Tangerine Morning: Jezzica's Story (Serenity Cove Series) (19 page)

“That may be—but she’s made an advocate out of this dubious cop.” Logan drove back into the station’s lot. “If you need to talk, call or text, and I’ll meet you somewhere. Don’t want to give the appearance of going against the committee’s instructions. You and Nicole are close—don’t share too much information.”

“No problem there. I’m not on her good list either.” Zack hopped out of the truck and into his own. It wasn’t the first time his life had hit a rocky place, but this one was building up to a memorable rock pile. Every facet of his life had come under attack—in ways he was at a loss to understand. He spun into his driveway. He dashed through the door of his cottage, barely stopping long enough to push his feet into running shoes.

He hit the shore and pummeled the sand. A hard run always provided momentum for him to analyze and strategize. Logan had made sense—but it had never been Zack’s style to sit back and wait.

Sand flew as his legs picked up speed and he pushed harder still, willing the thoughts circling his cerebral hemisphere to lose momentum.
Stupid.
In his haste to inform Logan about Barclay, he’d forgotten to mention the two shots that Jezzica heard the night she was attacked.

In answer to his text, Logan showed up on Zack’s deck. They kicked back in two Adirondack chairs. The sun glared on the foamy waves, as a flock of squawking pelicans flew overhead and out to sea.

Zack repeated the conversation he’d had with Catylen.

Logan stood. “You have gloves?”

Zack produced two pair of protective gloves along with an evidence bag, from a supply he kept in his truck. The two tromped through the sand to Jezzica’s place. Zack positioned himself where he had stood the night of the shooting and directed Logan to stand where the killer had stood. Logan pointed his gloved finger like a gun and peered across the top.

His finger lined up with the trunk of an ancient oak tree. “Check out the tree behind you a little to the right.”

Zack ran his hand along the bark, ripping his gloves. Logan moved next to the tree and motioned for Zack to move. He took a small knife from his pocket, stretched his arms up high and wedged it under a metal object and pried it out.

With a deep sigh, Zack held out the bag for the casing.

Logan shoved the small knife back in his pocket. “Let’s get this to Stone Valley. It could help end this inquiry—if it matches the suspect’s gun.”

Chapter Thirty
 

Tangible excitement surrounded the foursome as they sailed into the front lobby of the Sea Crest Inn.

The pottery display caught Catylen’s attention. “Look at the detail in these pieces. These tall vases would look sensational in the bookshop, and you could also add a few paintings done by local artists.”

Jezzica ran her fingers over the smoothness of a pottery piece—the elegant shape held a touch of whimsy. “It would give the shop a unique Serenity Cove flair.”

“Good morning.” Abby swept into the lobby. “I have a table waiting in our bistro area.”

The center of the lobby was brightened with plants and vases of colorful flowers. Overstuffed sofas and chairs were placed around low-slung tables, and looked to be a comfortable place for guests to enjoy a drink or even a light meal while being serenaded by waves frolicking on the shore.

The women gathered around a table. “Our signature latte is a vanilla and cherry blend called Chantilly Rose.” They all quickly agreed and Abby signaled one of her waiters.

“Would you like to inspect the shop space while we wait for our drinks?” Abby led the way to another section of the large room. She paused in front of the first store. “This is our gift shop. They carry an array of things a traveler might need, and also an assortment of souvenirs. The space for the bookshop is right next door.” She continued the few steps to the opened area.

“Nice.” Lauren inspected the storefront. “There’s room for a good selection of reading materials. Abby, would it be a conflict if we carried a few gift items?”

“With the gift shop? I don’t think so, as long as you don’t compete by selling the same products.”

“I’m thinking book-related items. A bookshop back home carried some beautiful fabric book bags that came with a padded case for either sunglasses or reading glasses.” Lauren continued to stroll through the shop.

“Low shelving would be best so not to obstruct the view of the seating area or the ocean.” She pointed across the lobby to the wall of windows that showcased an expanded view of the sea.

Jezzica followed Lauren. “Maybe I should run this one.” She laughed as her niece swung around with her eyes opened wide, ready to protest. “Just kidding. It’s all yours.”

Abby glanced from Lauren to Jezzica. “If it’s a go, I’ll have a lease agreement drawn up.”

Jezzica stepped back and with a nod allowed Lauren to deliver the final words.

“It’s a go.” Lauren’s eyes watered and her voice sounded higher than normal.

“Fantastic.” Abby reached out her hand. “Great having you onboard, Lauren. Shall we go enjoy our drinks?”

The women were once again seated around a low glass table. The waiter immediately served their designer coffees.

Abby sipped the foam from her drink. “Catylen, now that your daughters are settling in, will you be staying in Serenity as well?”

“For now. I haven’t made any long-range plans.” She entwined her fingers in her lap and looked up at Abby. “Do you have an art instructor for the inn?”

Abby shook her head. “We don’t.”

Catylen plunged ahead. “I’ve taught oil and watercolor painting at our local college in April Springs. It wouldn’t be difficult to put together a few art kits and hold classes right here at the inn.”

“We could keep easels for the guests to use.” Abby nodded. “I like it. Why don’t you work up a schedule of classes along with suggested fees and we’ll talk.” She tilted her head and looked to be concentrating. “You might want to offer private lessons as well.”

The light danced in Catylen’s eyes and lit her face. “Are you available the beginning of the week?”

“Tuesday morning around ten is good for me.” Abby beamed a smile. “I hate to cut our time short, but I have another appointment.” Abby rose and offered her hand to each of the ladies and was quickly on her way.

Between making business deals and caffeine-infused lattes, the four were talking over one another as they left the inn.

“I’m going to swing by the bookshop and see if the contractor finished removing the dividing wall between the two shops.” Jezzica made the loop onto Shoreview Drive toward Main Street.

The shops were getting busier with the June arrival of summer residents and visitors. The sidewalks were filled and if the number of shoppers licking ice cream cones was any indication, the newly reopened Scoops was doing a booming business. Jezzica frowned as people stepped off the sidewalk, avoiding the front area of the bookshop. She parked, and water was gushing from under the door and flowing out into the street.

“What’s going on?” Careful to not slip in the water, Catylen followed Jezzica to where Maggie stood pointing at the shop while talking on her cell phone.

Maggie flipped her phone closed. “I called and the fire department is on the way. They said to not open the door.”

Jezzica could see through the glass door and windows—the whole shop was flooded. Weeks of hard work gone. She pumped her fist in the air and demand answers.

“It probably looks worse than it is.” Maggie shook her head.

“I’m glad you saw it and called for help.”

“Actually, I came over to give you this. But now isn’t a good time.” Maggie held what looked like an invitation her hand.

“Now‘s fine. I can’t do anything except wait.” She reached for the pale green envelope. The outside pictured a teacup with a quote underneath.
A Proper Tea is much nicer than a Very Nearly Tea, which is one you forget about afterwards. A.A. Milne.

Samantha laughed, glad for the break from her current disaster. “Gotta love Winnie-the-Pooh.”

“And hats are a definite must.” Maggie grinned. “I talked to Abby and arranged the garden tea for Samantha. I hope your sister and nieces will come as well.” Maggie frowned. “This is really awkward, talking to you about this now.”

“Really, it’s fine. I wouldn’t miss the tea and I’m sure Catylen and the girls would love it. My offer to help still stands.”

“Thanks. We’ll talk after you deal with this problem.” Maggie shook her head at the water still seeping under the door. “Let me know if you need anything.”

“See you later.” Jezzica turned, the hem of her long skirt drenched and her shoes sloshed with each step. A familiar truck parked across the street and she froze at the sight of the man—a man she could never have. She looked back at the bookshop where water continued to ooze under the door, unable to grasp the challenges that life continued to throw as swift as a baseball with a good spin on it.
There must be a lesson in all of this, somewhere.

Chapter Thirty-one
 

Zack walked at a fast clip to where Jezzica stood. “What’s going on?”

“A water pipe must have broken.” She pointed to the front of her shop.

A siren blasted and the fire truck stopped in the center of the street. Brandon started giving instructions and went to Jezzica and Zack. “It’d be a big help if everyone cleared the area.” He nodded to Zack and then turned to Jezzica. “Is the door unlocked?”

She opened the car door and grabbed the keys. “It’s this one.” She separated the keys, giving him the right one.

Brandon waved over two of the other firemen and the three men jogged toward the shop. Zack cleared the area, then joined Jezzica where she waited with her sister and nieces.

Brandon opened the door of the shop, and water gushed into the street. The firemen went inside and were gone for what seemed like forever. Finally Brandon emerged and crossed to where Jezzica stood.

“Was a wall removed?” Jezzica nodded and he continued. “Apparently a pipe was broken in the process. We’ve shut off the water and electricity to the building. You need to call your contractor and get him out here pronto.”

Zack put an arm around Jezzica. “The fire department will pump the water out.”

Brandon nodded in agreement. “That’s what the guys are setting up to do right now.” He gave Jezzica her keys and hustled back inside the shop.

Jezzica narrowed her eyes. “Why would a pipe have been in that wall? It was an addition after the shop was built.”

Jezzica handed Catylen her car keys so she and the girls could go home. After calling the contractor, she shoved her phone into her pocket and turned to Zack. “I’m fine now. I’m going to wait at Rubi’s for my contractor.”

“I’ll wait with you.” He led her across the street where they settled into the same booth Zack had occupied a few days earlier while he had the bookshop under surveillance.

Tiffani brought over menus and set them on the table. “What a mess.” She pointed to Jezzica’s shop. “You’re welcome to stay right here until the fire department finishes up.”

“Thanks. I appreciate it.” Jezzica smiled as Tiffani sashayed back behind the counter. Then Zack’s heavy sigh caught her attention.

“At the risk of taking advantage of the situation, mind telling me why you’re furious with me?” He lifted his eyebrows.