Sandrift: A Lin Hanna Mystery

by Sharon Canipe

  “This is really a small community. Word’s bound to get around somehow. We’ll find out.”

  “What about that Mike fellow? I know I can’t prove anything, but I’m sure that I’m right about him.”

  “Same story, we just give it some time. Sooner or later, if he really is following you, we’ll know it. Then we’ll have something to take to the police,” Neal seemed to put everything into perspective.

  Lin smiled at how reasonable and logical Neal’s thinking was, “Then I think it’s time we packed for our trip. We need to get an early start if we’re going to have time to explore the sights on the way down—you’re going to love the national seashore—it’s the most beautiful, natural beach on the east coast.”

  ***

  By mid-morning on Saturday, they were making their way down Hwy 12. This two-lane road traced a path along the narrow strip of islands between the dunes that lined the beach and the wetlands that bordered Pamlico Sound. They had stopped for breakfast in Nags Head before leaving and spent a good hour exploring the area around the Bodie Island Lighthouse that marked the end of Bodie Island. Bodie was home to the larger population centers on the Outer Banks—Nags Head, Kitty Hawk, and Kill Devil Hills where Kate’s home was located.

  “I’m familiar with the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse,” Neal remarked as he stepped back to photograph the Bodie Island light, but I’ve never heard of this one.”

  “There’s another light farther north at Corolla,” Lin told him, “not to mention Cape Lookout which is to our south and has its own national seashore.”

  “That’s amazing,” Neal was enjoying being a tourist, “Will we be able to see them all?”

  “We can easily drive up to Corolla from Kate’s,” Lin said, “but Cape Lookout is another trip, I’m afraid. It’s down near Morehead City. We’d have to take a two and half hour ferry ride from Ocracoke just to get to that area and then take another boat out to the light. If we drove down to Morehead or Beaufort it would be a lot of fun, but it wouldn’t be any faster.”

  “Maybe if we have another free weekend with good weather…” Neal mused. “I really would love to have more time to explore these places.”

  They headed back to the main road and turned south toward Oregon Inlet. Lin pointed out the large marina where a large number of fishing boats were anchored. “You might want to check with these folks about booking a trip when the guys come. There are other places closer to home too that I’m sure you can call.”

  “I meant to tell you that I did talk to Ben, and he said both he and Brian really wanted to go fishing, provided the weather cooperates. Maybe I’ll go ahead and book something next week. We can always cancel if we have to.” Neal caught sight of the Bonner Bridge ahead, “Wow, look at that,” he said in amazement.

  The Herbert C. Bonner Bridge was quite a sight, rising high above Oregon Inlet and curving toward Hatteras Island. It was an important lifeline for the communities of the island and keeping it open was a full time job. The shifting sands of the inlet could block the waterway after a storm, only to have the next storm threaten to undermine the pilings supporting the roadway. Lin pointed out the sand dredges that were a constant feature here, working to keep the vital inlet open for the fishing fleet. The state constantly worked on this bridge and on Hwy 12 itself as both were regularly closed by storm damage.

  After crossing the bridge they stopped at a parking area so that Neal could get some photographs. Lin was walking around a bit to stretch her legs. As she circled the parking area, she glanced up toward the bridge. Trailing behind a group of cars she thought she saw a black truck. The sun was reflecting off the water and she couldn’t be sure of the color, but it was definitely an older model truck. She felt a lump form in her throat. Was that Mike? Would he see them parked here? The truck moved past the parking area and disappeared down the highway. Lin still couldn’t be sure if it was the same truck she’d seen Mike driving. It’s probably just someone who lives down here heading back home; she tried to reassure herself, but she realized she’d not been watching all morning. I’ll try to be more alert she thought.

  Lin decided that she wouldn’t mention the suspicious truck to Neal just yet; after all she could be wrong. She couldn’t swear that it was black, and even if it were, how many of the folks who lived on this island might drive an old black pick up? She’d keep her eyes open and mention it if she saw it again and got a better look.

  It was only a short distance to their next stop, Pea Island Wildlife Refuge. “December is a perfect time to visit,” the ranger at the visitor center told them. “Right now we have literally thousands of snow geese with more coming every day; the herons and egrets are also here in large numbers, not to mention all the other species we see every day. This is paradise if you like birds.”

  They passed a wonderful hour walking the path and boardwalk that surrounded the pond. Neal used his camera’s zoom lens to good advantage and got some really good shots. On their way back to the car they stopped to hunt for turtles in the shallow waters. It was growing warmer as the morning advanced, and Lin unzipped her fleece jacket. She kept a sharp eye out, but there was no sign of an old black truck anywhere. Lin gave an inward sigh of relief; her imagination must be working overtime.

  They were planning to make the four o’clock ferry to Ocracoke, and that gave them plenty of time. They decided to stop somewhere for lunch before visiting the famous Cape Hatteras light. Some of the eateries in the small villages they drove through were already closed for the season, but they spotted the Good Winds Seafood and Wine Bar where a sign in the window announced that they were open everyday through New Years. It was a little windy to eat on the porch, but the restaurant wasn’t crowded, and they were able to snag a window table with an open view of the sound.

  “We’re on vacation,” Neal announced to their server, “how about a half bottle of your best white wine for starters.” He glanced at Lin to see if she approved which she certainly did.

  She looked at the appetizer list, “Bring us a seafood sampler to share with it.”

  The sampler provided a few bites of shrimp and crabmeat, along with some fried clams. To top it off, there were four delicate fried oysters, crisped to perfection. After enjoying the sampler, Neal decided on a plate of the oysters for his lunch, “I’m sure I’ve never had any so fresh and so perfectly cooked before, they’re fantastic.”

  Lin couldn’t disagree but the appetizers had left her feeling pretty full so she chose a bowl of Outer Banks Chowder to finish up with.

  “If we’re not careful, I’m going to fall asleep before we get to Ocracoke,” she sighed.

  “ Wait till we get to the ferry, you can nap going over,” Neal ordered two espressos to provide a jolt of caffeine.

  The espresso was great, but Lin didn’t need the caffeine to wake her up. As soon as they exited the restaurant she was jolted to full attention by the view at the gas station across the street. An ancient pick up truck, covered with salt spray and dust, but unmistakably black, was pulled up at the first pump. The driver’s back was turned toward them as he filled the tank, but his height and bulk were evident. It had to be Mike. Lin grabbed Neal’s arm just as the driver turned around and faced them. His eyes met Lin’s in an icy stare. She was certain now; they were being followed, and this man was up to no good.

  Neal guided her to the car, and they waited before leaving the parking lot. Mike finished gassing up his truck and went inside to pay. “Let’s leave right now,” Lin urged.

  “No,” Neal was serious. “This is an island, and there are only two directions we can go anyway. Let’s see what he’s going to do. If he’s headed our way, I’d rather be behind him.”

  “But, if he goes the other way, he might just turn around and come back.” Lin wasn’t sure what Neal had in mind.

  “That might be, but we’re better off trying to determine how serious he is about keeping up with us.”

  Just then Mike returned to his truck. He’d have to see that they
were still parked at the restaurant, but he gave no indication; he got in his truck and pulled out, heading south toward Buxton and Hatteras Village.

  After a few minutes, Neal pulled out and drove over to the gas station. “We may as well top off here ourselves,” He said, “we don’t really have to have gas right now but it won’t get any cheaper as we get further down the island.”

  He used the self-service pump to fill the tank while Lin went inside to purchase some snacks for later.

  “ I knew that bowl of soup wouldn’t be sufficient,” Neal grinned as he turned south on the highway.

  “Stop that,” Lin fussed. “I’m not at all hungry after that wonderful lunch. I just believe in being prepared. Who knows, the salt air’s said to bring on an appetite. ” She tried to make light of their situation, eager to restore the atmosphere of fun they’d enjoyed all morning, but it was hard. She kept looking for evidence of the black truck.

  She thought about suggesting they stop at one of the local police stations to report that they were being followed, but when she thought about it, she didn’t think that anyone could really do anything about it. After all, Mike had simply been nearby, he hadn’t approached them or threatened them in any way. They couldn’t prove anything at all.

  They continued their trek down the coast, stopping along the way for a short walk down the beach followed by a visit to the Kinnakeet Lifesaving Station. Viewing the exhibits about the rescues carried out by the lifesaving teams on the Banks over the years reminded Lin of Tom Miller’s stories about the many shipwrecks. They saw no sign of Mike and his truck anywhere.

  Lin was happy that this was also the case when they pulled into the parking lot at the Hatteras Island Visitor Center. “Maybe Mike’s given up the chase. He might’ve turned back while we were walking on the beach or visiting Kinnakeet,” Lin was hopeful that this was the case. “I’m wondering who he’s working for,” she added, “Billy Thornton’s in jail.”

  “Yeah, but he might’ve told him to stay on it, or maybe his lawyer has,” Neal suggested, “After all you’re a potential witness, if he goes to trial. You’ve been asking about Dorrie and we both talked to Connie Frazier. Maybe he’s looking for insurance that, if you do testify, you won’t make him look bad.”

  Lin hadn’t really thought about having to testify in any fashion. She hoped that wouldn’t happen but realized it might. Another thing bothered her. If Billy did hire this Mike, how did he know him? Apparently Mike worked at the Simon Gallery in Manteo. Almost as soon as she asked herself this question she had a possible answer. Mike probably lived on the beach somewhere. He might work in Manteo but, no doubt, he went back and forth all the time. Tim’s Bar and Grill, that’s it, she thought. I’ll bet he hangs out there and I know Billy was a regular. Ken Parker had mentioned that some of the guys at Tim’s wouldn’t hesitate to do someone’s dirty work, for a price.

  They had reached the base of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, tallest on the east coast. The stairs to the top weren’t open but a ranger was on hand explaining how the lighthouse was threatened by the eroding sands on Hatteras Point. She described the major project that moved the lighthouse to safety at its present location and reminded folks to view the exhibits in the visitor center that included more information about this feat.

  As they listened to the talk, Lin’s mind wandered. The ranger had described how the ever-drifting sands of this coast caused the shoreline to change all the time. Buildings are threatened and shipwrecks exposed, Lin thought, recalling the information Tom Miller had shared. In fact, wasn’t Hatteras Point the place where Liz Frazier claimed to have found jewelry?

  After they had left the visitor center, Lin suggested that they walk down to the beach for a few minutes.

  “OK,” Neal agreed, “ but we can’t stay long if we expect to catch the four o’clock ferry.”

  “I just want to go far enough to see if there are any timbers from shipwrecks in view,” Lin replied.

  They climbed the dune line to a point where they could see almost the entire beach spread before them. The rip currents that were common at the point were evident in the rippling surf, but there were no timbers visible. They retraced their steps back to the parking lot and headed for the ferry landing.

  The forty-minute ferry ride from Hatteras to Ocracoke Island was free. The state of North Carolina ran the service regularly, generally every hour, but the schedule was more frequent during the busy summer tourist season. There were other ferries from the south end of Ocracoke that connected to Cedar Island near Morehead City and to the town of Swan Quarter. These rides to the mainland were toll services and took more than two hours.

  When they arrived, cars were already beginning to line up for the four o’clock trip. The ferry could be seen approaching in the distance. Lin scanned the line of waiting cars as Neal pulled into the row indicated by the person preparing to load the ferry. She gasped aloud when she spotted the old black pick up three spots ahead of them. The driver wasn’t present. She grabbed Neal’s arm, “Look up there. It’s him, or rather his truck. Where is he?”

  People had exited their cars once in line and were walking about chatting and enjoying the sunshine. A few had even gone over to the docks to feed the waiting gulls. Mike was nowhere to be seen.

  “There he is,” Neal had spotted him. “He’s over by that building; it looks like he’s talking on the phone. Cell service had been spotty all day as they traveled down the banks, but there was apparently good signal here. Lin realized that Neal was getting out of the car.

  “Wait here and keep an eye on him,” Neal said, “I’ll be right back.” He was gone before Lin could protest. Mike wasn’t looking in their direction at all. He was deep into his conversation. Neal was walking toward the truck trying to keep the cars between him and Mike’s line of sight. Lin saw Mike stop talking and put his phone in his pocket. She held her breath, hoping he wouldn’t return to his car just yet. He looked in their direction, and Lin felt sure he’d probably spotted their car. She just hoped he hadn’t spotted Neal. Thankfully, Mike went into the building, where a sign indicated there were restrooms.

  Before Mike came back outside, Neal was back. He’d copied the license plate number for the truck. “When we get the chance, maybe we can find out more about who this character is. If he bothers us on Ocracoke I’m calling the local cops. Otherwise, we can give this information to Ken Parker when we get home.”

  Lin nodded and reached out to grab Neal again, “Look, he’s coming back.”

  Mike walked swiftly back to his truck. He was looking in their direction and his eyes met Lin’s just as he reached his vehicle. There was an ugly sneer on his face. For a moment Lin was afraid he was going to come to their car. Her grip on Neal’s arm tightened. She was relieved when Mike opened the truck door. He gave one last, long look in their direction then got into the truck and started the engine. Sand and gravel scattered as he pulled the truck out of line and headed back toward the highway. They saw him turn back toward the north and speed away.

  “You can let go now,” Neal grimaced, “I’m going to be black and blue.”

  “Sorry,” Lin released her grip, “What do you suppose that was all about?”

  “I’m not sure,” Neal replied, “if I had to guess, I’d say that he knew we’d probably head to the ferry so he came down here to wait. When he saw us arrive he probably phoned his contact to report we were heading to Ocracoke. My guess is he was called off,” he turned to smile at her. “I don’t think we have anything more to worry about, at least not while we’re there.”

  “He could take a later ferry couldn’t he?” Lin was still nervous.

  “Yes, but I doubt he does. He knows we’ve seen him now. I’ll talk to Ken about all this when we get back. He might not be happy with you just now, but he will try to protect us, I feel sure.”

  Lin tried to relax but she still felt shaky.

  “We’ve at least ten minutes before the ferry loads, why don’t we walk around a bit,
everyone else seems to be enjoying the sunshine.” When they left the car, Neal took her hand and led her over toward the water. There were some kids there, feeding the gulls. Brown pelicans were cruising low over the waters of the sound. From time to time one dived swiftly and rose again with a fish dangling from its bill. The sky was a brilliant blue and the sun danced on the rippling water. Gradually, Lin let herself relax. This was a perfect day and she was determined not to let anything else spoil it.

  The ferry horn signaled and everyone returned to their cars. Soon they were all loaded and pulling away from the landing.

  There was an inside passenger lounge, but since the day was nice most of the passengers gathered outside, either on the main deck in front of the parked cars or on the passageway outside the lounge. Some of the kids were tossing pieces of bread at the flock of hungry gulls that apparently followed each ferry that made the trip. Someone spotted several dolphins swimming alongside, and that generated a rush to the port side to try for photographs. Lin and Neal remained in place on the deck, leaning on the rail and simply enjoying the peace of the moment. Gradually, the tension generated by being followed seemed to leave Lin, and she smiled at her companion.

  “The rest of this weekend is just for us, nothing else to worry about.”

  “You’re right about that,” Neal took her hand and tucked it into his arm, “No more distractions, other than those we generate for ourselves that is…” he winked and brushed his lips lightly across hers.

  The ferry landing was at the opposite end of the island from the village of Ocracoke itself. They decided to drive directly to the village and check into their lodgings.

  “We can enjoy the village this evening,” Neal said, “and stop at some of the other places on our way back to the ferry tomorrow. I don’t know about you but I think I’ve had enough sightseeing for one day.”

  “Me too,” Lin smiled, “maybe just a walk around the village before dinner tonight. The rest can wait.”