Sadie made him smile. Jessie was like her in so many ways. He would spend as much time with Jessie as he could over the next few days. Besides wanting to be with her, he needed to see if any new clues came out in their conversations.
Matt sat back down in the chair. They still had to unravel the facts of the case. One could only hope whoever it was would overplay his hand and give him something to go on. The note told Matt the man had a big ego. Their suspect wanted them to know he was watching them and that it was a game to him. Matt hoped he would keep it up.
He leaned back in the chair and closed his eyes. Tomorrow he would brief Dylan, talk to Jeremy, and, of course, see Jess. He could picture her standing there among the boxes, smiling and happy. Content, his body relaxed, and sleep claimed him.
****
He could see her through the store window. The sunlight skimming across her hair made it look like spun gold. She waved when she saw him, her face lighting up with a smile. She walked over and unlocked the door, letting him in. “Hi, I wasn’t expecting you yet.”
“Are you about ready for a little break?” He came in carrying a pizza and placed it on the table. He put a paper bag there as well, slipped off his coat, and watched her, intrigued by this side of her.
“Yes,” She turned around in a circle gesturing with her hands. “It looks good, doesn’t it? I mean it looks really good.”
“You’ve done wonders with the place.” He walked toward her and pulled her into his arms, locking them around her. He leaned his chin down, resting it on the top of her head and breathed in the scent of her. Feelings exploded within him. He had to keep her safe and would do anything to do it. He nuzzled her ear. “We fit well together. I’m going to miss you, Jess. Do you know that?”
“I’ll miss you too!” She felt him shudder. “Are you okay? It’ll be fine, you wait and see.”
“I know,” he whispered in her ear. Slowly he lifted her face and gazed into her eyes. A heated looked passed between them, and he claimed her lips in a tender kiss.
“Anything else unusual happen today?” He rested his chin on her head once again.
“No.” She pulled back just enough to see his face. “Nothing unusual, but I’ve been wondering about that letter—that he’s been watching me. Do you think there’s a camera hidden in here somewhere?”
“We’re going to check it out while you’re gone.”
“I love how you’re always one step ahead of me.” She rested her head against his chest. “Thank you for thinking about me.”
“Like, I could stop.” He grinned at her. “Let’s eat before this gets cold. I’m yours for the rest of the night. Put me to work!” He unlocked his arms and gave her a playful push toward the table. “Dylan and Kip are going to help us on Saturday and Sunday.”
“That sounds good. I think I can get it all done with a little help.” She took the plates, napkins, and drinks from the bag. Matt pulled out her chair.
“By the way, tomorrow night you’ll have the night off, so I’m taking you out.” He noticed her shaking her head. “This topic isn’t open for discussion. You’ve been working hard the last several days, and you could use it. Okay?”
She grinned at him over her slice of pizza. “Okay, if you say so. I think I can live with it.”
“I say so.” He took a bite of his pizza. “I need it just as much as you do.”
Chapter 6
Jessie’s bags were packed and waiting at the door. Katie had already called to let her know she was ready to go, too. All they needed now was Matt and a cup of coffee from Joe’s to fortify them for the trip. It was a cold morning. Matt had called her earlier and told her to wait in the house. He would come to the door and get her. She smiled. That had been her plan all along so that Matt could carry her suitcases.
What a fun weekend. Dylan, Kip, and Kenny had helped her at the store along with Katie and Molly. The store looked great and was full of laughter as they worked. It was just as she had envisioned it would be every time she dreamed of owning a bookstore.
The highlight of the weekend was her date with Matt on Friday night. He had arrived with a bouquet of red roses and treated her to a special evening at the Chowder House. He had managed to secure the best table in the restaurant, one with a beautiful view of the cove. They sipped wine as the evening sun slowly set and fuchsia tinted with orange light sparkled on the water. A moonlight ocean drive followed their meal, and they parked near the beach and talked. After a few memorable kisses—she could still feel the heat of them just thinking about it—he brought her home, and they sat on the couch. They spent the next few hours watching an old movie together, huddled under a comfy throw. If he’d asked her to marry him then, she would have forgotten her resolve and said yes. She scrunched her face. She didn’t know how much longer she could hold out against his charm campaign.
The light tapping on the door startled her. “Good morning.” She smiled up at him.
“Are you ready?” The condensation of his breath rose like fog in the chilly morning air.
“I’m packed and ready, sir.” She smiled at him and saluted.
He went to get her suitcase as she grabbed her laptop. “You’re only going for a week, right? What do you have in this thing?” He grimaced as he picked it up.
“I only have clothes and a few necessities.” She laughed when she saw his puzzled look. “Oh, and a few books of course.”
“I knew it had to be more than clothes.” He opened the door for her and followed her out.
“I’m taking Grams some books from the store and naturally I have to have some reading material.” Jessie gave him a guilty smile. Matt would find out soon enough Katie’s suitcase was heavier than hers.
****
The trip into JFK went fast. Katie chatted the entire way. Before they went through security, Matt pulled Jessie aside.
“Keep your eyes and ears open, sweetheart. If you need me, call.” He held her close and spoke softly.
“It’s just a simple vacation, Matt.”
“Honey, nothing is simple when it comes to you.” He looked at her expression and laughed. “You know it’s not, so just do what I told you.”
Her eyebrows arched. “How would you like a few of those imaginary points I added taken off again?”
“If it keeps you safe, I don’t care.”
“Come on, Jessie, just give him a goodbye kiss, and let’s get going.” Katie was tapping her foot, letting a few people get in front of her in line.
Jessie looked at Matt. “I need to go. I’ll keep my eyes open.” She turned to leave, pulling out of his hold, but he held fast to her hand.
“That’s good enough. Hey, where’s my goodbye kiss?” He brought her back close.
“You mean right here, now?” She bit her lip to keep from laughing.
“I sure do. Katie told you to give me one.” He kissed her soundly. “I’ll be here to pick you up on Sunday night.”
“Thanks.” She waved at him and got into the security line with Katie.
“Where do you think Sadie is taking us?” Katie edged her suitcase along as the line progressed.
“I have no idea. She hasn’t let any details slip. I have a feeling Matt knows but he’s not giving anything away. He always seems to be one step ahead of me.” Jessie removed her shoes placing them in the tray.
****
Matt had arranged to meet Jeremy in the city at Mike’s Delicatessen for lunch. With Jessie safely on her way, it was time for him to get to work. Matt ordered the hot pastrami on rye and Jeremy had the corned beef.
“Did you find anything for me?” Matt took a bite of his sandwich.
“I looked back over the archives of Jessie’s stories. A couple of things stood out to me.” Jeremy scrolled on his phone to his notepad. “Jessie did a series of articles on the subject of living with mental illness. One of the reports was on notorious crimes committed by people in society with compulsive tendencies and those with a sociopathic personality disorder. They
were folks who appeared normal but weren’t. I’ve copied a few of those articles to read. She interviewed a few who seemed to function well in society, but ultimately, they used people for their own ends.”
“And this is a problem? Why?” Matt looked over the articles Jeremy handed him.
“The articles weren’t a problem, but what happened afterward was. It exposed a man who had been abusing people on the job. His co-workers were afraid to turn him in out of fear of losing their jobs. He was their supervisor. Jessie received a few threats after he lost his employment.” Jeremy looked over his notes. “Don’t get me wrong, she found a lot of people functioning well in society with mental illness. It was more that society itself didn’t know how to deal with the problem or to treat the mentally ill. Needless to say, many don’t get the help they need.”
“There’s no doubt about it. Most people in the field will tell you the same thing.” Matt took a bite out of his pickle. “Mental health is an issue we sweep under the rug.”
“You’ll find that the article on the sociopath tells a different story. Reading over the traits and symptoms that she wrote about reminded me of the words he wrote. This guy, whoever he is, seems to fit it to a tee.” Jeremy took a bite of his sandwich.
“Not what I wanted to hear. I’m far more concerned about this than she seems to be.” Matt studied the article in front of him as he ate the rest of his sandwich. “This looks informative. It could be our suspect was angry over this article, but how does it tie her to Adriana?” Matt frowned in concentration.
“Jessie was interviewing one of the professors at NYU on this subject at the time when Adriana had the problem with a stalker. The professor quoted one of his favorite studies in one of her articles. It centered on the traits which a sociopath and a stalker have in common. They often have a narcissistic personality.”
“It’s difficult to see that as a big enough issue to create a problem.”
“You need to read the whole article. I think you’ll see what I did.” Jeremy finished the last bite of his sandwich. “I’ll put together what I found out about the two men who you told me to look into and send it all over to you. I’m still waiting for some information.”
“I appreciate you doing this for me, Jeremy. My gut tells me it started in New York somewhere, and it’s just catching up to her now. It doesn’t make sense otherwise.”
“I’ll keep digging. We’ll find it while she’s gone. Do you think she’ll be okay?”
“I’m hoping so. I want to believe getting her out of Blue Cove is the answer.”
“But?” Jeremy’s brow rose.
“If he’s watching her then he knows she’s gone, doesn’t he?”
“Hell, I didn’t need to hear that. I think I need to bring her back to New York to live.” He gave Matt a crooked smile. “She was safer here.”
“Give it up, Jeremy. You know I’m never going to let that happen.” Matt shook his head and wiped his fingers on his napkin. “I’m going to do everything I can to keep her safe, though, that’s for damn sure.”
“I’ll be right there with you—and many others I’m sure. Jessie has a way of stealing your heart while driving you crazy at the same time. Is it too soon to ask what you’re thinking about this so far?”
“It’s in the early stages, but I believe they are linked. Adriana’s abduction and Jessie overlap. She’s either the bait to get Jessie involved or a way of throwing her off the trail. The one who sent the note knows them both, and he probably is a sociopath. There are others involved as well. I think one of those men at the bank may have given information willingly or unknowingly to the suspect. Also, someone knows enough about voodoo to scare some deputies in their precinct. That’s what I know so far, but before this week is over, I hope to know a whole lot more.”
“Wow. That’s a lot to digest in a few days.” Jeremy looked thoughtful. “What are we going to do?”
“We? Does that mean you’re going to help?” Matt watched Jeremy’s face as he answered.
“Damn right I am. When do you want me in Blue Cove?”
“Just as soon as you can get there,” Matt answered him.
“I’ll be there the first thing tomorrow.”
“Thanks, Jeremy. The more heads we have to think on this, the better, as far as I can see. It wasn’t my case until Jessie received that note. It was out of my jurisdiction, but not anymore.”
“I’m going to check out a few things tonight. I hope to have some more answers for you tomorrow when I get to Blue Cove. Not to change the subject, but did the girls get on their way okay?” Jeremy sent a text off.
“They were just going through security when I left them. They should be in the air by now.” Matt scrolled through his messages on his phone.
“They are. Katie just responded to my text saying that they were somewhere over Ohio. Do you have any idea of their destination?”
“Palm Springs is what Sadie told me. They’ll find out as soon as they meet up with her. She gave me the resort name and number last night. It’s a beauty.” Matt gathered up his stuff and stood up. “I guess I had better head back to the Cove. I’ve got some small petty stuff the guys are working on, and Gary’s checking the store for any bugs or video equipment.” They talked as they walked out of Mike’s together.
“Do you know the guy who owns Joe’s? Have you ever met him?”
“No, why?” Matt’s eyebrow arched.
“Jessie had to deal with him when she was buying the store. I remember her telling me he was from New York. I was just wondering if you should check along the wall that connects with his store. At least it’s something to think about.”
“He’s from New York. What are the odds of that? I’ll see you tomorrow then.” Matt shook Jeremy’s hand and drove back to Blue Cove.
Chapter 7
Jessie looked at her book without reading a single word on the page. She tried not to think at all, but it wasn’t working. How long could she get away with pretending to read? She could hear Katie’s foot tapping under the seat; see her glances now and then, out of the corner of her eye. The quiet was blissful, but it wouldn’t last long if Katie’s looks were any indication. Jessie prepared herself for the onslaught.
Katie pinched her arm. “You didn’t hear a word that I said, did you?” Her foot tapped faster against the floor under the seat.
“Ouch.” Jessie frowned.
“Are you going to sit with your nose in a book the whole flight?” Katie’s fingers drummed the armrest in time with her feet.
Jessie shook her head. “I’m sorry. I have a lot on my mind. Let me bookmark this and we can talk.” Jessie sighed and turned to face Katie. “What’s up?”
“I just got a text from Jeremy. He wanted to know if we got off all right. That was sweet, don’t you think?” Katie waved her phone in front of Jessie’s face.
Jessie smiled. “Jeremy is nice.”
“Did you know he was having lunch with Matt today?” Katie’s voice sounded irritated. “You never tell me anything.”
“I didn’t know.” Jessie clamped her mouth shut. “Matt said he was going to contact Jeremy about some questions he had. He must have decided to meet him while he was in the city.” Jessie frowned. “Jeez, Katie, don’t get so snippy. He doesn’t tell me everything he’s going to do, you know. I don’t make him check in with me to okay his plans.”
“I know.” Katie looked away from her for a moment. “Jeremy is on his way to Blue Cove to help Matt. I hope this isn’t what I think it is.” Katie’s brows furrowed, her lips turning down at the corners. “Please tell me you aren’t working another case. You are, aren’t you? What is it this time? Do I need to be worried about things happening like last time? I don’t want to say the words aloud because we’re on a plane.” Her frown deepened. “It won’t be anything simple, you know. It’s going to affect this trip. I know it! I just know it, and then I’m going to be mad.” She paused to take a breath.
“Give it a rest, Katie. You’re s
uch a drama queen.” Jessie picked up her book hoping Katie would take the hint.
“And you have no feelings at all.”
“That’s not true, and you know it.” Jessie frowned at her. “I’ll tell you everything that’s happened so far if you’ll give me half a chance. Matt is trying to get some answers for me. It’s no big deal.” Jessie explained to her about Evan and the note.
“No, big deal? Who are you kidding?” Katie threw her hand in the air, her voice rising.
Jessie put her finger to her lips. “Take it down a notch, Katie. People are starting to stare at us.”
“Don’t you dare shush me.” Her voice slowly quieted when she saw the turned heads. “You can’t tell me that you don’t find all this a little strange. I’ve always thought of you as normal, but I don’t know what to think anymore.”
“Listen to me, Katie. I didn’t go looking for any of this, but it’s still happening, so I’m dealing with it the best that I can.” Jessie’s hand clenched the armrest.
“I know. It’s just that I was looking forward to time alone with my best friend. I don’t want you preoccupied with all this stuff.” Katie pouted and sighed. “I want to have fun and not have to be looking over my shoulder for who knows what.”
“We’re not in Blue Cove. We should be fine. Depending on our destination, all I’m thinking about is a massage, sightseeing, shopping, and some wonderful food. If it’s warm enough, we could even do some swimming.” Jessie leaned her head back and started to close her eyes.
Katie nudged her arm and frowned at her. “I just know that wherever you go trouble follows. So I won’t hold my breath.”
“The least we can do is to give it our best, don’t you think? I don’t want to worry Sadie. She paid a lot of money for this trip.” Jessie took her book out of the seat back. “I intend to enjoy myself and I think you should try to do the same.” She opened her book and flipped to her bookmark. “Maybe we should change the subject.”
“You know what bugs me?”
“No, what?” Jessie closed the book again and got comfortable in her seat.
The Game Changer Page 6