Beyond the Cabin
Page 27
Lexie watched an osprey land in a nearby tree as she contemplated the captain’s advice.
“Think back to why you became an agent in the first place. Do you believe you’re making a difference in the world?”
Lexie nodded.
“I do. I believe in the FBI and its mission.”
“Are you happy being an agent?”
“What?”
“It’s a simple question, girl. Life is too short to do something that makes you unhappy. If you’re not happy being an FBI agent, leave and find something that you’re passionate about.”
“Like what?”
“I don’t know. Only you can answer that question.”
“I’m not sure what I would do if I left the FBI. It’s all I’ve ever wanted. I know I have to come to terms with Logan’s death before I make any life-changing decisions.”
“At the risk of sounding like the FBI suits, I think you need to talk to a counselor. Whether you want to admit it or not, you were brutalized and tortured by a lunatic.”
Lexie wiped the sweat from the rim of her lip and picked up her bottle of water.
“I know that Otis Ray is dead, but he lives in my nightmares. I see his filthy, disgusting face every night.”
“Yep, old Otis Ray didn’t get hit with the ugly stick, he got whopped with the whole forest.”
Lexie laughed so hard, she choked on her water.
“You have a way with words, Captain.”
“Think things through, but if you honestly believe you want to leave the FBI, then my door is always open to you. You’ve seen the house that my door is attached to, so I’m not sure you want to actually stay with me.”
Lexie laughed.
“I’ll always be here for you, girl.”
“Thank you and I appreciate your advice. You’re a wise man, Captain Meade.”
“I know.”
The two spent the remainder of the day shrimping and talking. Lexie realized that her friendship with Captain Meade was one she would always treasure. They drank a beer and watched one last sunset together. A tear slid from Lexie’s eye as the bright orange sun disappeared behind the tree line.
“I’m gonna miss you, Capt’n.”
Captain Meade put his arm around Lexie’s shoulders and gave her a little squeeze.
“Nough said, fer now.”
45
The color of the sky resembled the inside of a seashell as the tangerine sun peeked over the horizon. Light reflecting off the ocean picked up the sunrise hues. Sitting on a stretch of wide beach, sandwiched between the ocean and the marsh, Lexie basked in Mother Nature’s beauty and splendor. The sounds of the whitecaps slapping the shore put her in a trance. She watched the tiny sandpipers with their short legs, running around searching for their next meal.
Savannah approached slowly and eased down beside Lexie, stretching her lean, tanned, legs out in front of her.
“How did you know I was here?”
“I had a hunch.”
Lexie nodded.
“Déjà vu,” Lexie said. “A little over a year ago, you and I sat on this same spot as you contemplated your future.”
“I remember. I was broken and scared, but you helped me get on the right path.”
“And once again, here we sit,” Lexie said.
“Are you contemplating your future this time?”
“I reckon I am.”
“I wish you didn’t have to go home today.”
“I know. I don’t want to go home.”
“What’s the game plan?” Savannah asked.
“I wish I knew.”
“Can you stay here for a little while longer until you figure it out?”
“No. I need to get back to New Orleans. I have to make things right with my supervisor. The last time I spoke with him, he was really angry with me.”
The sun rose higher in the sky as the two women enjoyed the kiss of warmth on their shoulders. Sweat trickled down Lexie’s forehead and nose.
Savannah turned to look at Lexie. “Do you remember when you told me that an undercover agent will be changed a little with each case, some for the better, and some for the worse?”
“Yeah, I remember.”
“I don’t see the better in this case, only the worse.”
Lexie thought about the statement before answering.
“I learned how to throw a cast net and drive a boat.”
Savannah smiled.
“I met Captain Meade and I spent some quality time with you.”
“I guess that counts as better.”
The two sat quietly for several minutes, listening to the sounds of the seagulls crying overhead.
Savannah broke the silence.
“It’s been said that Pawleys Island touches the heart and soul of all those who visit. Do you think it’s true?”
Lexie smiled.
“I do.”
Lexie closed her eyes and drew in the salty sea air, bookmarking the moment before she had to leave. Like the sunrise, her career had reached a transition. It was time to return home and prepare for the next phase of her life. It would take time for the answers to the big questions to reveal themselves, but the answers would come. Lexie knew this.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
There are so many wonderful people who I need to thank for helping me with this book. I have to start with my beloved husband, Bill. Not only is he a brilliant first editor, he also supplies an endless source of encouragement and limitless amounts of coffee.
My parents, David and Faye Ridenour, have always been my biggest fans and for that I am eternally grateful. I love you both to the moon and back. I would also like to thank my sister, Darla Hill, and my mother-in-law, Ruth Endorf, for their love, support, and for strongly encouraging their friends to buy my book.
I owe a huge debt to my devoted circle of friends who have donated so much of their time and energy to help me with this great adventure. A special thank you to Mark and Carol Duckworth, Nora Moloney, and Melinda Casey. I’m so lucky to have you in my corner.
I’d like to express my appreciation to my fabulous team of beta readers: Cathy Siegmund, Paul Frenzli, Terry Palmer, Nora Moloney, Melinda Casey, and Kristen Hunt. Thank you for taking the time to read the novel and provide valuable feedback. You are such an important part of the process.
To my high school honors English teacher, Sam Melloy, who made me understand the value of composition and the importance of expression through language. It’s wonderful to still have your support and feedback after all of these years. Please know that you truly made a difference in my life.
My gratitude to my new family at Deeds Publishing: Bob, Jan, Mark, Matt, David, and Ashley. Although I can never adequately thank you, please know that I am eternally grateful for your support and dedication to the novel and to my writing career. Since our first meeting, your faith in me has never wavered, and for that I am truly grateful.
Finally, this book is dedicated in memory of my great and irreplaceable friend, Captain Sandy Vermont. He was born Adolphe Vermont III, but to his friends and the thousands of people who had the pleasure of being a guest on his tour boat, he was known as Captain Sandy. Captain Sandy shaped and influenced my life in so many ways. His passion for the history, mystery, and romance of the area was contagious. My love of the South Carolina Lowcountry came from the countless hours that I spent on the boat with Captain Sandy, listening to his stories and learning about the area. He shared his knowledge with the young, old, and young at heart. Captain Sandy made me laugh and brought great comfort to me in troubling times. When I was a young adult, facing a crossroads in life, I turned to Captain Sandy for advice. He put me on his boat, took me to a deserted barrier island, and told me to walk the beach and the answers would come. He helped me to find my own way in life and to this day, if I’m in need of answers, I walk the beach and ponder the question until the answer comes. Captain Sandy left this world on October 15, 2016 and words cannot express how much I miss him. So, in the wo
rds of Captain Sandy Vermont, “nough said, fer now.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
DANA RIDENOUR is a retired FBI agent. She spent most of her career as an FBI undercover operative infiltrating criminal organizations, including the Animal Liberation Front, an organization of domestic terrorists. An award-winning author, Dana lives in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, with her amazing husband. Beyond the Cabin is her second novel and is preceded by Behind the Mask, a crime thriller also featuring Lexie Montgomery.
You can visit Dana online at www.danaridenour.net.