by K. A. Davis
“I’m going that way. I’ll ride with you,” Kevin said, without giving them a chance to object.
Kevin took the lead with the ladies following. Warily, they glanced at each other as they rode.
They could hear Ike barking as they approached Windward Cottage.
Kevin stopped at the end of the driveway and waited as they turned in and dismounted. “Sounds like your dog wants out,” Kevin said, with a nod toward the house.
“Poor guy, he’s had a long day,” Jill said, parking her bike and heading for the house.
Kevin hesitated and looked around. “Good idea to have a dog when you’re out this far from town. Don’t hesitate to call if you need anything.” Slowly he pushed off and rode toward Haworth.
“Do you think he knows about the cave and suspects we found it?” Diane asked, when they reached the porch.
“Hard to tell,” Claire replied. “He seems like a good kid and too sharp to be working for Chief Peterson.”
“What young man doesn’t want to be working at the beach,” Caroline said, watching Kevin slowly peddle down the road.
“What the heck’s wrong with Ike? He doesn’t usually act up like this when we’re away,” Jill asked, turning to unlock the door.
As soon as the door opened Ike burst out like he was spring loaded. Claire waited for the dog to rush to her, but instead he ran to the edge of the property as if he was going to follow Kevin. Stopping at the road he barked ferociously.
“For heaven’s sake what’s gotten into him?” Claire asked, shaking her head.
The others shrugged and walked into the house. Claire gave a whistle and Ike charged toward her. After a fast welcome he went into his sniffing routine on the steps and porch. “Come on, buddy. We need to go inside.” Ike looked back at Kevin disappearing down the road and then followed Claire into the house.
***
“But you promised,” Claire exclaimed, wrapped in her bathrobe and toweling her hair.
“That was before you pulled that stunt on the rocks,” Jill declared, rocking vigorously.
Caroline leaned against the porch railing. “Well, we do have to eat, and we’re all too tired to cook.”
Jill glared at Caroline. “Whose side are you on? She nearly drowned herself and Diane.”
“Caroline’s right Jill, we do have to eat,” Diane said, from the rocker on the other side of Claire. “I’m not very happy with Claire right now either, but I need a hot meal.”
Defeated, Jill gave in. “Okay, then let’s go because I’m beat and want to get to bed early.”
Claire turned to Caroline. “Before we go, will you please get the pictures of the girls?”
Caroline entered the house and returned with backpack a/k/a filing cabinet. Pulling out the stack of articles with the pictures attached she handed them to Claire who studied them, and then handed them one-by-one to Diane. “The walls Diane. What do you think?”
Diane studied each picture. “They look like the walls in the cave.”
Caroline and Jill looked at each other. “What are you talking about?”
“We found a cave in the rocks. There were large steel cages, bottled water, and food. I think the girls were taken to that cave,” Claire explained.
Jill narrowed her brow. “But Claire, they couldn’t have carried the girls down there without being noticed and you couldn’t get a boat in there.”
“Not a boat,” Diane said. “But certainly a dingy.”
“A dingy? From where?” Caroline asked.
“From a larger boat sitting off shore,” Claire answered.
Caroline’s face suddenly lost all its color. “Did you find anything else?”
Claire shook her head. “We couldn’t see well and the tide was coming in so we had to get out.”
“Do you think that’s where he abused the girls and then hid their bodies?” Jill asked, nervously.
Diane looked at Claire and then back at Jill and Caroline.
“We have no way of knowing,” she said, shaking her head slowly.
Looking defeated, Jill placed her elbows on her thighs and supported her forehead with her hands. “Go get dressed Claire. We’ll lock up and wait for you in the car.”
***
“Okay, here’s the plan,” Claire announced, sliding into the back seat beside Caroline.
Jill turned from the front passenger’s seat to look at Claire. “You’ve got to be kidding. What plan? No more of your hair-brained ideas.”
“Okay,” Claire said. “Then I’ll do it myself.”
Diane gripped the steering wheel tighter and exhaled. “Do what Claire?”
“Check out the boats at the marina. I want to find Swift Runner? That’s all. Then we can have a nice dinner and just watch to see if Wendell happens to show up and go for a boat ride.”
“Oh, let’s just do it. It can’t take that long,” Caroline suggested, as Diane pulled into the parking lot at the marina.
Claire gave Caroline the thumbs up sign and continued, “Diane and I will start at the far end of the docks and work toward the middle. Caroline, you and Jill start at this end and work your way toward us. Just walk up and down the docks and look at the names of the boats. If anyone gets curious pretend you’re interested in chartering a boat. If you see Swift Runner just get a good look at it. Whoever sees it first will go into the restaurant and that will be the sign that we found her.”
“Well, that can’t be too dangerous,” Jill sighed.
The teams split up and started walking the lengths of the docks reading the names of boats. There were a few people on boats who nodded or said hello. One particular boat caught Claire’s eye. The Sea Nymph was long and sleek and, unlike the other boats, it was made of gleaming dark wood with neatly wrapped, white, canvas sails. As she stepped to the edge of the dock for a closer look, a man she hadn’t noticed said, “Good evening, ladies.”
“What a beautiful boat,” Claire said.
“I thank ye lassie,” the man responded.
“Are you Scottish,” Diane asked, hearing his accent.
“Aye! That I am.”
The man stood and braced himself against the brass railing that ran the perimeter of the boat’s deck. He was tall and solidly built. His face was darkly tanned and wrinkled from years of exposure to the weather. His hair was black with streaks of gray. His eyes were deep pools of dark amber and he had a salt and pepper beard. He looked exactly like a storybook sailor.
“Angus Querry at your service,” he said, with a mock bow.
Still interested in his boat Claire continued, “Your boat is very different from the others. The wood is gorgeous. The others look so modern.”
“Aye, she’s an old beauty. This is a Molich Danmark. Forty years young she is. I restored her myself.”
“She’s immaculate. How do you keep her so shiny?”
“Seventeen layers of varnish will do that.”
“How long have you been sailing,” Diane asked, now interested in both the man and the boat.
“Since a boy off the Isle of Skye where I grew up.”
Claire glanced across the docks to see Jill and Caroline watching them. Caroline gave a slight nod toward a very, large yacht in front of which she and Jill where standing. Without a word they walked back the dock toward the restaurant.
“Did you sail from Scotland to here?” Diane asked.
“Not directly. I go wherever the wind carries me. Been around the world twice.”
“You have the most beautiful boat in the marina,” Claire said, then pointing toward Swift Runner she asked, “What kind of boat is that?”
“Now, that’s a real fancy one, a Millennium 140 Superyacht. That type is for sailors who have lots of money and like speed. Don’t see too many of those around.”
“Well, The Sea Nymph is much prettier,” Claire said.
The sailor smiled. “Ach, you’d be a true lover of beauty then lassie.”
Diane decided it was time to head in for dinner. “Tha
nk you for your time. Your boat is lovely and it’s been very nice talking to you. Safe voyage.”
“My pleasure,” Angus said, returning his gaze to Claire, he smiled and touched his forehead in a salute.
Walking toward the restaurant Claire’s attention was caught by seagulls circling the building. They’re everywhere, she thought to herself. Then she noticed security cameras at each corner of the restaurant under the eaves.
Jill and Caroline were seated at a table by the window and already had a bottle of wine chilling in a floor stand and menus in front of their faces.
“Who was your friend,” Caroline asked.
“A lovely Scot who took a shine to Claire,” Diane answered.
Claire stared at Diane astonished. “For heaven’s sake Diane, what are you talking about?”
“You were so interested in his boat that you didn’t notice how interested he was in you.”
“Oh, please, he just likes talking about his boat.”
Caroline peeked over her menu. “She’s the athletic type. He probably thought she looked like a sailor.”
Grabbing a menu Claire laughed. “You’re crazy, he was just being polite.”
When the server came to take their orders Claire surprised the group by asking, “Why are there security cameras mounted on the restaurant?”
The waitress looked at Claire hesitantly. “Not many people notice them. There was some vandalism a few years ago so the cameras were installed. They’re dusk to dawn. Any movement on the dock and they start recording. Cheaper than paying a night watchman.” Glancing at the others, the server recited the specials and took their orders.
Claire leaned back in her chair and stared out the window slowly sipping her chardonnay.
“She’s off and running again,” Caroline said, looking at Claire. “What is it this time?”
“How would one go about getting the film from security cameras?”
Jill placed her cool glass against her forehead. “She’s going to get us killed. We may as well just jump off the end of a dock and get it over with.”
“Where are you going with this Claire?” Diane asked.
Claire slowly turned her focus back to her friends. “If the cameras caught Wendell taking a boat out on the dates the girls disappeared that would be the link we need.”
“Well Claire, I don’t know much about the law, but I do know if you steal those tapes you will land in jail,” Diane said, showing her impatience.
Claire breezed past the remark. “Speaking of jail, how would a small town cop afford a boat like Swift Runner even with partners?”
“Very rich partners,” Caroline said. “There are tons of rich people who buy toys like that.”
“You just don’t like Peterson,” Diane said.
Jill, thinking of Drew, set down her glass and leaned across the table toward Claire. “Actually, Claire, you don’t like anyone this trip. I’m sure you’ll find something wrong with that innocent Scot you met on the dock. I hope he sails away quickly before you go after him.”
Dinner passed uneventfully and the foursome delayed leaving their table as long as possible. Wendell never appeared; however, Deputy O’Reilly did.
Claire nudged Caroline. “Look there. It’s O’Reilly.”
As they watched he made a cursory inspection of the dock area and disappeared around the side of the restaurant.
On the way to the parking lot, Diane noticed Angus Querry leaning against one of the light posts, arms crossed over his chest, watching them. The hairs on the back of her neck stood up and she picked up the pace to the car.
***
Back at the house Jill, Caroline, and Diane went straight to their rooms. Claire took the backpack to the kitchen table and pulled out the files. Reading each file, she made a list of the dates of the abductions over the last three years.
Yawning, she reviewed the list and said to herself, ‘that should cover the time since the security cameras were installed at the marina. Now, all I have to do is figure out how to get a look at those tapes.’
While she was reviewing her notes, Ike laid his head down on her lap and she stroked his head affectionately. “Do you need to go out?”
Claire leaned against the doorframe and watched Ike wander around the dunes and take care of business. When he came back to the kitchen he went straight to his water bowl and lapped noisily. Ike moved away from the bowl and Claire watched as the water splashed against the sides.
“Water… Tides… Ike, you’re a genius!” Claire exclaimed, reaching down and scratching his ears. “Where the heck is the newspaper?” she wondered, as she roamed the first floor. “Trash. It must be in the trash.”
Returning to the kitchen she pulled the waste can out from under the sink and started searching through wet paper towels, food wrappers, and garbage. At the very bottom she found the paper. Scanning each page, she finally found what she was looking for. “Here it is, Ike. The tide tables!” Tearing the page from the newspaper she threw the rest back into the waste can. Claire smoothed out the crinkled paper and then folded it neatly with her list of dates.
“You’re a good boy, Ike. Are you ready for bed?” Repacking the backpack, she carried it up the steps and slid it under her bed.
Chapter Eleven
Sunday
The four, bathrobe-clad women sipped coffee and watched the waves break on the beach behind Windward Cottage.
Jill lowered her coffee mug to her lap. “I think this is what a vacation is supposed to be like.”
Caroline wearily looked at her friend. “You mean we’re not supposed to be staying in a strange house that lights its own fires and running around like mad women risking our lives?”
“Okay, so we don’t have all the answers yet,” Claire responded, guiltily. “But you have to admit we haven’t been bored. If anything was going to happen in the house it would have done so by now. I think it’s protecting us.”
Diane added her two cents. “Oh no, not bored. That’s for sure, but don’t expect to be allowed to pick the next vacation destination.”
Claire smiled. “It won’t be my turn for three years which gives me time to think of someplace interesting.”
“Lord help us!” Jill exclaimed. “I may not be available for that vacation.”
Ike, who had been sitting quietly next to Claire suddenly bolted off the porch and raced down the beach. Claire whistled and called “Ike. Come.” The dog ignored her. “Oh geez, I better get dressed and go after him.”
“If anything happens to that dog, you’re in big trouble,” Jill yelled, behind her. “That would ruin my relationship with Drew!”
“I better go too,” Jill said, to Caroline and Diane as she hurried into the house.
“I refuse to move from this spot,” Diane said.
“Me too,” Caroline said, taking another sip of coffee.
Before Claire and Jill returned to the porch, Ike was running back toward the house with Drew behind him.
“Oh terrific, here comes Ralph Lauren and we’re not dressed,” Diane said, through a smile of welcome.
“Good morning ladies,” Drew said, from the bottom of the steps.
“Morning Drew. Can I get you a cup of coffee,” Caroline volunteered.
“Thanks. I’d love one. Black please.”
Diane looked uncomfortable. “Well, Drew, I’m afraid you’ve caught us at our worst. We slept in this morning and are a little slow moving.”
“Please, don’t worry about me. I have a sister, an ex-wife, and a daughter; I understand perfectly.”
Caroline returned to the porch and handed Drew a hot mug.
“How was your trip to Boston?” Diane asked.
“Longer than I would have liked. I’m glad to be back.” Patting Ike on the head he added, “Ike looks great. Thank you for taking care of him.”
“It’s been our pleasure,” Caroline said, with a smile. “He’s been no trouble at all and we really appreciated having him around at night.”
&n
bsp; “Still having problems?” Drew asked, knitting his brows and taking a sip of coffee.
“No trouble really. We just got used to having him around.” Diane said, thinking it was best not to divulge what they had been up to.
Claire and Jill came through the kitchen door letting it bang behind them.
“Well, that explains Ike’s hasty exodus,” Claire said, with relief. “Did you whistle or something?” she added, looking at Drew.
“No. He must have heard my car,” Drew replied. Then, looking at Jill he smiled widely. “How are you?”
Jill blushed from head to toe. “I’m great and glad to see you.”
“Walk on the beach? I’ve missed our morning strolls.”
Jill was down the steps and pulling Drew toward the beach before he could put his mug down. “I’ll see you all later,” she called, taking his mug, dumping the coffee in the sand, and pitching the mug to Claire.
Catching the mug, Claire said to Jill and Caroline, “Hmmm… I was rather hoping this might be over.”
“Why do you say that?” Caroline asked, looking up at Claire.
“I can’t explain it. I think I like Drew, but there’s something nagging at me.”
“Claire, just don’t do anything that would hurt Jill. She’s a big girl and can take care of herself,” Diane offered, always the voice of reason.
“I sure hope so,” Claire said, thoughtfully sitting down in a rocker. “Are you two going to get dressed today?”
“If you hadn’t thought you were going to have to chase Ike you wouldn’t be dressed either,” Caroline grinned.
“Touché,” Claire laughed.
Diane stood and stretched. “I, for one, am going up and take a shower. It looks like a beautiful day.”
“Put on something nice,” Claire said.
Diane leaned against the porch railing. “What does that mean?”
“I think it would be nice if we went to Sunday brunch at the Marina Restaurant, don’t you?”
Caroline shook her head. “She’s up to something again, Diane.”
Diane let out an exasperated sigh. “I’m afraid to ask but someone has to. Why are we going there Claire?”