Picking Up the Pieces

by Maryann Jordan

  “Yes,” he quipped, “I was on the golf course. But I should thank you. I just shanked the ball, so to be called away was fortuitous.”

  Kneeling over the body, he checked the temperature before examining the extremities. Nodding, he stood and said to Zac, “Load him up. I’ll start work immediately.” Turning toward Mitch, he asked, “Any particulars I should know?”

  “Not a one,” Mitch responded. “No identification on the body, so we’re starting with a clean slate since we can’t make a visual identification.”

  “I’ll have a preliminary by tomorrow.” With that, he followed the stretcher as Zac and his assistant moved toward the ambulance.

  Lance looked up at Mitch, seeing his gaze focus over his shoulder. Turning to look down the beach, he viewed Ginny with her arm around Jade, and he wanted to be the one to offer comfort. “I want to be there when you interview Jade. Already told Ginny that.”

  Nodding, Mitch silently agreed. “Colt,” he called out. “We’re right on the county and town line here. Can my men search north toward town and your deputies take the south?”

  “No problem,” Colt acknowledged.

  He directed two of his deputies to begin the search as Mitch ordered, “Burt. Grant. Comb the beach for at least half a mile toward the north.”

  Without wasting any more time, Lance began jogging toward Jade, his heart soaring when she looked up at him and broke away from Ginny, rushing toward him. Wrapping his arms around her still shaking body, he held her close. As much as he hated the reason why she sought his embrace, he closed his eyes in a silent prayer that she found shelter with him.

  13

  Lance sat on his sofa with Jade tucked close to him. His leg touched hers from hip to knee, his arm on the back of her cushion, barely managing to keep his hand from curving down to her shoulder.

  Jade’s hands shook as she took a sip of the water Lance had given her, before turning her gaze to Mitch and Ginny. Calmer, she still felt ill and, as the water passed her lips, she covered her mouth with her hand, holding back a gag. Blushing, she mumbled, “Sorry,” before everyone rushed to tell her not to worry about it.

  “It’s the smell,” she said. “I can still smell it even though there really isn’t a way that could be possible.”

  “Your nerves are holding on to the scent,” Ginny said, her face sympathetic. “I still remember my first time.”

  For a second, she was unsure what Ginny meant, and then it hit her. Ginny was referring to being around a corpse.

  Swallowing audibly, she lowered her shaking hand. “I don’t know what I can tell you. I was just walking along. I was looking down for sea glass…I stopped to take note of the ships on the water. Um…that’s something I do for my class’ geography lesson. And then I had just started walking again when the smell…oh, God, the smell hit me. I’ve come across dead dolphins and even, a few months ago, a huge sea turtle that had washed up on the shore. Its smell was bad also, but this…” She gagged again, bending over, horrified she was going to throw up.

  Lance immediately began to rub her back in gentle, circular motions while Ginny jumped up and headed into his kitchen. She grabbed an orange from a bowl on his counter and cut it into quarters.

  Coming back to the living room, she bent in front of her and said, “Honey, take a whiff of this. Just breath it in.”

  She began to slowly deep breathe, the tangy scent of the orange filling her nostrils. Sitting up, she offered a slight smile toward Ginny, mouthing her thanks.

  Mitch stood and said, “That’s all we need, Jade.” He cast a glance down and added, “Do you need a ride home…or back to your car—”

  “I’ve got her,” Lance interrupted.

  Mitch eyed his friend, his lips twitching as he nodded. “Okay, Jade?”

  She licked her dry lips as her gaze moved from Mitch to Lance, not wanting to impose. His face was hard, but his eyes implored hers, as though silently begging her to stay. “Yes…it’s fine. Thank you.”

  Lance breathed easier as soon as she agreed and he assisted her to her feet, where they walked Mitch and Ginny out to the deck. Watching for a moment while the officers moved back up the beach toward the crime scene, he pulled her in closer, his arm tucking her tightly to his side.

  “You need to eat, Jade.” Seeing her about to protest, he said, “Salad. I’ll fix a fruit salad. That’ll at least get some food in you but won’t overload your stomach.”

  Nodding, she offered a weak smile as he guided her off the deck and back into the house.

  The man’s eyes darted around, thankful the house he was entering was at the end of a lonely strip of land with no neighbors around. His gaze took in the yard and he shook his head as he broke the poor excuse for a lock on the back door.

  Once inside, he grimaced at the old house. Small. Messy. Shaking his head to rid those thoughts, he began to search methodically. When all the obvious hiding places turned up nothing, he felt a snake of panic unfurling in his stomach. Standing with his hands on his hips, he willed his mind to clear.

  Looking at his watch, he worried about his vehicle parked outside, even though he had pulled around to the back. Unable to keep the fear of what would happen to him if he did not find what he was looking for at bay, he began to tear the small house apart. It’s not like he’ll be coming back here anyway. Ripping cushions and beddings, dumping the contents of drawers onto the floor, he searched everywhere.

  Sweat poured off his face as he panted in fear. I’ve searched the boat and now the house. Where the hell is it? Maybe he buried it. Maybe he sent it to someone. Hell, maybe he gave it to someone.

  Knowing time was of the essence, he pulled out his phone. At the answer, he said, “I’ve looked everywhere…searched everywhere…it’s not here.”

  He grimaced as the phone jiggled next to his ear when his hands shook.

  “The bastard must have hidden it somewhere. Find it.”

  “I looked on the boat and in the house.”

  “That’s your problem. I suggest you complete your task.”

  Just when he thought his contact was going to hang up, he heard, “You added weights to the body before tossing it into the bay, right?”

  He gulped, the idea of telling his contact he had not even thought of doing that caused the pain in his gut to intensify. Sucking in a deep breath through his nose, before letting it out slowly, he replied, “Yeah, yeah. He won’t be found.”

  Lance glanced over at Jade, sitting in the passenger seat, as he drove the mile back to her car. Pulling beside it, he put his SUV in park, but left it running.

  Jade sat perfectly still, her hand not reaching for the door handle. Steeling herself, she inhaled sharply. Forcing a smile on her lips, she said, “Thanks, Lance. For everything. I don’t know what I would have done this morning if it weren’t for you.”

  Lance’s hands gripped the wheel as he tried to think of something to say, but the only words that came out were, “Don’t leave.”

  “But I have to get home. I need to get home. I’m desperate for a shower.” Her weak voice gave evidence to her nerves.

  Refusing to think of the image of her in the shower, he explained, “No, I mean, let me take you home. I can get someone to come back and get your car later. But, I just don’t think you should be alone right now.”

  Puffing out a breath that blew her bangs from her face, she nodded. “I know I should refuse your offer, but I’m not sure my legs would hold up pressing on the accelerator right now.” She turned to him, her brows lowered in concern. “Do you think my car will be all right here?”

  “It’s fine for now, and I promise to get someone to bring it to you.” After she rattled off her address, he put the vehicle in gear and headed into town.

  Less than ten minutes later, he parked in front of a large house, his eyes widening at the size. Hearing a slight giggle, he looked over.

  “I’m sorry,” she said, “it’s just that the look on your face was funny. And no, I don’t own the
whole house…or actually, any part of it. I lease the little attic apartment, but it’s all I need for now and the owners are sweet. Plus, I have my own entrance. It’s around the back.”

  She waited as he jumped from the SUV and stalked around to her side. Assisting her down, he kept his hand on her lower back as they made their way down the driveway to the back of the house.

  Using her key, they entered the narrow stairwell that ascended to a small second-floor landing and then turned to ascend to the third floor.

  “This house is over a hundred years old,” she explained, “and the attic stairs were there for the servants. Mr. Poletta told me that according to what he can find from the history of the previous owners, they had two servants…a maid and a cook. They shared the attic room. The Polettas have lived here for over twenty years and they had the attic redone as an apartment that they could rent.”

  At the top of the stairs, she opened the door and he followed her into the kitchen. He was surprised at the amount of space she had. The kitchen was small but, for a single person or couple, it was enough. An eat-at counter divided the area leading to her living room.

  Jade looked around, realizing it probably looked very girly to Lance, suddenly uncertain about having him in her apartment. Turning around, she looked up into his eyes and heaved a sigh. “Thank you, again…for everything.”

  He reached his hand out, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “You don’t have to thank me for anything, Jade. It was my pleasure…no…it was my honor to be there for you.”

  She cocked her head to the side, his words confusing her, but a shy smile curving her lips none the less.

  Giving a small shake of his head, he explained, “I…haven’t felt very…uh…useful…for a long time. So, I kind of stepped back…from everyone.” His large shoulders shrugged, “To be able to help you, was good for me as well.” His face scrunched as he grimaced. “I feel like I’m fucking this up.”

  Taking a step closer, she placed her hand on his chest. “You’re not messing anything up, Lance. Not at all.”

  “It’s not just this…what happened today. It’s been getting to know you that’s made a big difference in my life. Today was just a chance I could give back to you. It felt good to have someone need me and me be able to help.” Heaving a sigh, he reached up and clasped her hand on his chest. “I guess that sounds kind of…” his words drifted off, unable to think of what to say.

  “I know what you’re talking about. I feel that way a lot as a teacher. Like I’ve been given the opportunity to be at the right place at the right time for someone. And yes,” she added, “you were exactly that for me.” Cocking her head to the side, she asked, “Can I show you something?”

  Curious, Lance nodded, his heart lighter. “Sure.”

  Jade continued to hold his hand tightly, leading him to the end of the living room. Pulling back the lace curtains and opening the sliding glass door, she stepped onto her deck.

  The sun was high in the sky as white, fluffy clouds floated by. The sounds of families on the beach could be heard as they peered over the few rooftops between them and the bay, seeing the town beach.

  Lance shifted his gaze from the beautiful scene to the woman standing beside him, her face turned up toward his.

  “I know it’s not much compared to the view of the bay that you have, but this is kind of my special place. I have my morning coffee or my afternoon tea or my evening glass of wine out here.” A nervous giggle bubbled up from her and she shook her head. “I make it sound as though I can’t be out here without drinking something.”

  “Nothing wrong with that,” he said, loving the way the breeze blew her hair back from her face.

  Sighing, she held his gaze, her words soft. “Thank you again…for everything, but mostly just for being here with me.”

  Unable to resist the desire, he leaned down, halting just a breath away from her lips, giving her a chance to tell him to stop.

  Instead, she rose on her toes, circling her arms around his neck and whispered, “Yes.”

  With his heart pounding in his chest, he cupped his hands on her cheeks and angled his lips over hers. Pulling her closer, he reveled in all that she was. The taste of her combined with the flavors of the fruit she ate. The scent of her shampoo, the vanilla wafting in the breeze. The feel of her in his arms, her breasts pressed tightly against his chest. Closing his eyes, he willed his knees to hold him upright as her essence overwhelmed him.

  Jade angled her head slightly, opening under Lance’s gentle assault on her senses. His tongue slipped between her lips and the jolt sent shock waves to her core. Glad for the strength in his hold, she wondered if she even could stand on her own.

  As they continued their slow kiss, exploring the first taste of togetherness, the breeze off the bay swept all other thoughts from their minds. Only two hearts syncing to beat as one.

  14

  By the afternoon, Jade’s cell phone had not stopped ringing. Jillian. Tori. Katelyn. Belle did not call because Jillian had called her, asking if she would pick up Jade so the girls could gather at Tori’s house. Knowing they needed to see that she was all right and needing to have their morbid curiosity satisfied, she agreed to meet them.

  Tori and Mitch lived in one of the older, brick houses in town, outside the main grid. A big yard with plenty of space for children to play encircled the stately home. She loved the wide front porch, with its porch swing and cool shade. As soon as she and Belle drove up, Jillian rushed down the steps and hugged her.

  “I couldn’t believe it when Grant called,” she worried.

  “I’m fine, I’m fine,” she assured, as they walked up the front steps. After being enveloped in hugs from Katelyn and Tori, they settled quickly. She knew they wanted to hear about the body, but she wanted to make sure Tori was okay.

  Rubbing her tummy, she said, “Honestly, it’s embarrassing. I just had some cramps and, looking back, they probably weren’t as bad as I thought at first. I’m not on bedrest or anything…just told to take it easy for a few days, but Mitch has practically bubble-wrapped me. I can’t move without him fussing.”

  Sitting on the porch swing next to her, Jade patted her leg, saying, “I was scared for you, sweetie. We all were.”

  Smiling at the group, Tori acknowledged, “Thank you. That means a lot. But enough about me…what happened this morning.”

  Jillian, Katelyn, and Belle pulled up their chairs, ready to hang on her every word.

  “Ladies, I don’t really know what to tell you. I was walking on the beach, looking for sea glass—”

  “Which beach?” Katelyn asked.

  “South of town. I was heading toward Lance’s—”

  “Lance?” Jillian interrupted, her brows shooting toward her forehead. “Is there something going on? He’s been coming out of his shell and I thought you two might be—”

  “I feel sorry for him but I think he’s a little scary sometimes,” Belle added, her soft voice barely heard over the others.

  Jade leaned toward Belle and said, “No, no, he’s not scary at all—”

  “It doesn’t matter if he’s scary, as long as he’s good with her,” Katelyn interjected.

  “Stop it,” Tori laughed, “I want to hear about his morning.”

  “Well?” Katelyn prodded, as though she had not halted the story’s progress.

  Sipping the lemonade provided, she continued, “I smelled something horrible and saw what I thought might be a dolphin in the surf at the edge of the beach.”

  “Oh, my God…I never thought about the smell,” Jillian said, shaking her head.

  For a second, Jade’s stomach started to revolt, but she pushed the memory down. She held the tart lemonade glass under her nose, remembering how Ginny had used the citrusy orange scent to quell the nausea. Swallowing deeply, she continued, “Anyway, as soon as I saw it was a human body, I ran to get Lance.”

  “That’s romantic,” Belle said, immediately drawing wide-eyed, dropped-jaw attention
from the others. Rushing to explain, she said, “I just mean that she had someone she trusted so completely that she would rush to them, knowing they would take care of it.”

  Jade smiled at Belle, thinking that she was right—it was nice to have Lance to run to, even in the worst situation.

  Katelyn leaned back, her gaze speculative, “Back on track, ladies. So, who was it? Did they have any idea?”

  Shrugging, she shook her head. “I don’t know. It was a man, but I don’t even know how they will find out who specifically. It was…uh…not pretty.”

  Tori held her hand over her mouth and said, “Ugh…just the thought is enough to make me gag. I don’t know how you didn’t throw up.”

  Scrunching her nose, she admitted, “I did. I threw up in the sand and then kept gagging as I was interviewed later at Lance’s.”

  “He must have come from one of the big cargo ships on the bay,” Jillian surmised. “No one in town has mentioned anyone missing, but he could be from anywhere on the bay’s coast.”

  “Well, someone will report a missing person. You just can’t fall off a boat without being missed,” Tori declared.

  “No one’s reported anyone missing,” Grant said, looking around the table at the other officers. Sam was present, but had gladly agreed to take the extra beach and town patrols while the others worked the murder case.

  Scanning the group, Grant made eye contact with everyone, including Colt, Callan, and Lance. They all sat at a large table in the Baytown Police Department workroom.

  Callan agreed, “Checked with the Harbor Masters in Baytown, Fort Story, and with Norfolk and Portsmouth, as well as any other Masters all the way to Baltimore.”

  Mitch looked at his watch and said, “I’m heading to the medical examiner’s office for the preliminary report before the body’s taken to the North Heron hospital for a more in-depth autopsy.” His gaze shifted to Lance. “You in on this?”

  Lance sat for a second, the war battling deep inside ever since Jade had thrown herself into his arms. He knew she was in no danger, but just having her shaking body held by his sparked something, awakening a protective emotion he thought long dead.