Night Waves (8 page)

Nick welcomed the adrenaline rushing through his system. It gave him additional energy as he combed the grassy dunes looking for the source of Cali’s fear. He had no doubt her instincts had been right. Someone had been out here, but his hopes of finding the person diminished with every passing moment.

He searched the shoreline, shining his light into the darkness. The beam highlighted the sand and swirling ocean water, but he found no one lurking in the shadows. He didn’t want to leave Cali for too long, or go too far away from her, so he turned and headed back over the dunes. When he approached the side of the road, he looked for tire tracks in the sand that had not been swept away by the constant ocean breeze. He found none.

By the time Nick returned to his truck, his fear for Cali’s safety had switched into a low, simmering anger. He climbed in, slammed the door shut and locked them inside the cab. “What were you doing out here alone?”

“Taking a walk.”

He clenched his jaw and blood pounded through his veins. “Taking a walk? Didn’t anything I said during the press conference sink in?”

“Of course it did. That’s why I came out here to begin with.”

He scoffed, “I think you’d better explain that one to me real quick. I have a mind to throw you into a cell and lock you up until this whole thing is over.”

“I came out to the beach to sort things out. You…you released some details I wasn’t expecting to hear.” Cali gripped the handle on the passenger door and inched away.

Nick noticed her defensive gesture but chose to ignore it. “I left plenty of details out. You have no idea what this man could do to you. And you nearly walked right into his hands.”

Her eyes widened. “Did you see him? Was he out here?”

“I didn’t see him. But he was here.”

“If you didn’t see him, how do you know?”

“The same way you did. Gut instinct.” He held his temper in check, but considering the danger Cali had exposed herself to, he had a hard time keeping his voice steady. “When I first met you, I thought you had a good head on your shoulders. I guess I was wrong.” Nick shoved the key into the ignition and revved the engine. He let it idle for a moment. “Do you want to be his next target?”

“No. Of course not.” Cali crossed her arms over her chest. “I didn’t realize how far I’d walked on the beach. Then it started getting dark…”

“Providing the perfect opportunity for him to grab you,” he snapped as a new anger burned inside. “Do me a favor. The next time you’re looking for the big story to jump-start your career, do it somewhere else.”

Her clear-blue eyes clouded over, making her look like a wounded doe. She shrank away, and a glimmer of moisture welled in her eyes. “I would never…” her voice cracked.

Nick instantly regretted his words. He had seen her desperate flight on the beach. He didn’t believe she would intentionally put herself in danger for a story, but he had seen such foolish acts before.

He gritted his teeth as he put the truck in drive and pulled out onto the deserted highway. He concentrated on the road ahead, trying to give time for the magnetic force of the woman sitting next to him to lessen. After a few minutes, he realized it wasn’t working. If anything, the pull became stronger. Nick glanced her way. She had her head turned, looking out the side window with the wounded look showing through her profile. Though she kept her back straight, she’d let her arms drop to her lap, and clasped her hands in front of her. One of the thin straps on her sundress had slipped unheeded down her shoulder, and he had a sudden urge to slip it back into place. He gripped the steering wheel tighter, so he would not give in to the temptation to touch her.

His gaze flickered from the road back to her face. With her defenses down, a hint of innocence showed through, and a touch of vulnerability became exposed. Nick felt his heart slide a notch.

“Look, I didn’t mean…” He sighed in frustration, unsure of how to make things right between them, and wondering why he wanted so badly to see her smile. “I’m only trying to protect you.”

Cali didn’t respond, merely stared out into the darkness.

The silence in the truck only served to heighten Nick’s tension, causing a low throbbing ache to begin at the base of his neck. He rolled his shoulders to ease his tight muscles and glanced her way once more. She remained pressed against the side door, much like she had pressed against him on the beach. The memory of how soft and feminine she had felt stirred emotions he had kept hidden for a long time. Emotions he could not afford to let surface now, not with a stalker on the loose and an entire island of people to protect.

As Nick pulled into the driveway at the Sea Urchin, his protective instincts overpowered his common sense. “I don’t like that you’re staying here alone. I have a cottage near the northern tip of the island. I live on the bottom floor and rent the top half to families on vacation. Right now, I don’t have any renters. You could come and stay there.”

Her mouth dropped open, then shut again. Indecision played across her features. Instead of answering his offer she asked, “If you live on the northern tip of the island, what were you doing at the nature preserve? It’s as far south as you can get.”

Nick claimed a parking spot directly in front of her motel room. He put the truck in park and switched off the ignition. Studying her, he discovered no underlying suspicion in her gaze, heard none in her voice. She trusted him. So, he would give her a little bit of trust back. “I was searching for the kidnapper. I didn’t mention this in the press conference, but the women who were abducted each turned up on the dunes at the southern shores. He released both of them at night, at high tide.”

“High tide? Why?”

He shrugged. “He called using a pre-paid cell phone. Both times. Told us where to find the victims. It’s almost as if he’s afraid something will happen to them after he releases them.” He hadn’t meant to give her details, or add his opinion to the mix, but the more time he spent with her, the more he wanted to share. Abruptly ending the discussion, he stepped out and walked around to open the door.

When Cali hesitated, he gently took her hand and urged her to climb from the truck. Her face paled as she asked, “Did he call about Serena? Is that why you were out there?”

“No.” Surprised by the regret he heard in his own voice he continued, “I’m sorry. I went out there hoping to catch him in case he changed his routine and released her early.”

A tinge of color returned to Cali’s cheeks as he walked her to the door. “How many nights have you been out there searching?” She pulled the room key from her pocket and looked at him.

“Every night since Ms. Taylor…Serena has been missing.”

Cali took in a sharp breath. “Then I owe you an apology,” she admitted.

“For what?”

“For accusing you of not caring about her and the rest of the people on this island. You do care don’t you?”

“Yes. I do.”

Softness entered her gaze before she looked away. She tried to slip the key into the door, but the shaking in her hands prevented her from matching the key to the keyhole.

Nick rested a hand over hers, squeezing gently. “Let me help.”

She placed the key in his palm, but he didn’t attempt to open the door. Instead, he stepped closer, cupped her face in his hand and gently stroked her cheek with his thumb. Her skin felt smooth and soft beneath his calloused touch. He lifted her face until their eyes met. “Come with me. Let me protect you.” His voice came out raspy and low.

“I-It’s late. I should stay here and go to bed.”

A blush rose up her neck and expanded to cover both cheeks. The innocent reaction caused an electrifying jolt through his system, filling him with a strong desire to feel her pressed against him again. He lowered his gaze to her lips, wanting to comfort her and ease the tremble in them. Wanting to taste them. When her lips parted slightly, he bent his head lower, the temptation to kiss her growing in intensity. He felt her warm breath on his skin, and smelled her sweet scent. Roses. She smelled like roses. Why had he not noticed before?

A door slamming nearby brought reality crashing back. Cali had been through a scare tonight. A scare that had left her shaken and confused. He had no business taking advantage of her. At the last second before his lips touched hers, he lifted them to her forehead instead, and pressed them against her soft skin. He dropped his hand to his side as he took a step back.

“You’ve been through a lot in the past few days. You should try to get some sleep.”

Cali ran a hand through her wind-tossed hair, and he stifled the urge to run his own hand through her thick, wavy strands. When she looked at the door, he remembered he still held the key, and unlocked the door with a surprisingly steady hand. Nick flipped on the light, and acting on instinct, searched the room to make sure no one was there.

Without a word, he checked the bathroom, discovering it was safe, but in worse shape than he expected. He had been called to the Sea Urchin to settle a few domestic disputes in the past, but each time he had been able to resolve problems from the outside, and had not had the pleasure of experiencing the reason for the motel’s poor reputation.

Nick had not expected to see the broken tiles on the walls and the peeling linoleum on the floor. The only things in the room that did not look outdated were Cali’s personal items. A pink razor sat on the edge of the tub, and the bottle of shower gel sitting next to it had a bouquet of roses decorating the front label, no doubt the source of her alluring scent. As Nick turned to leave the room, he glanced at the small sink. Cali’s make-up bag rested on the cracked porcelain. It had a small pink heart embroidered on the side, feminine and delicate, reminding him of its owner.

Nick turned and stepped into the main room, sweeping his gaze across the remainder of the interior. The dark stains on the shabby carpet appeared to be several years old, and the cheap, framed pictures on the walls were yellowed and warped. The old, scarred furniture pieces were mixed in color, as if they had been bought piecemeal at a thrift store.

Nick tucked his thumbs into the pockets of his jeans. “You deserve a better place to stay than this.” He continued to look around the room. Cali’s suitcase rested on the bed nearest the door, with its contents neatly arranged inside. A laptop sat next to it, along with a well-used notepad. He sensed Cali watching him and resisted the urge to read the words scribbled across the pages. Instead, he looked at her and asked, “Will you reconsider and come home with me?”

She appeared to think about his offer, but after a moment shook her head. “The room’s already paid for. I should stay here tonight.”

“Are you always this stubborn?”

A slight smile touched her lips. “Usually.”

Sighing, Nick stepped close, catching the sweet scent radiating around her. This time, he did not resist the urge to slip the forgotten strap on her sundress back on her shoulder. His fingers brushed her warm, soft skin. He could have imagined it, but he thought he felt her lean into his brief touch.

“I do appreciate the offer, Sheriff.” Cali sounded breathless. Her chest rose and fell in a quick, nervous rhythm.

“No problem. And Cali…there’s no need for formalities between us. Call me Nick.”

“OK. Nick.”

He liked the way his name sounded coming from her lips. Maybe a little bit too much. He cleared his throat and took a step back to make sure he wouldn’t touch her again. Withdrawing a business card from his back pocket, he handed it to her. He should tell her to call the station if anything happened. To call if she remembers anything that could help the investigation. He should tell her again to leave and go home. But, the only words he wanted to say were more personal.

“My home and cell numbers are written on the back. Call me anytime, day or night.” Nick stepped around her and through the open door, turning back he added, “Lock up tight. Goodnight.”

Nick headed for his truck, wondering if he should even leave her the choice of staying at the motel. Driving out of the parking lot, he considered turning around, packing her bags, stuffing her into the passenger seat, and not letting her out of his sight again until the stalker was tucked away behind steel bars.

Night Waves

Cali woke to warm sunlight filtering through the thin, dusty curtains. She peeled her eyes open to check the time, but something shiny on the lamp above the clock caught her attention.

She recognized Serena’s silver necklace draped across the old, faded lampshade. Terror immobilized her, preventing her from moving a muscle. She tried to scream, but no sound erupted from her throat.

Nick.

Adrenaline shot into her veins, providing the strength to take action. She searched her purse and found the card with his number. She grabbed her phone and dialed his cell, but her hands trembled so violently she had to press end and re-dial the number.

“Sheriff Justice,” he answered on the second ring.

“N-Nick. He’s been here. Inside my room.” Her words shook as heavily as her hands.

After only a moment’s hesitation he answered, “Get out. Now. I’m on my way.” Rustling came across the line as if he were already in motion.

Her breath caught. Her gaze darted across the room. Lord, the intruder might still be inside!
Keep me safe! She tugged the sheet from the bed, wrapping it around her nightgown as she stood. Her cell phone landed on the carpet with a dull thud. Cali ignored it as she scrambled for the door. She yanked it open and fled outside with her heart pounding and blood rushing through her ears.

Outside, everything appeared normal, contrasting the chaos running through her mind. Cali searched for anyone or anything unusual. She appeared to be the only one out of place, standing on the walkway wrapped in a thin, white sheet. Another motel guest came out of a room a few doors down and gave her a curious glance before turning and walking in the opposite direction.

Cali started to head for the pool area to wait for Nick, but the sounds of children laughing and splashing inside the pool kept her from venturing toward it. In case the stalker had not left yet, she didn’t want to put anyone else in danger, especially not children, so she settled onto a bench seat and waited.

Her cell phone rang. Not daring to retrieve it, she let it continue to ring.

“Did you see anyone suspicious?”

Cali jumped and turned. Deputy Owen stood behind her, breathing heavily with his hand resting on top of his pistol.

“I didn’t see you drive up. Where did you come from?”

“I was across the street at Miller’s Restaurant having breakfast.” He gestured behind the motel. “The sheriff called, told me what happened. Did you see anyone?” he repeated the question as he crept to the opened door.

“No.”

“Stay here.” He drew his pistol and disappeared into the room.

Her heart beat as if she were running a marathon. She stood, preparing to flee if the stalker came barreling outside.

A moment later, Deputy Owen strolled out. “It’s clear.” He holstered his pistol, hitched up his belt and placed his hands on his hips.

Cali released a sigh and let the tension ease from her muscles.

“Are you OK?”

“I’m not hurt.” She wouldn’t be honest if she answered “yes.” She was too shaken to be OK.

Her cell phone rang again. She headed toward the room, but nearly ran into Deputy Owen’s outstretched arm as he blocked the doorway.

“Be careful not to touch anything but your phone.”

“OK.”

He dropped his arm, stepped to the side, and let her pass. Cali scooped her cell phone from the floor and sat on the edge of the bed to answer it, but the phone stopped ringing. The necklace caught her attention before she had a chance to check who had called. Tears gathered in her eyes and rolled down her cheeks. Lord, where is Serena? What has he done to her?

The bed shifted as Deputy Owen sat next to her. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders. His sleek gaze slid across the white sheet she wore, making her shiver.

“It’s all right. I’m here. You’re safe now.”

Obviously, he had misread the reason she trembled. The soft words sounded hollow and self-righteous coming from the arrogant man. She tried to pull away, not the least bit comforted by his presence, but he did not release her.

“I sure am glad I was close by. If you’d had to wait for the sheriff…” He glanced at his watch and shook his head.

Cali narrowed her gaze as irritation spiked her blood pressure, and spurred a sudden, driving need to defend Nick. “I’m sure he’ll get here as fast as he can.”

She was about to insist Deputy Owen let her go when tires squealed and then a vehicle door slammed. A moment later Nick ran in, gun drawn and ready.

Deputy Owen spoke up, “It’s all clear sir.” His arm remained around Cali.

Nick noticed.

The concern on his features switched to irritation as his gaze flicked from Deputy Owen to Cali. He tucked his gun into an ankle holster under his jeans, crossed his arms and waited.

Cali pulled away from the deputy. This time he let her go. She wanted to launch into Nick’s arms. She wanted to feel safe again. But, judging from the hard look on his face, she assumed he was in no mood to comfort her.

“Tell me what happened.”

She stood, dried her wet cheeks, and squared her shoulders. “The stalker broke in sometime during the night. I didn’t hear anything. I didn’t even know until this morning.” She turned and pointed to the lampshade. “He left Serena’s necklace hanging here.”

Deputy Owen stood and walked toward the door. “I have to go get my cruiser. I left it in the restaurant’s lot. I’ll be right back.”

Nick ignored Owen and walked over to peer at the necklace. “Are you sure it’s hers?”

Cali stepped behind him. “I’m positive.”

“Is anything missing?”

The question took her off guard. “I don’t know. I haven’t checked. Deputy Owen said not to touch anything.”

Nick walked past her and scanned the bathroom. When he came back he said, “Go ahead and check your belongings. Make sure nothing is missing or has been disturbed.”

His tone of voice sounded official, and she checked her duffle bag and suitcase without question. “It looks like it’s all here.” She looked up to find Nick inspecting the doorframe.

“He didn’t use force.”

“Then how did he get inside?”

“He either picked the locks,” Nick knelt in front of the doorknob and continued, “or he had two keys.”

“Two keys?”

“There’s one key for the doorknob, and another for the deadbolt, which is probably a master key.”

Cali shivered even though the day had already begun to warm, making the room stuffy and humid. The air-conditioner unit continued to rattle, unsuccessfully trying to cool the room with the door wide open. She sat on the bed and covered her face with her hands as her fears deepened. She prayed, Lord, thank you for protecting me last night. Please continue to watch over us.

“Cali.” Nick’s voice was close.

She felt his hand on her hair, sweeping to the nape of her neck. Then his hand slid to her shoulder as he sat next to her. She reacted to Nick’s touch completely different than she had to Deputy Owen. This time, she leaned into the embrace. This time she felt safe.

“Why would he break in here to leave the necklace and not take me, too?” Cali asked as she lifted her head, finding Nick’s features full of concern. “It doesn’t make any sense.”

He pulled his arm away and stood, shaking his head. “It’s hard to tell. It could be a way to threaten you. A warning for you to stay away from the investigation. Or, it could be his way of showing off. He’s gaining confidence with each woman he takes without being caught. No matter what the reason is, I’m glad you’re safe.”

Deputy Owen strode back into the room without warning. Nick addressed the deputy, his no-nonsense demeanor returning immediately. “I’ll take Cali outside while you take photographs of the room. Be careful when you collect the necklace. Make sure the lab checks for more than fingerprints. I want any and all possible evidence identified from it. I want to know if it’s really hers.”

Deputy Owen clenched his jaw as if he resented following Nick’s orders. But, he turned and went outside without a word.

“I told you it’s Serena’s necklace.”

Nick swung around. “I know you think it is, but I need verifiable proof.”

A pang of irritation hit her and she lifted her chin. “My word isn’t proof enough?”

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Serena was wearing the necklace in the picture released to the press. Anyone who saw it could have found a necklace resembling hers and decide to play a prank on you.”

She sucked in a breath. “Do you think that’s what happened?”

“No. I don’t. But I have to be sure. Come on. Let’s go outside and wait.”

“Can’t I get dressed first?”

“After the photos are taken.” Nick took her arm and led her out the door.

Curious guests had gathered around the area. Owen was talking to a young woman clad in a skimpy bikini when Nick called to him. “Deputy.”

Owen swung around and said, “Right. I’m on it.”

“There’s nothing interesting going on here folks. Move on.” Nick motioned for the small crowd to disperse. Most of them did, but one man walking toward them kept on coming.

Cali recognized the white-haired owner of the motel from five rooms away. He shuffled along the walkway with a clear purpose in mind. She wondered exactly what that purpose was until he walked right to Nick and said, “I don’t need no trouble here. What’s going on?”

Nick flashed his badge and addressed the aging man. “Are you the owner?”

“Yes sir, I am. Name’s Stoley. Tom Stoley.”

The men shook hands.

“Someone broke in to Ms. Stevens’s room last night.”

Tom Stoley’s eyes widened. “We haven’t had a break in for several years now.” His brow furrowed as he cast a suspicious glance at Cali. “What for?”

Cali’s defenses rose. “It wasn’t my fault.”

Nick stepped between them. “I have some questions for you, Mr. Stoley. Then we’ll be on our way.”

Nick led Mr. Stoley down a corridor housing the vending and ice machines. Cali couldn’t hear their words as they rounded the corner.

Obviously, Nick intended to cut her out of the conversation. Irritation spiked deep inside. “Oh, no you don’t.” She turned and ran to catch up. The cement walkway scuffed her bare feet and the sand felt like grit under her skin, but she ignored the minor annoyance.

As she approached, both men looked up as if she were the intruder. She had to speak unusually loud to combat the hum radiating from the ice machine. “A man came into my room last night Mr. Stoley.” She would have plopped her hands on her hips if she weren’t still holding the sheet around her body. “Exactly how secure do you keep your room keys?”

Nick shot her a steely glare before saying, “Excuse me for a moment sir. I’ll be right back.” His gaze stayed locked onto Cali as he swept toward her. Each of the three steps he had to take was rigid and filled with determination.

Nick came within inches, glaring. “Go back.” A muscle twitched in his jaw and his eyes blazed.

“I have a right to know.”

“You’ll have a right to remain silent if you don’t move. Now.”

Judging from the scowl on his face, she did not doubt him for a second. Cali gave the owner one last glance before walking back to the bench.

****

Nick tried hard not to lose his temper. After Cali had put Mr. Stoley on the defensive, the motel owner became unreasonably tight-lipped. Other than insisting no one could have possibly gotten their hands on his room keys, the man turned out to be no help at all.

Nick clenched his teeth as he rounded the corner to face Cali. She was gone. “Owen. Where is she?”

The deputy slammed the trunk on his cruiser and came around to the front. “She’s changing clothes.”

“Take the evidence in. I want answers.”

“Will do.”

Nick paced in front of Cali’s motel door as Owen drove away. He took a few deep breaths, trying to calm his frustration. It didn’t work. He still had his fists clenched when the door opened behind him.

“Do you have any idea what you just did?” He turned, prepared to set Cali straight.

“I want answers as much as you do, Sheriff.” The cool, controlled tone of voice she used did not fool him. Her eyes betrayed her. She was still shaken from the incident.

Nick fought against the compassion tugging at him and kept his voice stern. “Yes. I know you do. But, there are right ways to go about getting those answers. Offending someone isn’t one of them.”

“I think someone could’ve gotten a copy of Mr. Stoley’s keys, and he doesn’t want to admit it.”

“Maybe. But we won’t know for sure now that you’ve put him on the defense.”

She tilted her head. “What’s the matter? Can’t you finesse it out of him like everyone else you meet?”

“Where’d you get that idea?”

“Helen. She said you can talk through tough situations with finesse. What’s different about this one?”

He stepped closer, his carefully controlled temper flared. “I’ll tell you what’s different. You. By stepping into the middle of my investigation, you’ve put yourself right where you don’t belong. And today, you’ve caused more harm than good.”

Cali looked away for a moment, crossing her arms. Then, she returned her gaze to his. “I didn’t mean to cause any harm. I just wanted…”

“Wanted what?”

“An answer that would take away the fear I’ve felt since waking up this morning.”

Nick’s heart jolted. His anger dissipated. The compassion he had tried to hold at bay returned with a vengeance.

“If I knew the stalker got a hold of the motel keys, I’d feel much safer than if he had the skill to pick the locks. If he can pick locks, I’m not safe anywhere.”

“I’ll keep you safe,” the words slipped out before he had a chance to think it through. Dear God, please help me be able to keep my promise.

Cali rubbed her hands up and down her arms. “How?”

“You’re coming to my cottage. That’s how.”

Her eyes widened and she held up a hand. “You don’t have to…”

“I know I don’t have to.”

She tilted her head. “Why would you take me in? Why not just try and make me go home to Brookstone?”

“Because I know you wouldn’t go. Even if I took you there myself, you’d come back.”