by Rita Garcia
The few steps back to the cottage were filled with an ominous silence. Jezzica and Zack walked behind her parents under her father’s watchful glares over his shoulder. The four marched up the steps in single file.
Her parents sat side by side in two of the deck chairs. Jezzica scooted a third seat over and faced them. Zack leaned against the railing. The moonlight created a halo effect around his sandy brown hair, streaked from the sun. She almost lost it and could barely keep from laughing out loud. Her father thinking Zack had hurt her in contrast to the angelic glow surrounding him struck her as funny. She fought to hold back a giggle, and turned toward her parents.
Jezzica was thrilled to hear the sound of Catylen’s footsteps, as her sister tromped up the steps with Tasha and Lauren.
“Grandma. Grandpa.” The two younger women leaped on their grandparents, exchanging hugs. If there was one thing that could distract parents, it was definitely their grandchildren.
Catylen pulled up a chair next to her sister. “What’s going on?”
The two girls settled down and Jezzica began her story of how Geoff’s killers were captured. When she got to the part about the spray, Zack joined in expressing his amusement once again.
“A can of Pledge? That’s my girl.” Her father slapped his leg. “And I finally have proof that you listened to at least one of my fatherly instructions. How I would’ve loved seeing you deliver that kick.”
Her mother was a gorgeous and vibrant sixty something and often mistaken for her daughter’s older sister, but Jezzica knew her mom was a fierce opponent when challenged. “Are all of you crazy? Have you lost your very last brain cell? My daughter could have been killed and you’re exchanging laughs at her expense.” Her mom wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. “Oh, Jezz, you must have been so scared.” Beverly hesitated, her midsection shaking and disturbing Rusty, who had claimed her lap. “Seriously? Furniture polish?” With tears escaping, her mother threw back her head and laughed the loudest.
Zack eased off the railing. “I need to check in with our chief of police” He acknowledged Jezzica’s parents and this time they enthusiastically shook his offered hand.
Jezzica rose from her chair, and the two escaped down the steps. Jezzica waited until they were far enough away to not be overheard. “Sorry about my parents.”
“Are you kidding me? If I found my daughter with a man and her top ripped, I’d have pummeled the guy.”
“Thanks for everything.” She paused. “About earlier—”
“I’m not going anywhere.” He pulled her close. “Go easy on your parents.”
“I’ll try.” She smiled, then weaved her way back to the cottage. The questions spinning round and round made her want to scream at the voice in her head. Will time really make a difference? Will the capture of Geoff’s killers set me free? Can I love again?
Of course, her immediate problem was telling her parents she now lived in Serenity Cove, permanently. Panic gripped her stomach. It would be like releasing a swarm of bees into a crowd on Main Street.
Chapter Twenty-three
With a light tap on Logan’s door, Zack turned the knob and found Samantha perched on Logan’s desk. “Sorry,” he mumbled as he backed away.
“Come on in. Sam stopped by with pastries from Julia’s.”
“That’ll teach me to come barging in. Although Samantha might be more qualified to solve my dilemma.”
Logan winked at his wife. “Ask away.”
“I need a good dinner place.”
“That’s easy—a restaurant.” Logan laughed at his own joke.
Samantha smacked him on the shoulder. “Behave.” She pivoted back toward Zack. “Woody’s is more on the casual side: the upper deck has a fantastic view, the food’s great. Chantilly Rose, at the Sea Crest Inn, tends to be a little more upscale. The food is fabulous and the atmosphere is lovely with a view of the sea. You really can’t miss with either place. They’re both equally romantic—if you’re with the right person. Someone once told me when you find the right one—hold on. The best advice I’ve ever listened to.” She leaned over and kissed Logan’s brow. “And this one isn’t going anywhere.”
“I’m going home with you and taking the afternoon off.”
She raised her eyebrows. “That would only get you points if you hadn’t already wasted half of your day off.”
“Catch you newlyweds later.” Zack scurried out of the office, closing the door behind him.
“Hey, Zack.” Logan swung his office door open. “There’s a private dinner cruise. You can arrange for a boat and dinner through the inn. I know more than you think, buddy.”
Dinner under the stars? Not a bad idea. He called the inn and booked the last available dinner cruise for two. A good choice, since the high school had reserved the inn’s dining room for prom night.
Then he turned his attention to the mounds of paperwork on his desk. Between the burglaries and capturing the criminals, he had a never-ending pile of forms and reports to write. Logan had also requested a detailed statement from each of the officers on the scene at the time of the arrests, including the circumstances surrounding the shooting of one of the suspects. It would be a routine investigation, but being prepared never hurt.
Nicole waltzed through his opened door. “You got a minute?”
“For you, I’ll take it.” He motioned to his visitor’s chair. “What’s up?” He seldom saw her out of uniform.
She passed a file to him. “The final reports and follow-ups on the criminals we arrested. Vincent Faraday died yesterday. According to the doctor’s assessment, it was a direct result of the gunshot wound inflicted at the time of his capture.”
“The other two are in the hands of the Stone Valley Police Department.” He flipped open the cover of the folder.
“They’re wanted for several murders, including two police officers in Florida. Several jurisdictions would like to get their hands on those three.” Nicole crossed her shapely legs, her skirt moving above her knees.
Zack shuffled through the reports. “Based on this, it’s doubtful Jezzica will ever be called to testify.” There would also be more than a routine investigation of the shooting. He ran his hand across the back of his neck.
“That would be a blessing. A trial often causes family members to relive a horrible tragedy. Although I’m not a shrink, I’d think the process might bring a certain closure.” Nicole rose from her chair. “Free for lunch?”
“Sure. Let me finish going through these papers and I’ll be right with you.”
“Meet you at Rubi’s in thirty minutes?” Nicole paused at the door.
“Sounds good.” His attention turned back to the folder. He still held to his former assessment these killers were psychopaths in the truest definition of the word. Their rap sheets would have no bearing on the board’s investigation. He slammed the report closed and hoped Jezzica would never have to face them in court.
Passing by the front desk, he gave Hank a heads-up on where he’d be and headed to Rubi’s.
Nicole had already chosen a table, and he slid in the other side of the booth.
“I ordered double-decker cheeseburgers with the works.” She smiled and sipped her iced tea.
“Great. I’m starving.” He stirred two packets of sugar into his tea. “So is there a purpose behind having lunch?”
“You always were one to get right to the point.” She chuckled. “I’m putting in for a transfer back to Mariner Bay.”
“Any particular reason?” Her expression reminded him of a lost child.
She tapped her nails on the edge of the table. “Here goes. I haven’t been honest with you.” She sighed heavily. “I have feelings for you.”
“Nic—“
“Relax. I’m not putting moves on you.”
“You’ve lost me. We tried the dating thing and we agreed. No fireworks.”
“Yeah, so you told me. I need to move on and get past this.” She put her hands in her lap as Tiffani deliv
ered their food and placed condiments in the middle of the table.
“If you need anything else, let me know.” The waitress rushed away—lunch was the busiest meal for the small diner.
“You could switch to the detective division that we’re building here in Serenity Cove.”
She shook her head and frowned. “Why would I make a move that would have us combining our efforts even closer?”
“There has to be a less drastic solution than leaving Serenity Cove. Come on, Nic.” Zack polished off another bite of his burger.
She dipped a fry into the puddle of ketchup on her plate and nibbled at the tip, then tossed it down next to her untouched sandwich. “I’m starting the process today.”
“Man. I wish I knew what to say.”
“You’ve said it all. I’m going to leave while I still have a shred of pride left.” She bit the corner of her lip as she scooted out of the booth.
He took her hand. “I really do value you as a friend. You’re one of the finest officers I’ve ever worked with.”
“Yeah, and that should make me feel better, but it misses the mark, big time.” She leaned down and brushed her lips against his. “See you around.”
Zack sat stunned, disbelieving the conversation they’d just had. He stared out the window at the bookshop across the street. There was only one woman he was interested in. Strange, this thing called life. Nicole would have been the easier choice. Still, he prided himself on being a man who never backed down from a challenge.
Chapter Twenty-four
Loaded down with bags of towels and kitchen gadgets for the upstairs area, Jezzica approached the door of the bookshop at the same time Tasha made her way to leave.
“I’m going next door to get us a snack.”
“Good. I can smell the sweet cinnamon from here.” Jezzica juggled the bags through the door. Her sister was arranging children’s books on the shelves. “This area looks inviting. You have an eye for detail.” Jezzica set her collection of bags onto the floor.
“Tasha and Lauren helped. When we put the rug back down it’ll add just the right mixture of texture and colors—sets the stage for the books.”
“I like the nostalgic symbol of having the same rug Anne used for story time. The exact one we sat on as children, listening to her read. I want to add a few vintage toys to this section.” Jezzica swung toward the door as Tasha rushed back into the shop like a summer storm.
“Aunt Jezz, you’ll never believe what I just learned.”
“Do tell.” Jezzica smiled and couldn’t wait to hear what had lit the animated lights in her niece’s eyes.
“Julia’s selling the coffee and pastry shop.”
Jezzica shrugged, puzzled by her nieces apparent excitement. “I know. She’s going to work at the inn, with Abby.”
“I want to buy it.” Tasha announced, initiating a more grownup voice.
Catylen straightened up. “What are you talking about? You need to finish college.”
“I’ll finish my classes online. This isn’t a whim. I wanted my own coffee shop before I even started college.”
Lauren moved next to her sister. “It’s true, Tasha wanted her own coffee shop even back in high school, and I for one think it’s great.”
“Don’t encourage her, Lauren. What will your father say?” Catylen shook her head.
“He gave up the right to have a say, as far as I’m concerned.” The light dimmed in Tasha’s eyes.
“The problems between your father and I have nothing to do with his being your father. He’s always been an exceptional dad.”
“You’re right, Mom. But Lauren and I still need a little space.” She paused as Lauren nodded in agreement.
“The coffee shop is what I really want. We could have an archway between the bookshop and coffee shop.”
Jezzica picked up the vision. “The shops would flow into each other.”
“Like some of the big bookstores back home.” Lauren walked to the wall facing Julia’s shop. “How hard would it be to remove this wall?”
“Wait.” Catylen raised her voice. “College is important.”
“Many of the students have decided to go the online route.”
“I’m going to talk to Julia. I would like to move forward with Tasha’s idea, and if she decides to finish her classes online and run her own business, then it’s hers.” Jezzica hesitated, and nodded to Catylen. “Only if you’re in agreement, of course.”
“Okay, but Tasha, slow down and weigh all of your options. I don’t want you having regrets later.”
“Even at the dorm, I make lattes and I’m forever coming up with new flavors. Imagine, living in Serenity Cove and starting my own business.”
“First of all, you’re over twenty-one and don’t need my permission or your father’s. But that doesn’t mean we aren’t going to voice an opinion.”
Jezzica adjusted the hem of her shirt over her jeans. “In the meantime, I’m going to talk to Julia, before someone else decides to make her an offer. Caty, come on and go with me.”
“Aunt Jezz, is it alright if Lauren and I go, too? After all—”
“Of course, I’m sorry, I wasn’t trying to steal your idea. I only wanted to make sure the option remains open.”
The four marched into the coffee and pastry shop on a united mission. Even Catylen, if her look of determination was any indication, had somewhere between the two shops taken up the cause.
“Hey, Julia.” Jezzica eased onto a stool at the counter. Catylen took the seat next to her and Tasha and Lauren sat on opposite sides.
Julia strolled over in her easygoing style with a dishtowel slung over her shoulder. “I must be losing it. Wasn’t Tasha just here picking up pastries and coffee? Don’t tell me you’re back for more already.”
“We need to talk to you. I want to make an offer on your business.” Jezzica stretched higher on the stool.
“It’s about time you figured out that if you removed the dividing wall, the two shops would make a great combo—just like the chain stores in the larger cities.” Julia picked up the coffee carafe and tossed a look Catylen’s way as she filled each of their mugs. “I’m also selling my house next door. Thought you might like to know.”
Jezzica crinkled her nose and threw Julia a look. “You never mentioned anything about combining the businesses.”
Julia shrugged. “Some things a body needs to figure out for themselves.” Julia raised her coffee mug in the air. “Shall we toast the deal?”
Jezzica raised her cup and the other three followed her lead. “Isn’t this a little premature? We haven’t settled on a price.”
“It’s a done deal from where I’m standing.” She gently touched her mug to the four others and took a sip. “That seals it. Now, I figured whoever bought the shop would turn it into a fancy latte shop—if they had any business sense. If you’re not of the mind to bake pastries—I’m willing to supply the shop with fresh baked goods every morning. That is, except Sundays. When I accepted Abby’s offer, I told her from now on, I don’t work on Sundays. If you plan to be open, you’ll need to stock up early.”
“If we’re not doing the baking on the premises, we’ll remove the big ovens and redesign the shop.” Tasha beamed with excitement.
Jezzica studied her niece. And unless she misread Tasha, it was a done deal in more ways than one. Jezzica had never anticipated when she decided to move to Serenity Cove that her sister and nieces would choose to follow. She hoped it was a good move, and that the bookshop and now the coffee shop were destined for success or she just might be leading the parade back to April Springs.
Chapter Twenty-five
Zack sliced open the flap of an envelope from Internal Affairs. Effective immediately, you are relieved of duty until further notice, pending an investigation of the alleged charges of inflicting grievous bodily harm, resulting in the death of one of the suspects, during the arrest process of the following suspects: Gary Lane, Porter Gallagher, and Vincent Faraday
. Please turn in your badge and weapon to your commanding officer. The contents delivered the same impact as being punched in the gut.
He crumbled the letter without finishing it and held the phone to his ear until Logan answered. “We have a problem. What’s your ETA?”
“Ten minutes.”
“I’ll be waiting.” Zack paced back and forth in his office. Was he at risk of losing his career? He dashed to the coffee room, filled his cup and took it outside. Their conversation needed to be confidential—at least for now.
Logan zoomed into the parking lot of the station and Zack signaled him to stop and jumped into the passenger seat, thrusting the letter toward him.
A quick flash of anger reddened Logan’s face. “I’ll check my messages. Why wasn’t I notified first?” Logan unlocked his office door, and began searching through his mail. He found the dreaded official-looking envelope and ripped into it. “I need to confiscate your badge and gun.” He waited as Zack unstrapped his gun and removed his badge, tossing both items on the desk.
Logan placed them in his lower desk drawer and locked it. “We’ll get to the bottom of this. Until then, looks like you get your vacation time after all.”
Zack slumped in the chair in front of Logan’s desk. He didn’t find anything humorous at the moment.
Logan scrubbed his hand across his face. “You have time to take a run with me to Mariner Bay PD?”
“I suddenly have an abundance of time.” Zack exhaled heavily.
“I’ll call Ralph en route. He’s been around a lot of years and not much goes on in this general territory without his knowledge.”
“Isn’t this beyond the normal inquiry after a suspect is shot?”
“Right now, we need to find out what kind of muscle is behind these alleged charges. I’ve seen innocent officers fall hard if the wrong people are out to get them.” Logan drove through the covered bridge, which marked the halfway point between the two towns.
