by Kim Allred
She grabbed her sweater, then stopped to grab her rain jacket. There was no way around it. She would need to spend more time with Finn Murphy to learn about the ship. And while she no longer thought he knew anything about Westcliffe, he might be able to help loosen up Mr. Jackson. She dreaded having to deal with either man.
At first, she didn’t want to be alone with a stranger in a remote setting, but as she rolled it around in her mind, she wasn’t scared of Finn. Her anxiety seemed to be triggered by his brashness. She would not let the man continue to get the upper hand in her interviews. She was a professional. She blew out a long breath and, before leaving the room, tossed the sweater and rain jacket aside in favor of a light windbreaker.
She headed out the door, her course determined, when another idea popped into her head. Ethan had the right skills to help with the investigation, if he was willing to help. He might not be willing to be her covert agent, but there was only one way to find out.
AJ guessed Stella’s mood when it took three separate blasts of the horn to encourage her friend to greet the day. She looked like the walking dead. Hands wrapped around a huge travel mug of coffee, her steps tentative, and her sunglasses shading her eyes though the clouds hadn’t fully lifted.
“Good morning,” AJ said, tempting fate with a perky greeting.
Stella grunted and threw her bag in the back. She reclined her seat back several inches, her mug of coffee held protectively on her lap.
“It’s going to be a marvelous day.”
“All right already.” Stella’s voice was hoarse. “You’re lucky I made it this far. Who in God’s name gets up this early on a Saturday?”
AJ took pity on her friend. Stella did look pretty worn. “Long drive back from Eugene?”
Stella leaned up to take a long gulp of coffee. AJ hoped it had cooled enough, or that Stella was awake enough to know if she was drinking scalding-hot coffee. It seemed to be working. Stella raised her seat an inch. “I don’t know why they called us to close. The paperwork wasn’t ready, which delayed everything by two hours. Should have waited until Monday.”
“I couldn’t do that.”
“You get used to it. The other Realtor was amazing. He kept the conversation going, had us laughing over the funniest stories.”
Stella still looked groggy.
AJ smirked. “Uh-huh.”
“It’s not like that.” Stella raised her seat to face AJ.
“Sure. I understand.”
“Please. You think I dragged him home to bed? You know I would have led with that.” Not defensive, just matter-of-fact.
“You did seem to have a long day.” AJ paused for effect. “And night.”
“Yes, it was a long night. We went to dinner over in the Dell, that new restaurant. Can’t remember the name, it opened last month.” Stella’s forehead wrinkled.
“Fishers Cove or Fishers Bay.”
Stella nodded. “Fishers Cove, that’s it. Great atmosphere, good food.” Stella grabbed her bag from the back, fishing through it until she found her makeup bag, and dropped the visor to check herself in the mirror, touching up areas that didn’t need it. “Anyway, I hadn’t met Rick before, since he works out of Lincoln City. And before you ask, he’s divorced, one kid. His wife moved over to the valley, but he sees his daughter once a week.”
“Well, at least you know he’s got a decent job.”
“Yeah, maybe not the most respectable of jobs, but he’s got one.” Stella laughed, sounding more like herself. She nursed her coffee while rearranging her bag. “Oh, I forgot. We never got together to go over the county records.”
“Anything of interest?”
Stella dug through her bag and pulled out her notepad. “I was able to see a clear chain of ownership from the Ramseys to a series of inn owners.” She flipped through her notes. “Ownership moved from Tanner to Smith to McAllister and finally Owens before changing hands in the 1970s to a corporation.”
“A corporation owns it?”
“It looks like it. And it’s the same name as the inn. Westcliffe.”
“Any specifics on the company?”
Stella turned a page in her notebook. “The corporation is privately held. The only name on record is a representative of Westcliffe by the name of Hensley. They have a post office box in London, of all places.”
“It explains why no one has seen the owner.”
“Maybe that’s why Jackson won’t talk about them. He’s never met them.”
“Maybe.” AJ was disappointed. A corporation in London was of no help.
Stella stuffed her notepad back in her purse. Taking another gulp from her mug, Stella spotted the McDowell place. “You know, it looks less sinister when you know someone lives there, or maybe it’s the “who” of who lives there.”
AJ could see Stella’s face brighten at the sight of the house. This was going to be an interesting day. She pulled next to a shiny black Escalade, the back hatch open. They had just stepped out of the car when Ethan walked out from a detached garage with an ice chest.
“Good morning, ladies. I have some water on ice for us.” Ethan set the chest in the back of the Cadillac. He looked up at the thinning clouds. “I do believe we’ll see some sun today.” He brushed his hands against his jeans and smiled at them.
This was the first time AJ had seen him in jeans and a shirt with no accompanying jacket. His clothes almost fit his personality, but he didn’t seem to have the easy nature of Finn. There remained an edge to him the change of clothes couldn’t soften, as if he wanted to keep a fence between himself and others.
“I can’t believe you’re brave enough to take two women shopping.” Stella staked out her place in the front seat. She dropped her shoulder bag on the floor and tried to fit her oversized mug in the drink holder.
Ethan raised an eyebrow, gave AJ a questioning glance, then moved toward Stella. “I was thinking more of an educational adventure rather than shopping. Here. Why don’t you try the side holder?”
“What’s educational about women shopping?” Stella smiled as her mug snuggled into the side holder.
“We’re looking through antiques not with a mind for shopping but for a glimpse into history.”
Stella rolled her eyes, sighed, and slid into the front seat. “Well, that doesn’t sound nearly as interesting as shopping, but I’m willing to give it a whirl. AJ only took me antiquing once and for some reason never asked again.” Stella sounded wounded but smiled as she shut her door.
AJ hopped into the back seat, dropping her small bag next to her, and Ethan climbed into the driver’s seat. “This is going to be a test of patience for Stella today,” AJ said.
“It’s why I selected Chilton as the best option. Not only does it have several antique shops, but a good supply of art galleries, small cafés, and, I believe, two wine bars.”
“Now that’s a man who knows how to take care of a lady. I think you’ll do nicely.”
Ethan shot a look at AJ through the rearview mirror.
She grinned. “We’re going to scare Ethan off before we make it out of town.”
21
The drive to Chilton took an hour. The small town was south of Baywood and sat a mile or two inland, requiring the quiet hamlet to work hard to attract visitors, which they accomplished through an active antique and arts community. The shops ran east and west down the main street, with a few others scattered along narrow side streets. The salty air tickled the noses of tourists and locals alike, and shore birds could be heard squawking by the estuary bordering the town. The only thing missing was the shore.
Ethan parked on one of the small side streets, close to the middle of town. As they stretched their legs, streaks of sunlight pierced the remaining clouds, leaving their reflections in small puddles created by the morning rain.
They moved from shop to shop, Ethan always eager to explore the next shop. He peppered AJ with questions about various pieces, from small figurines to large armoires and everything in between.
At first, the older artwork intrigued Stella, but her interest waned, and she often wandered away to be found at the next art gallery or a women’s clothing shop.
While Ethan spent most of his time with AJ discussing odd and ends of history, he shared time with Stella, discussing a piece of art or giving his opinion on a dress she picked up. His smooth transitions between the two women amazed AJ. It was as if he was spending a day with two sisters with opposite interests, needing to keep both happy so one wouldn’t pout.
At one store, Ethan vigorously shook his head at a dress arrayed with bright colors. Stella held the dress against her, looking at herself in a mirror, explaining to Ethan why it was perfect. Ethan remained firm in his opinion to put it back, aggrieved to the point of selecting a different dress with an equal amount of diverse colors, a tone down on the color wheel. AJ smiled. It was a beautiful dress—a perfect dress—and AJ was surprised Ethan had picked it out. When Stella saw it, she tossed the dress she was holding over a rack, grabbed the one Ethan held, and draped it against herself, staring into the mirror. After a quiet moment, Stella checked the size before disappearing into a dressing room.
“That was amazing,” AJ said.
“I have always found it difficult to understand why it takes so long to find a dress. The choice seems so obvious to me, but you spend hours pulling out items, unable to make a decision. It makes no sense.” Ethan looked around the room. “See, this one would be perfect for you.” Ethan pulled out a short summer dress with tiny forest-green flowers, several shades darker than the rest of the dress.
Immediately drawn to the colors, AJ couldn’t help reaching for it. She let her fingers play over the soft fabric, imagining how fun it would be to wear. She pulled the dress to her and looked in the closest mirror, a silly smile meeting her gaze. Damn, he was good.
“Stella would love to see you try something on,” he said. “It’s a nice break from the antiquing, which doesn’t seem to suit her.”
He was playing her, but she didn’t care. She liked the dress, so why let Stella have all the fun?
Ethan held back a smile as AJ followed Stella to the fitting room. After a few seconds, the women were chittering away. He turned to the sales lady. “Please let them know I’ll be across the street, at the shop with the old watches in the window.”
“I know the one,” she said. “And thank you for the sales.” The woman flashed a broad smile, seeming assured she had sold two dresses.
Leaving the shop, Ethan turned left instead of crossing the street, retracing his steps to a shop they had visited earlier. This was the first time he had been able to extricate himself from either woman, and he was eager to be back in his own element, away from the shopping, even for a little while. Ducking into the shop, Ethan kept a leisurely pace until he arrived at the back counter and nodded at the owner, who was helping a customer. The man gave Ethan a returning nod and asked his assistant to finish with the customer. He led Ethan to a small office and closed the door behind them.
Fifteen minutes later, newly purchased items in hand, AJ and Stella perused the shop with the watches across from the dress shop. AJ lost herself in the watches and old jewelry while Stella toyed with items—a touch here, a fondle there; no individual item received more than a second glance.
Stella sighed in relief when Ethan entered the shop. “Thank God. We didn’t know where you went. I’m famished.”
“Sorry, I was distracted by another shop.” Ethan’s response was clipped, and Stella’s body stiffened.
“It’s not a bother.” Stella selected an old spice rack, giving it more attention than anything else she had seen all day.
With more enthusiasm, Ethan said, “You’re right, it’s way past lunchtime. It must be the company I’m keeping.”
Stella brightened. “I know what you mean. I can shop and forget all about eating, but once the body says enough, I become such a grouch. The woman at the dress shop suggested a little outdoor café down the street. The weather has improved enough to sit outside, don’t you think?”
“I’m sure it will be fine.”
“Excellent.” Stella dropped the spice rack. “AJ, let’s go. You can come back if you have to.”
AJ studied two items in her hand, an old watch and a bracelet, turning them over in her hands. “I found the most marvelous things. This watch must be close to a hundred years old, and it still works. I don’t think they know what they have. This is a great price.”
She handed it to Ethan, and when she finally looked at him, she sensed a reticence that hadn’t been there earlier.
He took the watch and gave it a good once-over. “Yes, it’s a marvelous find.”
“We’re going to lunch. Everyone is getting a little cranky from low blood sugar. I know I am.” Stella took the bracelet AJ held and slipped it onto her wrist. “Where did you find it? This is marvelous. I can’t believe I didn’t see it.”
AJ and Ethan laughed. Stella snickered but admired the bracelet, turning her arm this way and that. Ethan returned to his previous duties, giving the bracelet an appraising look, pausing over the odd-colored stone, rubbing it gently with his thumb, before turning toward the door.
“Don’t you think it will go nicely with the piece I found last month?” AJ said.
“Oh yeah, I forgot about that.” Stella inspected the stone and shook her head. “I’m not sure it’s the same color, but hard to say.”
“Let me just buy these. I’ll meet you at the café.” A quick glance at Ethan made her stop.
Ethan seemed frozen in place, his face a shade paler as he stared at the bracelet.
“Are you all right?” AJ asked.
He stared at her, then seemed to recover from wherever he went. “I’ll get us a table while you make your purchases.”
“What’s up with him?” AJ said after the door shut behind him.
“Oh, he’s hungry. He’s been like that since he came back. Can’t say I blame him. I’m starving. Pay up, and I’ll meet you outside.”
AJ paid for her purchases, bothered by what had gotten into Ethan. Hunger alone wasn’t enough to impact Ethan’s mood, which had definitely changed since they had split up. Where had he gone when he left them at the dress shop? Maybe the sales lady misunderstood his intent. She placed her newfound treasures inside the bag with her new dress, the dress Ethan had selected. AJ refused to spoil the wonderful time she was having on some perceived change. Maybe it was just low blood sugar. She put the incident aside and stepped into the sunshine.
To Stella’s delight, the café doubled as one of the wine bars in town, and Ethan secured a secluded table tucked away in the green foliage of the patio, amidst the perfume of peonies heavy in the warmth of the sun. A slight breeze rustled in from the coast, allowing sea air to wash over the town. AJ was so content, she could have curled up for a nap. These were the perfect Saturdays: hunting for lost treasures, the company of good friends, and the fresh aroma of baking bread.
“I can honestly say AJ is the only person who could be dropped in the middle of a huge pile of garbage and still find the one sole piece of treasure buried in it.” Stella was regally ensconced in her chair, a glass of white wine held firmly in her hand. “I, on the other hand, could land in the middle of nothing but treasure and find the sole piece of garbage.”
Ethan and AJ laughed. If nothing else, Stella had no misgivings as to who she was or what talents she did—or in this case did not—have.
“You weren’t raised to see the treasures as I was. Dad schooled me from an early age on how to look at things and, over time, you learn a shorthand. I guess it’s the best way I can describe it.” AJ sipped her wine and glanced at Ethan.
He appeared to be the same charming host they’d begun the day with, but his edge returned. He smiled and continued to entertain them, while at the same time he monitored his surroundings, taking things in, apparently mulling them over, deciding if they had a hidden purpose or could be ignored. AJ wasn’t sure she liked this side of him, alw
ays on guard, always suspicious of a situation or person. She wasn’t sure how one lived like that.
Ethan locked eyes with her, and AJ recalled the first time she’d met him. His eyes peered into her depths, as if he were deciding if she could be trusted, if she were friend or foe. Then, as if the moment never happened, he smiled, the warmth spread over AJ, and her first impression disappeared. Almost.
Stella, seemingly oblivious, sighed in contentment and lay her head back against her chair, her eyes mere slits. With barely a chance to relax, her eyes popped open, and she bolted upright so quickly, she jostled wine onto her lap. “Well, drat, good thing it’s white wine.” Stella grabbed a napkin and, dipping it in a glass of water, dabbed at her lap. “I almost forgot to tell you about my trip to the county records office.”
Ethan smiled. “Exactly the intent of the day. At least you had a small respite.”
“I’m sure it will be a short diversion.” AJ welcomed the conversation. Stella usually had a good tale. “So what’s all the mystery? You gave me the names. What more is there?”
“When I went to look at the records for the inn, I ran smack into Adam coming out of the records office. He almost knocked me over.”
AJ frowned and sat back. “It was such a perfect day and you had to spoil it. He’s a lawyer, gathering information to sue some poor old lady out of her money.”
Ethan grimaced. “Isn’t that a little harsh?”
AJ had forgotten that Ethan had a working relationship with Adam, and as much as she disagreed with her brother on almost every level, she didn’t want to cause his family harm. “You’re right. I wasn’t fair. I don’t know why we have the history we do, but there it is. I don’t think it will ever change. Sometimes you just don’t like your own blood.”