Steve getting to Dorsey. If Jack hadn’t been angry, if he hadn’t turned her away, she never would have spent the night at the inn. He shook his head, automatically clenching his hands into fists at the thought.
Dorsey kept assuring him that it all worked out for a reason. The shock of Steve’s attack had brought her father’s murderer back to her consciousness. Finally, she had seen that face, the murderer’s face, and finally, she could tell Jack the whole story. And he was more than ready to listen, to help her heal. He wanted to pull her into his arms right now, but he knew she wanted to talk. He leaned back against the headboard and listened.
“I was in shock. I never could identify him. I could describe his arm, his black gloved hand but never his face. It was blank. No amount of counseling or hypnosis brought it back to me. For ten years, my dad’s killer was on the loose, because of me,” Dorsey said, finally revealing the shame that had held her back in life. “It was all my fault.”
“It wasn’t your fault. It was the gunman’s, Dorsey,” Jack said softly, reaching for her hand.
“That’s what everybody said, but I knew. I knew I was the only witness and I had failed my dad. He died in front of me and I couldn’t save him, or name his killer. My mom and I had to live in hiding for more than a year after he was killed. The FBI thought the killer might come after me.”
“It’s all going to be OK now,” Jack reminded her. After Steve’s arrest Dorsey had insisted on making a statement to Sheriff Smith who had insisted it was his last day and didn’t want any more work. But when she told him about her dad, the sheriff was all in. Dorsey’s Uncle Rob, her dad’s business partner, had been arrested that afternoon.
Dorsey smiled, reaching over and touching his still bruised knuckles.
“It must have felt great punching Steve,” Dorsey said for the millionth time. “I wish I could have.”
“I know, sweetie,” Jack said, kissing her gently on the cheek.
They’d ordered room service again, both of them in need of rest and to be out of the spotlight. The media inquiries had come quickly once word broke of the arrest in the long unsolved murder and the arrest of Steve on Indigo Island.
She popped a French fry in her mouth and smiled. “They told us, for all these years, that my father was murdered because he provided abortions as part of his practice. But now I know it was Uncle Rob. He did it to take over the practice. It’s unbelievable. He poisoned Rufus, dyed our swimming pool red, and then finally, one afternoon, shot my dad in our front yard.”
Dorsey couldn’t hold back the tears, the years of holding her secret inside had taken their toll. Once she started, she couldn’t stop. Jack knew with time it would get easier, everything did, especially now that she knew the whole truth.
“I was the only witness and I couldn’t provide a description. I blocked it all out, everything about that day, except my dad’s face, his eyes,” Dorsey said, a shiver running through her. “I’m surprised Rob didn’t kill me, too. He wasn’t even related, my dad just treated him like a brother. Some brother.”
“And your so-called boyfriend?”
“He stuck with me through high school, and college, sort of. I thought we were going to get married. But eventually, my family’s shame was too embarrassing.”
Jack shook his head. “I remember those looks from people, they gave it to my mom and me, too. Like, don’t get too close to those people, they’re bad luck. His brother died, stay away. As if tragedy is catching or something. It sucked. Still does.”
“It does, but at least I can help bring him to justice now,” Dorsey said. “Speaking of that, you beat up Steve pretty good. My hero.”
Jack smiled. He was proud he’d broken Steve’s jaw, cracked three ribs and gave him a black eye. A little taste of his own medicine. If the police hadn’t arrived, Jack was pretty sure he would’ve killed him.
“I can’t wait to get back to Indigo Island. It’s our place now. Everything is going to work out just right. I’m in management. You’ll get a promotion.”
“Maybe,” Dorsey said.
After a lot of pushing from Jack, Dorsey finally had agreed to take the ferry over for the day tomorrow, just to see what it felt like to her to be back on Indigo Island. He’d be with her every step of the way, he promised. And he had some surprises he couldn’t wait to share. Jack loved Indigo Island and he knew, in time, she would love it again, too.
“Let’s get some sleep. Tomorrow is going to be a busy day.”
Chapter 23
Dorsey
Jack was her hero. Always would be. She could make this journey back for him, because he was with her and had saved her.
He held her tight throughout the forty-five minute ferry ride, even performing a little Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet move on the bow of the ship and making her laugh. He smelled like security, and home. As they neared the dock, Jack was like a little kid, bursting with excitement, unable to sit down even when the captain scolded him twice. Once the crew had tied up, he pulled her hand and led her up the metal gangway, stopping to look behind him and make sure she was doing okay. She was, as long as she was with him.
“Hop in,” Jack said as they debarked, pointing to a four-seat custom golf cart parked at the ferry landing.
/> “Nice,” Dorsey said. “Finally, riding around here in the style to which I’m supposed to become accustomed.”
“I’m glad you like it. Check out the glove compartment,” Jack said as they zipped through the wilderness of the backside of the island.
She knew he hoped to keep the mood light during her first trip back. Dorsey was trying, too. Her hand barely shook as she pushed the button and the small compartment’s door flopped open.
“Oh, very nice box.”
“Jeez. Do I have to do everything for you? Take the box out and open it, please,” Jack said, feigning impatience, his eyes sparkling.
“Jack?” she said. Now her hands shook. The golf cart hummed. The island beyond the cart was a blur as she fumbled with the white ribbon tied around the signature blue box.
“Tiffany’s,” she said. “What in the world. Jack, it’s beautiful.” The platinum band glimmered as two dark blue sapphires hugged the sides of the emerald-cut diamond perched on top of it.
“Now those two blue stones are for protection. Barbara told me to get those. And the diamond, well, that’s forever. Will you marry me?” Jack asked, stopping the cart just before the entrance to the plantation, hopping out and bending down on one knee.
“It’s gorgeous. I love it,” Dorsey said. “And you.”
“I’ll take that as a yes,” Jack said, standing and climbing back into the cart, leaning over to kiss her gently.
Dorsey slipped the sparkling ring onto her left ring finger, and it fit perfectly. She held it up to show Jack and he smiled, as excited as a child. As they cruised into the plantation, Jack asked, “How are you feeling? Scared? OK? Upset?”
“It’s nice knowing Steve’s not here, that hopefully, he’ll be in prison for a long time. I feel safe with you,” Dorsey said. “The ocean looks beautiful. My ring is perfect. I’m doing OK.”
“Summer is almost over and after that, we’ll have this place to ourselves,” Jack said.
“That’s true. I’ll be busy, though. With the trials,” Dorsey said, reality washing over her, clouding her face. “I still can’t believe Uncle Rob killed my dad for money. My dad would’ve split the practice, I’m sure of it.”
“Are you sure you’ll be up to testifying, against him and Steve?”
“Of course, I’m testifying. I finally know. I saw it. I can do it. I’ll help make sure both of them get what they deserve. For Dad.”
“You’re beautiful when you’re passionate,” Jack said, turning the cart into the inn driveway. “If you’ll bear with me, I have one more surprise for you.”
Dorsey got the chills as he stopped the cart in front of the inn. Jack noticed, pulling her close.
“This was a bad idea,” he said, worry lines crossing his forehead.
Dorsey touched his cheek. “No, I can handle it for a little while,” she said as she slowly walked up the steps to the front porch. The last time she had been here she had been attacked. Before that, she had been willing to leave Jack forever to save his future. She could handle anything for Jack, anything for a little while.
“Ah, Dorsey?” Jack said, reaching for her and turning her to face him. “Wait a minute. It’s more than a little while, you see, this is what I was thinking. See, Top Club pulled out of Indigo Island. They were planning a big sale, you know, to unload a stigmatized property from their portfolio, and I heard about it. They priced the inn...well, it was a steal, especially if I agreed not to name them in the lawsuit against Steve. I met with the head of Putnam Industries, Richard Putnam and his son, James. You know the people who own that big house at Bloody Point? They love the island as much as I do. And they agreed to buy the plantation – all of it! – if I would run it. I get some equity, too. It’s perfect, really.”
“You didn’t.” Her face had drained of all color, she knew. She felt faint, sweaty and looked around for somewhere to sit.
“Honey, it’s contingent on you,” Jack said, grabbing both of her hands with his, steadying her, calming her thundering heart. “I told them you’d have to agree or the deal was off. First, let’s just go inside. Then you can consider it. It’s a deal, Dorsey. We could do this for a couple years and then sell our portion. Or, just keep it and live here forever, raise our babies.”
Jack leaned forward and kissed Dorsey gently on the lips.
“OK. For you, I’ll think about it,” Dorsey said quietly, wiping a bead of sweat from her brow. She was shocked how many emotions had hit her standing on this porch. Some so wonderful, some awful. She took Jack’s hand, took a deep breath and followed him in the front door of the inn.
“Surprise!” a crowd yelled as they walked into the lobby.
“Hi, Dorsey, welcome home,” said Sam. “I’m gonna be your front-desk manager. Cool, huh?”
Paula reached out and handed Dorsey a shiny red apple, with a smile. What was happening, she thought, in shock.
“Dorsey, it’s a wonderful place. You all will have so much fun with this. I’m Jack’s mother, Phyllis, so good to meet you, dear,” Jack’s mom said, giving Dorsey a squeeze. Now Dorsey knew where Jack got his dimples and his warm smile.
“Contingent?” she said to Jack once his mom left their side to go get a wine.
“I promise. Our moms planned the party, not me,” Jack said. “People are really excited about this, but if you aren’t, I won’t do it. It can just be our engagement party and then we’ll head back to the mainland.”
“Hi, honey. Surprised?” Dorsey couldn’t believe it. It was her mom. “Oh, look at that ring. It’s beautiful. Nice choice, Jack.” Dorsey’s mom looked relaxed and happy, something she hadn’t seen in a long time, if ever, since her dad’s murder. Maybe they were both healing.
“Mom, you look amazing,” Dorsey said, hugging her tight as her mom’s green eyes misted.
“Kentucky has been good for me. The horses, the change. It seems you’ve found the perfect place for you to heal, too,” her mom said. “And the perfect guy to help you. He reminds me of your father.”
Dorsey smiled and held her mom tighter.
Dorsey saw Barbara and Tade then, together, laughing and smiling in the corner of the lobby. Someone had set up a rocking chair for Barbara.
“Excuse me, Mom,” Dorsey said, and ran over to Barbara and Tade, embracing them both in one big hug.
“I’ve missed you, but now that you guys run this place my parents said we can come back for all the holidays. All the time. And they can golf and I can hang with you,” Tade said.
“That’d be great. I’d love it,” Dorsey said, and glanced over her shoulder at Jack, chatting excitedly with their moms. He smiled at her. She knew he hoped she would go along with his plan. She looked around at all of the love in the room, and thought of the future, of starting over here with the best man she’d ever met. A man who would love her and protect her. And, who would let her be herself, a man who had already helped her heal.
Barbara reached out and pulled Dorsey close. She whispered, “Must take care of the root for the tree to heal. Keep your love close. Welcome home.”
When the party was over and everyone had headed back to their rooms or cottages, Jack walked over to Dorsey and grabbed her hand. “Come here, I want to show you one more thing,” he said, a twinkle in his eye. “I’ve been saving the best surprise for last!”
As the sunset glowed orange and purple out the windows, they held hands and climbed the spiral staircase to the second floor of the inn. Dorsey thought about that night, so long ago, when they’d had their first deep talk sitting on the floor of the private dining room, in the dark. But now, they’d be in charge of the place? It was almost too much.
Jack stopped in front of an impressive set of double doors. “Welcome home,” he said, pulling on the doors. “This is all ours now. If you want it to be.”
Dorsey walked inside a living room with cream-colored furniture, pale yellow walls, a large fireplace and a direct view across the blooming rose garden, the white gazebo and the sparkling ocean soun
d beyond. Jack excitedly showed her their full kitchen, the guest bedroom and bath, and then the master suite.
“Oh my goodness, this is beautiful,” Dorsey said, overwhelmed and happy, sitting down on the fluffy king bed. The room was painted a pale peach and the bedspread was an exact match, in pale cool silk. The area rug was a thick, white wool. “It’s almost too much, too good to be true.”
Jack sat down on the bed next to Dorsey. His gaze met hers as he brushed her hair away from her face. As they sat side-by-side at the end of the bed, they faced the ocean a view framed by sliding glass doors that opened to their own private porch. It was the most beautiful bedroom Dorsey had ever seen.
“Dorsey, I know we can make a happy life together. Here, or anywhere we choose. I know you’ve been through a lot, but it wasn’t because of Indigo Island. We found each other here. Steve’s gone and can never hurt you again. For that matter, neither can your uncle.”
Dorsey looked into Jack’s eyes, the happiness she saw there, the pride. She wanted this man, she wanted to have his children, to create an even more successful hotel with him, to create the future of her dreams. Everything was possible now, she realized.
“Yes,” Dorsey said, climbing onto Jack, pushing him onto his back on the bed. “Yes, I want you, this life. I love this island.”
Jack gently rolled Dorsey onto her back. She knew he was afraid she was too bruised, too hurt to make love. But she wanted him. Needed him. She was healing, would continue to heal. The bruises on her body were nothing as deep as the wounds left from her father’s murder, but even that was becoming better now that her memory was restored. Anything was possible now, with Jack by her side.
“Make love to me, please, Jack. It’ll be okay. He didn’t touch me, not like that, you know that. You saved me, just in time.”
Jack let out a deep breath. Dorsey knew it had been hard for him, too, to imagine what might have happened if he hadn’t gotten to her in time. What Steve would have done, what he was capable of doing.
He pressed a warm gentle kiss on her lips. His fingertips traced the shape of her face, skimming lightly over the bruises on her cheek and jaw where Steve had clamped his hand over her mouth. Dorsey sighed.