“Bye, you guys! And thanks!”
Lou and Alex waved as the red Audi A5 convertible containing two of their friends drove off. Louise Christmas, or Lou, and Alex had been best friends since high school. Lou’s move west and her subsequent enticing invitations had prompted Alex to embark on her own childhood dream to the area after her breakup. The laid-back coastal town of Intention Point, California, was nice though not her ultimate end goal. But it would do for now. The two made their way up the sidewalk to Alex’s apartment as Alex got out her key.
“That was so much fun! I just love that band!” the taller girl exclaimed, long brown curls bouncing as she skipped along behind Alex, hands on her friend’s shoulders. She gave Alex a quick squeeze. “And it’s so good to see you laugh again too, sweetie.”
Over a month now since the ordeal on the ship, Alex had somewhat settled back into her everyday routines. And some evenings out with friends helped too.
The following morning, the two chatted over coffee and breakfast before Lou had to leave.
“We’ve got to do that more often,” Lou said, referring to the previous evening’s outing.
“Yeah, it was a good time.” Alex smiled back at her friend. “Kinda forgot how much I love dancing. It’s been a while.”
“I know!” Lou replied. “Now you’re back to being you again too.” She eyed Alex. “You seem a little different though. Braver. And not as reserved in speaking your mind anymore either. I still can’t believe you told Miller to go fuck himself. Remember Eddie at the next table? Think he ’bout choked on his beer over that one.” She giggled. “He was still talking about how badass you were an hour later with his crew.”
“You’re funny,” Alex replied with a smirk. “Well, being held captive by a madman and then getting shot does change the perspective a bit.” She ran her hand down her side to the place where Aaron’s bullet had grazed her. To tell Lou that she considered the nearly healed wound a badge of honor because the scar would be a permanent reminder of Aaron? That might make her friend think she’d really gone over the edge. “Plus Miller deserved it. Joking around is one thing, but what he did? That was over the line. Sorry, guess I just don’t have time for the bullshit anymore.”
“Don’t be sorry,” Lou replied. “I like it. My girl out to kick some butt!”
Alex laughed. “Not out to. But not gonna deal with what I don’t have to. And shouldn’t have to. I guess the whole ship thing is making me look at life a little different now. Need to get out there and make it count, you know? Take some bigger chances.”
“Absolutely! I agree!” Lou clapped her hands together. “Right there with ya, girl.” She picked up her mug and took a sip of coffee. “Speaking of that, Chad seems nice. I think he really likes you too.”
“Don’t try to fix me up!” Alex’s sharp retort was out before she could think. Her thoughts flashed to Aaron again, and she just as quickly shut them down. She’d found her mind being drawn to him more in the past several days, and she couldn’t control it. Every time she looked at a man, she saw Aaron’s face. No way could she attempt a date. Would she ever be over him? And what was there to be over? Oh Lord, I’ve fallen for a dead guy… Lou would assume she was still just upset about Brad or Chip. Alex squeezed her eyes tight and, after several deep breaths, recovered. “Sorry. You know I’m just not ready for that yet.”
Lou apologized and reached across the table to give Alex’s hand a hasty grip. “I know, sweetie. And again, I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t keep on it like I do. I just want you to be happy.”
Alex nodded. “I know.” Conversational again after her own sip of coffee, she offered her observation. “Yeah, he is nice. He’s so funny too. I wouldn’t have thought that. I always thought he was quiet.”
Lou giggled in relief at the acknowledgment. “Well, give him a couple of beers and he becomes a silly mister jabber-jaw.”
Alex giggled back. “What, like you?”
“Shut up!” Lou feigned shock and threw a piece of her toast crust at Alex.
Alex ducked, and the piece of bread skidded across the linoleum to stop against the counter. She stuck her tongue out at her friend and got up to go retrieve it to the trash. “You missed.”
Lou faked another hard throw with her last piece and then popped the toast into her mouth. “Maybe we should go to the range. Think my aim is suffering.”
“Sounds like a plan. I need to work on mine too.”
“If we go Wednesday night, we can listen to Billy’s comments about how girls can’t shoot.” Lou smirked. “Sound fun?”
“That sounds especially fun.” Alex’s eyes took on a devious glint. “And we’ll show him just how bad we really are. Wanna challenge him? You know he’ll go for it.”
Lou smirked again as she got up from the table. “Oh yeah.”
“Call me later?”
“Will do.”
“Cool. And I am sorry for yelling at you,” Alex said as they walked toward her front door. “I just… It has to feel right. I don’t want a repeat of Brad, and I definitely don’t need another Chip.” She rolled her eyes at the latter. “I just want some time. And before you say it, I’m not looking for perfection. I don’t care if he lives in a shack or if he’s a billionaire, if he’s a hit man or a preacher. I just need the right feeling.”
A snort issued from Lou. “Girl, the examples you come up with. Hit man or preacher? One extreme to the other, eh?” She flopped an arm over Alex’s shoulders and squeezed. “It’s okay. You don’t need to apologize to me,” she said. “I know I can go a little overboard sometimes.”
Alex winced at that last remark but hid it with a tight grin and shake of her head. Her friend had no idea…
She had just pushed open her door for Lou when she heard her name. Both turned to look.
Alex’s neighbor and landlord, Betsy Wilcott, hurried across the small courtyard toward them, her silver hair almost glowing in the morning sunlight. Her short, squat form moved with a grace that would be unexpected to someone who didn’t know her.
Rosy cheeks dimpled as she greeted them, and she stuck out her plump hand to Alex. Fingers clutched a small envelope. “I wanted to make sure you got this. A nice young man stopped by last night and was going to leave it in your door. But I told him I would get it to you.”
Alex took it from her and thanked her. Ever since her move here the year prior, the vivacious landlord had kept an attentive eye on Alex and her activities. To some, that attention could come off as nosy, and maybe to a degree it was, but to Alex she seemed more watchful and protective. Betsy had never overstepped any personal boundaries, retaining a grandmotherly respect, and Alex appreciated that in return.
“You’re always looking out for us,” she said with a grateful smile.
“Well, you can never be too careful. He was such a kind and decent young man.” She winked at Alex. “I didn’t want it to fall or get blown away and lost. You girls take care now.” Betsy turned back toward her home. “Enjoy this beautiful sunny day. Too nice to stay inside!”
“We will!” Lou called after her.
Alex turned the envelope over, but the only thing written on it was her first name. She frowned and was about to toss it on the entryway stand when Lou stopped her.
“Aren’t you gonna open it and see who it’s from?”
“Nope. Later.”
“Seriously? Come on!” Lou beamed. “Maybe it was Chad.”
Alex shot her a critical eye. “Couldn’t be. We were all out together last night, remember?”
“Oh yeah. True. Duh. Well… okay… but you better fill me in, Miss Popular. See ya later!” Lou hugged Alex goodbye and headed for her car.
Alex closed the door behind her. Just using her first name indicated someone familiar to her or who wanted her to think that. An A2-size envelope, rose beige in color. Softly elegant yet understated. She turned it over again for closer inspection. No other markings besides her name. And it wasn’t Chip. He bore down so hard when writing it
was as if he wanted to engrave whatever surface lay beneath the poor traumatized paper. This was a handwriting she did not recognize. After holding it a few moments more, her curiosity took hold and she sliced it open. Removing the small matching note inside, she unfolded it. It was dated yesterday and read: JUST WANTED YOU TO KNOW. AARON
Alex’s eyes felt as though they might pop from their sockets as she clamped a hand to her mouth. Her legs buckled. Gripping the note in her clenched fist, she fell hard against the door and slid down to the floor, knees drawn up in front of her, very glad she had waited and was alone now. She did not want to have to explain it all just yet. How? And that… She brought the paper to her face and inhaled. His smell! Just barely, but whatever cologne that was, it was him!
A whimper as tears came. With an abrupt swipe of her hand, she wiped them away and stood, adrenaline kicking her into action. Her heart raced. She began to pace, read the note again, and paced some more.
How is this possible? She stopped then, still clutching the small note tight.
“At least I know he’s alive,” she said. “And that’s one helluva good place to start.”
Alex returned from her morning run. Showered and refreshed, she fixed herself breakfast and carried everything out to her balcony to enjoy the morning sunlight and fresh air. Birds chirped as they flitted through the trees, a melodic contrast to the light traffic noise so typical of a Saturday morning.
A bite of scrambled eggs. A text dinging on her cell phone—Lou sending a funny. A giggle and reply.
She set the phone back down and rubbed her eyes. Almost a week since the note, and it still monopolized her thoughts. Where was he? Would he come back? Was that short note just it? And if he didn’t plan on coming back, why had he bothered with the note in the first place? What was the point? Just so she’d know he wasn’t dead? Why would it matter to him? She sighed.
And where would a good starting place even be to find him? He, or someone he trusted, had been at her door; beyond that, she had no clue. The only solid thing he’d ever mentioned on any kind of location was wanting a place off the grid. That’s helpful.
She stretched and groaned. Too many questions and no real answers. Unfortunately, that seemed a repeating theme with him. Leaning on the wrought iron railing, she rested her chin on crossed arms and stared down at the small parking area and green space beyond.
A motorcycle slowed on the street out front. The neighbors a few places down had bikes and lots of friends with bikes, so even though she wasn’t in view of the street side, sound indicated their weekend gathering had begun. The bike’s engine revved twice and zoomed off into the distance. Well, maybe not the neighbors.
Better finish eating her now-cold breakfast. She sat back and munched the rest of her bacon and eggs, collected her plate and mug, and took them inside. After pouring the remaining coffee, she returned to her balcony, flopped into the seat, and put her bare feet up on the rail. Cool metal invigorated her skin as she massaged her toes against it.
Lou texted again, speculating about the day as she waited for her boyfriend to return her call. Alex was about to reply when another text came through.
“Hey.” An unfamiliar number and not one of her saved contacts. A misdial? She almost deleted it but decided to reply.
“Hey???” she sent back.
A few minutes passed. Nothing. Yep, probably a wrong number.
A walk downtown would do her good and maybe help clear her head. She went back inside, pulled on shoes, and grabbed a jacket to put on over her T-shirt and jeans. Though comfortably warm here, a light breeze drifted inland from the coast. The closer she moved in that direction, the cooler the air would get.
Front door closed and locked, she shoved the keys in her pocket. Another ding.
She pulled out her phone and read, “Would you like to go for a ride?” It was the same unknown number.
Okay, this is starting to get… a little weird.
“Who is this?” she texted back.
No reply. She looked around, and Betsy called out to her from her front porch and waved. Alex waved back, then scanned the street again. Her phone had a full charge. She would be mindful. No worries. Passing by Betsy’s place on her way, Alex stopped to visit with her landlord.
As she stood to leave sometime later, a thought occurred to Alex. “I was just wondering… the man who left the note last week? What kind of car did he drive?”
Betsy was always keen on the details. Betsy would remember.
“Oh, he didn’t have a car, dear,” she replied. “He rode a motorcycle. It was one of those sporty ones like Ray down there has. You know, the ones that look like they’re for racing? A nice red-and-white one.”
Alex thanked her and stepped back out onto the sidewalk. She walked toward downtown and the farmers’ market. With strange texts coming in, it would be smart to stay in a more public setting. Plus she could use some fresh veggies for her dinner later.
Her phone dinged again, and she jumped, almost tripping. Shit! It was Lou. Alex sighed and checked her surroundings again before replying and telling Lou about the texts. Lou was instantly on high alert. Be careful, call if anything weird happened, text when she got to the market—before she started back, halfway back, and when she was home. Lou was just being protective, but gah!
Alex had just stuck the phone back in her pocket when it dinged again. “Lou, okay already,” she said out loud as she swiped the message into view. It wasn’t Lou.
“Go to Cheeze Pleeze.” The mystery number again.
Cheeze Pleeze was an artisan cheese stand at the farmers’ market, the owner a friend. But this wasn’t the owner messaging her. Crap. Is someone following me? Only about a block away from the market, and lots of people, she picked up her pace. Helena would be at her cheese stand and could hopefully provide information about just what the heck was going on. Alex entered the market gate and weaved her way through the crowd toward her destination.
A shorter, dark-haired woman, boisterous and cheerful, Helena greeted Alex as she walked up. “Hey, sweetie! Haven’t seen you in a few weeks! How are you?” Expertly shaped brows came together as she took a good look at Alex. “What’s wrong?”
Alex leaned across the narrow counter to return Helena’s warm greeting with a hug. “Well, I really don’t know,” she said as she stepped back. She moved over to the side counter to speak more privately. “I’m getting weird texts.”
“What kinda weird?” Helena’s brown eyes lit with piqued curiosity. “Good weird or bad weird?”
Alex laughed at her. “Well, I’d like to think good, but I just don’t know. And I don’t know the number.”
“Hmmm. Oh, hold on a sec, I’ll be right back!”
A couple of customers needed assistance, and Helena stepped away to help them. Alex rested her elbows on the counter, scanning the crowd. A busy Saturday saw patrons meandering through as they inspected current wares available for purchase. From elderly to babies, all age groups were represented, including many different ethnicities. Nothing out of place. No one paying her any extra attention. I’m probably just being paranoid. She shook her head at her worries and looked back to Helena as her friend returned.
“So what are they?” the woman asked in eager anticipation, nodding at Alex’s phone.
“Okay. Well, the last one said to come here. To you.” She showed Helena the text.
“Hmm… That is weird.” Helena contemplated the screen. “Oh!” Her mouth dropped open, and she smacked a palm to her forehead. “Duh! Oh, I’m so sorry! I totally forgot! It’s been so busy here today. Here!”
Helena motioned for Alex to come on back, behind her counter. From a small drawer below her cash register, she pulled out an envelope and handed it to Alex.
“What’s this?”
“I don’t know. Some guy came by like twenty minutes ago and asked me if I knew you and if I would give it to you.”
Alex threw her hands up in mock defense. “Okay, now this is getting weirder
by the second!”
Weird was an understatement. Who was this? She was ready to rip open the envelope when her brain put the pieces together. Her first name only on the front. The handwriting matched the envelope Betsy had given her a week earlier. Her studious scrutiny of that one had committed every last detail to memory.
Helena scooted a stool up behind Alex. “Are ya okay, sweetie? You look like you’re about to pass out.”
Alex sat down, hands shaking. If the writing matched and the texts had led her here… She tore open the envelope and removed the note. PIER 7 COFFEE & SUDS.
Pier 7 Coffee & Suds, a small eclectic place at the head of the pier. A quaint coffee shop from early morning until midafternoon, it reinvented itself daily to open at seven in the evening as a bar and grill, including a small craft beer brewery. Well known to her, it was a place she and Lou frequented for both coffee some mornings and occasional Saturday nights for dinner with friends and to see local bands.
Alex pressed the note to her chest and turned to Helena. “Gotta go!” she said, unable to contain her excitement as hope charged her to action. She jumped up, hugged her friend, and scooted out around the counter. “And thank you!” She held up the note.
“Well, you’re welcome, hon!” Helena replied with a perceptive giggle. A moment later she called out after her. “I take it it’s good weird?”
Alex called back over her shoulder. “It’s very good weird!”
Alex hurried through the crowd, back out to the market entrance. She jogged to the nearby corner, waited for the light to change, sprinted across the street. With three more blocks to go to the pier, she tried to calm her racing heart and mind and pay attention. She just wanted to get there. And really needed to get there in one piece.
Two motorcycles, one of them red and white, and a few cars occupied the parking lot. The antique wooden door creaked as it opened, a feature left unrepaired to add ambiance.
Off the Deep End Page 11
