Coming Home: Baytown Boys Series

by Maryann Jordan

  The dunes at the edge of the golf course where someone hid, waiting for Tori to walk by. The tall, scruffy grass would have provided perfect cover. The Dunes Resort has several different residential sections containing close to fifty homes, forty townhomes, and close to eighty condos.

  Peering down at the map, he remembered when the land had been a large farm. A developer from Virginia Beach had seen the potential for a beautiful resort and bought the land. It took years to build and landscape the rural surrounding into a golfing and seaside community. Baytown looked at The Dunes as a double-edged sword—it provided much needed revenue to a town that had been slowly dying, but many of the seasonal residents did little to integrate into the town’s life.

  Still…Baytown was thriving and had maintained its small-town appeal with the resort lying to the south of the town.

  Grant and Ginny walked into the room, interrupting his perusal. Both glanced down at the map, Ginny immediately moving to Mitch’s side to peruse it more carefully while Grant moved to the counter to pour coffee.

  “Anything new?” Ginny asked.

  “Most of the transitional, vacationing residents have left The Dunes by now,” he commented. “So we’re left with the full time residents and some fall vacationers staying in the condos. I keep going back to thinking that it was someone who was already there that morning, not just coming in.”

  “Is there a resident who lives there who’d want to hurt Tori?” Grant asked, walking over with two cups of coffee in his hand. Placing one in front of Ginny, he sipped his before leaning over the map as well.

  “Can’t come up with anyone,” Mitch added, pulling out a piece of paper with a list of names on it. “Here are the Baytown residents who live in The Dunes. Even got a few of our American Legion members there. Most came from other areas and retired here. I’ve pored over the list but can’t come up with one single person who’d have any connection to Tori at all.”

  Ginny tapped her short, manicured fingernail on the condo section of the map and said, “A lot of these are rentals. Is there a list of who was staying?”

  Pursing his lips, Mitch shook his head slightly. “Almost impossible. The Dunes realty office has a list of the condos that are listed as rentals and if someone rents through them, then yeah, we know who was there. But many are owned by people who rent them out to friends or family, and quite a few are owned by companies who use them for their employees to rent.”

  “So, in other words, there could have been any number of people there when Tori was shot?” Grant growled.

  Mitch nodded, his frustration showing as he lifted his eyes to his staff. Burt and Sam had walked in, hearing the last of the conversation. “I’m thinking of asking Gareth to do a search on the owners of the condos…even if for no other reason than future reference.”

  “But if it were someone from inside the resort, it would have to be a resident or someone staying there,” Burt said. “What does your gut tell you?”

  Mitch eyed his officer, knowing his FBI reputation of following his instincts preceded him. “I’ve spent a lot of time focusing on the ex, the sister, even the city manager. I still think they have the most to gain from Tori’s death. But I’m now thinking that they didn’t have to do the act themselves. They could have had someone else do it for them.”

  “Murder for hire?” Sam queried, his eyebrows lifted in shock.

  “Don’t know,” Mitch answered but, piercing his staff with his gaze, he added, “But at this point, we can’t discount anything.”

  Ginny nodded slowly, her eyes showing her intelligence at work. “Just because Vanessa doesn’t own a gun and probably doesn’t know anything about firing one, doesn’t mean she couldn’t find someone to do the task for her.”

  Mildred’s voice came over their radios. “Domestic disturbance call.” She rattled off the address—one that the group was familiar with.

  “Jesus, can’t she just leave him?” Grant groaned as he and Sam headed out the door.

  “It’s not that simple,” Ginny replied, her face a mask of professionalism belying any personal thoughts.

  Mitch knew the caller. Her husband must have come home again from an all night bender and he had become a mean drunk before passing out. Heaving a sigh, he nodded toward the others as he called out to Mildred, “Going to Gareth’s. Then I’ve got another meeting with the Mayor.”

  Mildred tossed him a wave along with a look of sympathy.

  *

  Mitch pulled up to the security house at The Dunes Resort and nodded to the guard as he was waved in. Earlier, he and Gareth sat in the small room across from his office, since it was unoccupied, and spread The Dunes map in front of them. When Gareth admitted he had never been to the resort, Mitch decided that the town’s private investigator needed to see the area first hand.

  Now, Gareth glanced at the guard and commented, “Not a lot of security, is it?”

  “No,” Mitch admitted. “I’ve heard the resort management is in the process of stepping up their security. The owners and golf members get yearly passes on their vehicles and a number code for the gate. All other vehicles are supposed to check in with the guard and go on a list. But since people can come in only to go to the clubhouse restaurant or to play a round of golf, you can have a lot of visitors.”

  “I assume you’ve gone through the list from the day of the shooting?”

  “Yeah, but it only had a couple of names on it, so I looked at the previous day as well.”

  “Thinking someone was lying in wait?”

  “Maybe. But that doesn’t take into account the people who are there as temporary visitors, but are staying the week.”

  Mitch drove down the main road, lined with tall pine and stately magnolia trees. Rose bushes, mixed with a variety of other plants, scattered throughout the pine mulch brought a blast of color to the area.

  “Beautiful,” Gareth commented.

  “Yeah, the developer of this community spared no expense to make it a real showplace. He went belly-up when the market crashed, but by then the resort was already established.” Mitch drove down several streets containing manicured lawns surrounding townhomes. “Most of these are actually lived in by the owners.”

  He then moved to the next neighborhood, driving through modest single-family homes. “Same here. These people are permanent residents.”

  The next two neighborhoods were filled with massive, expensive homes bordering the golf course.

  “Million-dollar homes?” Gareth asked, his gaze darting around.

  “Oh, yeah,” Mitch added. “Some of these are lived in…some are just tax write-offs for the owners who have probably never set foot in them.” Chuckling, he pointed to one and said, “Got a Washington Redskin player owning that one. Far as anyone can tell, he’s never even been here.”

  “Can’t imagine having that kind of money,” Gareth admitted. “But then, I’ve got my own little piece of the Eastern Shore so I don’t need a mansion to be happy.”

  Circling back around, Mitch turned into the last neighborhood, a quaint space filled with condos. “There are a about twenty condo buildings with six condos each. Some are lived in full time…some are used just as rentals by the owners. And some are owned by companies to use for their employees or for retreats.”

  Nodding as he looked around, Gareth thanked Mitch. “This is good for me to see, since I will have to come here sometimes for investigations. Now I have a better idea of what I’m looking at.”

  Lastly, Mitch drove to the end of the lane where cars and golf carts parked in order for residents to cross the dune and go to the private beach. The two men got out and walked a short distance to where Mitch determined someone laid in wait for Tori. Pointing out to the beach, he said, “There’s where Tori was walking. So, from the angle of the trajectory, I calculated that our shooter was approximately here.”

  Gareth looked down at the ground, saying nothing, then turned his gaze to the beach before moving it back to where Mitch had parked. �
��Seeing the set up…you’re right. It could be someone who was staying here, who did not have to sign in because they had a rental or owner’s decal, knew there would be virtually no golfers out, and waited to take their shots. Then a quick dash back to their vehicle and back to where they came from. Later, when they left, they just had to be questioned by the guard and your officers on their way out. Or they could have left immediately before anyone headed over there.”

  The two men walked quietly back to the Jeep, each lost in their own thoughts, before Mitch turned and said, “This is what I need from you. I need a list of the owners of The Dune’s properties and, if it’s a company, any information you can get about them as well.”

  Smiling, Gareth agreed. “No problem, Mitch. I should have that for you soon.”

  Driving back to the station to talk to the mayor, Mitch heaved a slight sigh of relief. His officers were doing all they could, but the small force made solving a murder and attempted murder more difficult. Maybe, just maybe, with Gareth’s assistance, we’ll get somewhere.

  Chapter 26

  The group at the Seafood Shack smiled and greeted one another enthusiastically. The Friday night music was pumping as Mitch and Tori stepped outside to settle at one of the tables on the deck overlooking the Baytown harbor.

  Gareth, already there, waved to the couple then kept his gaze on Katelyn as she plopped down near Tori. Mitch wondered if Gareth had given any thought to talking to Katelyn about working as a receptionist for his business. From the way Gareth was eying the tall, dark-haired woman, he had to believe that the PI was at least considering it.

  Tori glanced around to see who else was already there. Belle was present, her shy smile peeking out as she sat near the end of the table, next to the wall. Zac winked toward the waitress he had been chatting with, before moving to the deck. Callan came out talking to Ginny as they took seats at the adjoining table. Jason followed, appearing right at home as he greeted the others.

  “Look who the cat drug in!” called the bartender as Aiden and Brogan made their way through the restaurant toward the deck as well.

  Tossing up their hands in salute, the two made their way toward the back deck.

  “Hell, the way Josh acts, it’s like he’s never seen us outside of Finn’s,” Brogan groused.

  Aiden laughed, “That’s ’cause we’re almost never outside of Finn’s. It’s a treat to go somewhere else.”

  The two founds seats with the others in their group, which was growing by the minute. Soon, most of the deck was filled with the Baytown boys, girls, and their friends. Two young women walked in, both smiling shyly toward Katelyn.

  “Rose! Jade! I’m glad you could make it!” Katelyn shouted as she jumped up from her seat. Grabbing the newcomers’ hands, she pulled them toward the group and made the introductions.

  “Everyone, this is Rose. She’s opening an ice cream parlor and has recently moved into town. And this is Jade, a new teacher at the elementary school.”

  “Fresh blood,” Aiden called out, earning a glare from his sister.

  Rose stared at the group, her deer-in-the-headlights look giving an indication to her feelings. Katelyn turned toward her and said, “Don’t worry about everyone’s names now, …you’ll eventually figure them all out. And ignore my dumb-ass brother. I assure you that our parents did teach us manners! Come on, sit with me.”

  The group welcomed the young women and their conversations picked back up as their glasses were quickly filled. Belle smiled at Jade and Rose, leaned over and whispered, “I’m Belle. I’m not new here, but well…this group can seem overwhelming at times, but they really are the best.”

  Jade settled in next to Katelyn as Rose smiled at Belle sitting next to her. Rose gazed back at the crowd, her eyes stopping on the long-haired, tattooed handsome man sitting near her…his twinkling gaze staring back.

  The music continued to play as the sun began its descent in the sky over the bay. Tori, leaning back against Mitch, watched the shimmering water change from blue to orange and pink, with hints of turquoise and jade mixed in. She sighed happily, the realization hitting her that Baytown had never just been her grandmother’s hometown—it had always been where she felt at home.

  Tori observed in interest as Grant and Jillian, sitting at opposite ends of the table, watched each other when the other was not looking. Grant would stare at Jillian, but as soon as she turned toward him, he jerked his head away. Then the same action would be repeated as Jillian stared at Grant. Shaking her head, Tori wondered when the two of them would ever get past whatever hurt and longings they had buried.

  “Whatcha thinking?”

  Mitch’s voice, his warm breath tickling her ear, had her smiling. Twisting around, she shrugged. “Just wondering about some people and what keeps them apart.”

  His arms around her middle squeezed as he dropped a kiss on her lips. “Glad that’s not us.”

  “Me too,” she grinned against his mouth.

  They jumped apart as the food and drinks were delivered to their tables. Everyone began helping themselves to the shared platters. Baskets of fried clams, chicken wings, nachos, and sliders began disappearing as the pitchers of beer were passed.

  “Their sliders aren’t as good as our burgers,” Brogan commented, shoving one in his mouth.

  “Yeah, but their menu is pretty different from ours at the pub,” Aiden replied. Slapping his brother on the shoulder, he added, “Don’t worry, bro. There’s room in Baytown for both of us.” Looking at the pretty waitress who was refilling beer pitchers, he continued, “And the Seafood Shack closes up during the winter months, giving Finn’s all the business.”

  “Ohhh, fish tacos,” Jillian cooed as the waitress plopped down more food. “This is better than each of us ordering out own plates. Sharing is so much better.” As she reached for another mini-taco, Grant’s hand snatched it out from under her, a grin on his face. Caught off guard, she rolled her eyes and then reached for another one.

  Tori leaned back into Mitch’s chest, turning to place her lips near his ears. “Do you think Jillian and Grant will ever get together?” she whispered.

  Cutting his eyes down to hers, he whispered back, “Babe, I don’t get into the romantic lives of my friends.”

  Jerking around, she glared. “Oh, too macho, are we?” she huffed, still whispering. “You can’t tell me that you men don’t talk about women.”

  Chuckling, he tightened his arms around her once more. “Okay, then let me amend that. I know they had a thing years ago and he’s changed since coming back from the war. But he’s a good friend and a good police officer. Not going to get in his business.” Another huff met his ears and he leaned around to kiss her cheek. “Especially when I’ve got my hands full with my own love life.”

  Feeling his soft lips combined with the scruff of his beard against her cheek, she melted. Impossible to keep the smile off her face, she rested her head against him, sighing in pleasure. Looking around at the boisterous group, she grinned wider. The memories of so many times as a child, and then a teen, with the Baytown boys and girls hanging together filled her mind. The ones who left, came back a bit more hardened. The ones who stayed were a bit more jaded. Feeling the warm cocoon of Mitch’s embrace, she closed her eyes for a moment realizing, we’re the lucky ones in love. Her eyes suddenly popped open as another thought slammed into her peaceful reverie. At least, as long as I can stay alive!

  *

  Mitch had been called out and Tori hated the feeling of lying in bed alone. Has it only been a few days that I’ve grown used to Mitch’s presence in my bed? Her mind drifted to their growing relationship. Glancing around her shadowed bedroom, she realized he had been spending most nights with her. The pastel décor was suited to her…at least when I was younger, but she knew it was not right for Mitch. So if we stay together, where will we live? His place is too small…this place comes with all the responsibility of the inn and only this bedroom suite in the attic.

  No answers came t
o her so she rolled over, punching her pillow in frustration as she forced her mind to wander to what was needed for the next day.

  Besides Jason, she only had two other couples this week for lodgers so it would not take her long to fix breakfast and clean. Maybe today would be a good day to work in the yard. Many of the no-longer flowering summer plants needed to be cut back and she noticed a few limbs hanging low. The temperature was supposed to be milder so a day spent outside working appealed to her. Smiling, now that her decision had been made, she rolled over once more, hoping sleep would come.

  Suddenly the peaceful night was blasted by the screeching of the smoke detector alarm. Oh shit! Heart pounding, she threw off the covers and bolted through her door and down to the second floor, slamming into Jason as he plowed into the hall as well. The other two couples had opened their doors, their faces filled with concern and sleepy confusion.

  “Please follow me,” she called out, willing her voice to be steady when her heart was pounding. “It’s probably nothing, but I’d rather be safe.”

  Her eyes sought Jason’s, who placed his hands on her shoulders. Leaning down, he spoke calmly. “Take them outside and make sure they’re comfortable. I’ll check it out.”

  Nodding, she led the others down the stairs and out the front door. Seeing no smoke, she hoped the alarm was tripped by mistake. It would be embarrassing to have woken the guests in the night, but at least there would be no threat.

  Opening the front door, the group made their way to the front lawn where a bench sat under one of the large magnolia trees. “Please have a seat and I’ll be right back,” she promised, turning to go back into the house.

  “Miss, you should stay here too,” one of the gentlemen said, his arm protectively around his wife’s shoulders.

  Smiling, she replied, “I’ll be careful. I want to check to see what’s going on.”

  Jogging back into the house, she came up behind Jason as he entered the kitchen. “What have you found?”

  “Jesus, Tori, get back outside!” he ordered.