Tangerine Morning: Jezzica's Story (Serenity Cove Series) (13 page)

He sent Nicole a text, advising her of Jezzica’s whereabouts. Then settled on a rock and kept Jezzica in view until he heard back from Nicole, confirming she was in the area. The message arrived and he drove to the station.

He located Logan in the conference room. “Jezzica is insisting on being in the bookshop.” Zack flipped a chair around and straddled it.

“She’s right. They do know what she looks like. See about a bulletproof vest for her. I don’t want her sister and nieces in the shop—too many and someone will get hurt when this thing goes down.”

Zack swirled the chair back under the table and slammed out of the room. He checked the equipment room and found a vest for Jezzica, knowing full well it could only do so much. He went into his office and closed the door harder than necessary. Between the burglaries and the criminals’ escape—he had a multitude of forms and reports to write. Maybe the task would take his mind off Jezzica’s crazy plan. In a sudden move, he kicked back his chair and with a determined stride stormed out of his office. No way could he concentrate on detail work.

He checked the time, and headed to the bookshop. He wasn’t happy as he parked and saw the lights through the windows. The door was unlocked and he was able to walk right in—what if he’d been one of the killers?

She smiled at him as he walked in. “You’re early.”

He held back the reprimand he wanted to unleash on her, as he nodded to Catylen and the two young women helping her.

“Zack, these are my lovely nieces. This is Tasha.” Jezzica tilted her head toward the one with the chocolate colored hair like both her mother and aunt. “And this is Lauren.” She indicated the taller of the two with blond hair. A dramatic difference in coloring—but their features confirmed they were indeed sisters.

He looked from one to the other. “My pleasure. I hope you’re enjoying your visit.”

Catylen grinned. “Oh, they are. Especially spending time marinating on the shore.” Her laugher mixed with theirs, as they both shot her a surprised look that asked how she knew their secret.

“Have a minute?” He nodded in Jezzica’s direction. Before stepping back outside, he remembered his manners. “Nice meeting you both.” He nodded to Tasha and Lauren, and held the door open for Jezzica.

“Zack, it seems I’m always making a fool out of myself around you. I’m sorry about this morning.”

“It didn’t help that I rushed in with the finesse of a hurricane.”

“None of this is easy, and for some strange reason I keep blaming you for the storms.”

“I want to keep you safe. We need to establish some ground rules until this situation is resolved.”

“I’m listening.” She folded her arms across her chest. He forced his eyes away.

“Logan agrees with your plan. But wants your sister and nieces to stay away.”

She uncrossed her arms. “He’s right. I’ll see to it immediately.”

He pulled a box from the back of his truck. “It’s a bulletproof vest. Wear it between here and home, and while you’re in the bookshop.”

She took the box from his hands. “Will do.” She sighed. “This makes it seem much more real and dangerous.”

“I’d be relieved if you allowed Nicole to take over as a decoy.” He shifted his stance.

“No. I have to do this.” Jezzica stepped back. “I can’t let these vile killers win.”

He grimaced and planted his booted feet farther apart. “Every available precaution must be taken to ensure your safety. Agreed?”

She nodded. “I’ll start by sending my family back to the cottage. I don’t want anyone hurt, including me.”

“We all have the same mission—to put the killers behind bars. You go home for the day, too. Give us time to get organized. I don’t want you here alone.” His eyes roamed up and down the street. “Ted will be watching the bookshop until you leave.”

“I don’t see him.” She looked around.

“He’s there.” Unease clinched his gut as he drove away. Someone was out there waiting and watching for a chance to get to Jezzica. His concern went beyond the scope of his job.

There wasn’t a comfortable way to share his feelings for her. Affections that she obviously had no intentions of accepting. Was she right? Were marriage vows meant to transcend the barriers of space and time? But wouldn’t that limit the quality of life for Jezzica? It didn’t resonate with him. Through his rearview mirror, he saw her still standing there, as if his leaving had stirred up a potpourri of emotions. Had it?

Chapter Twenty
 

Jezzica watched until she could no longer see Zack’s truck.
Stop it, just stop it,
she reprimanded herself. There were much bigger issues than a man who awakened every desire within her.
There’s no time for foolishness
. With a deep sigh, the sign over the shop caught Jezzica’s attention. Sea Glass Bookshop. She had considered changing it, but now she’d grown accustomed to the sound and feel of it.

It wasn’t the only name she was growing fond of. Under different circumstances, she and Zack may have been quite the match. She admired his honesty and integrity. It was painful to admit, but in many ways they had more in common than she and Geoff. Still she loved her husband with every fiber of her heart and soul.

Determined to focus on what needed to be done, she sailed back into the shop. Her sister was straining to maneuver the rug from the children’s area onto the top of the nearby counter. “What are you doing?”

“I’m going to vacuum, but with all the construction dust this rug is better off rolled up and protected.”

She helped her sister with the rug and dusted off her hands. “Caty, I need to talk to you.” Her nieces were chatting while attending to their assigned tasks. “Let’s talk outside.”

“What’s going on?” Catylen followed her.

Jezzica explained the situation and prepared to defend her decision. “Let’s get the girls and go home for the day.”

Catylen shook her head. “I agree the girls shouldn’t be here. But neither should you. The police are equipped and trained to handle these type of situations.”

“It’s something I must do.” Jezzica pressed her lips tightly together.

“Yeah, I know your mind’s made up, and when you decide something, there is no arguing with you.” Catylen stormed back into the shop.

Jezzica scooted in the door behind her sister. “I have to do this. But for now, let’s all go home.”

Back at the cottage, Tasha and Lauren were quick to change and head out to the shore. Jezzica gave Rusty some demanded attention, as her sister stared out to sea. “Have you heard from Mike?” Jezzica wanted to ease the hurt in her sister’s eyes.

Catylen shook her head. “After Lauren walking in and finding what she did, I don’t expect to hear from him. I contacted an attorney. Remember Carl Weaver?”

“I heard he’s one of the best. Have you talked to Dr. Ellie?” Jezzica stretched out on the lounge chair.

Catylen raked her hair back, secured it with a band she pulled from her pocket, and lay back on the lounger across from her sister. “Not about this. The marriage is over, and I’m ready to carve out a new life for myself.”

Tasha popped up the steps onto the deck. “I’m going to make lattes. You want one?” She nodded at her mom and aunt.

Jezzica smiled at her niece. “Trying a new flavor?”

“I’m thinking tropical and beachy. Something with coconut and pineapple.” She sashayed into the cottage.

“The hard part is telling the girls. It’s difficult failing in front of your children.” Catylen dabbed at the tears that slipped down her cheeks. “So what did you decide about seeing Dr. Ellie?”

“Still considering it.” Jezzica put her feet over the side of the chair and sat up. Her heart hurt for Catylen. Her sister had always put the needs of Mike and girls ahead of her own—she was a terrific wife and mother.

“Go for it. She’s awesome.”

Jezzica stood and walked to the railing. “Are you going to continue seeing her?”

“With the decision about the divorce made, I think it would help.” Catylen focused on her sister.

Tasha returned with a tray and set it on a table between the loungers. “Thank you, sweetie.” Catylen pick up a mug.

“The pineapple smells heavenly.” Jezzica picked up a cup and sipped a little foam off the top.

“I have a thermos. I’m going to take it down to the beach. It’s actually cool down on the sand.” Tasha retraced her steps and quickly reappeared, toting a large beach bag and headed down to the shore.

“Think I’ll get my shower.” Jezzica moved toward the door.

“Okay. I’m going to walk down and visit with the girls.” Catylen stood and straightened her skirt that had shifted around. “Let’s order in pizza.”

Jezzica nodded. “Good idea. No cooking and little cleanup.”

“Hurry, you’ll miss the sunset.” She heard her sister’s final words and smiled.

By the time Jezzica rushed upstairs, and then returned, Catylen and the girls had lit candles and set the table. Jezzica loved having her nieces visit. They were young and full of vibrant energy. Oh, how she remembered being that age. A longing to experience being carefree again settled in her stomach so forcefully it became an ache. What a difference the past few years had made—they had stolen her whole world. “I’m sorry. Did you say something, Lauren?”

“I offered you the last piece of pizza for your thoughts.” Lauren tossed her hair back over her shoulder and smiled at her aunt.

When had her nieces grown into perceptive young women? “Sweetie, my thoughts wouldn’t even rate a pepperoni.” Jezzica pushed back from the table. “If the three of you don’t mind cleaning up, I’m going for a walk.” She zipped down the steps, ignoring her sister’s protests that walking alone wasn’t a good idea.

The sky was filled with shades of crimson. Jezzica’s leisurely walk soon turned into a slow jog—too full to allow herself to pick up much speed. The cool wind on her face filled her with a sense of freedom. She came to the old weathered wooden bench and collapsed on it. She wasn’t surprised when Zack called her name, and braced herself for a full-blown lecture.

“Hey, Jezz.” Zack sat next to her. “What’s so interesting?” He followed her gaze.

“What do you see in the stars?” She tossed him a mischievous smile.

“The stars appear hazy tonight—reminds me of an astronomy course from college. In summer, the sky looks toward the Milky Way galaxy, which creates a dusty glow from the billions of stars.” He reached over and covered her hand with his.

“And in winter?” Jezzica tilted her head and roved her eyes over the evening sky.

“In winter, we gaze into the galaxy that houses the sun. The stars are closer to earth during the winter months. There are also a few enormous stars that reside in the direction of the sun. Fewer stars appear in a winter sky, but they have a greater intensity of brightness.”

“So on a chilly winter night, the stars shine brighter than on a warm summer evening?”

“That about sums it up. I could use your help writing my reports. I have a tendency to be on the wordy side.”

“Is everything arranged for tomorrow?”

“Ted’s going to be upstairs in the bookshop and he’ll be watching you every minute.”

“What if they don’t show up?”

“Oh, they’ll show up. They should be about ready to make their move. Come on and I’ll walk you back.”

“You forgot to be upset with me for being out here.” She shot him a teasing smile.

“Would it do any good?” He chuckled. “Seriously, it isn’t a good idea.”

“Yeah, I get that.”

He put his arm over her shoulder as they trudged through the sand. “This will soon all be over and you’ll be able to return to normal.”

Will I? If only—
They continued along the sandy path until they reached the plank steps leading to her cottage. “Thanks for everything.” She rose onto her toes and kissed his cheek. He crushed her into his arms and found the fullness of her mouth. She ran her fingers through his hair and deepened the kiss. With a heavy sigh, he moved his lips against her hair.

“See you tomorrow,” he whispered, his voice hoarse with passion. He gently traced the outline of her mouth before turning away. She placed her fingertips to her lips as tears clung to her face.