by Marilyn Turk
“Over there.” The man pointed to another fellow smoking a cigarette, just beyond the circle of light from the clubhouse. The red glow extended from his hand like a red flashlight.
Russell marched over to the man. “John, I hear you saw something tonight.”
The man tossed his cigarette to the ground, then crushed it with his shoe. “Yes, sir. You told us to come find you if we seen anything.”
“That’s correct. So what did you see?”
“Looked like a small boat, maybe a raft.” John extended his arms out to demonstrate the length.
“Where was it? Could you see anyone on it?” Russell set his hands on his hips.
“Looked like it was floating over toward St. Simons. Far as I could tell, there was four, maybe five people in it.”
“Could you tell what they looked like? See any uniforms?”
“No, sir, it was pretty dark. If the moon hadn’t been so bright, I wouldn’t a seen ’em.”
“Thank you, John. As usual, don’t discuss this with anyone else. I’ll notify the Coast Guard.”
John nodded, turned, and walked away.
Russell spun on his heel and stalked back inside, hoping he wouldn’t run into Lexie. Much as he’d like to see her, he couldn’t waste any time making the call to the Coast Guard. He paused at the front desk and addressed the clerk.
“Please call Mr. Prentice and ask him to come to my office—right away. Thank you.”
Russell climbed the stairs to the fourth floor and turned to his right at the top, heading to his office. Bernon would have to be there when he made the call. While he waited for him, he gazed outside the windows of the room to the night sky. The full moon had risen and illuminated the grounds below. He opened the door to the balcony and stepped outside, letting the brisk winter air cool him from his hike up the stairs.
Lexie’s face appeared before him, gazing at him in the candlelight at dinner. The atmosphere at the table hinged on being romantic, at least for him. Had she felt it too? There had been moments when he thought so, but he wasn’t sure. What he wouldn’t give to have her beside him right now, his arm around her in the moonlight. He heard Bernon enter the office and close the door behind him. Russell turned around to go back inside, shaking his head. What made him think someone like her would ever be attracted to someone like him?
“Russell, what’s going on? Did something happen?”
“John, one of our lookouts, saw a boat or a raft out in the water tonight. He said it was drifting toward St. Simons.”
“Ours or theirs?”
Russell shrugged and lifted his hands. “He couldn’t tell—it was too dark. But he did see several people in it.”
“We better call the Coast Guard, don’t you think?”
“Yes, I was about to.” He pointed to a chair and Bernon sat. Russell lifted the phone receiver and asked the operator to connect him as he sat down across from the club president.
When he finished speaking with the man in charge at the Coast Guard office, he hung up the phone.
“Seems like the Germans torpedoed a tanker this afternoon, about 15 miles off the coast. They got a mayday signal from the tanker.”
Bernon slammed his hand on the desk. “Blast it! Any survivors?”
“They picked up a few in a lifeboat but don’t know if there were any more. The raft could be another lifeboat, or it could be from the German submarine. They’re going to check it out and let us know.” Russell raked his hair with his fingers.
“Maybe someone at the lighthouse saw something.”
“They saw the explosion from the tanker.”
“Good Lord.” Bernon ran his finger inside his shirt collar as if it was too tight. “I can’t believe this is happening so close to home. Should we mention it to anyone?”
Russell shook his head. “They told me they still want us to keep it under wraps.”
Bernon stood to leave. “Well, I guess there’s nothing we can do until we hear from them tomorrow.”
“No, we just sit tight.”
Bernon waved. “Good night. See you in the morning.”
“Night, Bernon.”
As the door closed, Russell stood and stared out the window into the darkness. He had an urge to go up into the tower to look through the telescope, so he climbed up the wooden ladder into the glass turret. He could barely make out any lights across the sound to Brunswick. The moonlight shone a path across the water, revealing nothing amiss. As he looked toward the water, he thought he saw the flicker of light in the trees around Destiny. He aimed the telescope down at her house and focused the lens. He saw it again—a light inside the cottage, and it was moving from room to room.
Russell watched, straining to see more, but he was too far away. Something was going on in that house. He’d have to go check it out himself.
He climbed back down the ladder, hurried out of his office, and down the steps to the front door, hoping no one would approach him before he could leave the clubhouse. He passed the desk clerk who opened his mouth to speak, but Russell waved him off. Whatever it was could wait.
His foot ached as he ran down the front steps of the clubhouse. He blew out a breath and pushed ahead, wondering what he would do if he surprised the intruder. He should’ve grabbed a gun from the gun case in the event the other guy was armed. If he could just see who it was, if it was someone he knew, they could apprehend them later. If not, he didn’t know what he’d do.
He trotted down the dark road, illuminated only by moonlight where the trees allowed. Russell’s balance wasn’t the greatest with his bum foot, and the shadows hid any obstacles that might be in his path. Lord, please don’t let me trip and fall down. Before the accident, he’d been one of the fastest on the school track team. But that was a long time ago. Ten years ago, to be exact.
As the cottage came into view, he slowed, breathing hard. Boy, was he out of shape. He had to catch his breath lest his heavy panting alert the intruder to his presence. Stepping behind a shrub, he kept his eye on the upstairs windows. A golden glow drew his attention to the room at the front of the house—Lexie’s grandparents’ bedroom.
Russell stared at the window, hoping to catch a glimpse of the person in the room. A silhouette passed in front of the window, and Russell thought he recognized something familiar. The man wore a hat, but so did most men. Russell’s stomach tightened. What if there was more than one person?
Russell’s heart pounded as he recovered from his jog and waited for another glance. The light moved away from the window and the house reclaimed its nocturnal disguise. Russell edged closer to the house, hoping to detect someone leaving the building. It was unlikely that an intruder would use the front door, so he crept around the rear, hiding in the shadows.
When he reached the back of the house, he glanced toward the river, half-expecting to see a boat along the bank, loaded with a bunch of Germans. What would he do then? He breathed a sigh of relief to see the riverbank empty. Just as he stepped toward the cottage, he heard movement nearby. Russell froze, wondering if a gun was pointed at him.
“Who’s there?” Russell whispered, summoning all the bravado he could.
A gruff voice mumbled, “Abner Jones.”
Russell spun around and saw the tall, stooped man emerge from the shadow.
“What are you doing here, Abner?” Russell kept his voice low, in case someone else was within earshot.
“Watching.”
“Watching what?”
“The house.”
Russell started to ask why but realized Abner might have seen the light inside too. While they stood there, the screen door off the kitchen banged shut. Leaving Abner alone, Russell rushed around to the other side of the house, hoping to catch a glimpse of whoever went out. But as he rounded the corner of the house, there was no sign of anyone else. If Abner hadn’t delayed him, Russell might’ve seen the intruder. His temper rose, ready to lash out at the old man. But when Abner appeared at his side, he drew in a breath and blew
it out to calm himself.
“Abner, I’m sure you have a good reason to be here.”
No response.
“Abner, would you please tell me why you were watching the house?”
“Want to see who’s trespassing.”
“And did you see who it was?”
“Nope. Some man.”
“Someone we know? Or a stranger?”
“Not sure. Could be somebody who works here though.”
“Do you have any idea who it might be?” Russell’s patience wore thin.
“Could be a German spy.”
“Why do you say that?” Russell stuck his hands on his hips and glared at the man.
Abner shrugged his shoulders. “’Cause they’re around here.”
Russell was getting nowhere. Had the man seen anyone or was he just hallucinating?
“Okay, Abner. Tell you what. You keep an eye on the house and let me know right away if you see anyone. If you don’t know them, at least give me a description. All right?”
Abner nodded. “That Miss Smithfield. She’s nice. Like her grandpa.”
Russell’s mouth fell open. Was this Abner talking?
“I agree, Abner. She is very nice.” He recalled what Lexie told him. “And she spoke well of you too.” He had an idea. “Miss Smithfield would very much like to know who’s been in her cottage. Do you think you can help her find out?”
Abner nodded his head. “When I get through at the golf course, I’ll come over here.”
“Never mind the golf course. I’ll have you put back on the grounds crew this side of the island.”
Another nod.
“Tomorrow, there will be some people coming to work on the house, fix some things. But they’re okay—I’m sending them.” At least he thought they were okay. He wasn’t sure about anybody anymore.
Chapter 27
The morning staff greeted Lexie as they hurried into the dining room to start their shifts. She had arrived even earlier than usual but assured Mr. Mason she didn’t mind sitting alone in the empty dining room while the kitchen prepared for breakfast. All she wanted was a cup of tea and privacy. Of course, her early arrival guaranteed the first scones fresh from the oven, an added bonus.
Funny how she felt more comfortable with the staff than with the rest of the guests. Perhaps embarrassment about wearing the same clothes over and over again. Her grandmother would be horrified at the thought. The members always dressed for each meal, changing clothes several times a day. The amount of luggage that accompanied them each season often required another boat trip from Brunswick to transport it. Had Lexie thought she’d be staying so long, she would’ve packed a few more things.
Thanks to Mr. Mason, she had learned the names of the dining room staff, along with other facts about them—who had worked there the longest, who was the newest, who was married to whom, and so on. He had also filled her in on which members were new to the club, and their backgrounds as well. Little did he know she might soon be replaced with a new member.
“Good morning, Mr. Thompson.” Mr. Mason lifted his gaze past Lexie’s chair, pausing before he poured more tea into her cup. “Can I get you anything?”
Lexie’s heart skipped a beat as Russell pulled out a chair beside her.
“Good morning, Mr. Mason. Coffee, please.” Russell glanced at Lexie, lingering on her eyes. “Good morning, Lexie.”
Her face warmed at his twinkle. What a welcome relief to last night’s serious mood. She beamed back at him as a ray of early morning sun streamed across the table.
“Good morning, Russell. I didn’t expect to see you so early.”
“I thought you might be here. I’ve heard you like having the dining room to yourself.”
Memories of the previous evening when he’d left her all alone flooded her mind, and she shot him an angry glare.
Russell drew back and frowned before understanding crossed his face. “I wasn’t talking about last night. I was referring to you coming to breakfast early. I’m sorry—I hated to leave in such a hurry last night. Would you forgive me … please?”
Lexie couldn’t stay angry with him, not with that sad puppy-dog look on his face. She relaxed and smiled.
“Sure, Russell. And yes, I do like to be one of the first diners in the morning. I’m not very friendly first thing, and I need time to warm up to the day. After I’ve had my tea, I’m more hospitable.”
“Hey, I can appreciate that. I like to grab a cup of coffee from the kitchen and run up to my office before I deal with the day’s business. That time is reserved for God. He and I meet on the balcony and discuss things before I jump into them.” Russell studied his cup. “I’ve discovered the day just doesn’t go well if I don’t start out right.”
Lexie squirmed in her chair. Fingering her pearls, she groped for a response. Russell’s relationship to God was so personal, like they were friends, not strangers, like her.
Russell glanced up at her. “You’re very quiet. Haven’t had enough tea yet?”
“Apparently not.” Lexie lifted her cup and took a sip, keeping her eyes focused on the lace tablecloth.
“Oh, I forgot to tell you why I came in here to disrupt your routine.” He leaned forward and lowered his voice as he glanced from side to side. “I saw something at Destiny last night.”
Lexie’s spine stiffened and her breath caught. “You did? You went to Destiny last night?”
Russell went on to tell her about seeing the light from the tower and going to check it out. When he got to the part about running into Abner, her heart slowed.
“So, I think you were right, Lexie. I think Abner is just trying to keep an eye on Destiny and maybe you too. His commitment to your grandfather is remarkable.”
“It is. I wonder if the poor man ever sleeps.”
“I suppose he has to sometime. But I think he has trouble sleeping—you know, the war. Another man who lives in the dormitory where Abner lives says he often wakes up at night hollering. I think he has nightmares.” Russell drained his coffee cup then set it back on the table, pointing to it as Mr. Mason watched nearby. “So, anyway, I asked him to watch the house for us and report to me what or who he sees. I hope you don’t mind, but I don’t see what harm it can do.”
“No, I don’t mind. Guess I’ve gotten used to him being around. But tell me, did you see anyone else last night?”
Russell shook his head. “No. I’m afraid running into Abner sidetracked me. But maybe he will see something now that he’s been assigned that responsibility.”
The waiter refilled Russell’s cup, disappeared behind the kitchen door, and returned with a tray of scones. He set them on the table, grinning at Lexie. “Here you are, Miss Smithfield—warm from the oven.”
“Thank you, Mr. Mason. Looks like I’ve developed a habit. At this rate, my clothes won’t fit anymore.”
The waiter laughed and stepped away.
Lexie took a scone and bit into it, savoring the sweet taste before speaking again.
“Russell, what was the emergency last night? Can you tell me?”
Russell had a mouthful of scone. He held up his hand motioning her to wait as he took a sip of coffee. “Wonderful scones! I must congratulate the bakery chef.” When he acted as though he might leave the table to do so right away, Lexie placed her hand on his arm.
“Wait. You’re avoiding my question, aren’t you?”
He looked down at her hand, blowing out a breath. “All right. One of our spotters saw a raft or boat with some men last night. It appeared to be heading toward St. Simons.”
She gasped. “Oh no. Could they have been Germans?”
“We don’t know. We’re waiting for the Coast Guard to tell us what they find.”
“And when they do, you’ll tell me, won’t you?” Lexie’s heart raced. Maybe she should leave the island now.
He studied her face before answering. “Yes. I will.”
Another waiter approached the table. “Mr. Thompson, Mr. Prentice wants
to see you in your office.”
“Duty calls, I’m afraid.” Russell pushed back his chair. “Maybe we’ll have an answer.”
He stood to leave. “The workmen should be at Destiny today. I’ll see you later.”
After he left, Lexie decided to go to the cottage while the workers were there. She’d feel safe with others around. And maybe, in the daylight, she’d notice something she’d overlooked before.
She arrived at the cottage in time to see a truck pull up in the driveway and three men dressed in overalls get out. They walked around to the rear of the truck, began unloading supplies, and looked up as she approached.
“Hello. My name is Alexandra Smithfield. This is my house.”
“Hello, ma’am.” A man with wiry gray hair tipped the bill of his flat cap. “I’m Sam Williams. That’s Zeke and Joel.” He motioned to the other two men, who greeted her with nods. “You wanna show us what needs to be done? I got a work order here from Mr. Thompson, but I’d rather see for myself, you know.”
“I’ll be happy to show you. Come on in.”
Lexie found the door unlocked, assuming Russell had left it that way for the men. She entered the front foyer and looked each way. Nothing had changed since she’d last been there.
“Most of the damage is upstairs.” She pointed toward the stairs in the hallway.
Mr. Williams glanced around and took notice of the water stain over in the dining room. He strode over to it, reached up, and put his hand on the wallpaper in the corner.
“Damp here. You got a leak somewhere.”
“Yes, I believe it’s coming from the leaky window upstairs.”
“Hmm. All right, let’s take a look.”
Lexie led the men upstairs to the room where she’d found the leak. The workmen entered the room and studied the window, then checked the floor.
“Floor’s wet. Yep. Water’s been coming in and soaking the floor before running down into the wall below. We need to fix the frame and the window.”
They went back down to get their tools and materials. There were some long boards and a couple of sawhorses in the truck bed. “We’ll have to cut those boards here. And we’ve got that pane of glass to carry up too.” Mr. Williams looked over at Lexie. “Is there another way to get upstairs so we don’t have to carry this stuff through the whole house?”
