Deadly Secrets on Mackinac Island

by Cara Putman

  He had too many events to wrap up and a woman’s heart to win.

  38

  Rachelle Stone should arrive any minute.

  Jonathan had been surprised she agreed to pick him up, but he couldn’t thank her enough for freeing him from the prison of his hospital room. His parents had planned to get him settled at home when his uncle had a stroke. They’d left only when he’d insisted his uncle needed more help than he did. All he wanted was his cabin and being left alone. He’d considered calling Alanna but decided not to. He didn’t want to see her again until he was at home in real clothes. The nurses and physical therapists delighted in torturing him. He tried to mask the pain. Reality remained that his shoulder felt like someone routinely speared him.

  Now after three days inside the four walls of this room, he wanted his cabin. At least there he could sit on his deck, fire up his computer for a few minutes, and make sure the details of the Morrises’ event still held together.

  And now that Brendan had been arrested for involuntary manslaughter, murder, and attempted murder, he could throw his efforts into finalizing Trevor’s official debut at the studio.

  Rachelle sailed into the room, a Kentucky Derby-worthy hat resting on her sophisticated bob. He smiled at the image of Alanna looking like her in twenty years.

  Now to convince Alanna he meant forever.

  That was the next item on his agenda. Two successful events and one heart won. Not necessarily in that order.

  “You don’t look too much worse for wear.”

  “You haven’t seen my stitches.”

  Rachelle held up a hand. “That’s all right. I appreciate the way you protected Alanna. More than you know. But I don’t need to see the evidence of your bravery.”

  Jonathan wished he had some dark corner to hide as heat flooded his face. Maybe he could blame the closed air in the room.

  “So where are your things?”

  “Don’t have any. It didn’t cross my mind before Mom and Dad had to leave.”

  “Why didn’t you say anything?” She sighed with a motherly expression. “I’ll get you some clothes.” After writing down his sizes, she left.

  Jonathan barely had time to wonder if Alanna would be glad to see her before Rachelle returned with a bag of undergarments, button-up shirts, and jeans.

  “I figured you wouldn’t want anything that pulled over your head.”

  “Thanks.” Ten minutes later, he’d changed and finished checking out.

  The drive to St. Ignace and the ferry passed in silence, only the strains of some classical symphony filling the car. Then Rachelle followed him onto the ferry.

  “Pushing things a bit.” There was no question in her statement.

  “I’ll be good as soon as I’m home.”

  “Sure you will.”

  Silence settled again as the ferry pulled away from the dock and picked up speed. The lake spray threatened to soak him as the ferry worked across the water. As soon as they reached the dock on Mackinac Island, Rachelle edged him to a bench and forced him down. “I’ll find a taxi. No way you’re walking or biking home.”

  The island felt the same—abuzz with summer activity, even as he saw it tinged with tragedy. No one had mentioned Ginger yet. Would she pay for her part in the crime spree?

  Rachelle came back and dragged him to the taxi. Then she got him settled in his cabin. “I’ll go check on Alanna. Send her here.”

  “You don’t need to do that.”

  She gave him a knowing smile. “I’m not the Stone you want babysitting you. Besides, I need to work at the studio. I have a painting to finish for your client.”

  “So you took the commission? Is your arthritis allowing you to paint?”

  “The doctor has me on a medicine that’s helping. I figured after the ways I let you and Alanna down, the least I could do was help him.” She fiddled with her purse strap. “I have a few things to do for this party you’ve planned for Trevor, too.” She turned to the door then back. “Thank you for all you’re doing for him. It’ll be nice to see his name on his paintings.”

  Before he could say anything, she disappeared through the door. It was a start. The woman might not admit what she’d done by putting her name on Trevor’s paintings was wrong. But she could start fresh now with the painting for Bonnie.

  He couldn’t wait to see what she created. Somehow he knew she would craft the perfect image.

  Now he just needed to do the same for Lanna.

  It was past time for that.

  Alanna dusted the canvases. She couldn’t see a speck of dust, not surprising since she’d circled the studio at least twice a day since Jonathan was shot. Her body refused to sit still, and she had nothing left to investigate. The only details to wrap up related to Trevor’s debut. She didn’t know enough about what was left to do without consulting Jonathan, and she couldn’t do that while he remained in the hospital.

  Everything seemed squared away. Trevor would move up for the balance of the summer with Patience helping him. Mom had indicated she could slip up here a couple of times a month now that Dad seemed on the mend.

  They didn’t need her. She needed to decide if she could handle a return to her old life in Grand Rapids. The thought sapped her energy; yet if nothing changed with Jonathan, she had no reason to stay. She didn’t want to leave, but she couldn’t remain, not like this.

  The feathers tickled another canvas, and she finished.

  Now what? The studio sparkled. Everything was ready for next Saturday’s event.

  The bell sounded, and Alanna turned. “Mom? What are you doing here?”

  “Just deposited Jonathan at his cabin.”

  The words struck her like a blow. Jonathan hadn’t called her, but had asked her mom for help? Ouch. “Are you staying long?”

  “Through Trevor’s party. Your aunt Mary is staying with your father. She’ll bring him up for the party if he’s well enough. So I’m here to paint and send you to the house. Jonathan didn’t want me babysitting him. I have a feeling you’re much more what he had in mind.”

  “Or Jaclyn.”

  “Who?” Mom wrinkled her nose. “That woman? I don’t think so. Go gather your things and scoot. The day’s still young. And I have lots of painting to do.” Mom made a shooing motion with her hands, and Alanna obeyed.

  Jonathan was at his cabin. That must be good.

  She hurried home but stalled when she saw a bike outside his door. Who could that be?

  A woman stepped out of the cabin. “I’ll be back tomorrow. But all looks good for now. Don’t push too hard, and get some help. You may be home, but if you’re not careful, we’ll have to transport you right back to the hospital.”

  “Thanks.” Jonathan’s voice reached her, though she couldn’t see him.

  The woman hopped on the bike and pedaled past Alanna without a wave. She’d have to ask Jonathan, but right now she just wanted to see him. Alanna hiked to Jonathan’s door and dismounted. After leaning the bike against the wall, she knocked and entered. “Jonathan?”

  He lay on the couch, a pillow shoved beneath his head and another at his side. “Lanna.”

  “Are you okay?”

  “I will be. Glad to be home. Your mom sent you?”

  “She thought you’d rather have me.”

  He grinned, which only emphasized the purple bruises under his eyes. “She’s pretty insightful.”

  His laptop beeped, and she frowned at him. “What are you doing?”

  “Shooting out a few e-mails about Trevor’s event and the Morrises’ party.”

  “Aren’t you supposed to rest?”

  “Sure, but this is resting. Anyway, if I didn’t do it, I’d lay here and worry. That wouldn’t help me heal.” He patted the couch next to him. “Come here.”

  She edged toward him but decided the couch was too narrow for two. Especially when one had a wound. She grabbed the kitchen chair and set it next to him. “What can I do?”

  “Tell me why you didn’t
come see me again at the hospital.”

  She looked away. Would he understand? “I wasn’t sure where

  things stood, so I came back to the island. I knew I’d see you. But I had to figure us out.”

  “Did you?” He studied her, his intensity almost knocking her from the chair. “Did you figure us out?”

  “Not really.” She sucked in a breath and studied her hands. “That’s not true.” She risked looking in his eyes again. “Jonathan, I can’t imagine my life without you.”

  “That’s what I remembered.”

  “What?” Did he somehow remember what she’d said? She’d die of embarrassment.

  “I heard words I’ve wanted to tell you.” He reached up to stroke her cheek, and she leaned closer, tugged by the electricity of his touch. “I love you, Alanna. I’ve loved you since all those times out there on that dock. I loved you when you disappeared, but this time I won’t let you leave. Not without a promise to come back. Again. And again. And again.”

  “Jonathan.”

  He pressed a finger against her mouth, stilling further words. “Alanna, I’ve told Jaclyn several times we aren’t going anywhere. I’m sorry she keeps getting in the way, but since you came back, I’ve realized she’s not the woman for me. Not when the only woman I’ve really loved is sitting in front of me.”

  Alanna swallowed hard. It felt like a golf ball had lodged in her throat. He’d just said the words she longed to hear. They felt like a balm to her heart and soothed her questions.

  “What about Dylan?”

  A frown crept across Jonathan’s handsome features. “I’ll miss him. But I couldn’t stay with Jaclyn just for him. It’s not fair to either of them.” He took her hand and tugged her close. “Tell me you feel the same way.”

  She braced against the couch, trying not to jar him as he tugged her closer still. She felt his breath against her cheek, closed her eyes, and inhaled.

  In that moment, she could imagine a future with him. A future that involved the island and building a life together. Moisture flooded her eyes at the realization that she could give up everything in Grand Rapids without a second thought. Nothing there mattered—not in the light of his love.

  “Say something. . . You’re making me nervous.”

  She swiped at her eyes and then laughed, a watery sound. “I love you, too, Jonathan. Always have.”

  His face lit from the inside, and he grinned. “Come here, Lanna.” His lips settled on hers in the perfect kiss.

  39

  The next Saturday morning, Alanna woke early, started running, and didn’t stop even as people gathered at the Painted Stone. Excitement thrummed through her, though it was lined with an edge of tension. Would people respond to Trevor? Would all the pain be worth the end result?

  Jonathan had insisted on coming, but she’d made Mom promise not to collect him until the last possible moment. His shoulder didn’t seem to bother him much. Still she worried even though he deserved to see the fruits of his labor.

  She touched her lips, still warm from the kiss they’d shared last night. In the days since Jonathan returned to Mackinac, their relationship had accelerated from a reborn friendship to dreams of what the future held. Tomorrow she could bask in that. Today she would celebrate Trevor and his art.

  The studio looked amazing. She’d accented his largest paintings with spotlights and cards explaining the setting and story behind each painting. Jonathan had postcards made of Trevor’s best work and grouped them in packets for the guests who attended. She’d spent two nights at his cabin wrapping the packets in raffia. Now that she’d collected them in baskets, the overall effect made the time worth it.

  One of Jonathan’s contacts had made the hors d’oeuvres. A long banquet table stood on each side of the room, sheathed in creamy white tablecloths and loaded with tiers of finger foods. Quiche, cocktail shrimp, and things she couldn’t name filled one table, while the other had all kinds of sweets. She couldn’t wait to try a pint-sized fruit tart, popping one in her mouth as she walked past.

  A crystal punch bowl sat on a round table in one corner, rows of punch cups surrounding the bowl. The peach liquid looked great and smelled even better.

  Everything looked ready. She just needed the guest of honor. Trevor had assured her he’d arrive at least an hour early. Alanna glanced at her watch again. If he walked through the door that instant, he’d only arrive ten minutes early. She pulled out her phone and dialed his number. It went straight to voice mail. It would take all her restraint not to throttle him the moment she saw him.

  She fought the urge to chew her fingernails for the first time since middle school.

  Patience sailed toward her, an elegant dress sheathing her body. “Where’s your mom?”

  “Collecting Jonathan.”

  “And Trevor?” Patience looked around. “I haven’t missed him, have I?”

  “No. My brother is delinquent.”

  Patience clucked. “He can’t control everything.”

  “He can be on time.” Alanna glanced toward the door as another group entered. Jonathan brought up the rear. He looked so good in khakis and a button-down shirt, his left arm resting in a sling. She didn’t fight the smile as he worked toward her.

  “Quite a crowd you’ve got here, young lady.”

  She nodded. “Someone amazing organized this event.”

  Patience chuckled. “You two act like you’re back in school. I’ll leave you to make eyes at each other.”

  Jonathan grinned then leaned down to brush her lips with a kiss. She leaned gently into him, thanking God for bringing them together. Even the frustrating moments didn’t seem so daunting with Jonathan next to her.

  Reluctantly, Alanna stepped back. “I’ve got a chair tucked behind the counter for you.”

  “Putting me to work?”

  “Of course.” She grinned up at him then sobered. “Thank you, Jonathan. This could be an amazing event—especially if Trevor graces us with his presence.”

  “He will.” Mom slid an arm around Alanna’s shoulder. “He called an hour ago to say he was on his way but running late.” Mom straightened the pink silk scarf at her throat. “You kids have done quite a job. Thank you.”

  Alanna cleared her throat, trying to push words around the sudden lump. “You’re welcome.”

  “And if you ever try something as stupid as chasing down a murderer again, I may kill you myself. The gray hairs I have thanks to you.”

  Alanna rolled her eyes then caught Jonathan’s gaze. His snicker pulled an answering one from her. She raised her hand as if on the stand. “I swear I will never do anything like that again. Once was more than enough.”

  “I would certainly hope so.” Mom turned to Jonathan. “Jonathan?”

  “I can’t promise I’ll never do it. If anything similar happens, I won’t back down.”

  It was Mom’s turn to roll her eyes. And she wondered why Alanna did it. “Well, I’m going to check on my painting then mingle with all these people you’ve drawn. Maybe even sell some art.”

  Alanna smiled as another group came in. Even if Trevor bailed, she could sell his art. Only the island’s long-term residents cared, and now they knew the truth. Truth had come at a cost, and she prayed Trevor would accept his freedom and steward it.

  An arm slipped around her waist, and she startled and spun around. “Trevor Stone!”

  “Hey, sis. So all of this is for little ole me?”

  “Yes, though I’m ready to strangle you. Where have you been?”

  “Getting Dad.” Trevor pointed toward the hall where a wheelchair sat. “It took longer to check him out of the rehabilitation hospital than I planned.”

  “Dad.” The word whispered from her.

  “Go tell him hi.” Trevor glanced around the room. “Guess I’d better say hello to everyone.”

  “Yep. And sell lots of paintings. We need to sell another three or four this month.”

  He saluted. “Yes, ma’am.”

 
Alanna watched Trevor as he moved around the room, stopping to say a word to each group. He could make this work. He seemed to have found a natural ease as he talked to everybody.

  Jonathan nodded toward the hall. “I know your dad is eager to make sure you’re okay.”

  Alanna eased down the hallway then knelt beside the wheelchair. “Hi, Daddy.”

  “Lanna.” A slow grin spread across his face. “You’re okay.”

  “Yes, sir. God kept me safe through everything.”

  “You shouldn’t tempt Him.”

  “I didn’t mean to. Things kind of spiraled.”

  “How’s Jonathan?” The change in topic caught her, but one look into her daddy’s eyes confirmed he wanted the honest answer.

  “Good, I think.” She sighed. “I’m not sure I can go back to Grand Rapids. The thought of separating kills me.”

  “Long distance can work.”

  “But I don’t want it to. Not sure I can live here though.”

  “You’ll figure it out.” His assurance settled over her, and she breathed it in. “Get me into the studio. I want to see Trevor’s moment.”

  “He’s doing well, Daddy.”

  “Of course. He’s a Stone, isn’t he?”

  Soon the regulars greeted her father like a returning hero. In some ways he was, even as his road to full recovery still had many steps.

  Servers in their white shirts and black pants flowed seamlessly among the guests, refilling the hors d’oeuvres and punch. Alanna ended up sitting next to Jonathan at the cash register ringing up sales while Jonathan handed out postcards. Her family members took care of welcoming one and all.

  Hours later the last guest left, and she studied Jonathan. He’d held up well, but she didn’t want to push him too much. “Ready to head home?”

  “Sure.” He watched the waitstaff tear down the tables. “We did it.”

  “Yes we did.” Satisfaction filled her. “Thank you.”

  He took her hand, rubbing his thumb over her knuckles. “You’re welcome. Now on to the other event that matters.”