“No worries,” he said, looping his arm through hers as they entered the building. “We have about an hour and a half until they close.”
“I think we should focus on any records pertaining to Drake Burton and his family, as well as Camilla Callahan and her family. It stands to reason that Drake might have stashed the treasure in a place that meant something to him and Camilla.”
Roman snapped his fingers. “Great point. By all accounts he was head over heels in love with her. And she with him.”
“Let’s get to it then!” Jade said, leading the way as they headed toward the lower level of the building.
**
Jade led Roman to the room where they could access information from the early seventeen-hundreds about Drake Burton and Camilla Callahan. They sat down at a table, and with their shoulders touching, buried their noses in archives. From time to time they would quietly communicate or point to something of importance. The smell of Jade’s floral perfume invaded his senses. He still harbored regret about not kissing her the other night. Soon…very soon, he would correct that situation.
“See anything interesting?” Jade asked.
Roman made a sound of disgust. “It’s hard to believe that Camilla married Drake then was murdered by her own father.”
Jade made a tutting sound. “He was trying to shoot Drake, who he considered to be a dastardly character. I can’t imagine how he lived with himself.”
“According to these records, he didn’t live very long,” Roman noted.
“Yes. Five years later he died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Perhaps it was all too much for his conscience to bear.”
“No matter how you slice it, the whole thing was tragic. And Camilla’s death led Drake to the life of an unapologetic pirate.”
“Losing Camilla changed him. I’ve always believed that he no longer had hope. Camilla gave him something to hold on to.” Jade shrugged. “He was lost without her.”
“Look at this! Drake and Camilla met with the pastor at Safe Harbor Church the week before she died.”
“Yes. That’s the church I belong to, remember? The one I invited you to attend service at. They weren’t married there however. Because of the animosity from the Callahan family, they decided it would be too dangerous to their plans to run off to Barbados to be married there. They weren’t sure if someone would try to stop the wedding or try to coerce the pastor into not performing the ceremony.”
“According to this record, Pastor Blackburne met with them and consented to marry them on board Drake’s ship, which is exactly what happened.”
“Hmm. Drake’s ship was destroyed in a storm, so if the treasure was on board it’s at the bottom of the ocean,” Jade said. “Unfortunately, that might explain why it has never surfaced.”
“Yes. Many people speculate that the treasure sank during the storm. Honestly, we’ll never really know unless it’s uncovered somewhere on land.” Roman stroked his chin. “On the other hand, Safe Harbor Church would have been one of the last places where Drake and Camilla were truly together as one. They were planning their union as man and wife at that church. It would have been a joyful time when they met with Pastor Blackburne, especially since he consented to marry them in secret.”
Jade and Roman locked gazes.
“You don’t think he would have stashed the treasure in the church, do you?” Roman asked, his thoughts whirling with all the possibilities.
“At this point, anything is possible,” Jade acknowledged.
As far as theories went, this one made sense. Churches were sacred. Drake had loved Camilla. By all accounts he had considered their love and their union as sacred. If he had stashed the treasure at Safe Harbor Church, there would be some serious symmetry to his plan.
“It makes sense in a way,” Roman said. “Safe Harbor Church was a sacred place for him. He spent some of Camilla’s last hours at that church by her side. And it would be a perfect place to stick it to the Callahan family. Stash the treasure right under their noses at their place of worship.”
Jade nodded. “You’re right, Roman. I almost can’t believe how much sense it makes.”
Was it possible? Roman thought. And if so, how on earth could they begin the process of inspecting the church to find out?
Roman shook his head. “How are we going to check this out? Churches are sacred. I don’t think they’ll take too kindly to us digging up the floors and the walls. It’ll be very obvious if we start poking around.”
Jade’s expression was thoughtful. “The church has been renovated over the years. I’m assuming that the treasure would have surfaced during the renovation process. The only place that has remained the same is the chapel, the steeple and bell tower.”
“That certainly limits our search area,” Roman said, his heart thumping wildly in his chest. “I consider that a very good thing.”
“Should we head over there?” Jade asked. “They don’t usually lock up until later on. Pastor Riggins likes the community to have access to the chapel day and night.”
“He sounds like a good man,” Roman said. He couldn’t wait to meet this Pastor Riggins. To hear Jade tell it, he cared deeply about his congregation and the Treasure Harbor community at large. “Maybe we can check out the church another day since it’s getting late. I’d like to take you out for a meal. Do you like pizza?”
“What a question!” Jade teased. “I love pizza. And I know the perfect place. Pirate Pizzeria. It’s fantastic. My friend Brody is the manager over there. You’ll like him.”
“So what are we waiting for?” Roman asked, jumping up from his chair. “My stomach is grumbling like crazy.”
Jade gathered up her belongings and they walked toward the exit, enjoying a comfortable silence as they made their way to the parking lot. Roman was discovering that when he was with Jade he didn’t need to work overtime to find things to discuss. They had a nice vibe between them, and when things quieted down they were both comfortable with the quiet. He’d never felt so at ease with a woman in his life. Day by day he was falling for Jade. And it scared him a little bit because he sensed she was still gun shy about relationships.
He didn’t know how long he would remain in Treasure Harbor or if Jade would be able to work past the fact that he was really in town due to his employment with Buddy Keaton. He knew that he needed to tell her. It was only a matter of time before it all exploded in his face. Perhaps Jade would understand. Perhaps it wouldn’t be so bad.
As he followed behind Jade’s car as she led the way to Pirate Pizzeria, he found himself praying to a God he thought he’d put in his rearview mirror.
Lord. Help me find a way to be completely honest with Jade about the real reason I’m in Treasure Harbor. Show me the way to share my past with her so that she understands my motivation. Let her know that my intentions are pure and that I’m beginning to care very deeply about her.
Roman surprised himself by praying to God. It had been a very long time since he’d opened up to God. It was as if the words had just slipped out of his mouth. He was changing day by day, he realized. He was becoming a better man. Roman had a sneaking suspicion that it had everything to do with a certain exotic gemologist named Jade.
Chapter Five
Jade giggled as Roman sat back in his booth seat and let out a groan. He rubbed his stomach. “I think that last slice of pepperoni sent me over the edge. I really should have stopped at five slices.”
She shook her head. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone eat so many slices of pie so fast. That might be a Pirate Pizzeria record.”
“To tell you the truth, that’s not a record I’m interested in achieving.”
Just then the manager, Brody Chance, walked past their table. “Nope. Not even close to a record, Jade. We had a customer once who ate two whole pies in just under fifteen minutes.”
“Hey, Brody. Meet Roman. Roman, this is Brody Chance, the manager of this lovely establishment.”
Ro
man stuck out his hand. Brody reached out and shook hands with Roman.
“What brings you to Treasure Harbor? Vacationing? Business?” Brody asked, his handsome features creased with curiosity.
“I’m an archeologist doing some research on Drake Burton’s treasure,” Roman explained.
Jade was happy he’d given the abbreviated version of the story. There was no need to mention anything about the Star of Imara. If he had it would have spread around town like wildfire.
“Of course,” Brody said with a chuckle. “Drake Burton and his treasure have given this town a boost in tourism in the last few months. My fiancée, Avery, owns a bookstore called Bounty Books, so we appreciate the tourism aspect.”
Roman’s face lit up. “Hey! I went in there yesterday. It’s a great little shop. Full of treasures.” He let out a laugh. “No pun intended.”
Brody and Jade laughed along with him. “I better get back to the register. Nice meeting you, Roman. Hope to see you around.”
“Likewise,” Roman said with a nod. Once Brody had walked away, Roman swung his gaze toward Jade. “This town has to have the friendliest people I’ve ever met in my life. I don’t feel like a stranger here, to tell you the truth. Everyone makes me feel as if this is home.”
“I’m glad to hear it,” Jade said. “That’s how most towns should be. Welcoming. Warm. Sincere. Life is far from perfect here, but I think we give it our best shot.”
After paying the bill, Jade and Roman walked outside into the cool night air.
Jade threw her arms in the air. “It doesn’t get better than this,” she said in a raised voice.
“I know. Treasure Harbor in September is pretty spectacular.”
Jade turned toward Roman. “Before I forget, there’s a concert tomorrow night on the town green. I thought you might like it. If you like jazz music, that is.”
Roman’s grin threatened to take over his entire face. “Jade Sims. Are you asking me out on a date?”
Jade felt her face reddening. How in the world had Roman taken her suggestion as a date? They were just friends weren’t they? “No! Not exactly. I’m being a good citizen of Treasure Harbor and inviting a newcomer to a town event.”
Roman shook his head. “Too bad. I was seriously hoping you were asking me out.”
Jade kept silent. There was something about Roman that made her feel tongue-tied. Off-balance. It was as if his larger-than-life presence left her feeling breathless. She couldn’t remember ever feeling this way before. Not even for Kristoff, the man who’d gained her trust and then betrayed her so viciously. Could he detect she was developing tender feelings for him?
Roman turned toward her, his eyes locked on to her. “I might as well be honest. I like to think I’m a straight shooter. I want to take you out on a date, Jade. A real, honest-to-goodness date. And I don’t want to complicate our working relationship, but I think we can have the best of both worlds.” He reached out and placed his hand over hers. “So, I’d love to go with you to the jazz concert, but the whole time I’d be thinking it was our first date.”
“Oh,” she said in a low voice.
Roman smiled. “Do I make you nervous or something?”
She threw her hands in the air. “Yes! And it drives me crazy. I’m normally a very eloquent, polished woman. I pride myself on that. But you…you make me feel not myself. It’s like the real Jade has been kidnapped by alien beings or something.”
Roman burst out laughing. Then, all of a sudden his expression turned serious. He reached for her hand. “You do the same thing to me. I felt it the moment I first saw you.”
She shook her head. Her hair tumbled around her shoulders. “I’m not used to feeling this way. It makes me feel vulnerable. I haven’t dated for a long time.”
“Really?” he asked, a frown marring his perfect features. “I’m surprised. I would think a woman like yourself would be inundated with offers. You must be dodging men left and right.”
“I get plenty of offers, but I just don’t accept them.” She looked away from his intense scrutiny. “I have my reasons.”
“Something you’d like to talk about?” he asked, his voice as smooth as butter. “I’m a great listener.”
Jade ducked her head down. How could she ever tell Roman what a fool she’d been for love? It would be far too humiliating. “No. It’s very personal. And we really don’t know each other that well.”
“I understand. But I really do want to get to know you better, Jade. And it might sound like a hollow promise, but you’re in good hands with me. Something tells me you’ve been hurt before. I’m not in the business of breaking hearts.”
Jade’s chest tightened with emotion. Roman was saying all the right things. She did have a hard time trusting men. Once bitten, twice shy. But she also really wanted to go out with Roman on a date. She wanted to explore him and find out who he was, where he came from, where he was going. For once she wanted to try and believe in something.
Jade nodded at him. “I believe you.”
He grinned. “So, would you like to go to the concert with me? As my date?”
Jade felt as if she’d been knocked over by a huge wave at the beach. “Yes,” she answered with a nod. “I would like that very much.”
Excitement raced through her veins. Saying yes to Roman was a huge step forward for Jade. Slowly but surely she was stepping out of her cocoon into the land of the living. Really, truly living. Without fear. Without regrets. Without looking back toward the past. Without hating herself for having let the wrong man into her heart.
This fresh start with Roman meant the world to her. She didn’t know where this relationship was going or if Roman would even stay in Treasure Harbor long-term, but she knew she couldn’t let this opportunity pass her by. If she did, she might just regret it for the rest of her life. She trusted that God was pointing her in a good direction. And she was beginning to trust Roman.
Like Roman had said earlier, sometimes you just had to have faith.
**
Roman arrived at Jade’s lovely Victorian home at exactly six o’clock. Not a minute before. Not a minute after. In his arms he held a bouquet of sunflowers. They were the perfect flower for Jade. Bright. Beautiful. And full of sunshine.
When Jade opened the door to him, Roman almost lost the ability to utter an intelligible greeting. Even a blind man could see Jade’s radiant beauty, but tonight she emitted a vibrant glow. Dressed in a tomato red dress and sandals, she looked stunning. She’d swept her long hair up in high ponytail. Her makeup was subtle, giving her a fresh-faced look. When it was time to go, she reached for a white cardigan and her fire-engine red purse. Roman didn’t know much about women’s fashion, but he knew instinctively that Jade was dressed to impress.
“Shall we?” Roman asked, reaching for her hand and taking it in his.
“Yes,” Jade murmured. “Let’s go.”
When they reached the town green it was packed with people. Jade had brought a blanket along and Roman had arranged a picnic supper. When Jade saw the picnic basket she was over the moon about his surprise.
“That was incredibly thoughtful of you. I’m actually starving.”
“Me too. I was so busy today with mapping out new places to search for the treasure that I forgot to eat lunch.” He shot her an incredulous look. “That never happens to me.”
“I’m sorry that you didn’t find anything at Safe Harbor chapel today. It really sounded like a great theory of where Drake might have stashed his pirate’s booty.”
“It’s okay. On the bright side, I can now check it off my list,” Roman said.
As they spread the blanket out and began taking the food out of the picnic basket, Jade found herself oohing and aahing over the contents. “Cuban sandwiches. Cornbread. Coleslaw. Pickles. Potato salad. Brownies. Lemonade.” She sent Roman an appreciative glance. “You really outdid yourself.”
Roman looked proud of himself. “Thanks. I’m gla
d you like it.”
“I more than like it. I love it,” Jade said, her voice oozing enthusiasm.
“Jade!” A voice called out her name.
Jade looked up to see her best friend, Lara, standing a few feet away with her fiancé, Ryan.
“Hey, Lara. Ryan. It’s great to see you guys. Why don’t you join us?” she suggested.
Lara shot a curious glance in Roman’s direction.
Jade slapped her palm to her forehead. “Oops. I’m sorry. You guys don’t know Roman Sant’Angelo, do you? Roman, these are my friends, Lara Callahan and Ryan Burton. They just recently got engaged, so soon Lara will officially be a Burton.”
“Burton as in Drake Burton?” Roman asked Jade in a loud stage whisper.
Ryan smiled. “The one and the same. Nice to meet you, Roman.”
“You too. Congratulations on your engagement,” Roman said.
“Thanks,” Lara said with a smile. “We’re very excited. And Jade here has agreed to be in the wedding party, so we’re thrilled about that. She’s my oldest friend other than this guy here.” She playfully jabbed Ryan in the side. “I wouldn’t have made it through high school without her.”
“Come sit and share our picnic with us,” Roman said, echoing Jade.
“We don’t want to impose,” Ryan hedged.
Jade gestured to them with her hands. “Come sit down so we can all catch up and enjoy the concert. Please.”
Lara and Ryan gave in and settled down next to them on the blanket. Roman had packed so much food that there was plenty for all of them. Jade couldn’t believe how well Roman got along with Lara and Ryan. Conversation flowed easily as Roman answered questions from Ryan about his profession and the various digs he’d gone on all over the globe. Lara kept sending Jade knowing glances that she tried to ignore. Her best friend wasn’t being very subtle.
Finally, Lara leaned in and whispered in her ear, “Shame on you for not telling me about Roman.”
“There’s not a whole lot to tell,” Jade whispered back.
“You’ve got to be kidding me. The chemistry between the two of you is off the charts. You look like you were made for one another.”
His Precious Jewel (Treasure Harbor Book 6) Page 5
