“Wow! I’ve never seen trees that seemed to walk before.” Ann scrutinized the foliage, but Leo was right. It stayed put as he maneuvered the airboat to a pond surrounded by dirt and tall grass and cut the engine.
“Here’s an alligator hole.”
Ann glanced at James to see if he’d turned ashen again. He hadn’t but he quickly pulled back his camera.
“The gators dig out soil in the shallow marshland to make deeper water. When they finish, the high dirt supports vegetation that won’t grow in lower elevations, so there’s a plus to their handiwork.”
Guide talk. Ann turned around and respectfully paid attention to Leo. James gazed at him too.
Leo thrust out his hand and pointed. “There’s one over there. Now, you’ll notice he has a broad snout and only some of his teeth are showing.”
Ann’s stomach quivered. It was all she could do to peer at the creature, let alone study its snout. James sat stiff and stone-faced.
“Lucky for us, his mouth is closed. He’s probably finished eating. I don’t think he’ll mind if you take his picture.”
James narrowed his eyes as if to see better and blew out a breath as he raised his camera. He clicked several times.
Leo glanced at him. “If we see a croc, you’ll notice a difference in color. The alligator is darker.”
Ann didn’t want to ride that close to either one.
Leo swung his arm outward. “You’ll observe fantastic wildlife here. Where there’s a gator, there’s usually a large population in the food chain.” He pointed to the right. “Those cranes on the mangrove limb are waiting to catch minnows, but they’ll have to be quick, because the snook and other fish are here to feed off them too.” Leo stretched forward as though he couldn’t get close enough to these marsh inhabitants. “The cranes are so pretty. I hate to tell you, but that gator probably had one of their relatives for breakfast. A gator will push itself five feet out of the water and snag wildlife off a low lying limb.”
James scrunched up his shoulders and pulled his arms close to his body. “I hope we’re not part of the food chain.”
“The last thing I want to be is alligator bait.” Ann scooted toward the middle of her seat.
Leo chuckled. “Don’t worry. He’s had plenty to eat. Even if he hadn’t, we’re too high for him to reach us.” Leo shook his head. “They rarely go hungry out here, especially in this area.”
Ann’s tight muscles relaxed as a brown lizard with a bright red pouch on its throat darted onto a leaf on a nearby fig tree and turned green. She glanced at James. “Did you see that?”
James nodded.
“He was looking for a girlfriend. That’s why his neck was red.” A hint of jest lined Leo’s voice.
Ann and James chuckled as several white birds wading on spindly legs appeared in the marsh near them.
“What are those?” Ann asked.
“Ibis. They’re probably searching for crayfish.”
“Something that doesn’t want to eat us. Good.” James snickered and snapped his camera.
“Look to the left in the open saw-grass. There are two white-tailed deer.” Leo sounded as enthusiastic as if he’d never seen one when he probably saw them every trip.
His love and enthusiasm for the Everglades rubbed off on Ann, except for the gators. She bristled at the thought. Amid the cooing and squawking of birds and sloshing of unseen alligators she heard a grunting sound. “What’s that weird noise on our right?”
“Probably a pig frog.” Leo laughed. “We have oak toads here too.” He started the engine. “Well, folks, it’s time to leave.” He turned the airboat around. “I’ll try to find a snake for James.” A teasing tone lined his voice. Apparently, in only the short time he’d spent with James, he’d sensed James’s congenial spirit.
“You don’t need to go out of your way.” James chuckled.
The fun and wonder of the Everglades still surrounded Ann when Leo docked the boat. He stepped off and offered his hand to her then James. James patted him on the back. “Thank you for a wonderful trip.”
“It was my pleasure.”
James helped Ann into the rental, slipped into the driver’s seat, punched the on button, and waved to Leo. He glanced at Ann as he turned his head to back out. “A great day. Let’s not let it end. As soon as we return to Aunt Sally’s, we’ll freshen up, and I’ll take you ladies out to eat.”
* * *
Ann sensed nothingness around her as James drove Aunt Sally and her on a paved path through marshland in the dark. “How much farther?”
Aunt Sally leaned forward from the back seat of the vehicle. “It’s down the road a ways, but it’s worth the trip.”
The car grew quiet, and it seemed they rode one hundred miles into nothing but the night. Finally, out of the blackness lights glowed.
“That’s it.” Aunt Sally broke the silence.
James pulled into a gravel parking lot and parked at the edge of marshy water. A blue wooden building sat to their left in front of the wetland. They scooted out and James scanned the area. “Not much question about whether or not we’re at the right place.” He stepped to the red door and held it for Ann and Aunt Sally.
Aunt Sally laughed. “Nope, there’s nothing else out here. It used to be a house.”
Pictures of the Everglades lining the eight-by-ten-foot room grabbed Ann’s attention. She tapped James on the arm then touched a photo. “This is just like the airboat we rode in.”
James gazed at the black and white image. “Yeah, but the alligator next to it isn’t staring at us.”
Ann giggled as Aunt Sally motioned for James and her to follow the host. He escorted them to a screened porch level with the marshland, and a waiter promptly took their orders.
The moon shimmered over dark, calm water that met a black sky. Shadows of saw-grass danced under the light from the lanterns on picnic tables. Ann put her ear close to the screen. The crickets chirped loudly, talking to the salamanders, snakes, and fish that lived in the weeds and grass. And the frogs. Yes. She heard a pig frog.
“Ma’am, I think you ordered the fried grouper.” Ann jumped at the deep sound of the waiter’s voice. He set down a steaming plate.
“Yes, thank you.”
Aunt Sally said grace, and Ann bit into her entree. “This food’s amazing. No wonder people come all the way out here to eat.”
“Ummm.” James swallowed, and his eyes twinkled. “Thank you for bringing us. It’s delicious.”
“You’re welcome. It also shows off the Glades at night.” Aunt Sally tilted her head. “Speaking of the Glades, did you have a good guide today?”
James sipped his tea. “Leo was wonderful. You were right. The wildlife was incredible. I can’t believe I snapped a close-up picture of an alligator.”
Ann leaned across the table. “Leo assured us the big-mouthed critter wasn’t hungry.”
They chuckled.
Aunt Sally cut off a bite of fish. “You’ll enjoy fond memories from the Glades for a long time.”
The waiter served key lime pie and left a bill. They scraped the graham cracker crust crumbs up with their last bites and ate them. Then James paid, and they strolled out through two rooms of chattering diners and clinking silverware.
In the parking lot, they slipped in the car, the doors shutting echoing into the night.
The quiet continued all the way to town. James drove onto a deserted Main Street, the cyclists no longer in sight, even though the streetlights still shone bright. “We’re here.” He pulled into Aunt Sally’s drive.
“I fell asleep.” Aunt Sally yawned, opened her door, and slid out. She ambled to the house, unlocked the front portal, and stepped inside. Then she squeezed Ann and James in a hug. “I need to head to my room, but tomorrow we have to talk more about your role in True Light Guardians.”
“I’m fine, Aunt Sally.” Ann glared at James as Aunt Sally left, but he embraced her and pulled her close.
His lips met hers in a deep kis
s. Her anger melted away, and she held the moment in her heart, wishing it would never end. Finally, he released her. “Good night. I’ll see you in the morning.”
She walked to the other side of the house and snuggled into bed. Colorful birds, deer, pig frogs croaking, trees moving as though they had legs, and alligators lurking in their holes cast their spell, flashing brightly in her mind. James’s kiss lingered on her lips. She grabbed one of the soft pillows and held it against her as tightly as she could. Tomorrow she’d have to let go of the peace and love she’d found here.
CHAPTER TEN
Magical moments from the Everglades lingered in James’s head Friday evening as he drove to Ann’s condo in light traffic, reddish gold hues painting the sky. He’d seen lots of snakes as a kid, but unlike one of his buddies, he’d never liked them unless he had something that equaled the size of a hoe between him and them. The alligator was a different matter. He’d never sat that close to one and found it interesting as long as he observed it safely from the airboat. But the real thrill had been to see God’s creation untouched by man. The biggest benefit had been peace and tranquility.
Not one single moment did he have to worry about someone attacking Ann. Surely she relished the stress-free time and would realize the importance of stepping down as leader of True Light Guardians. Such a smart woman, Ann would come to her senses and understand why she must give up the position. He wouldn’t even need to mention it.
He pulled up in front of her condo and parked. His heart fluttered as he reminisced about the two of them enjoying each other’s company in a carefree environment while he strolled to the door. He mashed the bell, and Ann let him inside.
Tears filled her beautiful hazel eyes turned red around the rims. She trembled then fell into his arms.
His pulse beat in his temples. “What’s wrong?”
“I can’t believe...” Her words disappeared into the crying.
“Can’t believe what?”
“I came home from work and found a doll.” Her body rocked from sobbing.
“A doll?” James didn’t understand, but he eased her to the rose and blue sofa. They sat down, and he clasped her hand. “Start from the beginning.”
“It’s a rag doll.” Tears rolled down her cheeks.
How could a toy possibly upset anyone this much?
“It’s like voodoo.”
James shot up in his seat. “Show it to me.”
She sprang up, James on her heels as she marched around the glass top dining table into the kitchen. He gasped. Shattered glass covering the beige tile floor underneath the window glinted as the last of the day’s sun washed over it. Ann pointed to a rag doll, its crisp red dress with a note attached to it glaring on the white counter. Long brown hair touched the doll’s shoulders covering part of the rope pulled tight around its neck.
James’s heart pounded. Another attack, or another threat had been inevitable, but looking at this evil wrenched him inside. No wonder Ann had called it a voodoo doll. It had her coloring.
She reached for it.
“Don’t touch it. Maybe the police can lift fingerprints off of it.”
She doubled over and grabbed her stomach. “Who’s doing this to me?”
Someone who didn’t want her to lead True Light Guardians. It was so clear to James, but he hardly wanted to start an argument now. “Let’s let the law answer that question.” James pulled out his cell phone and punched in the number.
Within five minutes the doorbell rang, and Ann charged to it, flinging it open. “Derick.” She ran her hand through her hair and glanced at Derick then James as though she pondered what to do next. “Uh, James, you remember Derick from the parking lot at the bank.”
“Of course.” James shook his hand then Derick directed his gaze toward Ann.
“I was on patrol nearby when we received the call. What happened?”
Ann’s breath hitched as she brought Derick up to date. She escorted him into the living room with James following. Then Derrick plodded toward the kitchen. He stopped dead in his tracks at the doorway. “Oh my, I need to call CSI. Have you touched anything?”
“No,” James answered.
Derick spun around and marched to the front door, returned to the kitchen, and repeated the action.
Ann stepped up beside him when he stopped pacing. “What’s going on?”
“We’ll know more after CSI investigates, but as your friend I’d like you to stand at the entrance to your kitchen and look around. Then tell me what you see.”
Ann did as Derick asked. Her eyes widened as though an ah-ha moment hit her. “Someone wants it to appear they threw the doll in here, but it wouldn’t have landed on the counter from the window.”
“Bingo. Might put you on the force,” Derick’s voice held a teasing tone.
“So...so someone broke into my condo and laid down the doll. How did he enter? He wouldn’t fit through the window.” Confusion lined Ann’s voice, almost a whisper as though she was afraid to say the words.
“You’re right. You should change your front door lock and make sure you secure the sliding glass doors.” Derick traced his steps back to the front door, Ann and James following.
Someone tapped. Derick glanced at Ann. “I need to let them in.”
She nodded, and he opened the portal. A woman with red hair and a man with black stubble strolled inside.
“Hello.” The man directed his gaze toward Ann and James. “I’m Joe Conrad.” He pointed to the lady. “Alice Chambers.”
“Hi.” Ann and James greeted them then Derick explained the situation to Joe and marched out. Alice strung crime scene investigation tape across the front door, and Ann stood there visibly trembling.
James placed his arm around her, steadying her as they led Joe to the kitchen.
“In here, bring the camera,” Joe called out.
In moments Alice joined them, situated herself in front of the doll, and snapped several pictures.
Joe slipped on a pair of latex gloves. “As soon as I dust for fingerprints, I’ll read the note.”
“Please.” Urgency rang in Ann’s tone.
Joe removed powder from his case and dusted the doll with a small brush. James’s heart ached not wanting to believe what his eyes saw. The more he peered at the string strangling the toy’s neck, the weaker his insides grew. This had to stop.
Pressing and removing tape on several places on the threatening figure, Joe completed the procedure then picked up the evidence.
Ann moved in close and read the words, “Soon you’ll know how it feels.” She gasped. “How what feels? Being strangled?” The color drained from her cheeks.
Compassion glinted in Joe’s eyes. “We’ll capture this creep. Why don’t you have a seat in the living room while I finish up here? Then we’ll talk.”
James guided Ann to the sofa. She plunked down on the edge of the seat and put her head in her hands. He draped his arm around her and pulled her close.
She sniffled and gazed up at him, tears cascading down her cheeks. “What next?”
James clenched his jaw in anger at the creep from the anti-Christian group who did this. Did he dare utter the faction’s name? She’d only argue and grow more upset. He wiped her cheeks with his knuckle. “Shhh. Don’t worry. It’s going to be all right.”
Joe entered carrying the doll in a plastic bag. “I think it’s obvious he couldn’t have thrown this through the window and have it land on the counter in that position. He must’ve jimmied your lock and come inside. I’m going to take photos of the door and dust for prints.” Joe tramped toward the entrance then glanced over his shoulder. “Be sure to replace the lock.”
“Okay.” Ann answered with a shaky voice.
James held her until Joe returned, pulled up a chair from beside the glass dining room table, and plopped down. He directed his gaze toward Ann. “Do you know anyone who wants to hurt or frighten you?” He pulled a notepad from his pocket.
James swiped his foreh
ead. “She was assaulted at Allied Bank and Trust. Now this?”
Joe’s brown eyes snapped wide. “Do you think the incidents are related?”
Ann shook her head.
James shifted in his seat and tried to tell Ann with his eyes to mention True Light Guardians. The consequences he imagined if he spoke for her gave him pause, so he bit his tongue.
“I’m not sure,” Ann said.
That was a start, better than “no.” James glanced at Ann and nodded.
Joe rubbed his chin. “I recall seeing the report from Derick Northcut about an attack at the bank that night. It disturbed me because my wife attended a secret meeting for Christians, but I called her. She was fine. She made me swear to secrecy. I only bring up the incident now because it was you. You were the victim, right?”
Ann turned pale. “Yes.”
“Do you think both the mugging and the threat could be backlash against you as a member of the group?”
This guy had nailed it, except Ann wasn’t just any member. She started the organization. James’s heartrate accelerated as he sat up.
“Oh no, it’s a small circle of like-minded people. Outsiders wouldn’t be aware of our meetings.”
James wanted to shake Ann.
“Okay, do you know when this crime occurred?” Joe asked.
Ann shook her head. “Sometime during the day, I guess. I found the doll when I came home from work. How could anyone make such a mess in broad daylight without one single person reporting it?”
“He’s apparently arrogant and secure with his criminal skills.” James couldn’t keep his thoughts to himself.
“To a bystander, if there were one, he probably appeared to have a key. I doubt anyone gave his presence a second thought. More than likely he tossed the rock in the window on his way out of the development.”
The discussion swirled in Ann’s head. “He broke the window to make it appear he threw in the doll, right?”
“Yes, but my guess—He wanted us, the police, to declare the crime a vandalism. However, the scratches on the door tell me it’s breaking and entering.”
Breaking Barriers (Love Is Book 8) Page 8