Trevor’s face, still so young and angelic, brightened with hope and excitement. “You mean you’re going on a big adventure too?”
“How about I do my best to find one this summer and tell you all about it when you get home. Deal?”
“Deal. That makes me feel lots better, Daddy.”
“Me too, and I don’t want you to worry about me. I really am okay, buddy.” He kissed his son again and set him down, vowing he would find a way to be. He owed him that much at least.
Later that night, Logan was once again in the hospital emergency waiting room on a slow evening. It brought him back to the night he’d met Emma Hendricks. She had only been passing through, but she’d been interesting for sure. A mixture of class and sass that intrigued him. He thought of his son, Trevor, asking him not to be sad this summer. Logan hadn’t realized how perceptive his son had become. He didn’t want his little boy to grow up too fast because he was worried about his father. Logan had to stop letting the whole world see what a mess he still was. There had to be something adventurous he could do in this quiet little town.
The front door opened and Logan’s jaw fell open. Emma Hendricks walked in once more, followed by a whirlwind of possibilities. Maybe it was a sign.
“Well, it’s too early for your stitches to come out. I take it you had another mishap?” he asked, trying to fight his grin.
She smirked. “Funny, but no. Don’t you have a life, or do you live here 24/7?”
“Something like that,” he responded. “You still didn’t answer my question. Why are you here, Ms. Hendricks?”
“I’m actually here to see you, Dr. Mayfield.” She crossed her arms, and the corners of her lips tipped up.
She was good. She knew exactly how to build anticipation for her audience. She wore a soft looking green sweater that made her amber eyes pop, with a pair of snug-fitting black leggings and knee-high boots.
“I’m listening,” he responded, his curiosity piqued as he leaned against the edge of a chair.
“You have something I want.” She strummed her perfect, French-manicured nails on her arm.
He blinked. “I do?”
“Yes…your expertise in map decoding skills, of course.” Her lips twitched. She knew exactly what she was doing.
“Ah, your treasure, of course. I remember now, but what does that have to do with me? If I recall, the map was written in code and the corner was ripped off. That’s not very promising if you ask me.” He crossed his feet at the ankles.
“That’s what I thought too, but then I found another map.” She waited a beat after casting her line. “I have a proposition for you.”
“Really now?” He tried not to let on that he was nibbling, but she was damn good.
She wiggled the line by adding more bait. “I didn’t just find a map. I found half the code for deciphering it.”
He sat up straight, feeling her set the hook before he knew what had hit him. All teasing aside, he was genuinely interested now, and she knew it. “Go on,” the words came out of his mouth of their own accord.
She handed him the map and what she had of the code, and he studied the markings while she talked.
“I looked into the name written at the bottom of the first map, Kathleen Connor. She was actually from here. A local teacher who caused quite the scandal back in the day. I find her fascinating. I want to uncover the truth of her past as my next story, but I can’t do it alone. With my investigative skills and your code-deciphering ability and knowledge of Beacon Bay, I think we would make a great team.”
“What’s in it for me?” His eyes met hers, and he studied her carefully, already knowing he would say yes but wanting to at least appear to put up a fight as she reeled him in way too easily.
“Gee, I don’t know. How about a little thing called truth and justice for all? Something’s not right with this story. Don’t you want to be a part of the fame of having set the town records straight?”
He thought of Trevor, and realized this might very well be the kind of adventure he’d promised his son he would have. If he couldn’t tell him the truth, the very least he could do would be not to lie to him again and keep his promises.
“I’m in,” Logan said with conviction as he handed the map and code back to her.
This time she blinked. “Seriously? You are? Just like that?”
“Just like that.”
Her gaze dropped to his wedding ring. “But what about your family? This will take up a lot of your time.”
He found it odd his heart didn’t ache quite as much as it normally did when someone brought up his dearly departed wife. He frowned over that thought. He didn’t deserve for the pain to go away. That was why he still wore his wedding ring as a constant reminder.
“I’m widowed,” he replied with honesty as he met her gaze, “and my son left this morning with his grandparents for most of the summer at their camp. Time is something I will have way too much of. Consider me at your disposal.”
Emma’s face looked stricken. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t know.”
“It’s okay.” He wanted to put her at ease, even if he himself wasn’t okay, and he didn’t know if he would ever be. “It’s been six years, and there’s no way you could have known.” He looked at her bandaged hand. “I couldn’t help notice a white tan line on your ring finger when I stitched you up. “I’m taking it that has something to do with this quest and your visit to Beacon Bay?”
“I’m not widowed. I wasn’t even married, if that’s what you’re wondering,” she answered with a bit of her own honesty, her bitterness shining through. “I might or might not be engaged because I have no clue where my fiancé is at the moment. All I know is he cleaned out his bank account, took off with no word, and missed our wedding. And yes, that has everything to do with why I am in Beacon Bay.”
“Wow,” Logan blinked, “now I’m the one who’s sorry.”
“You and me both.” She threw her hands up in the air. “Frankly, Doc, I’m through with being sorry and feeling sorry and looking pathetically sorry. How about you?”
He admired her candid approach to life. Too many people skirted around the truth, dancing around his feelings, tiptoeing over the thought of bringing up anything that might cause him more pain. Yet they couldn’t disguise the constant pity in their eyes, which was far worse than being honest and real.
His mouth twisted. “While I don’t think either of us look pathetic in any way, I get what you’re saying.”
“So, Doc, are we going to do this thing, or not?”
He chuckled, enjoying her personality. It was damned refreshing. Talking to her was the most entertainment he’d had in years. Well, hell. He suddenly realized pathetic was actually the perfect word to describe him. Maybe it was time he did something about it.
“I think the map is a mix of Morse, radio, and the Greek alphabet. I’m familiar with all of them. When do we start?” He stuck out his hand with determination.
“Yesterday,” she responded, sounding emphatic as she slipped her tiny hand within his own.
The electricity that hummed between them had them both staring at each other in surprise. This might be a whole lot more than an adventure, he feared, and his never-ending seed of doubt had him wondering what exactly he’d gotten himself into.
The next morning Emma stepped out of her fabulous beach house that sat right on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean. It was brand new and full of all the amenities, including a hot tub and pool. While it was gorgeous, there was nothing unusual or charming about it, and there were several others like it in a long row down the flat beach. Not like the quaint small cottage on the edge of a rugged cliff that led down to the rocky shore below at the other end of Coastal Ridge Road.
Now that place was inspiring.
Emma could see why Kathleen had been so taken with it, but Emma didn’t fully understand why Kathleen had lived there instead of with her husband. What exactly had been the catalyst that made her move? Speaking of unanswered
questions, Emma was excited to start her quest. Dr. Mayfield was on his way to pick her up. He’d recognized the code and made out enough of the map to know it led to some hiking trails in the woods on the outskirts of town. It was a beautiful, sunny day in the beginning of July and starting to warm up a little, but this was Maine after all. Layers were a must.
Emma wore a soft pale pink zip-up hoodie over a light blue ribbed tank top and a pair of designer skinny jeans tucked into hiking boots. Her hair was bobbed but it was all one length, which meant it still fit into a short ponytail at the base of her neck, minus a couple strands at the side of her face that kept escaping. Conceding defeat, she let them hang as she slipped on a pair of sunglasses. She slung her small purse filled with necessities like a mini-cassette recorder, notebook and pen—and yes, okay, lip gloss—diagonally across her body and then looped her camera over her neck.
The doctor pulled up in a big black pickup truck as dark and rugged as himself. Figures. He was McGiant, after all. She didn’t expect him to drive anything less than a McBeast of a truck. He cut the engine and stepped out, not seeing her yet. She took a moment to study him. Tall, broad shoulders, and massive legs—good Lord, he really was a giant. She’d been able to tell he was a big man through his scrubs. But now that he wore jeans and boots with a soft cotton forest green t-shirt that hugged everything beneath it, her jaw had no choice but to fall open. His arms were huge, and who knew those pecs had been hiding beneath his clothes?
His gaze met hers and he arched a brow, so she snapped her jaw closed and smiled wide as she met him halfway. “Dr. McGi … uh, Dr. Mayfield, you’re right on time.”
“Punctuality is my middle name.” One corner of his lips hitched up lopsidedly as he eyed her curiously. She could tell she amused him. “Now that we’re treasure hunting partners, don’t you think it’s time we called each other by our first names, Emma?” he went on. “No, I’m not a stalker, in case you’re wondering. I saw your name on your chart. My name is Logan, by the way.”
Her stomach gave a funny little flip over the sound of her name spoken with the rich baritone of his voice. She rubbed her stomach, deciding not to put hot sauce on her eggs again. It had to be indigestion because anything else was unthinkable.
“I’m game if you are, Logan.” She walked beside him back to his truck. “Where’s your coat? Didn’t your mother teach you any common sense?” She laughed, unable to stop herself from teasing him.
“This is a heat wave after the winter we’ve had, and I didn’t have a mother. I was an orphan.” His tone didn’t give anything away, but he looked straight ahead.
Her smile slipped. “Open mouth insert foot again,” she muttered.
“Your chariot awaits.” He opened her door when they reached his truck.
“Thanks.” She hopped in without looking at him and chewed her bottom lip, hoping the day picked up from here.
He jogged around the truck and climbed in, then started her up. McBeast roared to life, and Logan put her in gear.
“Do you know where we’re going?” Emma asked.
“Sure do,” he responded as he navigated the roads like the back of his hand. “I like to run that trail when I need to get away and think.”
“You run? Of course, you do. You’re a doctor. I hate to exercise.” So much for the day picking up.
“No worries, Lois.” Amusement laced his words. “We’re not going to run. We’re going to hike.”
“Is there a difference?” She let out a short laugh. “Just kidding, but seriously, can’t we stroll? There’s no way I’m going to be able to keep up with your pace.”
“No worries. I’ll go easy on you.” He pulled into a fairly empty parking lot near some campgrounds on the outskirts of town with a big wooden sign that had a map of many trails. “We’re here.”
They both climbed out of the truck and went to check out the trails. He held up the map and studied it, comparing it to the sign.
“Wow, you’re like a regular Daniel Boone. I’m just glad to have you on my side.”
“I have my moments.” He shook his head at her, wearing an amused grin. “Reading a map and hiking are pretty much it, though.”
“Somehow, I doubt that. Either way, I’m glad you decided to help me. I’m not sure I could do this on my own.” She eyed the woods with wariness.
“I take it you’re not exactly the outdoorsy type?”
“He’s smart, too.” She laughed. “However, I’ll do almost anything for a story. I’m a quick study and not afraid to try most things. But if we get lost, I draw the line at eating bugs.” She held up her hand, letting him know there was no discussion on that matter.
“Duly noted.” He started walking. “Follow me.”
After a half-hour of walking through the dark forest with rays of sunlight streaming through like spotlights, highlighting the pinecone and needle-covered stage of a forest floor, Emma was ready for a break. Logan had pointed out various flora and fauna, but it was the spooky wildlife that freaked her out. She kept jumping at every sound, terrified a bear or moose would pop out at any moment. Finally, they broke through to a clearing in an open meadow. It was stunning. The grass was a rich shade of green, dotted with wildflowers in vibrant colors of the rainbow.
“Why are we stopping?” She tried not to seem as out of breath as she was. He had attempted to keep his pace slow for her, but his stride was two to her one. She’d caught herself before bouncing off his back when he stopped and couldn’t help but notice he wasn’t breathing hard or sweating. In fact, he smelled incredible, like soap and aftershave and the outdoors.
“This is where the map ends.” He looked around the clearing. “Years ago, this park wasn’t here with all these hiking trails. It used to be private, probably just a few man-made trails from hunters. I’m sure the creators of the map chose this place for its beauty as well as its isolation.”
“Can I see the map for a second?” She reached out her hand.
“By all means.” He handed the ancient, yellowed paper to her.
Emma studied the markings carefully, looking for clues he might have missed. In her line of work she had learned to be observant, look for things people normally didn’t see. Her smile came slow, and the sweet feeling of satisfaction filled her. Yes, there was an X, and it ended in the clearing. But if you looked closer, it covered two trees that crossed each other and looked almost like they were hugging.
“What is it? Do you see something?” he asked curiously.
She showed him the map, pointing to the spot above the X. “See those hugging trees?”
“Hugging trees?” His face puckered comically, but then his eyes widened. “Oh yeah, I didn’t even notice that before.”
“I guess I have my moments, too.” She shrugged and couldn’t stop the goofy grin from tipping up the corners of her lips. She hadn’t met anyone this easy to talk to in a long time and had to admit she was enjoying herself, which also hadn’t happened in way too long. Feeling a bit uneasy, she shook off that unsettling thought and refocused. “Look at the other side of the clearing,” she said, needing to keep her mind on what was important. Their quest, not flirting with hunky doctors. “What do you see?”
“Well, I’ll be damned. Hugging trees.” He rubbed his whiskered jaw. “Lead the way, Sherlock.”
They walked over to the set of trees and searched the area but didn’t see anything at first.
“Here, on the other side,” she said excitedly.
Logan came around to stand beside her, and she traced the letters carved into the tree in that same sweeping handwriting she’d come to know so well.
KC + JR
“Kathleen Connor is KC, I take it, but who is JR?” he asked.
“I’m not sure,” she admitted.
“So, the map led to a secret rendezvous place for these people to meet in private,” Logan said. “I guess that’s all there is to our adventure. Huh. Well, that’s kind of a letdown, I must say.”
Emma shook her head.
“That can’t be all there is to it.”
He ran a hand through his thick black curls, looking pensive, and then finally snapped his fingers and eyed her with excitement. “Why did we not see this? X marks the spot in every treasure map.”
Realization dawned. “Oh, my God! You’re so right. Most treasures are buried. That has to be it. Why didn’t I think of that first?”
He shrugged. “I guess my moments are bigger than yours.”
“Funny.” She looked around, wishing she’d brought a shovel. “Maybe we can find a stick. Whatever is buried can’t be deep.”
After searching the area again, Logan brought back a couple of sharp sticks that were thick enough not to break. They both started to dig. After several minutes and plenty of holes, Logan hit something.
“No way,” he said in awe. “I can’t believe I was actually right. Do you think there’s really buried treasure here?”
“Only one way to find out.”
They unearthed an ancient looking box that actually resembled the wooden box she’d found the code and the map in. With trembling fingers, she opened the lid and carefully unfolded a piece of paper that was decades old.
“What is it? Gold? Jewels? An Artifact?” Logan’s face was shining with anticipation he didn’t even attempt to hide.
“Better,” she said. “I think we’ve found the greatest treasure of all.” Her gaze met his.
“Love is the greatest treasure of all.” Logan’s face softened.
“I wouldn’t know.” Emma sighed in defeat. “I’ve never had it, and I’m starting to think I never will.”
“Nonsense.” His gaze softened. “This of all things should give you hope.”
“You should listen to your own words. Who says love only comes along once in a lifetime?”
“What’s in the box?” He skirted her question.
She let it go. “Another map and a letter from Kathleen’s lover.” Emma scanned the letter once more and then looked at Logan. “I’m beginning to think I know what the scandal was about.”
Until Tomorrow Page 5
