Winds of Danger

by Christy Barritt

  Chapter Six

  This wasn’t the way Paige had wanted to spend her Tuesday. First, she’d seen Wes. Then she’d seen her smashed window. Then she’d heard Wes’s story.

  She still wasn’t sure what to think about all he’d told her. He’d looked sincere and burdened, so much so that Paige actually felt bad for him. If he was telling the truth, then she could understand why this was difficult for him.

  Unfortunately, in her experience, men weren’t always honest. She wished she had some kind of internal lie detector that would clue her in. Instead, Paige had to trust her gut—which had failed her more than once before.

  Her high school boyfriend Mikey had “accidentally” fallen in love with her best friend. Paige had lost both the guy she’d been in love with and her confidante in the same day. Then recently, there had been Owen and the devastating consequences of being with him. She’d chosen him over her family and in the process had made the biggest mistake of her life.

  Now Paige felt all alone, and sometimes incapable of both trusting someone else and trusting herself.

  All she wanted was to fall in love with someone who’d love her unconditionally, who’d offer her the kind of support she’d once had at home. She wanted the kind of love that erased all doubt.

  Sometimes that felt like the most absurd fantasy of all.

  Before coming to work, Paige had called Chief Chambers, who’d come out and filed a report. Once that was over, Paige had taken her car to the only garage in town.

  Thankfully, the mechanic there had said he should be able to fix it today. The bad news was that it would cost three hundred for the new windshield. Her deductible was five hundred, so insurance wouldn’t cover this.

  Finally, Paige had gone to work, but she could hardly concentrate on the paperwork she was supposed to file. Instead, she kept looking through the glass doors at the front of the building for anyone who was acting strangely.

  She’d seen no one.

  “Hey, Paige.” Chief Chambers emerged from her office and stopped near her desk. “Want to grab a late lunch at The Crazy Chefette?”

  Her spirits lifted at the possibility. “I’d love to.”

  “Perfect. I’ll drive.”

  A few minutes later, they were situated in the chief’s SUV. They made chitchat as they drove down the road and pulled up to The Crazy Chefette. Once inside, they were seated at a corner booth with glasses of water. The savory smell of bacon mixed with the sweet scent of vanilla wafted around them.

  The eatery carried menu items unique on the taste buds. Paige’s favorite was the grilled cheese with peaches. She’d balked at the idea at first, but after she’d tried it—at Wes’s urging—she’d loved it. The whole place was a real gem of a find here on the island.

  Paige glanced around the dining area. Thankfully, she didn’t see anyone suspicious.

  Her shoulders relaxed some. Maybe she was making a big deal out of nothing.

  Chief Chambers didn’t even pick up her menu. Instead, she turned to Paige. “So, how are you holding up?”

  Paige shrugged, considering how to answer, how much to say. “I’ve been better.”

  “So, Wes told you the whole story? I ran into him at the gas station earlier, and he told me you’d had a conversation.”

  “He sure did. I hardly know what to think.” The whole explanation still seemed surreal, more like a Lifetime movie than real life.

  The chief offered a compassionate frown. “Anyone in a situation like this would feel the same. What can I do for you?”

  That was a great question, and she appreciated the chief’s thoughtfulness. “I’m not really sure. I’m still trying to comprehend the fact that Wes’s crazy ex-girlfriend could be on the island and targeting me.”

  “It’s a lot to comprehend. We’re all on the lookout for her. Did you see a picture of her so you’ll recognize her?”

  “Yes, Wes showed me before he left.” The woman in the photo had looked normal—perky, happy, bright. But those weren’t words Wes had used to describe her.

  Chief Chambers laced her hands together in front of her and leaned closer. “If you don’t mind me asking—and I realize this is none of my business—what did you two decide?”

  “That we should stay away from each other.” Paige’s heart thudded as she said the words. She understood why Wes felt that way . . . it just seemed like such a shame.

  “Maybe it’s best until we figure out what’s going on. I know he doesn’t want you to get hurt.”

  “I suppose you’re right, Chief.” Paige ran her hand over the menu. Wes’s whole story just seemed so unbelievable. And how things could go from great one day to avoiding each other at all costs the next still perplexed her. Then again, she was too loyal at times, so she erred in the opposite way.

  “Listen, when we’re not at the station, just call me Cassidy.”

  “It’s a deal.”

  Cassidy leaned toward Paige. “So, we’ve been working together for a month or so, but we haven’t had much time to talk. What really brought you to this area, Paige?”

  She welcomed the change of subject, even though her past wasn’t exactly pleasant. “To be honest, coming here wasn’t really in my plans. Sometimes, you have to change with the current and see where it takes you. The current brought me here.”

  “You mentioned something about a boyfriend and Wilmington . . .” The chief stared at her from across the table, not looking like she was interrogating her but like they were two friends having lunch together.

  Owen’s image flashed in her mind. “My boyfriend got the ‘opportunity of a lifetime’ in Wilmington, so I moved from Florida to be near him until we got married. Unfortunately, marriage was never really in his plans. He was the type who was always looking for bigger and better fish in the sea. He liked the rush of hooking the latest catch.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “Me too.” Her dad had warned her that Owen was no good. That he’d be nothing but trouble. Her father should know—Owen had worked on her dad’s boat before the man had gotten fired for stealing.

  But Paige had thought her heart knew more, knew better than her father. She’d been wrong. So, so wrong.

  Once Owen’s true colors were revealed, Paige knew she couldn’t stay in Wilmington. But she also knew she couldn’t go home to Florida—not after the way she’d left things there. Her dad had been so angry when Paige had told him she loved Owen.

  They’d been standing outside their house, the bay glimmering in the distance and the pier where she’d taken her first step stretching over the water.

  Her dad’s eyes had been lit with a passion she rarely saw. He’d told her if she chose Owen then she shouldn’t ever come back. His words felt like a slap in the face.

  Her mom had stood behind her dad with tears streaming down her face as she listened to it all. Owen had stood near the car, waiting for Paige’s decision.

  There was no compromise. Paige had to choose. Her family or Owen.

  The memory still felt like a punch in the gut.

  “Why Lantern Beach?” Cassidy asked, taking a sip of her water. “Besides the current bringing you here.”

  Paige shrugged. “I guess I’ve always loved island life. My dad was a fisherman. He’d spend four months at a time out on the water. It wasn’t a life full of means and money. But it was a good life, growing up by the sea down in Florida.”

  Paige drew in a shaky breath. Cassidy said nothing, just waited for her to continue. Paige tried to hold her emotions at bay until she could finish.

  “Anyway, I’ve always known I wanted to live in a small, coastal community like my hometown,” she finally said. “One of the ladies from my church in Wilmington told me about Lantern Beach and how great it was. I initially came just to visit, but I quickly fell in love—with the town,” Paige quickly added.

  Cassidy flashed a smile. “It sounds like it. We’re certainly glad to have you here.”

  The chief’s smile faded as her phone ra
ng. She took the call using her professional voice. When she ended the conversation, she glanced at Paige with a frown.

  “I’d really wanted to talk more,” the chief said. “But there was a car accident out on the highway. I’m going to need to head out there so I can take statements. As you know, our other guys are tied up with a domestic dispute at the moment.”

  “I’ll be fine here.”

  She twisted her head. “You want me to call you a ride?”

  “No, it’s not that far from the station. I can walk if I have to.” Besides, the weather was nice today. Some fresh air might feel invigorating.

  The chief nodded and rose, dropping a couple dollars on the table first. “Okay, if you’re sure. I’d love to chat again sometime, if you’re up for it.”

  “I’d love to.” It had been nice to have a female to visit with, to open up to. Cassidy always seemed wise beyond her years, like she’d be the perfect big sister.

  With the chief gone, Paige glanced around the restaurant. Tourists clustered at most of the tables. She could spot them because of their new beach clothes and sunburns. The town doctor—Clemson—sat at the bar area talking to Mac MacArthur, the former police chief and current mayor. A younger woman who operated the island’s only ice cream truck stood near them, and she reminded Paige of an anime character with her stark makeup and boldly colored clothes.

  Lantern Beach.

  Paige hoped to make a fresh start here. She knew it would take time to make friends and establish herself. But she truly could see herself becoming part of this community.

  Then she’d met Wes, and she’d realized everything she’d been missing when she dated Owen. Owen had initially been charming—but none of it had been real. He was the type who used people to get what he wanted.

  Wes, on the other hand, wasn’t the type who cared about impressing people, and that had been so appealing. He paved his own way, giving up his career to move here to this island and live the life he wanted.

  Paige shook her head, pushing those thoughts aside. Wes might seem perfect, but that didn’t mean he was for her. Sometimes it took a variety of circumstances to see a person’s true colors. That had been the case with Owen, and it had been the case with the man she’d dated before him.

  She was a poor judge of character when her heart was involved. She’d be wise to keep that in mind and not make the same mistakes.

  “Good afternoon!” someone said beside her.

  Paige looked up and saw Lisa Dillinger standing there. She owned this restaurant—she was the original Crazy Chefette herself. Paige had instantly liked Lisa, with her big smile and bubbly personality. Lisa was organizing the efforts to feed volunteers after the Scrub a Dub Dub event on Friday.

  “Good afternoon.” Paige tucked a curl behind her ear and smiled.

  “You’re here alone?” Lisa glanced at the empty seat in the booth across from Paige.

  Yes, she and Wes had quickly become a pair here on Lantern Beach. But now that was over . . . wasn’t it? She was still confused about what all of this meant for their relationship.

  “It’s just me,” Paige finally said. “Cassidy had to run. I thought I’d grab some lunch while I wait for my car to get fixed.”

  “I see. Well, take your time with the menu. I’ll be right back to take your order. We’re a little short-staffed today, so I’m pulling double duty. I apologize, but Angie, my new waitress, fell asleep at the beach and got sun poisoning.”

  “Ouch.”

  “Yes, ouch. And her blisters aren’t the most appetizing thing to look at when you’re ordering food. Anyway, I’ll be back in a minute.”

  “Sounds good. Thank you, Lisa.”

  Paige stared down at the menu, knowing she’d probably order her favorite meal. But she thought she’d give the other selections consideration, just to be fair. After all, the Jalapeño Popper Soup sounded pretty good also, as did the Burger with Butter—peanut butter, that was.

  “Excuse me,” someone said.

  Paige looked up, fully expecting to see Lisa standing there again.

  Instead, a woman with dark hair and glasses paused beside her booth. She looked vaguely familiar.

  “Yes?”

  “I need to talk to you.” The woman slid into the booth across from her, a deep frown creasing the sides of her mouth. “It’s about Wes.”

  Chapter Seven

  Paige eyed the woman in front of her, wondering if she’d seen her before. Wondering how the stranger had found her here. This wasn’t Jennifer—she didn’t look like the picture. But could she be another scorned girlfriend?

  Or was she Jennifer? Paige stared at the woman, trying to see beyond the hair color and glasses. She supposed the two women might look similar, but Paige had only quickly seen Jennifer’s picture.

  She glanced around. They were surrounded by people. Whoever this woman was, Paige should be safe enough talking to her out in public like this.

  She’d hear what she had to say—for a few minutes, at least.

  “What about Wes?” Paige’s voice sounded strained as she asked the question. She was guarded, and she would remain so until she had more information.

  The woman stared her straight in the eye, unflinching. “I’ll just get right to the point. I heard he has his sights set on you.”

  “His sights set on me?” That was a strange way to word it. “I don’t know about that. Who are you?”

  She pressed her neatly manicured hands into the table, displaying a nice-sized engagement and wedding ring. “I know Wes. We go way back. And I felt the need to warn you about him.”

  “Did you . . . track him down here?”

  “No! I’m on vacation with my husband, and I just happened to see Wes.”

  Her explanation could be plausible. But Paige needed to hear more. “Why would you warn me about him?”

  Something about this conversation already made Paige very uncomfortable. First, the fact that the woman had found her. But the vague answers also left her unsettled.

  “He’s a player, to start with.” The woman lowered her voice and leaned closer. “He burned me once, and I wished I’d listened to the warning someone had given me. I didn’t, but I don’t want to see someone else make that same mistake.”

  “You don’t have to worry about that. Wes and I . . . well, there is no Wes and I.”

  There never really had been, and this morning had seemed to seal the deal, so to speak.

  A strange emotion passed through the woman’s eyes. “There isn’t? You could have fooled me.”

  Paige jerked her gaze up and nearly stuttered, “You’ve . . . you’ve been watching us?”

  The woman’s eyes widened. “No! I told you, I didn’t expect to see Wes. But I happened to stumble across the two of you on the beach one day. That’s all.”

  Paige pressed her lips together. Was this woman telling the truth? The explanation sounded logical enough. Either way . . .

  “It doesn’t matter. Wes . . . isn’t ready for a relationship.” Paige didn’t owe this woman any more of an explanation than that.

  The woman nodded and offered a slight shrug. “Okay then. I guess this warning was for nothing.”

  Paige studied the woman another minute. She seemed sincere. But Paige still couldn’t let down her guard.

  “I know Wes can seem like a real catch. That’s what makes this situation so difficult.”

  Paige remembered all the fun they’d had together. Was that all a sham? She didn’t know. But she wasn’t ready to completely buy this woman’s story yet.

  “Yes, he can be charming,” Paige said, deciding to play along for a little while. “What exactly is your story?”

  Before the woman could answer, Lisa appeared at their booth. She smiled at Paige before looking curiously at the woman across from her. “Welcome to The Crazy Chefette. Would you like a menu?”

  “Oh, no. I’m not staying.” She waved her hand.

  “Please do stay.” Paige was interested in hearing mor
e of what this woman had to say. She knew Wes, had a history with him, and Paige wanted to know more.

  The woman twisted her lips as she stared across the table, looking uncertain. “Are you sure? I’d hate to impose.”

  “Yes, I’d like some company. Unless your husband is waiting for you . . .”

  “He’s actually on a fishing tour right now.” The woman nodded slowly, thoughtfully, and finally leaned back. “Okay then. I’ll stay. But I don’t need a menu. I’ll just have whatever she’s having.”

  “I’ll have my usual,” Paige told Lisa.

  “Very well then. Grilled cheese with peaches, a personal favorite of mine also.” Lisa turned with a playful flourish. “I shall return.”

  As Lisa left, Paige turned back to the woman across from her. “So, back to my question. What’s your story with Wes?”

  The woman shrugged and leaned back, her gaze scanning the restaurant. “We dated. I thought we were going to get married, but apparently he had no intention of that. He just wanted a good time.”

  Paige flinched. She didn’t want to view Wes like that. All he’d been was respectful to her. Sure, he may have broken her heart a little when he’d ghosted her, but he hadn’t been a world-class jerk.

  But people had types, didn’t they? And whether or not Paige wanted to admit it, the type she chose also had been unreliable. Untrustworthy. Liars.

  She squeezed her eyes shut. She desperately didn’t want Wes to fit that pattern. Yet, part of her wouldn’t be surprised. It was like she had a radar for men who cheated.

  “I know what you’re thinking. Could this be the same Wes? Believe me—it is. He started off sweet and kind and concerned.” Her expression darkened. “But he changed.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that.” Men who acted like one person to win a woman’s affection and then transformed were the worst types. Paige had prided herself on being careful, but, in the end, she hadn’t been immune to men like that after all.

  “Yeah, me too.” The woman rubbed her arms, as if chilled. “It got bad toward the end.”