Dead Reckoning (Lantern Beach Mayday Book 2)

by Christy Barritt

  Then text appeared beneath the picture:

  Stop what you’re doing or next time I’ll make sure no one finds you hiding in the closet.

  Her blood froze.

  If she didn’t stop digging into this, he was probably going to make good with his threats.

  Should she tell Jimmy James?

  Probably. But she’d wait until morning.

  In the meantime, she’d be lucky to get any sleep at all.

  Chapter Twenty

  Jimmy James headed toward Myrtle Beach the next morning. It would be about a two and a half to three-hour trip, but at least the weather was cooperating.

  As he cruised through the water, he checked and saw all the controls looked good. Then he called Chief Chambers again.

  The two of them were starting to feel like best friends.

  After talking to Axel last night, he’d decided he needed to talk to the police chief.

  “Jimmy James, what’s going on?” she answered.

  He swallowed hard before launching into Kenzie’s theory about Ashley Nelson. After everything he’d learned, he figured it was worth the risk.

  When he finished, he paused and waited for Chief Chambers’ reaction. He knew how outlandish this sounded.

  “Jimmy James, you’ve got to know there are a lot of missing people out there,” she finally said. “I don’t really understand what makes this Ashley Nelson woman stand out.”

  He stared out over the peaceful water in front of him. “We’re trying to figure that out also, and I can’t give you a good answer for that. Kenzie said it’s just gut instinct.”

  “I can appreciate that, but I can’t launch an investigation into this out of pure gut instinct.”

  He frowned, although her reaction wasn’t unexpected. “I understand, and I can’t blame you for that. But I thought it was worth mentioning.”

  “You did the right thing by telling me. I tell you what. I’ll look into the woman and see if I can find if she has any connections to this area.”

  His pulse slowed just slightly at knowing Chief Chambers would be investigating. “I appreciate you doing that. I know that all of this is very much out of the ordinary.”

  “It is. It’s hard to prove a crime when you have no body and no evidence that anything happened.”

  “There’s one other thing.” Jimmy James paused a moment before telling her about the man he had Axel research.

  “You and Kenzie certainly are putting a lot of time into this.” Concern stretched through the chief’s voice. “That worries me.”

  “I know, I know. We’re not trying to overstep. We just want some answers. I don’t think Kenzie is going to have any peace until she does.”

  “That’s understandable.” She sighed before asking, “What makes you think this guy Axel looked into has anything to do with it?”

  “I just know he’s a bodyguard with a shady past and that he might be someone worth keeping an eye on.”

  “I appreciate your help. But you let me concentrate on this investigation, okay?”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “Have a good trip, and we’ll see you back in Lantern Beach tomorrow night, right?”

  “That’s right. I will see you then.” Now he only hoped that she was able to find some answers.

  Kenzie had just finished cleaning up breakfast when her phone rang. She frowned when she looked at the screen.

  It was another unknown number.

  Was yesterday’s texter sending her another photo?

  Her heart pounded harder.

  She didn’t think so. The area code was different. In fact . . . this looked like the area code she’d called when she had reached out to Merilee.

  She glanced in the game room, where all the guests laughed over a game of ping-pong. Maybe she had a few minutes to answer without anyone scrutinizing what she was doing.

  She slipped onto the deck, away from anyone who might be listening. “Kenzie Anderson.”

  “Kenzie, my name is Dan Jessops. I’m a reporter with Indiana Times.”

  Her heart rate quickened. Why would a reporter from Indiana be calling her? “What can I do for you?”

  “I spoke with Merilee Foreman earlier today, and she mentioned a conversation she had with you. Said you suspected Ashley Nelson might be in North Carolina.”

  Panic raced through Kenzie. If her theory got attention, then she would be even more of a target. She had to squash his questions before he took this too far.

  “I didn’t say that,” Kenzie told him. “I just thought I might have seen someone who looked similar to her here, and I was curious.”

  “She mentioned something about a man named Thatcher Davenport?”

  Kenzie’s panic continued to bubble until she felt as if she couldn’t breathe. She glanced around and saw everyone still seemed occupied in the game room. Despite that, she slipped farther away.

  “I wasn’t trying to name any names,” she told him quietly. “Really. I have no evidence of any connection. I was simply asking questions.”

  “We’re running a story on Ashley’s disappearance, and I’m trying to track down any leads. Are you sure you don’t know anything?”

  More panic gurgled up inside her as she thought about how this might play out. None of the scenarios ended well. “No, I don’t know anything. I promise. I’d really like this to not go beyond our conversation. I don’t want to call out someone who could be innocent.”

  “If you think of anything else, let me know.” He sounded unconvinced and eager for answers—answers that may or may not be there.

  Kenzie noticed he didn’t promise that he wouldn’t run this.

  She lowered her head, feeling despair nipping at her spirit.

  Why had she opened her mouth last night? Why couldn’t she just let this go?

  She didn’t know, but it was too late to do anything about it now.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Jimmy James heard a knock at his door and called, “Come in.”

  Kenzie stepped inside.

  He’d been hoping that the two of them would have a chance to talk, but the morning had been busy so far. Not much longer and they would pull into Myrtle Beach.

  “I just wanted to let you know that I received a photo of myself last night. It was taken by someone when we were in Wilmington and sent to me along with a threat.”

  “What?”

  She nodded, her face somber. “It’s true. Someone was watching me. I thought I sensed someone, but I wrote it off. Clearly, whoever is behind this woman’s murder knows who I am. He’s desperate to make sure I don’t talk.”

  “Can I see it?”

  She held up her phone and let him see the photo and threatening text beneath it.

  As Jimmy James stared at it, he frowned, fisting and unfisting his hands.

  When he got his emotions under control, he finally said. “I don’t like this.”

  “I know. I don’t like it either.”

  More than anything, Jimmy James wanted to reach out to her. To pull her into his arms and tell her that everything would be okay.

  His heart leapt into his throat at the thought. He couldn’t do that no matter how much he wanted to.

  Before they could talk any more, his phone rang, and he glanced at the screen.

  It was Mr. Robertson. “I need to take this.”

  “Of course.”

  “We can talk more later, okay?”

  She nodded. “Okay.”

  The only comfort he found was in the fact that Kenzie was onboard this boat. Last time they’d been on a charter, this boat felt almost like a prison since he wasn’t sure whether one of the crew might be involved in a series of crimes.

  But, right now, this boat was like a safe haven.

  He prayed it stayed that way.

  As soon as Kenzie stepped through the door, Jimmy James put his phone to his ear. “Hello, Mr. Robertson.”

  “Captain Gamble. How is everything going?”

  Jimmy
James thought about the murder and everything else suspicious that had happened before answering with a simple, “It’s going just fine.”

  What else was he supposed to say? Those other things didn’t pertain to Almost Paradise. At least, he hoped they didn’t.

  “Good. I hoped I’d get a good report. Listen, I wanted to let you know that we have another charter guest lined up to leave the evening after you guys get back.”

  He sucked in a breath. “Really? That’s a quick turnaround. The crew is barely going to have time to clean the boat.”

  “I didn’t mention it earlier on purpose,” Mr. Robertson said. “Our primary guest wants to keep this private.”

  Jimmy James was intrigued now. “Is that right?”

  “Anyway, I wanted to know if you’d like to captain the next charter also. You seem to be doing a good job. I know I was dragging my feet, but I think you’ve earned a place on Almost Paradise.”

  Warmth spread through Jimmy James’ chest at the man’s words. “I appreciate that.”

  “So, you’ll do it?”

  “I would be honored.”

  “Great news. Now, between you and me, our next guest is . . .”

  Jimmy James felt his lungs freeze with anticipation. He was anxious to hear what the big secret was.

  He just hoped this secret didn’t bring trouble with it.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Kurt and his group requested a helicopter ride in Myrtle Beach and then they wanted to attend an outdoor concert on the beach by musical artist Bree Jordan.

  Just as in Wilmington, Kenzie was part of the crew accompanying the group. Her job was mostly to keep an eye on things and make sure everyone was safe. Owen had also joined her as well as Jimmy James.

  She had a feeling that the only reason Jimmy James had come along was because he wanted to keep an eye on her.

  Kenzie wasn’t really complaining, not considering everything that had happened.

  After the flight, they arranged transportation for their party to get to the concert, which took place on a stage near the beach. It was standing room only, and the music could be heard for what felt like miles around.

  Thirty minutes into the concert, Kenzie paced away from the crowd toward the edge of the group. Large groups of people were never her thing, and she fought the feeling of being overwhelmed as she’d stood among concertgoers.

  While she stood in the back, one of the guests—Susan, Kurt’s wife—emerged from the crowd, her hands at her temples as if she didn’t feel well.

  Kenzie rushed toward her. “Are you okay?”

  “I’m just a little dizzy.”

  “Let’s get you over here where you can get some fresh air.” Kenzie led Susan to a nearby restaurant and let her lean against the wall.

  “I think I was having a little too much fun.” Susan fanned her face.

  “Just take some deep breaths and stay still for a moment. Here’s some water.” She pulled a bottle from the backpack she carried, along with a granola bar. “Do you want me to call for medical help?”

  Susan quickly shook her head and took a bite of the bar. “Oh, no. I’m sure it’s just low blood sugar. Give me a minute . . .”

  Kenzie waited, keeping an eye on the woman. Her medical training floated through her mind. Susan was probably right. It sounded like hypoglycemia.

  Susan finished the bar, tossed the wrapper in the trash, then took a long sip of water. “I’m as good as new now.”

  Kenzie patted her back. “Are you sure?”

  “Positive. Now, I think I’ll go rejoin my family. Thank you for your help.”

  Kenzie nodded and watched her walk away. As Susan slipped back into the throng, Kenzie let out a deep breath. She was glad it was nothing more serious.

  She turned to find the rest of the crew when a large group of rowdy college students left the concert area and headed toward Kenzie. She tried to step back but it was too late. She got caught up in the bustle.

  The breath left her lungs as a round of panic tried to fill her.

  The next moment, she felt a hand grip her arm. Before she realized what was happening, someone grabbed both her arms and shoved her into a nearby alley.

  Panic bubbled through her, and she tried to turn. Before she could, something pressed into her side. “Look straight ahead.”

  Her lungs froze at the menacing voice. The man kept pushing her until they were behind a dumpster—and out of sight from anyone passing by. The scent of fried seafood mixed with the rancid odor of the trash.

  Kenzie’s stomach churned.

  “Don’t scream,” the man muttered in her ear. “You’ll regret it if you do.”

  Something pressed into her side again—something hard.

  A gun?

  Her lungs froze.

  The man squeezed Kenzie’s arm harder, and she held back a yelp.

  Who was this?

  And what was he going to do with her?

  She had no idea.

  But fear spread through her so quickly that all her courage seemed to dissolve into thin air.

  “What do you want from me?” Kenzie asked.

  “You need to stop snooping around,” the man growled into her ear. “Stop asking questions. Do you understand?”

  Kenzie’s breath caught. She was onto something. This man wouldn’t be threatening her if she wasn’t.

  “Who are you?” she asked as the man pressed her against the grimy brick wall, the gun still nudged into her side.

  “That’s none of your business. I need to know you understand what I’m saying. Because if you don’t, there will be consequences.”

  “Don’t ask any more questions.” Her words came out sounding breathless. “Got it.”

  Crowds sounded in the background. If Kenzie yelled, would someone help her? Or would that only end up getting her killed?

  She didn’t know. She couldn’t risk it.

  Besides, the loud music would probably drown out the sound of her voice.

  “This is just the start of what’s going to happen to you if you keep pressing this issue,” the man continued.

  “What does that mean?” Kenzie’s voice trembled as she asked the question.

  The next instant a shock pulsed through her.

  The man had tased her, she realized.

  As electricity coursed through her body, Kenzie fell to the ground, her muscles useless.

  She was powerless to do anything to stop this man . . . and she had no idea what he was planning next.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  As strands of a catchy acoustic number drifted through the thick air, Jimmy James glanced around the concert space and the lingering crowds.

  Where had Kenzie gone? Just a few minutes ago, she’d been standing at the edge of the group of concertgoers, near a restaurant in the distance. Then his phone call had distracted him, but just for a couple of minutes.

  As tension crept up his neck, he tried to keep his fears at bay and not think the worst. But considering everything that had happened . . .

  He pushed through the crowd, continuing to scan everyone around him for Kenzie. But there were too many people gathered here. They all butted up against each other as they sang along. Some people danced. One group even tried to crowd surf.

  Jimmy James strode toward Owen, who remained on the perimeter of the group. “Have you seen Kenzie?”

  “Last time I saw her she was over there talking to Susan.” Owen pointed to Seabreeze Fry House, the wood-sided building located in a long line of other shops and restaurants.

  It was the same area where Jimmy James had seen Kenzie.

  As Jimmy James glanced over there again, she was nowhere to be seen—and neither was Susan.

  “If you see her, let me know,” he muttered.

  “Will do.”

  Jimmy James strode toward the building. He pushed by people singing along with the music, seeming as if they didn’t have a care in the world. A moment of envy shot through him. But this wasn’
t the time to think about that now.

  He reached the restaurant, the scent of fried seafood becoming stronger. The crowds were thinner here, but a lot of people still milled around—some waiting for a table and others listening to the music.

  Where would Kenzie have gone? It wasn’t like her to wander away.

  Jimmy James paced the sidewalk, studying everyone around him in hopes of finding her. A bad feeling welled in his gut.

  As he glanced down the alley running beside the restaurant, his breath caught.

  Legs stuck out from behind a dumpster. He rushed toward the figure and saw a woman lying on the ground, her body as limp as a ragdoll.

  “Kenzie?” The word sounded breathless as it left his lips.

  Concern ricocheted through him as he rushed toward her.

  More details came into focus as he got closer. Namely the red top and the khaki shorts the woman wore.

  It was definitely Kenzie.

  He knelt beside her, desperate to know if she was okay. That she was . . . alive.

  “Kenzie . . .” He rolled her onto her back, praying he’d see life in her eyes.

  She stared at him a moment before finally blinking.

  She was alive! Relief washed through him.

  Jimmy James quickly scanned her for any wounds. He saw none.

  “What happened?” He lifted her shoulders against his legs and brushed her hair out of her face as he stared at her, desperate to hear confirmation that everything was okay.

  She opened her mouth, but no words came out.

  As more concern ricocheted through him, he reached for his phone. He needed to call 911.

  But before he could hit the first number, Kenzie’s hand covered his arm.

  “Tasered,” she muttered, the word barely discernible.

  Everything clicked in his mind.

  Kenzie had been tased. Of course. Everything suddenly made sense.