First Degree Murder

by Christy Barritt

  Clemson stood and raised his eyebrows. “As a matter of fact, I believe he was. Why would you ask that?”

  Cassidy shrugged. “Just wondering.”

  His eyebrows crept even higher. “I highly doubt that.”

  Cassidy crossed her arms and stared down at the dead man, trying to picture the last moments of his life. “I think the timing is strange. I mean, Anthony Gilead gets in at the last minute and is on the ballot for mayor. The next day, the man who approved it is found dead.”

  “You think Gilead could be involved with this?” Clemson frowned down at Bob.

  “I didn’t necessarily say that,” Cassidy said. “I just think the timing is strange.”

  “Maybe the autopsy will tell us more.”

  “That’s what I’m hoping.” She shifted. “I also think it’s strange that our victims who were left in the woods had no signs of any physical trauma.”

  “You think this is connected?”

  “I don’t think anything yet. I just want to be open-minded and explore every possibility. Four dead bodies in a week? I’d be a fool to not question if they were linked.”

  “We should know something soon,” Clemson said. “The evidence will tell, right?”

  “The evidence will tell. In the meantime, I’ll talk to people at his office and make sure he wasn’t having any conflicts we need to know about.”

  Cassidy knew this new theory could be nothing. It could be a coincidence. But it also could be something—something big. But she needed confirmation before she ran away with that new theory.

  Before she could explore any of her questions, someone barged into the room.

  She glanced up and saw Mayor Tomlinson standing there. His face loosened with grief when he saw Bob’s body—and then he glared at Cassidy, and she knew that he somehow thought this was all her fault.

  Mac couldn’t be elected to fill his position soon enough.

  Cassidy didn’t get home until after midnight, but she was wide awake when she arrived. Ty had waited up for her, a gesture that warmed her heart and made her feel so incredibly loved and valued.

  Yet, despite that, her thoughts felt heavy—burdened. Almost like she was on the brink of having her perfect life here stripped away from her.

  Was that what this feeling—this rising anxiety—was? Everything felt so fragile and breakable right now, like in the blink of an eye life as she knew it could shatter.

  She supposed part of it was the case. There were so many moving parts to it. She’d tried to call Gilead’s parents earlier, but they hadn’t answered. She’d left a message but had little hope they would return her call. Most parents protected their children at all cost.

  She was worried about Serena. Apprehensive about Gilead’s run for mayor. Concerned about the circumstances around those dead bodies in the woods.

  And anxious that the text she’d gotten meant she was living on borrowed time.

  As Ty fixed her some tea, she wrapped a throw around her shoulders and stepped onto the deck, Kujo on her heels. Somehow, she always could think more easily when she was near the ocean. As she waited for Ty, she stared out into the vast darkness—darkness that seemed to have no end.

  The ocean hid in the blinding nighttime. She couldn’t see it, but she knew it was there. Could hear the waves. Could smell the salty air.

  It reminded her that she couldn’t rely only on what she could see. The reminder was good because, right now, all that was in her vision was trouble and unsettling change.

  A moment later, Ty joined her, handing her a warm cup of raspberry tea. He said nothing, just gave her space to process her day, her thoughts.

  “You remember when we first met,” Cassidy finally started, letting the sound of the waves crashing roll over her.

  “Of course. I was driving my cousin’s truck, you thought I cut you off, and then you confronted me about the bumper stickers on the back—the ones you didn’t approve of.” Ty smiled.

  Cassidy smiled also as she replayed the day in her head. “And then later you came up behind me on the sand dune—”

  “And you flipped me over your shoulder until I landed on a patch of sand spurs.” He put his hands on her shoulders and leaned closer. “That’s when I knew it was true love.”

  Cassidy turned to face him, desperately fighting the feeling that her world was beginning to crumble. “That seems like so long ago, but it was barely a year.”

  Ty pushed her hair back behind her shoulders before letting his hands rest on her waist. “It does, doesn’t it.”

  “You had no idea what you were getting yourself into the first time you kissed me.”

  “I wouldn’t change a thing, Cassidy. Well, maybe I would change the fact that so many people want you dead. But other than that . . .”

  “It’s been an adventure, hasn’t it?”

  “It really has been. Maybe I can whisk you away somewhere for our one-year anniversary. Get away from the craziness around here.”

  “That would be nice. But I might need to save up my leave time in case we need to visit your mom. I know she’s been doing better now but . . .”

  His mom had been undergoing treatments for ovarian cancer. Though she was in remission, Cassidy knew they needed to be on call in case things changed.

  “I think we could still squeeze something in,” Ty said. “You make time for the things that are important, right?”

  “You do. But life here is like a vacation.”

  “Except that you’re chasing killers all the time and keeping your eye on a potentially deadly cult and trying to protect all the innocent citizens who live here. It’s a big task, one where you don’t get a lot of breaks.”

  She frowned. “It’s true. But I know I’m doing what I need to be doing, Ty.”

  “I know you are too. I just worry about you.” He wrapped his arms around her and drew her close until they were snuggled against each other. “I love you, Cassidy Chambers.”

  Her heart pounded with warmth. “I love you too, Ty. Always and forever.”

  He drew her even closer until their lips touched and Cassidy was swept away from all her worries—for a few minutes, at least.

  But Cassidy would take whatever she could get.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Moriah felt a new spring to her step as she emerged from her room the next morning. She had only one day until she got married. One day.

  Then her life was going to change.

  A smile stretched across her face. She couldn’t wait.

  She paused in the hallway, noting that Gilead’s door was cracked open.

  Maybe she could see him. Maybe she could steal a kiss.

  Would Gilead like that? Or would he find it intrusive?

  She wasn’t sure.

  But Moriah was going to be his wife. She shouldn’t fear the man’s reaction.

  She stepped closer, about to knock when she caught a glimpse of Gilead.

  Her eyes widened when she realized he was changing clothes. He was mostly dressed, and his back was toward her. But he hadn’t yet slipped his shirt on.

  His physique captured her gaze.

  His broad shoulders.

  His muscular biceps.

  His . . .

  She sucked in a gasp.

  What was that on his back? There were scars. Horrible scars.

  Not scars like the burn mark on her own back. These scars ran in every direction. Almost like . . . someone had whipped him.

  No. That couldn’t be right.

  But where would he have gotten such marks? It didn’t make sense.

  Gilead tugged on a shirt and then turned toward the door. As he did, Moriah slipped away. Was she too late? Had he seen her?

  She didn’t dare linger any longer. She darted toward the steps, her heart pounding.

  She needed to prepare to meet with Serena. She needed space before she saw Gilead—space to process exactly what she’d seen.

  Breakfast and the morning session were like a blur, thoug
h. She couldn’t get the image of those scars out of her mind.

  But before she knew it, it was time to meet Serena. She remembered Gilead’s request.

  I need you to find out any information on Cassidy Chambers.

  The only way Moriah could do that was through talking to Serena. But even the thought of Cassidy made her stomach turn.

  “Good morning, Moriah,” Serena called, offering a bright smile.

  Moriah nodded hello as she stepped outside the Meeting Place, wondering how the girl could be so perky. “Good morning. Let’s take a walk.”

  Serena nodded. The girl had long, dark hair that had a wave to it, pale skin, and curious eyes. Somehow, she looked out of place in her tunic and khakis. She seemed like the kind of person who flourished while expressing herself by what she wore and how she did her makeup. Trivial things that didn’t matter.

  Serena would be in for a wake-up call here at the Cove.

  They fell into step beside each other, walking toward the garden area.

  She remembered Gilead’s advice. Make her like you. Then she’ll do whatever you want. You just have to know how to handle people.

  That’s not what Gilead had done to Moriah, was it?

  She sucked in a quick breath at the thought. No, of course not. Why did she always have to be so full of self-doubt?

  “So how do you like it here so far?” Moriah asked. Part of her didn’t care, but she couldn’t show that. Like Gilead said, she needed to make Serena like her.

  “It’s . . . it’s lovely. But different. I can’t quite get used to dressing the same way and eating the same things every day. I used to sell ice cream for a living.”

  Moriah glanced the woman’s way, surprised by her words. “Ice cream? Interesting.”

  “What I wouldn’t give right now for a Nutty Buddy.”

  Moriah smiled. She hadn’t thought about frozen treats in a long time. But now that Serena mentioned it . . . a Nutty Buddy would be amazing. She didn’t dare share that out loud.

  “So, you and Dietrich are close?” Moriah continued. She pulled her tunic tighter around her neck. The day wasn’t cold, but the breeze was. She wasn’t sure she’d ever get used to the cooler seasons here on the island.

  “He’s just great, isn’t he?” Serena practically glowed as she said the words.

  “I don’t know him well, especially since he doesn’t live here at the Cove.” Moriah had always wondered about that. Gilead had told her those who didn’t live at the Cove were scouts. They were the ones actively recruiting and trying to bring people into their group. Those people seemed to be some of the ones Gilead trusted the most.

  “He’s handsome and smart,” Serena told her. “What else can I say?”

  “And he talked to you about being here and all it involves?”

  “He talked to me about finding my true purpose in life. He pointed out the emptiness in my eyes and how I should be living to the fullest instead.”

  “Gilead is great at speaking truth into our lives, isn’t he?”

  “Oh, he’s wonderful. I finally feel like I have a reason to wake up each day. I know now that I was put here on this earth so I could learn under Gilead’s teaching. He’s going to change me. I can feel it.”

  Moriah’s throat burned as a question fought to get out. Should she bring this subject up or not? She would, she decided. She was brave. Had courage. Strength.

  “Do you miss your life outside this place?” Moriah asked. “Certainly you have friends here on the island who are worried.”

  Moriah was specifically thinking about Cassidy. Thinking about how Gilead had asked her to find out more information on the woman. She couldn’t let him down.

  “I do,” Serena admitted. “But the sacrifice is worth the cause.”

  “Do you have family on the island?”

  “Just my aunt Skye and her boyfriend, Austin. He’s not family—yet. But he will be.”

  “Being here in Gilead’s Cove, you might miss their wedding, whenever it happens.”

  Serena frowned, as if she hadn’t thought about that. “Even if I do, I’ll be there with them in heart. Besides, I’m not trapped here at Gilead’s Cove, right? I do have the right to come and go when I want.”

  “In theory, yes. But it’s not smiled upon. Especially when you’re new.”

  Serena rubbed her throat, as if it had tightened. “I see.”

  Moriah had to keep Serena talking and see if she could find out any information. “So, do you know that police chief here on the island?” Moriah ventured.

  Serena glanced at her, surprise in her gaze. “Cassidy? No, we’re not really friends. I bought the ice cream truck from her is all.”

  “The police chief used to drive an ice cream truck?” Moriah wondered about the story behind that.

  “I know it sounds strange. But Lantern Beach can be a strange place.”

  “I guess so.” They paused by the garden area. Though it was early in the season, the garden still had to be tended. That was what Ruth always said, and Ruth should know since the garden was one of her areas. “What do you know about the woman?”

  “The police chief?” Serena shrugged. “Not much. Only that she’s great. She’s smart, pretty, loyal. Her husband is what dreams are made of. I would love to have her life.

  A flash of jealousy seared through her. Moriah needed to know more about this new enemy so she could combat her. Moriah wasn’t as naïve as she’d once been, and she was ready to fight to get what she wanted. What she deserved.

  Moriah swallowed deeply before saying, “Funny, I heard she’s not the faithful kind of woman.”

  Serena’s eyes widened. “Cassidy? She’s definitely faithful . . . I mean, from what I know about her. I’ve only talked to her a few times, though. What’s with all the questions?”

  Moriah didn’t think Serena sounded convincing—more like she was trying to protect her friend, Cassidy. “She seems to oppose our group here, so I just wanted to know what it was about her background that might cause that.”

  Serena shrugged. “She probably sees Gilead’s Cove as a threat to the island. A lot of locals do.”

  “Why would we be a threat?” Moriah let out a little laugh at the absurdity of the statement.

  Serena cast a quick glance at her but said nothing. Instead, after an awkward moment of silence, she cleared her throat. “Say, as I was trying to sleep last night, I saw three men walking around the compound. What’s their job?”

  “Walking around at night? Probably just security.” Why was she bringing this up? The subject change irritated her.

  “But they went out a gate and into the woods,” Serena continued.

  Moriah’s heart thumped in her chest. Was Serena correct? Why would men be leaving at night? “I don’t know what you’re talking about. Besides, you should mind your own business.”

  Serena shrugged, as if unaffected by her scolding. “I was just curious.”

  “Well, curiosity can have consequences. You’d be wise to put those notions aside and concentrate solely on your own well-being right now.”

  “My own well-being?” Serena stared at her.

  Moriah realized what she’d said. “Your own spiritual growth.”

  Serena nodded. “Of course.”

  “Now, let’s keep walking.”

  Chapter Eighteen

  The next morning, Cassidy jerked up in bed. Her phone buzzed on the nightstand, pulling her from an engulfing, all-too-realistic dream where she’d been running from a faceless shadow. Her heart raced as the vivid images pummeled her mind.

  It had felt so real.

  She’d felt so threatened.

  So in danger.

  “Cassidy, do you need to get that?” Ty turned over in bed and stuffed his pillow beneath his head as his sleepy gaze fell on her.

  Her phone, she remembered.

  Her personal phone had been buzzing.

  She raked a hand through her mane of hair and grabbed her cell. But it was too lat
e.

  She’d missed the call. She glanced at the number and saw it said private. She sighed, putting the phone back down.

  “Who was it?” Ty asked, draping his arm across her.

  “I don’t know. They’ll leave a message if it’s important.”

  He pulled her closer to his warm body, and she melted there. During the in-between seasons, it always felt cold in the cottage. Too warm for the heat to come on. Too cool for the AC.

  If only she and Ty could stay here all day, just relaxing and enjoying each other’s company.

  But all her pressing concerns flooded back to her.

  She forced her eyes open again and saw that it was almost eight o’clock.

  A groan escaped from her, and she pulled the soft blanket up tighter around her neck. Sunlight streamed in through the blinds, and Kujo lay at her feet.

  “What?” Ty murmured into her hair.

  “I have to get to work.”

  “Call in sick?” He didn’t release his hold on her.

  “I wish I could.”

  “Why is your heart racing so fast? I can feel it thumping against my chest.”

  “Bad dream.”

  “Want to tell me about it?”

  Cassidy turned over and ran her hand along his face, soaking in his features—his handsome features that she’d be quite content to stare at all day. His scruffy beard, intelligent and sometimes mischievous eyes, his messy brown hair. She still marveled sometimes that she’d found someone like him.

  She remembered his question. “There’s nothing to tell. In my dream, a shadow was chasing me, and I . . . I was certain I was going to die.”

  Her attempt at a lighthearted tone fell flat.

  “That doesn’t sound like nothing.”

  Cassidy shrugged. “It seemed real and got my adrenaline going, I suppose.”

  Ty kissed her forehead. “Those are the worst. What do you think it means?”

  She didn’t have to think about it long.

  “What if I can’t figure everything out, Ty?” she whispered. “What if I can’t make things right? What if Gilead is elected and Serena is really converted and . . . I could go on.”