by Rita Garcia
Two hours later, Logan eased the truck into Big Al’s parking lot, the café where Ralph agreed to meet. The sheriff had arrived before them, and leaned on his patrol car waiting. “Hey, Ralph.” Zack rushed over and shook his former superior’s hand.
Ralph nodded to Logan. “What’s going down? If we need privacy, it’s better to talk out here.”
Zack listened as Logan summed up the contents of the two letters before handing them to Ralph.
“This is the first I’ve heard about a formal investigation. The scuttlebutt hasn’t made the rounds.” Ralph shook his head. “I’ll put some feelers out, see what I come up with.”
“Thanks, Ralph. This screams of revenge or payback.”
“That’d be my take. First we find out who we’re dealing with, then map out a plan.”
Logan offered his hand to the sheriff. “Appreciate it.”
Ralph shook Logan’s hand, and turned to Zack. “You’re one of the best. We’ll get to the bottom of this.” He climbed back into his patrol car and rolled down his window. “Could be an outside source putting pressure on someone. I’ll do a little fact finding in that direction, too.” His tires kicked up gravel as he sped away.
Zack leaned back in the passenger seat, as Logan shifted the truck into gear and headed back to Serenity Cove. Zack searched his memory for clues, rehashing past cases. He’d exhausted his list by the time Logan maneuvered back into the station’s lot. “Thanks, man. You could’ve just taken my badge and left me to the sharks.”
“That I couldn’t do. Go home and I’ll keep you updated.”
“See you later.” Zack got out and swung into his own truck.
He considered canceling his dinner date with Jezzica. He wasn’t going to be in any fun frame of mind until this was over—one way or the other. All the legal ramifications aside, killing had never been easy for Zack to file away in the recesses of his brain.
He pulled into the church’s parking lot and went in search of Pastor Jim. He found him in his office and let out a forceful breath.
“Zack.” Pastor Jim rose and shook his hand. “What brings you here?”
Zack twirled his hat in his hands and started his story, then paused.
Pastor Jim came around his desk and put a hand on Zack’s shoulder. “Let’s go walk the grounds and talk.”
“I stand to lose my career.”
“Care to elaborate?” Pastor Jim pushed his hands into the pockets of his faded jeans in an easy Max Lucado style.
“The picture of the criminal lying there bleeding keeps replaying over and over in my mind. He was a ruthless killer—still that doesn’t make being responsible for his final breath any easier.”
They walked along in silence for a few minutes. “There’s more. One of the suspects tried to attack Jezzica. I wanted to take him out with my bare hands. To be truthful, I’m not sure what I might’ve done if Logan hadn’t stopped me.”
“Did you go beyond the scope of your sworn responsibility to serve and protect?”
“No. These were hard-core criminals.”
“Could you have aimed differently and only wounded him?”
“It’s doubtful. These situations tend to go down fast.”
“It’s not up to me to judge you, but it seems you were called to a crime in progress and did your job.”
Pastor Jim led Zack to a bench and they both sat. “Let’s pray.”
Unable to find words, Zack absorbed the pastor’s prayers. Pastor Jim once again put his hand on his shoulder. “We’ve asked God to reveal His truth to you. Go in peace.” Pastor Jim sighed. “Keep praying. He’s always ready to direct our steps and lead us closer to Him. He’ll give you the answers you seek.”
Zack stood and shook the minister’s hands. “Thanks.”
“That’s what I’m here for. See you on Sunday.” Pastor Jim headed toward his office.
Zack sat back down on the bench. The pastor’s prayer had struck a chord with him. He bowed his head and prayed for forgiveness and for direction with his life. “I want my life to be pleasing to you, Father.” He lifted his chin and stared, not really looking at anything.
“Hi.” Catylen sat on the bench next to him.
“Hey, Caty. What brings you here?”
“A meeting with Dr. Ellie.” She checked her phone. “I’m a few minutes early.”
“How’s Jezzica?” He stretched his legs out, crossing his ankles.
“She’s going full speed to get the shop open and it seems to be helping her cope.” The look in Catylen’s eyes softened. “How’re you doing?”
Strange, considering he didn’t really know Catylen all that well, but he shared the concerns he’d told the pastor. She picked up his hand. “That is a tough one. Did both shots hit the killer in his chest?”
“Both shots?”
“Jezzica said she heard two shots before she went outside onto the deck.”
“I only fired once. Catylen, you may’ve just saved my career.” He grabbed her in a hug and took off in a flash.
Chapter Twenty-six
At the opening of the door, Jezzica averted her eyes from the list of books she was inputting into the point of sale system. She rushed to greet her visitor. “Sam, it’s great to see you.” Jezzica reached down and rubbed Goldie’s head. “Ugh, treats for Goldie—I promise next time they’ll be here.”
“Look at this place, what a transformation.” Samantha pulled a tissue wrapped gift from the shopping bag she’d carried in with her. “A little something I thought you might like to have for the shop.”
Jezzica folded back the tissue paper, and removed an hourglass with a rosewood stand. “Didn’t this used to be displayed in the bookshop?”
“Yes, Anne, the original owner of the bookshop and also my birth mom, kept it on her desk. I intended to keep it as a keepsake, but it belongs in the bookshop. That is, if you’d like to have it.”
“Yes. Very much.” Eyeing the fireplace, she walked over and placed it on top.
“I’m blown away that you found a fireplace behind the paneling.” Samantha ran her hand across the satiny mantel.
“Zack discovered it while he was putting up the bookshelves. I’m having electric logs put in it.”
“The whole shop—all the changes, they’re fantastic. I have something else, too.” Samantha pulled a book from her bag. “Anne wrote children’s stories. Her mom, Elizabeth, gave me Anne’s portfolio with several of the stories she had written. Her first story is about a dog named Charlie. I designed a cover and self-published it.”
Jezzica reached for the brightly colored book. “What if we did a display for our grand opening? I’m planning a story time for opening day—I’ll read one of Anne’s books.”
“I would be pleased if you honored Anne by featuring her work on such a special day.”
“Are you going to publish the other stories?”
“That’s my goal. I plan to publish two each year, one at Christmas and one at the beginning of summer.”
“I’ll include something about the book in the grand opening ads.”
“That would be wonderful. And I’ll have some posters made up. Anne had dreams of becoming a published children’s author—I’d like to make that happen. ”
“I’ll update you as soon as I have an official opening pinpointed.”
“Great. By the way, I’m buying Julia’s house.”
Jezzica pointed toward Maggie’s shop. “The house between the bookshop and the antiques shop?”
Samantha nodded. “I’m going to open an art gallery for local artisans.”
Excitement sparkled in Jezzica’s eyes. “That’s fantastic news. Are you looking for an assistant by any chance?”
“Do you know someone?” Samantha raised her eyebrows.
“My sister, Catylen, loves art. At one time she talked about having her own gallery. It would be worth talking to her and see if she might be interested.”
“I will. Thanks so much.” Samantha gave her a quic
k hug. “I need to rush. Give me a heads-up about the dates, as soon as possible. And thanks again.” Samantha snapped her fingers and Goldie followed her.
Jezzica closed the door behind the two and headed back to her computer, but turned as the door opened again. “Abby. What a delightful surprise.”
“Hi, Jezz.” Abby’s eyes wandered through the shop. “Everything’s coming along magnificent. Actually, that’s why I’m here.”
“Okay? Now I’m confused.”
“I’d like to extend an offer to you. I have a small space at the inn that would be perfect for a mini bookstore, a small extension of this one. Would you be interested in leasing the space? Our guests would make good use of it, I’m sure.”
“A small shop that would carry the latest releases and a few classics?”
“Precisely.”
“Sounds interesting. I’ll think it over and get back to you.”
“Better yet, drop by and look at the space. Bring your sister and we can talk details over a latte. And aren’t Catylen’s daughters visiting? Please bring them along as well. I’d love to meet them.”
“The gossip chain is thriving, I see.”
Abby’s laughter rang out with Jezzica’s. “Never any worry there. Is tomorrow around two good for you?”
“It is. I look forward to discussing this more.”
“Good, I’ll see you tomorrow then. I need to finish a couple errands and get back before the lunch crowd arrives.”
Jezzica closed the door behind Abby, and returned to logging in her inventory. When she stopped to rub her eyes, she checked the time, and three hours had passed unnoticed. She hit the Enter key and the inventory list was completed. She rolled her shoulders, trying to work out the stiffness. It was time to head home. And she wanted a chance to talk to Catylen about the second shop. She opened her car door and lifted her foot to get in.
“Hey, Jezz. How’s the shop coming?” Maggie called out from two doors down.
“Come by in the morning and I’ll give you the grand tour.”
“Will do.” Maggie waved as Jezzica backed out of the parking slot.
Jezzica took comfort in the camaraderie of having neighbors and shopkeepers knowing her first name. Serenity Cove might turn out the way she had hoped—a place she could call home. A place she could move forward. A place she could finally gather the pieces of her broken life. But what do I do with the memories—the ones that keep tugging at my heart?
The sight of the cottage was a welcome reprieve from her anxiety. The smell of barbecue escalated her hunger before she made it to the back deck. “I was hoping that smell was coming from here.”
Catylen turned from tending the grill. “Go change into something comfy and I’ll call Tasha and Lauren—dinner’s ready.”
After greeting Rusty, Jezzica quickly traded her jeans for a cotton sundress and joined the others at the table, where the cat curled up with his head on her foot. “Everything looks delicious.” She nodded to her sister. Barely stopping to inhale, she rushed on. “Abby stopped by the shop today.” She continued, telling them about Abby’s offer. “And so, she’s invited us for lattes tomorrow, and to check out the space.”
“That’s an amazing opportunity.” Catylen forked a bite of potato salad.
“Aunt Jezz, if Tasha is going to have her shop, would you consider letting me run the shop at the inn?”
“That’s between you and your mother. But I’m good with it. Even better, you lease the space and set it up. You can order through my shop, which will enlarge our orders and give us certain advantages.”
Harrison popped onto the deck. “Sorry, didn’t mean to intrude on dinner.”
“Hello, Harrison. Care to join us?” Jezzica motioned to the extra chair.
“Thank you, ma’am, but I just stopped by to invite Tasha and Lauren to play a game of beach volleyball. A bunch of us are getting together.”
Tasha and Lauren leaped up, wiping their mouths. “Do you mind?” Tasha’s tone of voice said she wasn’t asking permission so much as being courteous. She eyed her mom for an answer.
“Run along.” Catylen chuckled as the girls tromped behind Harrison down the stairs. “I’m happy they’re here. Not sure what Mike is going to say when he finds out they’re moving here.”
“Are you okay with it?”
“If they finish their degrees online. I guess it’s the wave for the future of education. Tasha sent an email to her advisor so we’ll know soon.” From the look in her eyes, her mood seemed to change. “I had a session with Dr. Ellie today.”
“How’d it go?”
“Now that Mike drew a hard line in the sand—so to speak—Dr. Ellie says it’s important to set the guilt game aside and focus on moving in a positive direction. It’s difficult getting past the tendency to blame myself. But I’m working on it—that and not hating Mike.”
“I have faith in you. You’ll sort this all out.”
“I have faith in God. Me—not so much. I would have never chosen to leave my marriage. I believed we’d grow old together and spoil our grandchildren someday. My whole reality has changed. Mike still wants to talk reconciliation—I can’t go there.”
“I’m glad you’re seeing Dr. Ellie.”
“Didn’t I see Zack walk you home last night?”
“He did. We’re having dinner together, as friends.”
“That’s a good thing.”
“I’m trying. Still considering a few sessions with Dr. Ellie myself. My thoughts have formed a pattern and keep playing you’re it. One minute I want to make strides forward, but it always comes back to—what about Geoff?”
“Do it. Dr. Ellie has a comfortable, easy manner about her.”
Jezzica decided to change the subject—sorry that she’d even mentioned seeing Dr. Ellie. “Are you up for a group meeting with Tasha and Lauren and me tomorrow afternoon, after our meeting at the inn? We’ll go over our plans and coordinate the openings.”
“Sure, I’ll update our young entrepreneurs.” Catylen rolled her eyes. “Seriously, it has a nice ring to it, don’t you think?”
Jezzica enjoyed the look of motherly pride on her sister’s face. “Most definitely. Using Julia’s words, it’s a done deal.”
Chapter Twenty-seven
Zack pulled into his driveway and mounted the steps leading to his deck. There was Susan sprawled across a lounger in a skimpy bikini.
“Where’ve you been? I’ve been waiting.” She nearly knocked him off balance as she flew into his arms.
He gently held her at arm’s length. “What are you doing here?”
She leaned in and ran a long, painted fingernail down his chest. “We could have dinner together. What’s the saying? For old times’ sake.”
He stepped back. Her perfect curves weren’t lost on him, but he was no longer interested. “Not a good idea.”
“I need to talk to you.” The pout of her lips infuriated him more.
He took a deep breath and kept his voice at an even keel. “We have nothing to discuss.”
“I’m getting married.” Tears drifted down her rosy cheeks.
“I wish you well. I take it you chose someone your daddy approves of. Someone fitting to marry Louis Barclay’s daughter?”
“That’s mean. I came here so you wouldn’t be hurt hearing about it from someone else.” She moved closer, running her fingertips down his arm. “Zacky, we belong together. I heard how you shot and killed a suspect, and according to Daddy you won’t be in uniform much longer—so there’s nothing stopping us from being together.”
He smirked and shook his head. This wouldn’t bode well for Louis Barclay’s political career—he would see to it. He picked up her purse and shoved it toward her. “You should leave.”
Susan clutched her bag to her chest. “You never loved me or you wouldn’t be acting this way.”
“We were attracted to each other, I’ll give you that. But we were never in love. Be happy with your new life. I am.”
“What’s gotten into you? You were never hateful like this. I came here willing to give us another chance, before it was too late.” She maneuvered the wooden stairs in her high-heeled sandals, and quickened her steps once her feet hit the sand. Had she ever heard the word no before?
Susan Barclay was a beautiful woman, one who caught men’s attention. Barely thirty and she had everything enhanced, nipped, and tucked that was possible. He cringed knowing he’d almost gotten lost in her snare. Jezzica was the exact opposite of Susan. She was not only gorgeous in a real way, but had goals and ambitions. She was caring and compassionate, and one of the smartest and sexiest women he’d ever met. He hoped—no, prayed—for a chance to find out if they could have a future together.
Their dinner date would be a great start. He rubbed his hands together. He’d never considered himself to be the Romeo type, but a dinner cruise for two sounded romantic, even to him. He couldn’t wait to surprise her. But first he had to clear his name and Susan had just given him some crucial information. Now how to play it out? He needed to talk to Logan.
Chapter Twenty-eight
Leaving bare footprints in the sand, she freely swung her arms. If someone had asked her for an explanation of the happenings of the past month—or even the past week—she’d be at a loss for words. Life had taken on an agenda of its own fashioning and the force was in forward motion. Catylen would have given God credit. Jezzica turned her eyes upward, as though God resided far, far away. God, are you really there? Then I don’t understand—why did Geoff have to die? Lord, I need to understand. She made an abrupt pivot and retraced her own footprints. She forced the heaviness of her thoughts into the recesses of her mind that had become their designated area.
She paused at the steps of her cottage; Catylen sat outside, with her head leaned back and her eyes closed. The picture of perfect peace—how with so much turmoil in her life? Jezzica bypassed the stairs, and continued on. Zack’s place was dark. Then her eyes landed on the deck and she froze. He was holding a bikini-clad woman in his arms. The name Susan floated to where she stood. Susan? That was the name of the woman he’d once been engaged to. Why is she here? Jezzica reversed her steps and broke into a run, blinded by her tears. “How could I have been so stupid?”