Jerking his head over toward the man next to him, he observed Brogan staring at Ginny. Lifting his brow, he waited for him to speak again.
“Easy to fall for someone, but hard to accept they’ve chosen us as well. Been with Ginny for a few months now, but I lost my heart to her a couple of years ago when she first came to town. Had no idea I might have a chance with her. And now? I can’t fuckin’ think of a day that I wouldn’t have her by my side.”
Nodding slowly, Lance shifted his gaze back to where Jade was moving through the sliding glass door, her hands wrapped around a platter. As he continued to stare, he observed her with a large group of women. Jillian and her mom, Claire, as well as Katelyn and her mom, Corrine, were arranging the sliced turkey and ham. Grant’s mom, Marcia, poured glasses of tea. Tori and Belle walked over, pies in their hands.
“Never thought about finding someone,” he said. “Figured it just wasn’t for me.”
“And now?”
Chuckling, Lance explained, “Just as you said…hard to believe I did and easy to love her.”
Love? It was the first time he admitted to himself that he did love Jade. Can someone fall so fast? His lips curved slightly as he realized he did not care about the answer to that question. He just knew what his heart admitted.
Seeing Ed and Steve Evans, along with Eric MacFarlane, beginning to arrange the chairs outside, he and Brogan moved with the others to assist. Zac, Aiden, Mitch, Grant, Gareth, Jason, Callan, with a few of his single Coast Guard friends, made easy work of the furniture, allowing everyone to have a seat as soon as they filled their plates.
A short while later, stepping over the bench of the picnic table, he settled next to Jade, accepting her ready smile, touching his lips to hers. The gathering looked expectantly at Ed, as the host.
He stood, his eyes moving over the large group before landing on his wife with a loving twinkle. “I grew up in Baytown and have thanked God every day for the chance to live in a place that I can happily call home, in the truest sense of the word. This special tradition began when our children were small. First, it was just our extended family. Then we invited more of the Baytown Boys and their parents. And now, we’ve grown to include not only our children, but their significant others, as well as their friends. Life’s not always easy…some years are better than others. I remember when you all were off to war…our Thanksgivings were smaller and our hearts ached to have you all return. But good friends, as well as family, now make Thanksgiving so much better.”
He lifted his glass of tea, and said, “So here’s to being thankful for Baytown, our family, and our friends.”
The gathering lifted their glasses as well, cheers of, “Here, here,” ringing out. Lance sipped to the toast, before smiling at Jade, his heart full as more pieces of himself fit together.
32
Lance eyed Callan walking in, a report in his hand. “You look like a man who’s got something.”
Callan nodded, saying, “Coast Guard hit pay dirt last night. The CG based out of Norfolk has been working on a smuggling case and boarded two ships that were in the bay and docked yesterday in Norfolk. The one from Belize, along with its regular fish tanks, was carrying a small container of smuggled fish, including Totoaba and Puffer. The one from Liberia is still being checked, but from what the Commander told me, they are expecting to find something there as well. As soon as I know, I’ll give you a call.”
The early morning fog rolled off the bay and blanketed the shore. Pulling into the empty parking lot on Saturday, Jade sat for a moment with a smile on her face as she peered through the windshield at the Baytown Elementary School. The modern building, normally bright with the sun, was shrouded as the heavy fog cloaked it. Climbing out of her loaner car, she clicked the locks before walking toward the front door. Used to the noise of chattering children, the silence of the area was strange.
How lucky I am, she thought, recognizing once more how much she loved her job. Job? She chuckled, knowing that teaching children was not a job, but more of a vocation…a calling. With Lance working today, she emailed the principal, asking for permission to get some work done in her classroom. Agreeing, the principal gave her the access code, letting her know that the weekend cleaning staff would not be there over the holiday weekend.
Her smile remained, thinking of the children in her class. Reaching the door, she halted after placing the key into the lock, carefully reviewing the instructions the principal had given her, before starting the security sequence. Opening the front door, she hastily entered the main office and moved to the security panel. Lifting her hand to enter the code, she hesitated, the green light already lit, noting the silence in place of the beeping that she should hear. Wondering if someone else was in the building, she stood in indecision momentarily. When the alarm did not sound, she left the office and walked down the hall toward her classroom.
Hearing a noise from the right, she stopped, listening carefully. Glad for her rubber-soled sneakers, she tiptoed to the door of the gym. Turning the handle, she barely opened the door, breathing a sigh of relief when she spied Bill moving some boxes.
Throwing open the door, she called out. “Hey! I see I’m not the only one here today. I thought it might just be me and the ghosts of schoolyears past.”
Startled, he jerked upward, but a smile quickly came across his face as he lifted his hand in a wave. “The principal said you might come today and figured I should be as dedicated as you.”
Walking closer, she asked, “What are you working on?”
“Some equipment came in on Tuesday and I didn’t have time to put it away, or even go through the purchase order to see if it was all here. Thought I’d take care of it this morning.” He swiped at the blond hair falling into his eyes, his gaze pinning hers. “You?”
“Kind of the same. Ever since the accident, I’ve felt disorganized and lost. Lance is working today, so I thought I’d spend a little time in my room since this is a long weekend. Next weekend is taken up with Jillian’s wedding, so I feel the need to get my lessons planned for the next couple of weeks.”
He nodded, but she noted his eyes darting to the side toward the gym’s outside door. “You okay?” she asked.
“Yeah…just…uh…need to get this finished so I can get to my other job.”
“How’s that going with Mr. Fedor?”
Shuffling his feet, he shrugged. “It’s good. Money’s good. Nothing permanent, you know, but it helps cover some of my bills. Almost got my truck paid off, so that’ll make the teaching salary go further.”
Eyes wide, she smiled. “Wow, you made enough to pay off your truck? That’s amazing! I was still driving my old car that I had in college. I can’t get something new until my insurance claim goes through!” Turning, she waved over her shoulder, saying, “I’m heading to my room now. See you around.”
Walking back through the door, she missed the way his eyes darted from her retreating form to the outside door of the gym.
Once inside, she scanned the room for a few seconds, allowing the familiar scene to fill her vision. Little chairs, all scooted up under little tables. Her functional desk stood neat and orderly in a corner. She walked by the large map on the wall, the colored pushpins marking the ship origins. Bookshelves under the row of windows in the back were filled. The children’s sea glass frames were still resting on top, the glue now firmly set.
Out of habit, she hung her coat in the tall cabinet to the left of the door before sitting and opening her laptop. It did not take long to complete another week’s worth of lesson plans, since she stayed organized and had some from last year that just needed updating for second grade.
Remembering the unused sea glass, she pulled open her desk drawer, searching for the bag. Picking it up, she held it up to the sunlight, admiring the colored and clear pieces catching the rays. Her lips curved at the idea of giving it to Lance.
He can add it to his mosaic and then it will have bits of both of us captured in his art.
Thinking of him, she took out her phone, sending a text to him. At school to get some work done.
After a moment, her phone vibrated with an incoming message. Are you there by yourself?
She grimaced, knowing he worried about her. I have the security code and I’m fine. Bill is working in the gym, so I’m good.
It only took a few seconds for the reply to come in. I still don’t want you there without others around. Stay locked in. I’ll be there soon.
Smiling, she sat at her desk with her laptop opened and continued working on her lesson plans.
Lance stood from the table, his face grim. Seeing the questioning expressions from the other officers, he said, “Jade’s gone to the school to get some work done.”
“Alone?” Mitch asked.
Nodding as he closed his laptop, he said, “She said Bill was there in the gym, but after seeing him working for Thomas, I don’t trust him. I’m heading over there to pick her up.”
As he offered a chin lift and turned to walk out of the room, Mildred rushed in, barely skidding to a stop. His hands shot out to steady her, his gaze dropping to her face.
“The fingerprints from George’s boat just came in,” she rushed. “I’ve got the report loaded to your notes.”
Shooting his gaze up to the whiteboard where the computer image of the report was projected, his jaw tightened. “Fucking hell,” he ground out, as Mitch and the others stood quickly.
The officers piled into three SUVs as Mildred placed the call to Sheriff Hudson, letting him in on the situation. The drive to the harbor only took a minute, and Lance was pleased to see both the Carson and the Taylor boats docked.
After Mitch parked, he jumped out, heading straight into Skip’s office with him, while Ginny and Grant stayed outside. Thrusting the door open, a quick glance proved the office was empty. Turning around, he headed back outside, his eyes focused on the Carsons’ boat.
Jade’s stomach growled and she glanced up at the clock on the wall. Knowing Lance was on his way, she thought of stopping by the diner on the way home and getting hamburgers and fries to go. As her stomach grumbled again, she saved her work and closed her laptop.
Shaking her head, she tossed her phone and the bag of sea glass into her purse. Standing, she opened the cabinet door to grab her coat, but a soft click caused her to halt her movements. Hearing the footsteps of someone in the room, she peered around the cabinet door. Her brow knit in confusion as she watched Skip stalk over to the window, staring down at the children’s artwork. He appeared to be searching for something as he moved along the bookshelf, body bent over each frame.
“What are you doing?” she asked, her mind unable to catch up with the bizarre scene playing out in front of her.
Startled, he turned suddenly, his hard, unsmiling gaze landing on her. “Where is it?”
“What?” she asked, placing her hands on her hips, exasperation in her voice. “Skip, what are you looking for?”
He dragged his hand through his hair, grimacing as his eyes darted around the room before landing back on hers. “The sea glass. Where’s the sea glass you said was here at school?”
“Sea glass?” she repeated.
“Yes,” he barked. “You said the other day that you found a bag of sea glass on the beach. A plastic bag. Then you said it was here and I want to know where it is.” His voice became deeper, more strident with each word.
“Why?” she asked, a trickle of fear covering her body. Her gaze moved toward the shut door, but before she could move, he stepped forward, effectively cutting off any escape. Snapping her eyes back to him, she observed the sweat on his brow in spite of the coolness of the room.
“Skip,” she began, softening her voice, hoping it would be effective in calming him. “I don’t know what you’re looking for. Why don’t we go outside and you can let me know what you need—”
Shaking his head, he said, “No, Ms. Lyons. We’re not going outside. We’re not going anywhere together.” Sticking his hand in his large coat pocket, he continued, “You’re going to get my bag of sea glass. And then I’m leaving. By myself.”
Keeping her eyes on him, she said, “You still haven’t told me why.”
“Because it’s not sea glass.”
Blinking hard as her head gave a little shake, she repeated, “It’s not sea glass?”
“No.” His voice cracking, he said, “You have a quarter of a million dollars in your possession and had no idea.”
“Quarter of a million…”
“Diamonds, Ms. Lyons. You have my bag of uncut diamonds.”
33
Lance’s footsteps pounded up the metal plank before he jumped the last few feet to the deck. Richard and Rick stopped in their tracks, their eyes wide as they watched the Baytown Police swarm the dock.
“Officer—”
“Where’s Skip?” he shouted, his steps not halting until he reached the two men. “When did you last see him?”
“Uh…uh…” Rick stammered, shaking his head in uncertainty, his eyes darting between him, his father, and the other officers.
Richard stepped up to him, a grimace firmly in place. “Fuckin’ hell.” Sighing heavily, he said, “Skip—”
“What? What about Skip?” Rick blurted, his brows lowered as he looked at his dad, confusion marring his expression.
“Boy, if the police are investigating a murder and they come hauling ass in here looking for someone, don’t you think they got a reason?” Richard bit out, staring at Rick. Turning back to him, he answered, “We got back to dock about an hour ago. Ain’t seen hide nor hair of Skip. He’s usually here this time of day, but not always.” Rubbing his calloused hand over his face, he said, “I’m sorry as hell, but I got no idea where he’s at.”
Lance turned around and shouted, “Burt, get in Skip’s office and check his computer.”
Mitch hurried up the plank as well and said, “Fastest search warrant I’ve ever seen. Judge Harris just sent the word to Mildred.”
Standing on the deck of the boat, feet apart and hands on his hips, Lance cast his eyes toward the bay. Would he have gone out on a boat? Hearing a noise behind him, he turned to see Harold Taylor walking toward the Carson boat.
“What’s goin’ on?” he yelled up.
“You see Skip leave this morning?”
Nodding, Harold replied, “He was here as I readied my boat, but I saw him get in his ol’ truck and leave real early. There was still a heavy fog out and he usually stays around in case he’s needed in the harbor, so it was strange.”
His gaze shot to Richard, still standing next to him, and he asked, “Old truck? What does it look like?”
“He’s got an old Ford…dark blue with some scratches on it. Had it for years, but figure it’s good to have around here for hauling all kinds of equipment—”
Calling into his radio, Mitch ordered, “Mable, get the license number of Skip Morton’s truck. Put out a BOLO and call it into Colt.”
“I’m going to the school to get Jade. I don’t want her unprotected,” he barked, jogging down the plank to the dock. Looking over at Ginny, he nodded as she called out she would ride with him. Hearing footsteps behind him, he glanced over his shoulder and heard Mitch order Grant to follow.
Blinking again, Jade gasped, “Diamonds? Di…what?”
“I don’t have time to waste time with you…just give them to me,” Skip said through gritted teeth. His eyes darted around again before he swung them back to her. “I don’t want to hurt you, but I’ve got to get those diamonds.”
Swallowing deeply, her chest heaved as he pulled a gun out of his deep coat pocket. “No…” she whispered, her mind racing to find an escape but seeing none. Her purse, with the bag of sea glass mixed with what she now knew were diamonds, lay on the desk.
“I need those diamonds,” he reiterated, his eyes shooting back to the children’s frames, before he moved slightly toward the windows. “Did they use them? Are they mixed in over here?”
“Yes,” she lied, desperate to keep him away from her and on the other side of the room. “They used all the sea glass I brought.”
He swung his gaze around before grabbing a canvas bag full of books from the floor, dumping the contents. “Put ‘em in here. Now.”
Not seeing a choice, with the gun waving toward her, she walked over on quivering legs, her hand shaking as she lifted it to take the bag. Following his instructions, she picked up the first frame and placed it in. The cold barrel of the gun jabbed her between her shoulder blades.
“Hurry,” he growled. “You don’t gotta be careful. Just dump ‘em in the bag.”
“Why? I don’t understand?” she said, trying to get the frames in and praying he did not notice that all of them were just covered in sea glass. “Did you kill George? Were you the one?”
“He messed things up…for both of us,” Skip replied. “If he had kept doing what he needed to, we’d both be rich.”
“On stolen diamonds?”
“This was just part of it. Hell, we had it made—”
Hearing a noise at the door, they both turned around, but with the door closed and no one visible through the narrow window, she had no idea if someone was there or not.
Bill’s in the building…please let him come looking for me.
Poking her again, Skip ordered, “Hurry. Get ‘em all in.”
The canvas bag was full as she placed the last frame into the top, gasping as he jerked it out of her hands.
“Come on,” he said, waving to the door with his gun.
“What are we going to do?”
“I’m not going to hurt you, but I gotta take you with me. You’ll be my insurance for making sure I get out of here.”
“I won’t tell—”
“Shut up.” Cocking his head to the side, he said, “Did you hear something?”
Shaking her head jerkily, she said, “No. There’s no one here but me.”
“Bill’s here…that’s how I got in.”
Picking Up the Pieces Page 24
