Sea Star Legacy

by Carolyn Forrest

  “Yes, and the pay phone outside the Sea Paradise Aquarium. Only one of the calls was made from your shop,” Mac replied and leaned back in his chair, studying Luke.

  “You don’t think I did this, do you?”

  “No, it’s not likely since you’re the one who called me in on this. It does look like it could be someone both you and Sandra know, though. Perhaps an employee?

  “You haven’t talked to Sandra yet?” Luke asked, putting his hand in his pocket, touching the scrap of paper she’d given him.

  “No, I haven’t talked to her. I wanted to tell you first. According to standard procedures, I’m terribly out of line on this, but . . . hell, we’ve been friends too long for me to treat you like that.”

  “Thanks. I owe you, Mac.”

  “I’ll have to tell her tomorrow, you know. It’s my duty.”

  “I understand. Let me have some time to work on this today and I’ll tell her myself tomorrow morning.”

  “Sounds like a plan to me. Do you have any ideas who it could be?”

  “I’m not sure. I only have three employees: Beth, Mike and Jerod. Mike’s been with me now for three years. I don’t think he even knows Sandra.”

  “What about the other guys?”

  “Jerod? He’s a high school kid who helps out during tourist season and sometimes weekends. I’m pretty sure Sandra doesn’t know him either.”

  “What about Beth?”

  “Beth? You think she could be behind this?”

  “Does she know Sandra?”

  Yes, they’ve met a couple of times.”

  The older man shrugged his shoulders in a sign of weariness. “Could be her. She’d have to disguise her voice like a man’s, but it wouldn’t be the first time a woman has pulled that off.”

  “It’s hard for me to believe Elizabeth would hurt anyone. She’s been through so much. I’ll talk to her though.” Luke leaned forward, resting his forearms on his legs and scrunched up his brow as he tried to remember where the pay phone was located at the aquarium.

  “What about Hank? Are you going to investigate his employees?” Luke stood and moved toward the singular window in the office.

  “No. I’m sorry. There’s not much I can do on this since both phones are not residential phones.”

  “Good Lord, Mac. Someone was in the shop making one of those calls. What about staking out the phone booth?”

  “Luke, I don’t have the man power and it’s not like we have surveillance equipment. I can’t just arrest someone for using a public phone?”

  “You and I both know there is more to it than that. She could be in real danger.”

  “I’m doing all I can, Luke. We haven’t had a real homicide here in over 20 years. She will be just fine. The prankster will show up or get tired of his antics.”

  “Mac, we can’t just sit back and wait for the bastard to make a move. We might not get to her in time. She could be our first homicide. It wouldn’t look the best on your record either,” Luke prodded trying to convince Mac to act.

  “There’s nothing else I can legally do. That’s not to say that you as a private citizen couldn’t do a little bit of snooping around.” Mac tilted his head to the side and looked away with a smile. “Though, I certainly could never suggest such a thing.”

  “Okay Mac, I’ll go see what I can come up with. You keep that seat warm.” Luke clenched his jaw not at all happy with his friend’s response.

  “If you find anything, let me know. I’d love to see some action around here for a change. Last week the highlight of the day was a drunken speeder from out of town.”

  Luke scowled. “We’re not talking about a game of cops and robbers here, Mac. Whoever it is, means to be rid of Sandra. There is no telling what they’ll do next.”

  “I’m aware of that. We’ll be going by to check on her every hour once it gets dark. But Luke, if you could talk her into staying with someone else it would be better.”

  “I’ll try. She has a mind of her own if you know what I mean.”

  “Believe me, I do. Elza does little I tell her without an inquisition. Sometimes I think she’s harder headed than our children were.”

  Luke rose and offered the sheriff his hand. “Mac, don’t take this case lightly. I know if it were your Elza you’d do everything in your power to insure her safety.”

  “Sure thing. We’ll catch that son-of-a-bitch. Don’t you worry.”

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  After reconciling the books for the Sea Breeze, Sandra opened her top desk drawer and tucked the ledger inside. You’re the owner of an upcoming boating supply company, Ms. Harris, she congratulated herself silently. By tourist season, the folks around here would know what a business woman could do when given the opportunity.

  The phone rang, startling her out of her thoughts. “Good afternoon, Sea Breeze boats and supplies.”

  “Sandra, it is Luke. Are you busy?”

  “No, I was just getting ready to close up.” Sandra could tell by the brisk overtones in his voice he had called for a reason. “What’s up?”

  “Is Chris still there?”

  “Yes. Why? Luke, what’s going on?”

  “Listen, ask Chris to stay put until I get there. Elizabeth and I will be right over.”

  “Luke, you didn’t answer my question.”

  “I’ll fill you in when I get there. We’re heading out now.”

  The receiver clicked and the line went dead before Sandra could argue further. Hanging up the phone, she smiled as she remembered the look of concern mirrored in the depths of his eyes the night she had found her bathing suit shredded. The same look which sent smoldering embers to melt away the defenses of her heart.

  Chris knocked on the woodwork next to her half open office door. “I’m all finished in the back.”

  “Oh, don’t leave,” she blurted out, jumping to her feet.

  Chris laughed at the obvious panic in her voice. “What’s up, boss lady?”

  Sandra narrowed her eyes and tried to give him an angry stare of rebuttal. “Is that any way to speak to your employer?” she asked, fighting the corners of her mouth to remain firm.

  “My apologies, madam. I have a hot date tonight and would like to request my leave of this establishment, as soon as possible.”

  “No. You can’t.” Sandra stated and shook her head in reply to his questioning stare and blank expression. “Luke told me to keep you here.”

  “Luke? What’s he got to do with this?”

  “Chris.” Sandra ran a hand through her hair and grimaced. She didn’t like being put in a position of telling somebody to do something without a reason. “I don’t know why,” she continued, “Luke didn’t tell me. All he said was for you and me to stay put until he and Elizabeth got here.”

  “Elizabeth?” Chris questioned with interest.

  “Yes, Elizabeth,” she replied in irritation. She hated not knowing what was going on.

  “Great, it’ll keep me from having to pick her up. We can leave for the movies from here.” Chris rocked from side to side with a preoccupied look of delight which further annoyed Sandra.

  “Your hot date is with Elizabeth?” Sandra asked and winced at the sound of shock in her own voice. “Isn’t she . . . a lot younger than you?”

  “Only two years.” Chris leaned against the door jam and grinned with obvious enjoyment at having made her so uncomfortable. “I don’t think I’m robbing the cradle. Do you?”

  “No, I suppose not.” Sandra eased back into her chair. “Well, at least it explains why Elizabeth is coming with Luke.”

  “Would you mind if I run in the back and cleaned up a bit since she’s coming?” he asked with a sudden shyness.

  “Go right ahead.” Sandra smiled at his sudden concern for his appearance. “It’ll probably take them another five minutes to get here.”

  Without another word, Chris headed toward the one downstairs bathroom. When had Elizabeth started dating Chris? she wondered as she listened to Chris
stride through the shop. It must have been fairly recently because she’d still swear that the young girl had been as jealous as they get the night she’d met her at The Emerald Boat. At least Luke wouldn’t have to worry about her affections now that she and Chris were seeing each other, she thought and went to close up the shop.

  By the time Sandra had checked her makeup and attire several times, Luke’s red pickup finally pulled up. She couldn’t help smiling as she realized that Chris still hadn’t come back from primping. He must really want to impress Elizabeth, she thought wryly as she grabbed her compact off the desk and combed her hair with her fingers one last time. Men always complained that women fussed about their appearance too much, however, Sandra had always found that particular generalization to be more true of men.

  Taking in a deep breath and exhaling slowly, Sandra walked out of her office and stood to the right of the counter to watch Luke as he strolled up the walk with Elizabeth. His jaw was clenched tight. They seemed to be discussing something important. Elizabeth’s posture was not what she’d expected from a young woman getting ready for a date. Her shoulders were rounded and a shadow hung over her features, making her look old beyond her years.

  As they entered the shop, Sandra moved from behind the counter to greet them. “Elizabeth.” She welcomed the girl with a firm handshake and then turned towards Luke in an attempt to read his expression. Raising her eyebrows into an unspoken question, she waited. He only grinned half-heartedly in reply.

  “Luke,” she began, fighting her voice to remain calm even if she didn’t feel that way. “What brings you two here so unexpectedly?”

  “Elizabeth wanted me to drive her over to talk to you,” he said and looked over at the young girl, obviously waiting for her to speak. In return, she said nothing, but shot Luke a plaintive stare.

  “Would you two like to come into my office or go upstairs for some coffee?” Sandra addressed her question to Beth.

  “Your office will be fine,” Elizabeth answered in a weak voice.

  “Do you want to wait for Chris? He’s in the back finishing up now.”

  “No. I’d prefer this to be kept between the three of us.”

  Sandra pasted on a smile as her mind flipped around like a jellyroll. Surely Luke didn’t bring her over to discuss her feelings for him.

  Elizabeth cleared her throat. Her face appeared unusually pale as she looked from Luke to Sandra. She’s panic stricken, Sandra thought.

  “My office is in the corner there,” she directed with a flash of her hand and let Elizabeth lead the way.

  “Do you want me to wait outside for you?” Luke asked Beth as he patted her upper arm in a show of support.

  “No,. . . please stay.”

  Entering the office, Luke chose the armless chair that rested against one of the walls and arranged it next to the seat Elizabeth now sat in.

  Sandra pressed her fingers into the arms of her chair to brace herself for what looked like an uncomfortable conversation.

  A sullen silence fell over the office which was interrupted only by the sound of Chris’ movements in the storage room. Sandra watched Elizabeth silently plead with Luke. Whatever she’d come here to tell Sandra, it was obvious that Luke had forced her into it.

  “Sandra, you know those phone calls you’ve been getting?” Beth began and Luke nodded his head at her to continue.

  “Yes.”

  “I don’t know who has been pestering you lately, however. . . I do know who started all this.”

  “You do?” Sandra held her breath as she stared at Elizabeth, waiting for her to continue.

  “Yes, I know who made those first prank calls to you.” She hesitated again and looked towards Luke. The lines in his tanned face softened in encouragement for her to finish.

  “It was me.” She released the words like a sledge hammer on a nail and then dropped her chin to her chest. Large round tears rolled down her ivory colored cheeks. Sandra sat speechless.

  “Sandra, I . . . I’m sorry,” she stammered out between sobs. “It was childish. I never dreamed someone else would start calling you when I stopped. Much less, that horrible note and . . .”

  Not knowing what to say, Sandra continued to stare at the girl. It made sense that Beth would be the one making the calls. Unfortunately, that still left someone else out there who continued to call her, who had written the threatening letter, as well as shredding her favorite bathing suit. Someone who had gained entry to her home without breaking in. It had to be someone she knew.

  “Sandra?” the girl asked timidly. “You do believe me, don’t you?”

  “Beth, how did you know about the threatening note?”

  “I heard Bernice talking to Eustice about it. That’s when I started feeling real guilty about starting all this mess.”

  “It has to be someone who knew about the initial calls,” Luke told Sandra, sitting forward in the chair. Clasping his hands together, he rested his elbows on his knees. A thin line of concern furrowed his forehead. “Beth, does anyone know about your making the calls besides the three of us?”

  “Are you kidding,” she exclaimed. “I’m embarrassed enough having to admit what I’ve done to you and Sandra.”

  “I wasn’t aware of these calls before the night the note was left,” he stated. Sandra thought she could detect a certain amount of venom in his words. “How about you, Sandra? Did you tell someone else before you told me?” Luke pinned Sandra’s gaze with his. The light and dark flecks reflected in his midnight eyes held her hostage. His expression held a hint of frustration. Was he mad at her for having not told him what had been going on? she wondered. How could he expect her to blindly trust him? He himself had admitted to wanting the Sea Breeze for himself. “I vaguely mentioned it to Bernice,” she told him, hating how defensive she sounded. She broke away from his probing stare and studied her hands. Perhaps she should have confided in him sooner, but like it or not, he’d simply have to accept the fact that trust was not an easy item for her to give.

  She could still feel his heavy gaze on her as an uncomfortable silence encompassed the room. He was waiting for her to talk. Think Sandra, who have you told about the phone calls? Then it dawned on her. “I told Hank about the calls the night of Bernice’s barbecue. However, that was the same night I received the note and I’d received hang up calls the entire night before.”

  She exhaled a cleansing breath which worked as a salve on her frayed nerves before she dared to look up into Luke’s face. His features had softened though a concerned scowl still clung to his lips. At least he wasn’t mad at her anymore. What he thought of her shouldn’t make any difference to her, she reminded herself. She knew better though. Every time his steely eyes bore into hers, her entire being became aware of his disapproval.

  “The calls I made to you were during the first two weeks you were here.” Beth bit down on her lower lip. “After that, I stopped.”

  “Sandra, you know you can press charges against Beth if you want,” Luke said as he eyed the young woman sitting next to him. She had retrieved a tissue from her purse and was fretting it into a cord.

  “That won’t be necessary, will it?” Sandra asked and then waited for Elizabeth to lift her gaze. She couldn’t make herself be angry at the girl. Beth’s real crime was jealousy. And, she had come out and told the truth.

  In slow, precise increments, Beth looked up at Sandra. “Sandra, I will never bother you again. You have my word.”

  “I believe you, Beth,” she replied in a comforting voice. “Let’s forget this ever happened, starting now.”

  Beth smiled and looked back down at her hands which still clutched the kerchief. “Thank you. Thank you for understanding.”

  “I hear Chris out there pacing. You better get out there to him before he wears a rut in the floor,” Sandra said as she looked from the girl to Luke with a smile that she hoped Luke would know was for him.

  Beth rose and headed for the office door. Holding onto the door’s brass knob, sh
e stopped and turned her head back towards Luke and Sandra with a contemplative grin. “Luke, I’ll see you tomorrow then.”

  “Tomorrow,” he reassured her with a wink.

  “You won’t tell Chris, will you?” she asked Sandra, panic written in her eyes.

  “Like I said, it’s between you and I.”

  Beth nodded her head and closed the door behind her. As the sound of her footsteps trailed off, Sandra looked to the man sitting across from her. He locked onto her gaze. His eyes were hazy; a faint smile graced his mouth, the same luscious mouth which could sprinkle liquid lightning upon her skin.

  He had brought Beth here to apologize, she thought. A lump formed in her throat and her heart ached for the man. He was as worried about these threats as she was. He must care or he would simply be thankful someone else was chasing her out of town.

  “How’d you find out Beth was behind the calls?” she finally asked hoping to divert his warm gaze from her face.

  “I talked with Mac this afternoon after I left you. He told me the trace had come up with . . .” he hesitated and glanced out the window for a second, “two numbers.”

  “Does that mean he knows who’s bothering me?”

  “No.” Luke shook his head and drew his eyebrows up together in a straight line. “The trace showed two calls from my shop and about ten from the pay phone outside the Gulf Aquarium.”

  “The Emerald Boat and Hank’s place. You don’t think Hank has something to do with the calls?” she asked, rambling aloud as her thoughts collided with one another in her mind. “And, The Boat? Beth said, she hadn’t called me for over a month.”

  “The caller was Beth. She was going to confess to you both times. When you answered, she got scared and hung up.”

  “She could be lying.”

  “No,” he stated, sounding thoroughly convinced. “I think Beth felt pretty foolish about the little bit of involvement she had in the matter. Luke ran his hand over his chin. “Beth said, Bernice and Eustice had been talking about how upset you were. That’s why she decided to call you to apologize.”

  “You think we’re looking for someone else?”