The story quoted Crush as saying he was launching a campaign to get the author's books "banned and/or burned in all God-fearing cities and towns." Crush did not go so far as to claim that Eugene was a man who would like to injure children, but he implied it. James's lips quirked as he read the story again. Crush had a personal vendetta against Eugene, that was plain to see. At least for the moment he wasn't accusing Eugene of kidnapping that missing girl. For the moment. That was what he had to alert Jennifer to.
He picked up his coat, tightened his tie and started toward the parking lot. He had bad news for Jennifer, but he could certainly appreciate the pleasure of her company for dinner— before he had to break it to her.
* * *
JENNIFER had ten minutes to decide on what she would wear. The stubborn part of her urged her to go in her faded blue jeans and red silk blouse. She looked perfectly fine for the island atmosphere of the Calypso restaurant. Still…She snatched her favorite blue sundress out of the closet and slipped into it. The full skirt and fitted bodice showed off every firm curve. Let James Tenet eat his heart out. As her aunt Beth had often told her, "Look, look. But lookin' and gettin' are two different things." It would do her ego a lot of good to see James Tenet want something he couldn't have. The man had too much charm by far, and she'd seen him around town, squiring the most eligible of Mobile's bachelorettes. Even as she recalled the instances, she was aware that she'd never seen him with the same woman more than once or twice. He seemed determined not to show a public preference for any one lady.
The night was slightly cool and Jennifer picked up a soft white sweater and got in her car. The strip of highway that connected Mobile and Baldwin counties and crossed the Mobile River delta and Mobile Bay was called the causeway. A newer, safer, superhighway had been constructed above the water, but some of the tough old-timers who'd weathered hurricanes and floods still owned restaurants and lounges along the old highway where the water lapped the edge of the road. There were bait houses and a few hotels, but mostly there was tall saw grass whispering in the gentle April breeze and the sound of water beating a soft cadence against rowboats and black wooden piers.
Jennifer loved the smell of the water and the gentle sounds of the night as she drove with her window down. A full moon was slipping over the trees on the Mobile side of the bay, a silvery globe of pale spring magic. It was definitely a night for romance.
The thought surprised her, and embarrassed her. And it was Eugene's fault. He'd put foolish notions in her head where James Tenet was involved. And the tropical spring night was having an effect on her. She was normally a sensible young woman with her future completely in focus. A night for romance, indeed. It was a night when she'd better stay alert because James Tenet was a man who'd take advantage of any weakness.
She pulled into the parking lot of the Calypso with her jaw squared and her purse clutched. The saw grass whispered secrets about the moon, and just for a moment she stopped to watch the moonlight glitter silver on the soft waves of Mobile Bay. It was a beautiful evening.
"You walked up, and for a moment it was like a scene from a black-and-white movie." James Tenet stepped out of the shadows of the building. "Moonlight, water, a beautiful woman making an unknown rendezvous. And then I realized I was the lucky man."
His nearness made Jennifer unexpectedly breathless. She was intensely aware of him, of the touch of his wool blazer against the bare skin of her arm. It was suddenly as if every inch of skin had been sensitized to his nearness. The reaction was almost painful.
When she didn't speak— and didn't walk away— James stood beside her, content to listen to the night. "I grew up down the bay a little ways." His voice was as soft and gentle as the water. "Late at night my brother and I would sneak out our bedroom window and go down to the water. Sometimes we'd wade with a flashlight, just looking to see what we could see. Other nights we'd sit on one of the big rocks that had been thrown out to stop erosion. We learned to tell all of the birds by the sounds they made in the dark. We saw nutria and foxes, and sometimes even a passing alligator. One time the animal control people caught a 'gator that was over eighteen feet long. It had been living not a quarter mile from our front yard."
Jennifer felt as if time had stopped. She was in a magic bubble, a time warp where there was nothing but the erotic sounds of the night and James's voice, the smell of water and grass, and the feel of him standing so close behind her that if she drew a deep breath, she'd bump into him. She didn't want to move or speak. She wanted to stand and allow herself the luxury of the experience. James Tenet was a new sensation. She wanted to savor the way he made her feel.
An easy silence stretched between them. "Are you hungry?"
"No." Her voice was low, sensual, and she felt a twinge of embarrassment. "I mean, it's pleasant to stand here."
"I never thought I'd hear you say that it was pleasant to stand anywhere with me." Though Jennifer's words had been carefully chosen, he heard the slightly roughened texture of her voice. The idea that she might actually enjoy his company sent a jolt of pleasure through him.
"I surprise myself sometimes." Jennifer laughed. She was astounded! Here she was, standing in the moonlight with a man who could ignite her fuse like nobody else— and she was actually delighted. "I think Eugene must have cast a spell on me," she added, thinking of the writer and how he'd cackle at her behavior. He wouldn't have to say "I told you so." It would be clear in his eyes.
"He's a remarkable man," James agreed. "I just finished his book. I know it's for children, but I thoroughly enjoyed reading it."
"Eugene says that the best stories for children should also capture an adult's interest."
"He's right. Look, just there." As James pointed to the quick black silhouette of a bird skimming just above the water, his arm brushed her shoulder. "A brown pelican. They were almost extinct, but they're coming back since the chemical companies have been forced to clean up their pollutants."
At the touch of his arm Jennifer felt her heart pounding. She wanted him to kiss her, but it was a wild longing that she certainly shouldn't entertain. No matter what her brain said, her body had its own ideas. Without intending to, she turned slightly. James was at least six inches taller, and she looked up to find the moonlight bronzing the squareness of his chin and his straight nose.
He bent to kiss her, and she lifted her chin. It was a kiss that left both of them startled and breathless.
"We should go inside," Jennifer said. She felt off-balance, and James's hand steadied her as she turned out of his arms and started toward the steps of the restaurant.
For a few seconds James had been surprised by the intensity of the kiss. He was still trying to figure out exactly what had happened between the two of them when he opened the door of the restaurant for her.
Loud reggae music greeted them, and a smiling waiter led them to a table where James ordered two rum specials. He looked across the table at Jennifer, but her eyes were demurely cast at her place setting. For the first time since he'd laid eyes on her, she seemed unsure of herself. He felt a mischievous urge to tease her, but thought better of it. Jennifer Barkley was delightful when she was angered, but he was also developing a real appreciation for the softer side of her. Especially her soft lips.
The waiter returned, and they ordered. Jennifer watched James from beneath her shield of eyelashes. His kiss had surprised her. He was cocky and arrogant and filled with devilment. But his kiss had been tender, and very exciting. It had also been more intimate than she'd ever experienced. There had been a bond formed that frightened her in a way. She'd kissed her share of men, but it had always been carefree and simply sexual. With James, it had been something more.
"I've never seen you so quiet."
Jennifer was too aware that James was watching her. "It's been a long day," she said. "Eugene and I tried to play detective, but we had only minor success." She filled him in on the day's events, glad to put some distance between herself and her unsettled feelings as
she talked about her favorite writer.
James leaned forward on his elbows, his interest keen. "That was good work. And the cat really found the hideout?"
Jennifer held up three fingers, then changed to four and finally back to three in an attempt to imitate a scout's pledge of truth. "Honest. Familiar found the place. Eugene says cats have a very sophisticated sense of smell."
James lifted his eyebrows. "Well, when Mimi is found, maybe we can do a story about the cat."
"What do you think has happened to the little girl?" Jennifer respected the fact that James was a lot more attuned to the city than she was. "Have there been other kidnappings lately?"
He shook his head. "Thank goodness, no. But to be honest, I'm worried about the child. I thought at first it was some childish prank, but the evidence you found makes me believe she was taken by force."
"And that's scary," Jennifer said.
The food arrived and they savored the spicy island flavor of jerk shrimp, black beans and yellow rice.
"I had another reason for asking you out tonight." James knew he had to handle the situation just right or Jennifer would think the worst of him. It was tricky business, especially with her hot temper.
Dread washed over her like a breeze from the water. "What?"
"There was a very brief article on the state wire today. It mentioned a 'feud' between Crush Bonbon and Eugene. I wanted to alert you. I think Crush is planting his own stories in the media, hoping for some national attention."
Jennifer lowered her fork to her plate. This was the one thing Maji Call dreaded most— and she, Jennifer Barkley, had never even considered the thought that Crush Bonbon would be smart enough to do it. She wanted to slap her forehead— what a dumbo she'd been not to think of such a thing. It was perfect for Crush— and completely in character. If he could start a real stink, he could promote himself and his sick talk show. It didn't matter that Eugene would suffer. In fact, based on Crush's past behavior, it would make him happy to see Eugene ruined.
"I'm sorry to be the one to tell you, but I thought you should know."
Jennifer saw the concern in his brown eyes and felt a little better. At least he wasn't gloating, or trying to use the story himself. "I should have been prepared for this," she said. Her appetite was completely gone. "It makes perfect sense for Crush. He's found an issue, one that's local but has international implications. I mean, what could be better than tarring and feathering a local writer of children's books, a man who might be involved in bad things happening to local children? It's like the violence on television dilemma. Has Eugene provoked something? Crush is all eager to scream yes and start the hangings."
"It's a tailor-made issue for Crush," James conceded. "I wish there was some way we could stop him."
Jennifer looked down at her plate. That one statement had caught her off guard yet again. James had somehow invested in Eugene's reputation. It was something she'd done automatically— because she loved the writer. James hardly knew him, yet he, too, wanted to protect Eugene.
He read her downward glance with ease. "I happen to think Eugene is one of the greatest writers of this century," he explained. "And Crush is one of the biggest butts. It isn't fair that Crush is going to benefit by harming someone like Eugene."
"My feelings exactly." Jennifer met his gaze. Something was happening between them, something serious. She could feel it in her heart and her mind, and though it frightened her, she would never turn her back on it. Eugene Legander had cast a spell on her where James was involved.
"I don't have a way to stop Crush, but I wanted you to know. At least you'll be prepared if the phone calls start coming in."
"Thanks." She sipped her drink. "Thanks a lot, James. You didn't have to do this."
"I sort of owed you." He grinned and his face was boyish again. "I made you lose your temper over at Eugene's, and I wanted you to see that I'm not as bad as you thought."
"I see that." And she saw a lot more. "Don't worry too much. I'll think of something. And the most important thing is to get Mimi home. That would blow out the flame of Crush's big campaign."
They both declined dessert, and fifteen minutes later they were outside the restaurant. James walked her to her car and opened the door.
Though she was tempted to stand and talk, Jennifer got behind the wheel, where she was safe from the temptation of another kiss. Even the thought of it fueled her anticipation and desire. "Thanks for dinner. And a million thanks for the tip." She looked up at him, surprised again by his handsomeness.
"My pleasure, on both counts." He leaned down and quickly kissed her cheek.
It was a brief kiss, but enough to send a sensation of tiny pulses over Jennifer's body.
"I have to cover a political rally in Fairhope tomorrow evening. Would you like to go? We could have dinner afterward, but then I'd have to go to the paper and write the story." He gave her an apologetic smile. "It seems I'm never really off work."
"It sounds wonderful— except for the politicians."
"Look at it as research into the human experience. I'll pick you up at six."
"And I'll see you at the reading." She waved out her open window as she drove away. She had a peculiar mingling of relief and disappointment as she left. The thought of another kiss in the moonlight had been too tempting. With a little encouragement from James, she would have stayed to sample one. But he hadn't encouraged her. Was he feeling as unsettled as she was by the emotions that had been stirred?
She let her mind wander as she drove across the beautiful causeway and was swallowed by Bankhead Tunnel. In a few moments she was deposited in downtown Mobile among the tall, new buildings heralding the downtown area's revitalization.
Mobile was a beautiful city, with a history as long and interesting as that of New Orleans. Spanish, French, British, Confederate and American flags had bannered the city at different times. Before that, Mobile had been a cultural center for many of the local Native American tribes. She'd dreaded her assignment to such a "podunk" little city. But she'd discovered a wealth of hospitality and generosity among the people here. Now she knew she'd never want to leave.
She drove by Eugene's house to make sure that all was settled. It was eleven, and a light was still burning in his front window. For a moment she was tempted to stop and check on him. She slowed the car beneath the willows, wondering if he was asleep. Before she could react, a small figure raced in front of her headlights.
Her foot jammed on the brakes, sending the car into a squealing slide as she swerved to avoid the dark-clad figure. Her seat belt saved her from smashing into the steering wheel, and after fighting for a few seconds, she was able to bring the car under control and stop it.
Legs shaking, she jumped out and turned to confront the person who'd almost ran out in front of the car. She heard footsteps running fast in the darkness, and then she saw a small figure darting beneath a streetlight. The child— and it was a child— dashed into some azaleas and disappeared into the night.
Still shaky from the near accident, Jennifer took a few moments to stop trembling. She'd almost killed someone. That it wouldn't have been her fault meant nothing. If the child had been a split second slower, he or she would have been crushed beneath the wheels.
But what had a child been doing in the shrubs beside Eugene's house?
The creepiest sensation moved swiftly down her spine. What had a child been doing out at eleven o'clock on a school night? At Eugene's? And why had he or she run away so desperately when Jennifer slowed her car?
It didn't bode well at all.
Chapter Five
"'And Giles, his scaly skin crinkling around his neck, turned to cast vertical green eyes at his brother and flicked his forked tongue."' Eugene settled the manuscript pages on his knee.
"Is Giles going to take his brother into the lizard kingdom?" Tommy Franklin asked. Behind his glasses, his eyes were round with concern.
"What do you think?" Eugene was having fun. The children had spok
en not a single word once he'd started his story. Now all fifteen of them were still engrossed in the world he'd woven of boys and girls turning into lizards.
"I think Giles should take his brother Jimmy," Tommy said seriously. "Jimmy is every bit as lazy as Giles. Their parents would probably be glad to see them go."
"I don't think so." Judy Luno shook her head emphatically. "Even when I'm bad, my mother wouldn't want me to turn into a lizard. And sometimes I'm very, very bad."
Jennifer stifled a grin. She had no doubt that the dark-haired Judy Luno could be more than a handful. The child had an opinion about everything, and she didn't hesitate to express it with tremendous intelligence. And vehemence.
"But Jimmy sort of wants to be a lizard. I mean, it's gross, but it's neat." Tommy Franklin looked around the group to see if anyone agreed with him.
"I would never want to be a lizard. Lizards are ugly, and I'm beautiful." Stephanie Rogers tossed her dark curls. "I'd hate it if my skin got all creaky and scaly and that red thing ballooned out in my throat."
"You'd never look like that." Chris Estis was smitten with the beautiful Stephanie.
"And lizards can't tap dance." Renee Paul demonstrated a few buffalo steps to prove her point.
"I think you'll have to wait until I finish the book to hear what happens to Giles and Jimmy." Eugene stood. Martha Whipple, the librarian, waved her hand to signal that refreshments for the children were ready. They ran toward her with shouts of laughter as she doled out the punch and cookies and chips and treats.
"It was a wonderful reading." James went up to shake Eugene's hand. "Delightful. I'm sorry I won't get to hear the end of the story." He spoke with sincerity, but his interest was on a big, heavy man standing at the far side of the gathering. Crush Bonbon had attended the reading, but so far he'd remained completely silent. James scanned the room and found Jennifer behind the counter pouring additional cups of punch. She'd kept a wary eye on Crush, and each time she'd looked at him James feared the glare might kill the radio talk show host. Jennifer had a hard eye when her temper was up.
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