by Laura Scott
“Oooh, touchy, aren’t you? What’s the big deal? You’re not planning to break your vow and start dating again, are you?”
Zack could feel Merry’s amber eyes boring into him as she listened. He was so not in the mood to have this conversation with Colton, especially not in front of Merry. “Focus, Wallace. I need to know what you found out about Caruthers.”
“Oh, I get it,” Cole said. “Pretty Merry is sitting right there, isn’t she? Okay, here’s the deal. A friend of a friend knows a cop in Minneapolis. That cop went over to Caruthers’ place and verified the guy isn’t home. According to the neighbors, no one has seen him for a few days.”
A few days? As in since Tuesday? “Thanks for doing that for me.”
“Wait, there’s more. Seems Caruthers has to check in with his parole officer once a week, and his last visit was Monday. If he doesn’t check in by next Monday, they can arrest him for being in violation of his parole. Of course, he won’t do a lot of time, but at least he’ll be off the streets for a little while.”
“That’s excellent news.” Zack could barely contain his excitement. “Can I get his parole officer’s contact information?”
“Sure.” Cole rattled off the name and phone number. “Watch your back, Crain. This guy isn’t exactly known to be rational.”
“I know. I need one more favor. I need someone to pick up my shift on Monday, too. Can you put the word out for me?”
Cole let out an exaggerated sigh. “I guess I can cover it for you, but you’re going to owe me one. Hey, how about this? You introduce me to pretty Merry, I’ll willingly wipe the slate clean. How’s that for a deal?”
No way, no how. Zack was glad Colton wasn’t here to see just how much that idea bothered him. “I’ll pay you back, Cole. Tell me what shift you need covered, and if I’m not working I’ll take it.”
“Hmm, interesting that you seem reluctant to introduce me to your friend. And since I’m a nice guy, I have to think it’s because you want her all to yourself.”
Okay, enough already. He was finished with this discussion. “Goodbye, Colton.” He pushed the end button and forced himself to face Merry as if that embarrassing conversation hadn’t just taken place. “I have the name and number of Blake’s parole officer. If Caruthers doesn’t report in on Monday he risks being arrested for violating his parole.”
Merry frowned. “I guess I shouldn’t be surprised Blake is on parole. He’ll keep ending up in jail if he doesn’t take his medication.” She tilted her head. “So what else did you discover?”
He glanced down at his scribbled notes, hoping she hadn’t been able to hear Colton’s comments. “Cole contacted a friend of a friend who went over to Caruthers’ apartment. No one has seen him for a few days.”
“I guess that fits our timeline, huh?” Merry’s expression was troubled. “I wish I would have gotten a better look at that guy in the fishing boat. For all we know, Blake is visiting his sister or his parents. He might not be here in Crystal Lake at all.”
Zack knew she was holding out hope that this would just go away, but he was just as certain that Caruthers was here someplace, watching her.
He stared out over the lake, carefully examining the boats flying back and forth over the water. He was just about to suggest that he go out looking for him, when he caught a glimpse of a man in a blue baseball cap pulled low over his brow.
“You’re going to get your wish, because he’s out there, right now. Let’s go.”
Zack rushed down to the boat lift, wishing he’d put the boat in the water earlier. He spun the wheel as rapidly as possible, lowering the frame holding up the speedboat into the water. Merry climbed into the boat and Ace jumped in, too, unwilling to be left behind.
He jammed the key in the ignition and fired up the engine, hoping they weren’t too late.
Chapter Six
Merry held on for dear life as Zack thrust the throttle of the boat forward, zooming over the water. She squinted against the whipping wind, trying to catch a glimpse of the fishing boat. But when she looked at the last place she saw it, the boat was nowhere to be found.
There were lots of other boats on the lake, and Zack had to be careful as he drove, keeping track of the skiers and the tubers.
The boat slowed and Zack glanced over at her. “Do you see him anywhere?”
She shook her head, slowly scanning the water. How was it possible for him to disappear so fast? Then she caught a flash of blue, way over on the opposite side of the lake. “There! Near the public boat launch.”
“I see him,” Zack muttered grimly. He swung the boat around to give a couple of jet skis a wide berth before heading across the lake.
Merry sat there, her heart racing. She was deeply afraid of seeing Blake again. The last time he’d attacked her, he’d almost choked her to death.
Her hand crept up to her throat, and for a moment she could still feel the imprint of his strong fingers. Even though she reminded herself that she wasn’t alone this time, that Zack was with her, she still didn’t want to see him.
Zack slowed the boat as they approached the shore. She clenched her fingers in her lap, trying to remain calm.
“I think that’s his boat,” Zack said.
She couldn’t tell one boat from another but she trusted Zack’s keen observation. “Any sign of him?” she asked.
“No, I don’t see him.” Zack’s tone was ripe with frustration. “I’d like to get out and search for him, but I don’t want to leave you alone.”
She didn’t want Zack to leave her alone either, but told herself to stop being a chicken. She reached over and stroked the lab’s fur. “I won’t be alone. I have Ace.”
She could tell Zack wanted to take her up on her offer, but after several long moments he shook his head. “There’s plenty of time to track him down. We’ll find him.”
She couldn’t deny feeling a wave of relief. No matter what Zack said, she was worried that Blake would see him as a rival. She’d rather the sheriff’s deputies be around to take care of apprehending Blake.
“How’s your headache?” Zack asked, as he put the boat in reverse and backed up.
She smiled, for the first time in what seemed like hours. “I’m fine, Zack. Being out on the water is wonderful.”
“I’ll try to keep a slower pace on the way back,” he promised.
“Great, I was hoping you’d take the long way home,” she teased.
“Happy to oblige,” he responded with a broad smile.
Merry caught her breath at the way his smile lit up his entire face, and she quickly turned in her seat, so that he wouldn’t notice her reaction.
She needed to concentrate on relaxing and enjoying the sunshine, not imagining what it would be like to be with Zack as more than a friend.
____________
Zack felt amazingly content, appreciating the sense of calmness that surrounded him when he was out on the water. He was annoyed that he hadn’t been able to catch up with Caruthers but he did get the number off the boat’s hull and could use that to find out who rented it.
He was confident he’d have the guy behind bars, soon.
Per Merry’s request, he took the long way back to their pier, cruising along the edge of the lake. He saw several new houses along the shoreline that he didn’t remember seeing before, as well as a few properties that were for sale, including a tiny cottage almost surrounded by trees not far from his sister’s place. There were still a few empty lots that were also for sale, and it occurred to him that maybe he should invest in one, just in case.
He mentally rolled his eyes at his foolish thought. In case of what? He’d made a decision to move away from Crystal Lake, so there was no reason at all to consider buying a lot. What was wrong with him, today? He needed to remember that this was just a nice mini-vacation, nothing more.
Glancing over he saw Merry was relaxed in her seat, her face tipped into the wind while she rested her hand on Ace’s head, idly scratching him behind the ears.
He was struck once again by her beauty, and was forced to silently admit that he didn’t want her to meet his buddy Cole. Because he wanted her for himself?
Yes. No. Maybe.
She was what was wrong with him today. Ever since he’d begun to spend time with Merry, his traitorous thoughts kept wondering what it would be like to spend time with her more often. Like on a date. Ridiculous to consider such foolishness. For one thing, she was a devout Christian, and no matter what she said, he knew that God had given up on him. Besides, she deserved a family of her own and that was the one thing he knew he couldn’t do. No way, no how.
Tearing his gaze away from Merry, he glanced around at the other boaters, making sure that Caruthers hadn’t returned. There was no sign of the fishing boat, and while he knew he should get back to his sister’s place so he could start making phone calls, he didn’t want to get off the lake just yet.
After a good forty-five minutes, he turned the speedboat back toward the pier. They hadn’t brought any sunscreen and he was concerned Merry’s pale skin would burn.
As he pulled up alongside the pier, Merry stood and reached over to grasp the side of the lift, helping to guide the boat into position. She acted like an experienced boat rider, and he wondered if that was because she’d gone out with Julie several times.
“Thanks Zack,” she murmured as he finagled the boat into place. “That was a nice ride, at least on the way back.”
“You’re welcome.” He needed to get away from her. Fast. Before he did something stupid like try to kiss her. “I have to run into town, would you mind heading inside with Ace while I’m gone? And lock the doors, too.”
She frowned but then shrugged. “I guess I can do that. I wouldn’t mind resting again for a little bit. Even though I haven’t done anything all day, I’m still exhausted.”
“You need to listen to what your body is trying to tell you,” he said, taking her arm to help her get out of the boat, and then following her up the grassy embankment to return to the house. “How about I stop at the store and pick up something for dinner? I wouldn’t mind grilling out tonight.”
Merry kept her eyes downcast, and her cheeks were pink, no doubt from the sun. “Sure, that’s fine. I’ll raid Julie’s garden and make salads.”
He wouldn’t say no to fresh veggies, but hoped that he hadn’t made the invitation to share dinner sound like anything other than what it was, friends sharing a meal. It seemed stupid for each of them to make their own separate dinners.
“See you later,” he said casually, as Merry went inside his sister’s place, taking Ace with her. He waited until he heard the door lock click into place before he crossed over to his side of the townhouse. A little distance from Merry was exactly what he needed right now. He went into the bedroom and rifled through his duffel bag to find his badge and his gun before heading back out to the main living area. Grabbing his truck keys from the counter, he headed out front to where he’d left his pickup parked on the road.
The drive into town, for the second time that day, didn’t take long. He wanted to stop at the rental place first, to see if he could convince the owner to let him know who’d taken out the fishing boat. Granted, he had his badge and his weapon but he clearly wasn’t wearing his uniform, and anyone with half a brain would know he wasn’t on duty.
He didn’t recognize the young man behind the counter of Boat’s Are Us, so he pulled out his badge and glanced at the name tag pinned to the man’s shirt. “Hi, Dave, I’m a cop, and I need to know who rented a fishing boat earlier today.”
Dave pushed his glasses up his nose as he glanced at the badge, and then frowned. “We rent a lot of boats, Officer. I couldn’t begin to tell you who rented what.”
Zack nodded. “I have the number off the hull.” He scribbled the number on a scrap piece of paper and slid it across the counter. “Do me a favor and check your files, okay?”
Dave hesitated, as if he thought he was doing something wrong. “Maybe I should call my boss.”
Zack shrugged. “You can do that. I can also call my friends at the Hope County Sheriff’s Department to rush things along, as well. What’s the big deal? It’s just a name, right?”
“I guess,” Dave mumbled. He picked up the number and went over to the computer system. He taped on the keys, searching for the information. “Here it is. The guy’s name is Calvin Reynolds, and he rented the boat for a week.”
What? Zack scowled and wished he could see the computer screen for himself. “Are you sure? Check again.”
“I’m sure. It’s right here.” Dave jabbed his finger on the computer screen.
Zack couldn’t believe it. Was it possible he’d gotten the number wrong? “Okay, try this then. Search for the name Blake Caruthers.”
This time it took Dave much longer, and at one point Zack actually spelled out the last name, in case Dave had it misspelled.
“Nope, don’t have anyone in the system by that name,” Dave said with a sigh. “Sorry.”
Zack stared at him, trying to figure out if he was really wrong if or if Dave was actually covering for Blake by lying to him. He didn’t want to believe he could be that paranoid, so he thanked Dave and turned away.
Then he swung back. “Tell me something, that first name you mentioned, Calvin Reynolds. You said he paid for a week. What day did he rent the boat?”
Dave went back to tapping on the computer keyboard. “Tuesday morning.”
Coincidence? Zack wasn’t about to leave any stone unturned. “How did he pay, with a credit card?”
“Actually he paid cash, but we require a credit card number on file in case there’s any damage to the property.”
Was Caruthers smart enough to get a fake credit card and driver’s license? He wasn’t sure. Maybe Zack was the one being paranoid. “Did you happen to catch what type of vehicle he was driving?” Zack asked.
“No. I wasn’t here when he rented the boat.”
“I see.” Zack knew he couldn’t count on Dave to describe the guy, then, either. “One last thing. Any chance you know the address that goes along with the credit card? Any chance it’s from out of state? Say, Minnesota?”
Dave folded his arms over his chest. “Look, Officer, I tried to help you, but I can’t run the credit card address for you. I don’t even know how, even if I wanted to. If you need that information, then you may as well call your deputy friends.”
Zack shrugged. “All right, I’ll do that. Thanks for your help.”
He turned and left the boat rental, trying to understand this latest clue. Or lack of a clue. Somehow, he just couldn’t buy the idea that a red-haired guy who looked like Caruthers just happened to rent a boat for the week. Reynolds had to be Caruthers.
The scary part was that even with his psych history, Caruthers was going well out of his way to cover his tracks. As if he had more on his mind than simply scaring Merry or just trying to talk to her.
But how could Zack prove it? He went back outside and, once again, drove up and down Main Street to look for the blue van. If he found that, he’d know for sure that Reynolds and Caruthers were one and the same.
He drove into the motel parking lot, but as before, there was no sign of the blue van. He drummed his fingers on the top of the steering wheel, wondering how many other places there were to stay in Hope County? Probably way more than he wanted to know.
It suddenly hit him that he was looking for a van, and there was a campground located not too far outside the Crystal Lake city limits. Why hadn’t he thought of a campground? Caruthers could be sleeping in the back of his van or in a tent. Cheap and with easy access in and out of the city.
Zack backed out of the motel parking lot, turned around, and then headed for the highway, a keen sense of anticipation rushing through his system. This was a good lead and, with any luck, he’d have proof Caruthers not only violated his restraining order but also committed identity theft.
He dialed Cole’s number as he drove. “Hey, I need you to run a check o
n another name for me.”
Colton sighed. “You’re just full of favors today, aren’t you? All right, what do you have?”
Zack quickly filled him in on the boat chase, and the information he’d uncovered from the Boats Are Us rental agency. “I really think Caruthers is using this fake name, Calvin Reynolds. See if you can find out if he has any friends or known associates by that name.”
“Okay, but explain why you can’t do your own legwork on this?” Cole asked. “I’m the one working your shift, while you’re slacking off on your boat.”
“I would, but I’m heading over to the Hope County Campground. I’ve been driving all around town and haven’t seen that van, but never considered he might be using a tent to camp out.”
“Good point,” Cole muttered. “All right, give me some time with this and I’ll get back to you.”
“Thanks, Cole.”
Zack ended the call, trying not to be too disappointed. After all, Cole was working his shift. He couldn’t complain about the fact that Cole had put his job first and Zack’s request for information second.
The campground was only seven miles down the highway, and he slowed his truck and turned carefully onto the gravel driveway. The conditions were typical of any other campground—a building housing bathrooms and showers, with several paths winding around the area, providing many opportunities to pitch a tent or park a camper.
Zack took his time, driving super slow and checking out the area. There were dozens of campsites and he knew this might take a while. He was tempted to call Merry to let her know but held back, just in case she was sleeping. And he needed to pick up something to cook her for dinner.
Enough, already. He shook his head as if he could dislodge his wayward brain cells. He needed to concentrate on finding Caruthers rather than constantly thinking about Merry. He was helping to keep her safe, nothing more. As soon as he’d found the guy and arrested him, he’d head back to Madison, where he belonged.