She heaved a sigh. “Look, I understand that you’re recently out of a relationship and, trust me, I’m not looking to complicate my life right now. Nor do I wish to take Monica’s place.”
Not when there’s still a chance you two could get back together, she thought as he frowned down at her. “And I can behave myself,” she added, “even though your hugs are the best thing on the planet.”
Her compliment surprised a laugh out of him. “Really? The best thing?”
“You could sell them and be a millionaire,” she avowed.
He laughed again, this time with irony.
Charlotte tried to reassure him. “Just think of me as one of your teammates,” she advised. “We’re buds, right?” she asked, playfully punching him in the shoulder.
Lucas blocked her punch, moving with lightning speed that impressed her.
Charlotte tried punching him again only to be blocked again.
Not to be foiled, she grinned and let loose a one-two tap, managing to slap Lucas lightly on the cheek.
A knock at their door startled them both. They eyed each other with momentary consternation. Then Charlotte threw herself onto the bed, rumpling the coverlet and upsetting the neatly stacked pillows.
Choking back laughter, Lucas went to answer the door, one hand near the pistol holstered out of sight against his hip. Mrs. Digges stood in the hallway with an apologetic expression on her face and a card in her hand. Her gaze shot toward Charlotte lounging on the bed.
“I’m so sorry,” she apologized, looking back at Lucas. “I forgot to give you this coupon for dinner at the Marina Restaurant. You would have passed it on your way into town. Fifty percent off the second entrée.”
“Thank you,” he said, taking the coupon. “Sounds like a great deal.”
“You’ll love their seafood,” the woman promised, backing away.
Closing the door on her a second time, Lucas turned and met Charlotte’s gaze.
“How much do you think she heard?” he asked.
Charlotte gave a rueful shrug. “Depends on whether she was standing out there the whole time with her ear to the door.”
Lucas crossed his arms and frowned. “I sure hope not.”
Rolling off the bed, Charlotte went to search her bag for the other pair of shoes.
“Well, we’d better hop to it,” she advised. “Gossip spreads like wildfire in a town this size. By the time dinner rolls around, the whole town might know we’re here to check things out.”
Chapter 9
Strolling hand-in-hand along Main Street, Charlotte admired the quaint storefronts and spacious Victorian homes, all displayed with pride of ownership. The streets were swept clean, the flowerbeds filled with riotous color, and the buildings trimmed in fresh paint. Everywhere she looked Rappahannock River and its estuaries provided idyllic water views. It was hard to imagine The Entity had a foothold in such a pretty place. Given the looks of suspicion she and Lucas were receiving, however, she got the impression outsiders weren’t particularly welcome. Was that because the town harbored a secret it didn’t want others knowing about?
When Lucas reached for her, her fear of being recognized diminished. She had just told Lucas to think of her as a buddy. Yet merely holding hands with him made her question her own ability to think the same thing. It was hard not to feel cherished, for one thing. For another, the gentle restraint in his powerful hands kept her perpetually aware of him. It was obvious they would have amazing chemistry—if they let themselves get involved, which they wouldn’t.
She envisioned the Christmas picture in Lucas’s house and how happy he’d looked with Monica for his girlfriend. Romance with a SEAL was not in Charlotte’s cards, anyway. As soon as Calvin found a job out of school, she was off to the CIA and the future she’d always envisioned for herself. And nothing—not even a wonderful man like Lucas Strong—was going to get in the way of her future.
The sultry afternoon gave way to a cooling breeze as they visited one antique store after another, allegedly looking for a set of wedding bands.
Charlotte used the opportunity to feel out the locals about the mysterious hit-and-run that had killed an out-of-towner two-and-a-half weeks earlier. Several salespersons were eager to gossip but knew nothing. The proprietor of a gift shop shot them a suspicious look and refused to discuss the matter.
“I think that last guy knew something,” Charlotte speculated as they made their way, finally, toward the Marina Restaurant.
“He sure clammed up when you brought up the accident,” Lucas agreed.
Charlotte lifted his arm to peer at his watch. “What time is it?”
“Almost nineteen hundred.”
“Can’t you speak civilian anymore?” For the benefit of a couple passing them, she shoved him playfully.
Lucas teased her right back. “Anything for you, baby.”
He’d seen her reaction to Saul the other night.
“You know not to call me that,” she warned, digging her nails into the back of his hand.
He laughed out loud. “Yes, dear.”
The sun dropped suddenly behind the rooftops, deepening the shadows cast by the buildings and prompting the streetlights to blink on.
Charlotte’s gaze alighted on the lit sign across the street that read Second Time Around. “That must be a consignment shop. Want to check it out?”
“Sure.”
They waited for a car to pass before jaywalking.
An open door admitted them into a dimly lit, musty smelling store. Antiques and collectibles abounded, shrinking the walkways and covering every wall. Spying a lit glass case full of jewelry, Charlotte drew Lucas over to it as an elderly woman emerged from a back room.
“Evenin’,” she said.
Charlotte glanced up into a pair of deep-set eyes. “Hi, are you about to close?”
“Oh, not for another hour or so. Looking for anything in particular?”
“Wedding rings, actually,” Charlotte stated, having used that line at the other stores. “We eloped before either of us had rings to give.”
“Well, I’ve got a nice selection.”
“I see that,” Charlotte agreed, admiring one ring in particular.
“What about that one?” Lucas asked, pointing out the very ring she was looking at, a band of two metals woven into a Celtic knot.
“That’s sterling silver and 18-karat gold.” The old lady unlocked the case, retrieved the ring, and handed it to Charlotte.
To her astonishment, the ring slid neatly up her fourth finger, a perfect fit. “It’s beautiful.”
“We’ll take it,” Lucas declared, drawing her startled glance. “You like it, don’t you, baby?” he inquired.
The forbidden endearment was meant to take her attention off the price tag, she suspected. “Of course, but…” They weren’t supposed to actually buy rings, only look at them.
“We’ll take it,” he repeated, pulling out his wallet.
As she watched him pay, Charlotte reminded herself that Lucas was just playing the part. Unlike the princess-cut diamond Monica still wore, this ring didn’t mean anything—not that Charlotte wanted it to. Its purpose was to mislead people into thinking they were married. She would give it back when their ruse was over. Maybe that’s what he was thinking in any case.
As the older lady ran Lucas’s credit card, Charlotte brought up Lloyd’s accident the same as she’d done at the other shops. “A friend of mine was here a couple of weeks ago and recommended Sabena to us. Unfortunately, he died in that hit-and-run that took place right outside of town.”
The old lady looked over at her sharply. “You were a friend of his?”
“A good friend,” Charlotte said. Lucas, right on cue, rubbed her back.
The woman’s expression softened with empathy. “I’m so sorry for your loss.”
“Thank you. Some people say it wasn’t an accident,” Charlotte added, as the woman handed Lucas back his credit card.
Another quick glance.
“You’d have to ask the police about that.” The cryptic words were uttered on a hard note. “You’ll find most of ’em at the Marina Restaurant right about now.”
The shopkeeper gestured in that direction with her chin. “Every Tuesday night, the chief of police treats them to dinner.”
“That’s awfully generous of him,” Charlotte commented, sharing a quick look with Lucas.
“He’s an elected official, don’t you know. Reckon he’s just buyin’ votes,” the woman added on a cynical note. “Here you go, dear.” She handed Lucas the slip to sign.
Charlotte deliberated whether to ask more questions. But Lucas straightened abruptly, grabbed her arm, and pulled her toward the door.
“Thank you,” Charlotte called over her shoulder on their way out.
Out on the street, they both took a closer look at the Marina Restaurant.
“She’s right,” Lucas stated. “Every cop in Sabena has to be there.”
Charlotte counted at least five cruisers in the overflowing parking lot. Her stomach tightened at the thought of one of them running Lloyd off the road and killing him.
Lucas searched her face. “You sure you want to eat there?”
“We’re not going to learn anything back at the Manor,” she replied. “Let’s stir up the hornet’s nest and see what happens.”
“Spoken like a true warrior.” Reaching for her hand, he glanced at the ring he’d just bought. “Looks pretty on you.”
“I’ll give it back when this is over,” she promised.
“No.” Lucas’s expression grew serious. “I want you to keep it and remember me when you’re taking on the world.” He sent her a crooked smile.
It dawned on Charlotte he was as drawn to her as she was to him. If not for their drastically different mindsets, they could have had a one-of-a-kind relationship.
“I will,” she promised, saddened by the prospect of parting ways.
He tipped his head at the restaurant. “Shall we?”
Linking hands in a way that was becoming familiar, they headed toward the restaurant, enticed by the delicious aromas wafting inland.
As they approached the entrance, Charlotte saw Lucas adjust the Glock under his untucked shirt so that it didn’t stick out so obviously above the waistband of his jeans.
“Do you have a concealed-carry permit for that?” she asked him.
“Of course.” He opened the restaurant door and gestured for her to precede him.
The police would be wary of him with or without a weapon, Charlotte figured, stepping inside. The volume in the restaurant dimmed as everyone looked over at them.
Charlotte took a quick inventory. The place was packed. Despite the gaudy light fixtures and laminate tabletops, the scarcity of seating suggested there was no better place to eat for miles in any direction. Water views from the windows on three sides of the restaurant made up for the nineties’ décor.
“Two please,” Lucas told the hostess, who requested that they follow her to one of the only available tables.
As they passed the gathering of uniformed officers, Charlotte noted that only the cops pretended to ignore them. Everyone else was openly staring.
Lucas offered Charlotte the seat that gave her a view of the room.
“You don’t want to sit here?” She had thought he would prefer having his back to the wall so he could see any possible threats coming.
“I’m good,” he said glancing pointedly at the window.
Charlotte realized two things at once, and promptly sat down. First, Lucas was worried he might be recognized. Second, he could see the interior of the restaurant in the window’s reflection.
“Here is our beer and wine menu,” the hostess said, placing it in front of both of them. “And here’s our food menu. Your waitress will be with your shortly.”
Charlotte was scanning the wines when the waitress appeared and introduced herself. “What can I get you to drink?”
“Just water for me,” Lucas said, surrendering the smaller menu.
Charlotte handed hers over, as well, and requested a sweet iced tea.
As the waitress moved away to fetch their drinks, she and Lucas studied the extensive food menu in silence. By the time Charlotte looked up, she was glad to note that people had lost interest in them.
“Here you go.” The waitress had returned with their drinks. “Do you need more time to decide what you want to eat?”
“What’s your favorite thing on the menu?” Lucas asked, while handing her the coupon.
She glanced at it briefly then tucked it into her booklet. “Honestly, everything.” Her bleached-blond head bobbed with enthusiasm. “But if this is your first time, you have to try the flounder stuffed with crab. It is out of this world.”
Charlotte’s attention was drawn to the table of laughing policemen. The thought that one of them could have driven Lloyd off the road threatened to steal her appetite.
“I’ll take that,” she said, giving the waitress her menu.
“I’m going to need a second,” Lucas said, still poring over the offerings.
“Of course. I’ll fetch you some bread while you’re thinking,” the girl offered, disappearing.
The volume in the restaurant had returned to normal. People were minding their own business, all except one dark-haired officer who struck Charlotte as familiar. With a muffled gasp, she realized who he was.
Leaning over the table, she whispered to Lucas, “Blanchard has shaved off his mustache.”
He looked up to search the reflection in the glass.
“He’s watching us over his coffee cup,” she added, her heart beating faster.
“Let’s give him a show then,” Lucas said, extending a hand across the table.
Craving reassurance, she took his hand willingly. The certainty of his grasp steadied her pulse. Why does holding hands with him have to feel so good?
Their server popped up next to them with a basket of bread. “Have you made your decision yet?”
For some reason, the question made Charlotte think of Monica, and she pulled her hand back to take a roll from the basket. Lucas ordered oysters as an appetizer and shrimp scampi for his entrée.
“Are the oysters farmed from these waters?” he asked, handing the woman his menu. “I noticed a Crab and Oyster Company across from Magnolia Manor.”
“Oh, no, that’s not used for seafood anymore. We get the oysters from a distributor in Maryland.”
“Oh, too bad,” he said. “What’s that building used for now?”
The blonde’s brow furrowed as she tipped her head to one side. “You know, I don’t rightly know. I can ask Police Chief Blanchard if you like.”
Charlotte kicked Lucas under the table.
“Don’t bother,” he told the young lady lightly. “You have enough to do. Is the restaurant always this crowded?” he added, changing topics.
“Yep. Seven days a week, three hundred and sixty-five days a year. Your food will be right up.” With a friendly smile, she moved away.
Buttering her roll, Charlotte asked Lucas in a quiet voice, “Have we heard from Saul yet?”
Lucas peeked at the cell phone riding in the breast pocket of his blue button up. “Yes.” He scanned the text then held out the phone so she could read it.
Place is used for shipping marine parts. Job interview tomorrow a.m.
“Impressive,” Charlotte murmured, taking a bite out of her roll.
“You can always count on The Reaper,” Lucas said, putting his phone away. “Saul’s a game-changer. He makes things happen.”
A question occurred to Charlotte. “What’s your code name?”
“Little John,” he replied.
She snorted at the unlikely moniker. “Oh, that’s good. I love irony.” She lowered her voice so only he could hear. “Plus, if you’re Little John, I guess that means Dwyer is Robin Hood?”
“Makes sense,” Lucas said with a crooked smile. “Only he isn’t stealing from the rich to give to the
poor anymore.”
“Can I ask you a more personal question?” she persisted.
He sent her a heart-stopping smile. “Why stop now?”
She decided his smile was for the benefit of the couple next to them.
“You don’t drink, do you?” she inquired.
He looked away to pick out a roll. “Nope.”
“Can I ask why?”
“Well,” he said, prying open a pat of butter. “I used to drink—a lot—when I played football. One night I drove my Porsche after drinking way too much at a party, and I got myself into a serious accident.”
Her stomach lurched at the thought of Lucas coming to harm. “Were you hurt?”
“Three broken ribs, punctured lung, and a dislocated hip.” His eyes clouded over at the recollection. “I flipped my car. By the time it stopped moving, it wasn’t anywhere close to the highway. My legs were trapped. I was there alone for hours, in pain that got worse as I sobered up.” He buttered his roll but didn’t immediately eat it. “That gave me plenty of time to think about what I’d done with my life.”
“What do you mean?” she pressed.
He grimaced. “I had turned my back on the values and beliefs my parents instilled in me. I was living pretty much for myself and my own pleasure. And I realized I didn’t like who I was or what I’d done, but it was too late because I was going to die that night.”
“You thought you were going to die?”
“Thanks to the punctured lung, it got really hard to breathe, so yes.”
Pity welled up in her. “What happened?” Obviously, he hadn’t died. She darted a look at their neighbors, almost certain one of them was eavesdropping.
“I prayed,” he said, looking her in the eye. The pain that had clouded his eyes earlier was gone, making them look illuminated from within, but that was simply the reflection of the glinting water as the sun set outside.
“I said, ‘God if You’ll let me live, I’ll devote the rest of my life to being selfless and following Your will for me.’”
Goosebumps scrambled up Charlotte’s arms and made her scalp tingle. Lucas’s promise didn’t strike her as lip service. Something powerful and real had happened in his mangled car that night.
Every Secret Thing Page 11