Night Waves (11 page)

Cali found Nancy Chandler before Nick had a chance to point her out. She held a long, thin cigarette in her mouth as she sat alone at the edge of a sand dune with her knees drawn, and her chin held high. She peered out over the ocean, and appeared to be lost in thought.

Her lips formed a thin line, which parted to take a drag on the cigarette. Slivers of gray streaked her mousy brown hair, which she had pulled back into a severe bun at the base of her neck. Her long, beak-like nose jutted out farther than her sunken chin. Hostility manifested in her narrow, jade-colored eyes, as she glanced over and spotted Nick.

“I didn’t say anything about bringing the law with you,” her raspy voice grated as she turned her focus on Cali.

“Nick only wants to help.”

“Nick is it?” Nancy’s eyebrows lifted.

Cali straightened her spine. “Yes. Nick.”

“Well, I didn’t call Nick, did I?”

Cali looked at Nick, about to defend him, but he held his hands up in surrender. “I’ll be down at the water.” He met Cali’s eyes briefly before turning and walking away.

Her focus returned to the woman, and she couldn’t help but wonder why the stalker had picked such a rude, unattractive person as a target.

“Not what you thought I’d look like, huh?” Nancy asked as if she read Cali’s thoughts.

“You’re not what I expected.”

“Who knows why the guy picked me.” She took a long puff on her cigarette and shifted her gaze to Cali, letting out a low humorless laugh. “I know I’m not the most attractive woman on the island, but I don’t think that’s what matters to him.”

Cali’s interest peaked. “What do you mean?” She positioned herself in the sand a few feet away.

Nancy shook her head. “I…” her voice trailed off. She stared at the sea for a few moments. Her cigarette burned to the filter and she snuffed it out in the sand. She immediately lit another. “Care for a cancer stick?” Nancy held up her pack of cigarettes.

“No.” Cali’s patience had already worn thin. “What makes you say attraction doesn’t matter to him?”

Nancy blew out a deep, smoke-filled breath. “The way he looked at me.”

“You saw what he looked like?”

“Not his face. But I did see his eyes through his mask. Dark, evil eyes.” A deep shiver passed through the hardened woman.

Cali felt a pang of sympathy break through. “I’m sorry this happened to you.”

Nancy shook her head. “You don’t even know what happened. How can you be sorry?”

“Then tell me.”

“I have memories. Fuzzy flashbacks. I don’t know which are dreams and which are reality. He kept me drugged. At least that’s what the sheriff believes happened. I don’t know exactly. All I know is two weeks of my life are now mostly a horrifying blur.”

Nick stood at the shoreline as Cali waited for more details from Nancy. He occasionally glanced at them, before returning his focus to the crashing surf. Cali slid her feet deeper into the sand, completely covering them, as questions tumbled through her mind.

“I shouldn’t have called you.” Nancy started to rise.

“No wait!” Confusion reeled through her. “You wanted me to know something. What was it?”

Nancy hesitated. “I told the sheriff everything I can remember.” She stood, crossing her arms.

“You’re shivering. Is there something you don’t want to tell him? Something personal?” She rose to stand beside Nancy. “Then tell me. Maybe I can help.”

“You think you know it all? You think you can waltz right in and solve my problems?”

“You called me. Remember?” A rush of anger surfaced. “If you want to tell me something, do it. Otherwise, stop wasting my time.”

A smile spread across the woman’s lips. “Yes, I did call you. And now, I’m not disappointed. I watched the press conference. I saw your determination.”

“And?”

“And I wanted to see you in person. I wanted to know if you have what it takes to do something.”

“What do you mean?”

“This island needs someone like you.”

“Me?”

“You. You’re a reporter aren’t you? Write some articles.” Nancy waved her hand, her cigarette sending spirals of smoke into the air. “Start a program. I don’t know.” Tears welled in her eyes, before she quickly swiped them away. “People need to know such evil exists, even in paradise. The man who took me. He’s strong. He’s obsessive. And, he could be anyone.” She fanned her hands out. “Absolutely anyone.”

Cali recognized fear in Nancy’s eyes and her defenses softened.

“I can understand you wanting to find your friend. But just remember, when Serena is released, he’ll still be out there. Waiting. Watching for more victims.”

“Nick’s going to catch him,” Cali said with confidence.

“Eventually. But what happens until then? What if that monster stays on the streets long enough to kidnap another woman? What about the other criminals out there preying on innocent people? You can help, Cali. Use your determination and your skills as a reporter to make people aware of the dangers.”

“This isn’t what I expected.”

“I know what you expected. I told you I know what kind of man has Serena. And I will tell you. But, promise me you’ll consider helping to raise awareness.”

Desperation entered Nancy’s gaze, something Cali would not have thought possible a few minutes ago. Her voice softened as she saw through the woman’s tough exterior. “I’ll see what I can do.”

“I suppose that’s all I can ask.” Nancy ground out her cigarette before stuffing the remnants into her pocket. “Now, about the guy who took me. I have a hunch about him.”

“A hunch?”

“Yeah. But, you won’t find it in the official reports.” She sighed. “The sheriff wants evidence, not intuition.”

“You can tell Nick anything. He would listen.”

A glimmer appeared in Nancy’s eyes. “You’ve got a thing for him?”

Cali didn’t respond verbally, but she knew the blush on her face gave her away.

“It’s only natural. He is hot.” Nancy stated easily, as if revealing a simple fact about the weather.

“About the stalker?” Cali prodded, somewhat irritated and afraid Nancy would stray from the subject again.

“He’s organized. Smart. He wants to have authority. He seemed to thrive by controlling me.”

“You didn’t tell the sheriff this?”

“Yeah, I did. But I didn’t tell him I think the stalker’s from the island.”

“What makes you think he lives here? A hunch?”

“Something like that.”

“If there’s something you’re not saying…”

“I recall smelling alcohol on him a time or two. I didn’t mention it because I’m not positive about it.”

“Is there anything else?”

Nancy blew out a breath. “No.”

“You should’ve told Nick about the alcohol. He may be hanging around bars. Looking for more victims.”

“Yeah, well, smelling Piña Coladas and Margaritas in a vacation community isn’t that rare, you know.”

“He should know,” Cali insisted.

Nancy stepped back. “You tell him. I’m outta here.” She turned and headed toward the pathway leading to the parking lot.

Cali discovered the reason for Nancy’s abrupt departure. Nick was approaching.

“I gather she’s done talking,” he said as he walked to Cali. “I get the feeling she doesn’t like me.”

“She might not like you, but at least she thinks you’re cute.” Cali couldn’t bring herself to say the word hot, because that’s exactly what she was thinking as he stood beside her with his broad shoulders outlined by his snug fitting T-shirt, and his deep-blue eyes drawing her in. She had to be careful, or she might get caught staring again.

“Is that so?” His mouth curved into a slight smile. “I never would’ve guessed.”

His arm brushed hers and a jolt of awareness shot through her. She inched closer as she remembered how secure she felt in his arms, and how enticing his lips had tasted.

“So, what did she say?”

Nick stared at her expectantly. Embarrassed at how he so easily distracted her, and without even trying, she looked away. “There are a few things you might find interesting. But, let’s get out of this heat first.”

“Good idea.” He splayed his hand at the small of her back as they began walking. She liked the warmth of his touch, and the gentle pressure as he guided her to the truck. She replayed Nancy’s words in her mind, trying to remember everything she had said, and trying to stay focused on the reason for the meeting.

Nick opened the truck’s passenger side door, and Cali climbed in and waited for him to settle in his seat. He buckled his seatbelt before she asked, “Do you think the stalker could be from the island?”

“It’s possible.” He started the engine and pulled out onto the road. “We should know more when the FBI profilers send their report.”

“Nancy thinks he’s from here.”

Nick directed his sharp gaze at her. “Why?”

“Intuition?” Cali shrugged. “I don’t know. She called it a hunch.”

“Mmm. Anything else I should know about?”

“She said she thought she smelled alcohol on him a few times. Maybe he goes to bars to scout out women.”

“Not necessarily. Alcohol is available at a lot of places.”

“But…”

“And, so far, the victims have said they never went to any bars. You said yourself Serena never goes to them.”

She remembered telling Deputy Owen that in the initial report. Her hopes sank. “I just want something to hold on to. Some sort of hope. A lead. Something.”

“We’ll find her, Cali.”

“I know. I’d just like to find her sooner rather than later.”

“Did Nancy tell you anything else?”

“Nothing important. No wait, she did mention she thought I should consider writing articles…”

He straightened. Raising his voice he said, “No. No more articles. The newspapers are feeding this guy’s ego. The more publicity he gets, the happier he is.”

“But you gave the press conference…”

“I gave the conference to ask for help in locating Serena. The press needs to focus on her, but instead they’re grinding out wild theories about the stalker.” His hands gripped the wheel tighter. “Which puts him in the spotlight.” He shook his head. “It’s not what I was striving for.”

Cali had intended to tell Nick about Nancy’s idea about writing public awareness articles, but seeing how upset he became at the mention of newspaper articles in general, she let the subject drop. “Are we heading to your cottage now?”

“Yep. It’s time to get you settled in.”

Ready for a chance to rest, and to think about all that had happened since she had arrived at Coral Isle, the idea of settling in should have provided a sense of relief. However, thinking of settling in on the upper floor of Nick’s cottage twisted her stomach in knots.

Cali wondered if his home would be as well-organized and no-nonsense as his office. She also wondered if she would feel comfortable staying so near to him. One thing was certain; she was about to find out.

Night Waves

Cali’s anticipation intensified when Nick’s oceanfront cottage came into view. The two-story home stood above the ground on stilts, like many other cottages near the ocean’s edge. The quaint cottage looked like paradise compared to the Sea Urchin. A rainbow-colored wind catcher twirled near the mailbox, and various potted plants and flowers peeked over the edge of the porches above.

Nick pulled into the driveway, parking next to her car.

“My car’s already here.”

“I asked Deputies Owen and Castle to bring it over before their shift ended.”

“I appreciate it. Thank them for me next time you talk to them.”

“I will.”

He turned off the truck’s engine and removed the keys. “I hope you like it here. A cleaning service comes every week after the renters leave, so it should be clean for you.” He fiddled with his keys, making him appear nervous, as if he cared what she thought of his home.

“I’m sure it will be fine.” Cali stepped out, excited to learn more about Nick’s personal life. “I appreciate you taking me in.”

“No problem.”

She started to open the truck’s back door where they had placed her luggage.

“I’ll get it.” Nick reached around, catching the handle before she could. She turned to face him and his arm brushed hers, sending sparks of awareness through her. He had trapped her between him and the vehicle. He was close. Close enough to kiss her again. She remembered the feel of his solid muscles as he had held her in his embrace. She remembered how secure she had felt. Her legs weakened, and her gaze traveled to his lips.

“Cali.”

“Hmm?” She drew her gaze to his.

“I need room to open the door.”

Waves of heat bombarded her. “Sorry.” She stepped to the side.

Grinning, he pulled out her duffle bag and slung it over his shoulder. Taking her suitcase in his other hand, his gaze met hers and held.

Moments later, Cali realized she was staring again. She removed her laptop and pillow from the backseat, feeling Nick’s gaze trailing each of her movements. She stepped back to allow him to shut the door.

“Have dinner with me.”

Her breathing hitched. Her heartbeat quickened. Was he asking her on a date? She hugged her pillow, glad she had something to hide the pulse at the base of her neck. “I’d love to.”

He flashed a smile. “I’ll have it ready by the time you get settled.”

She lifted her brows. “You’re cooking?”

“Yeah. You’d be amazed at all the things I can do that aren’t directly related to my job.”

The reply caught her off guard. She pondered her response as he led her up two flights of porch steps. Arriving at the upper level of the cottage, she said, “I suppose some people see the uniform and only think of you as an officer, don’t they?”

He stopped to look at her. “Most people do.”

“That must be hard.”

He shrugged. “It depends on who it is.” His gaze flickered over her before he set down her suitcase and slid his key into the sliding glass door. “If it’s someone I’d like to know on a personal level, I’d much rather them see me, than the uniform.”

She had stopped thinking of him as an officer the night he had rescued her on the beach after the press conference. It seemed like a long time ago, even though it had only been yesterday. “I see the man behind the uniform.” And I like what I see, she thought, but didn’t dare speak the words aloud.

Nick shot a smile in her direction and opened the door. They stepped inside, and he set the key on an end table. The cloudy sky shielded the sunlight from brightening the room, and he switched on a tall lamp beside the sofa. The room lit up, showing a comfortably furnished rental home.

“There are two bedrooms and one bathroom down the hall. The kitchen is small, but it has everything you need,” he paused, “except food.” He walked to a back room and came out a moment later without her luggage.

Is that why he had offered to make dinner? Unsure of the reason behind his offer, she said, “I can run to the store tonight if you’d rather not cook.”

He stepped close and lowered his voice. “I want to.”

“If you’re sure. I don’t want to be a burden…”

“Cali?”

“Yeah?”

He brushed a few strands of hair from her face. “I’m sure.” His fingers left a trail of heat in their wake. “Make yourself at home. Come on down when you’re ready.”

She managed a smile. “Thanks Nick. I will.”

He left her standing in the living room with a warm thrill of excitement coursing through her veins. Nick Justice, Sheriff of Coral Isle, had invited her into his home to protect her, and had offered to make her dinner. Cali’s heart beat wild in her chest and she blew out a breath to calm her nerves.

She sank into the sofa. Knowing he was downstairs provided a welcoming sense of security, and she found herself beginning to relax for the first time in days.

Her cell phone rang, disrupting the quiet room, and she checked the caller ID. Cali flipped the phone open. “Hey, Dad.”

“Just calling to see what’s going on over on the coast.” His familiar voice sent another wave of security her way.

“No word on Serena yet. But, I have moved out of the old motel.”

“Moved? Where? Why?”

“I’m staying on the upper floor of Nick’s cottage. He usually rents it out to tourists. Maybe I should offer to pay him,” she said as the thought struck her. She avoided the ‘why’ question altogether.

“I think you’d insult him if you offered to pay him.”

“Why do you say that?”

“Because I got the feeling from talking with him on the phone, that he takes his job seriously.”

“He does. But…”

“And that includes looking after you.”

“He does have a strong protective streak in him. He’s thoughtful too. He knows I don’t have any food, so he’s offered to make dinner.”

“Dinner? Maybe there’s more to his intentions than his duty to protect and serve?”

“It’s just dinner,” she said, although it felt like much more than that.

“Uh huh.”

“So, how’s Mom?” Cali asked in a light tone, trying to bounce subjects.

“Nice try. Tell me more about this sheriff you seem so fond of.”

“I…he…” Cali sighed, knowing her feelings for Nick went far beyond a few words of description. “He’s looking out for me. He’s a good guy. You’d like him.”

“We’ll see. If he’s willing and able to keep you safe, he has my approval.”

Cali already felt safer with Nick close by. She remembered how terrified she had felt waking up alone in the motel room and discovering the stalker had been there, and was glad Nick had insisted on bringing her home. She debated whether to tell her dad about the incident, but thought it would only cause him to worry.

“How are things at the Herald?”

“We’re surviving.”

Guilt tugged at her. “I’m sorry to leave for so long. I know you wanted the article about the upcoming Brookstone festival to be ready by this weekend. I feel like I’ve left you hanging.”

“Don’t worry about it. We miss you, but we’re managing just fine.”

“I wish I could be at two places at once.”

He chuckled. “Don’t we all?”

“I’d better go so I can offer to help with dinner.”

“OK, hon’. Stay safe.”

As usual, he disconnected without saying goodbye.

Cali grabbed the key from the end table, and headed for the glass door. She reached for the handle, and then stopped, debating whether to refresh her lipstick and brush her hair before going downstairs.

“It’s not a real date,” she assured herself. But, she caught her blush in the mirror as she remembered the promise Nick had given her after he had kissed her. I’ll be sure to warn you next time.

Next time.

Cali’s blush deepened as she wondered when that would be. Guilt washed over her. Then regret stabbed at her. Serena had not been found yet. How could she be thinking about starting a relationship when her best friend was still missing?

She shook her head, refused the lipstick and left her hair tangled from the wind. Walking out, she locked the door behind her and lifted her chin. “Stay focused on the search, Cali.” Her whispered words worked…for the whole twenty seconds it took to walk downstairs to Nick’s level. Then she spotted him through the window.

He had changed clothes. He still wore jeans, but they were a shade darker than he’d had on before. His grey T-shirt clung to what looked like damp skin, and his dark hair glistened with moisture. He must have just showered. Cali’s throat dried, and she found it difficult to swallow. She wondered if he smelled as good as he looked.

Nick spotted her from the kitchen, where he stood stirring something in a steaming pot on the stove. A smile parted his lips, and he set the ladle on the counter, and then moved to slide the door open. She had her answer. He did smell as good as he looked. The fresh scent of soap clung to his skin, and his lightly scented cologne worked magic.

Cali felt lightheaded, and it was not out of fear this time. “Smells good.”

“Thanks. Spaghetti’s my specialty.”

If only he knew she wasn’t talking about the food.

Night Waves