Tangerine Morning: Jezzica's Story (Serenity Cove Series)

by Rita Garcia

  She rushed up the steps of her deck and plopped next to her sister. “Zack’s with another woman and we have a date tomorrow night. I realize we’re not in a relationship—but this just seems wrong. She called him Zacky.”

  “Send him a text and cancel the date—you don’t need a player in your life.” Catylen stroked her sister’s hair. “It’s better you found out now than later. Come on, I’ll make us some chamomile tea before we turn in.”

  She’d sent Zack a text before going to bed. She offered no explanation, just that the date was off. Even after the herbal drink, Jezzica still suffered through a long, restless night. A soft knock sounded on her door. “Come in, Caty.”

  “Aw, you knew it was me. You okay this morning?” Concern filled Catylen’s eyes.

  Jezzica folded back the covers. “Yes. I’m fantastic. I refuse to let him interfere with my life. Think of it, Caty—three businesses. We are going to kick butt.”

  “Yeah, let’s go kick butt.” Caty dissolved in laughter along with her sister.

  “I need to get a move on. I invited Maggie to meet me at the shop this morning. Afterward, I’ll swing back by and pick you guys up for our appointment with Abby.”

  “Perfect. I’ll pour the cereal while you get dressed.” Catylen stopped with her hand on the doorknob. “Life is fabulous. Mike doesn’t have any idea what he threw away.” With that, she left and pulled the door shut behind her.

  “You go, girl,” Jezzica quietly tossed at the backside of the door. She hurried to her closet and searched through her clothes. Abby wasn’t extremely buttoned-up in her style, but her appearance clearly denoted her position in the business community of Serenity Cove. Today’s meeting called for something other than jeans. A gypsy skirt caught her attention. She paired it with a silk tee and heels—as much of a concession as she was prepared to make. She danced into the kitchen and swirled around. “What do you think?”

  “I like. Dressy, but not overdone. Wait right here.” Catylen bound up the stairs and returned holding a glitzy object in her hand. “Put these on.”

  “Are you sure?” Jezzica locked the diamond studs in her ears.

  “Of course. The perfect touch of class.”

  “Hmm. I like that.” She gave her sister a hug, her heels clicking on the wood deck as she swung down the steps. The short drive was over before she’d had time to take a few breaths. A visit with Maggie was a great way to relax before her meeting with Abby. The biggest stress was making certain they weren’t taking a shop that might fail—she had to be sure. Especially now, given Lauren’s involvement. She pulled into a parking space in front of the bookshop and opened her car door. Her heart went into overtime and the flutters commenced at the sound of his so incredibly manly voice.

  “Hi, Jezz.” Zack stood within easy reach and she fought to take a breath.

  “I’m not having this conversation with you. We both live in this town—don’t make it any more embarrassing than it already is. Now please excuse me.” She brushed past him and unlocked the shop door.

  “Jezz, at least tell me what I did.”

  Her eyebrows shot up and a smirk of disgust was the only answer she chose to give him. The sight of his truck leaving brought tears. Stupid. Dumb. How could I have—

  With a flick of her wrist, she raised the shades to let the morning light into the bookshop. Everything had been polished and looked amazing. The chairs still needed to be picked up from Maggie’s shop. But, removing the dividing wall was bound to create dust all over again. Ugh. The bell over the door chimed and drew her attention. “Hi, Maggie.”

  Maggie’s eyes rove over the shop. “It’s spectacular. I love it.”

  “Thank you. The contractor is scheduled to start removing the dividing wall between the shops today, and it’s going to put a layer of dust everywhere.”

  “I have some huge drop cloths. Use them to protect everything.”

  “Why didn’t I think of that? It would sure save tons of work.”

  “The shop is fabulous.”

  “Did Samantha tell you we’re doing a tribute to Anne by featuring a children’s book written by her?”

  “Yes. Anne would be so pleased.”

  “Coming to the bookshop is one of the many treasured memories I have of summers in Serenity Cove. After I was grown, I remember my mom buying a silver tea set from your shop. She still displays it on a hutch in the dining room.”

  “There are some who view drinking tea as an old ladies’ pastime. I believe it helps form a connection between women from generation to generation.” Maggie’s smile sparkled in her eyes.

  “I love a formal tea where the tables are dressed in lace and set with china teacups.” The comment surprised Jezzica, but it was true—she’d come to enjoy one of her mother’s favorite things.

  “I’ve been wanting to have a tea for Samantha. She and Logan have been home from their honeymoon for over a month. I think a tea party in the garden at the inn would be perfect.”

  Jezzica clapped her hands. “It would be exquisite. If you need any help—count me in.”

  “I’ll talk to a couple of people and decide on some dates and get back to you. For now, I’d better go open up. Welcome to Main Street.” Maggie tossed another wave over her shoulder and scooted out the front door.

  Jezzica sat at her desk and jotted down a few notes for creating a mini bookstore at the inn, but she suddenly crumbled the paper and shot it into the trash. It’s Lauren’s shop and it should reflect her vision, not mine. She tossed her bag onto her shoulder and headed out the front door.

  “Hi, Jezz.”

  She turned to the voice coming from behind her, and wasn’t thrilled. “Hello, Nicole.”

  “You have a minute?” Nicole looked to be on a mission, and frankly Jezzica wasn’t interested.

  “If this concerns Zack, I already refused to have this conversation with him.”

  “Don’t you think you at least owe him an explanation?”

  “I’m on my way to an appointment, if you’ll please excuse me.”

  “Zack is one of the good guys.” Nicole glared at her.

  “I have very good vision—I saw all I need to know. Now I really must go.” It was a long stretch to believe Nicole wasn’t aware of exactly what kind of a man Zack Johnston was. And she sure had heaps of advice for others when she herself couldn’t own her own truth—that she was the one infatuated with the same man she was intent on playing matchmaker for, or so it seemed to Jezzica.

  With effort she swallowed her irritation and a fake smile brushed her lips as she waltzed through the door of the cottage. “Hey, Caty.”

  “What happened? You’re upset.”

  “Just going over my to-do list. Are we ready to go meet with Abby?”

  “We are. I’ll call Tasha and Lauren and we’ll get on our way.”

  Jezzica pushed Zack from her mind and focused on the meeting with Abby. Thoughts of the emerging future dwarfed her annoyance—where exactly was life taking her and her family?

  Chapter Twenty-nine

  Zack burst into his chief’s office. “Louis Barclay is behind the investigation.”

  Logan grabbed for his cap. “Let’s get out of here. I trust everyone in this office, but these are heavy issues.” Logan waited until he pulled out onto the road. “Okay. Why would Barclay have an interest in this case?”

  “I’m good at what I do—I don’t make unfounded allegations. I dated his daughter, Susan. She showed up at my cottage with some harebrained idea that if I were removed from the force, we could resume our relationship. Guess where she heard about my suspension? I’m going to nail him.”

  “Hold on, Zack. The best you’re going to do is use the information as a bargaining chip. All you have is a private conversation. If you go public with this, it will cause a great deal of embarrassment for Barclay, but your job as a detective will be the price you pay.”

  “Is that the cop in you talking or the lawyer?”

  “I’m on your side.
But Barclay will survive anything you throw at him. Clear your name first. If he pushed this envelope, you can be sure he’s dirty and dirt tends to cling. We’ll get him—just not this way. Sit tight a few days and let it play out. If the commission drops the charges, it won’t even leave a smudge on your record.”

  “In the meantime, I’m without a job.”

  “I reversed your vacation days, so enjoy this one as your official vacation. Use the time to get better acquainted with a certain pretty female.”

  “You mean the spunky woman that broke our date without a hint of explanation? Except she seems to think that I’m the epitome of a lowlife.”

  “Don’t spend too much time trying to figure her out. Just repair the damage.” Logan’s amusement filled the cab.

  “I’d join you in your merriment, but it didn’t come across as a game or a whim. Jezzica let me know she was done, period.”

  “Samantha must be influencing me here, but buddy, if the two of you are meant to be together, you’ll overcome what seems like insurmountable barriers.”

  “Guess we’ll soon find out if your wife’s proclivity for romance is based on a practical understanding of life. I suspect your beautiful wife has watched too many fairy tales and been bitten by the happily ever after bug.”

  “That may be—but she’s made an advocate out of this dubious cop.” Logan drove back into the station’s lot. “If you need to talk, call or text, and I’ll meet you somewhere. Don’t want to give the appearance of going against the committee’s instructions. You and Nicole are close—don’t share too much information.”

  “No problem there. I’m not on her good list either.” Zack hopped out of the truck and into his own. It wasn’t the first time his life had hit a rocky place, but this one was building up to a memorable rock pile. Every facet of his life had come under attack—in ways he was at a loss to understand. He spun into his driveway. He dashed through the door of his cottage, barely stopping long enough to push his feet into running shoes.

  He hit the shore and pummeled the sand. A hard run always provided momentum for him to analyze and strategize. Logan had made sense—but it had never been Zack’s style to sit back and wait.

  Sand flew as his legs picked up speed and he pushed harder still, willing the thoughts circling his cerebral hemisphere to lose momentum. Stupid. In his haste to inform Logan about Barclay, he’d forgotten to mention the two shots that Jezzica heard the night she was attacked.

  In answer to his text, Logan showed up on Zack’s deck. They kicked back in two Adirondack chairs. The sun glared on the foamy waves, as a flock of squawking pelicans flew overhead and out to sea.

  Zack repeated the conversation he’d had with Catylen.

  Logan stood. “You have gloves?”

  Zack produced two pair of protective gloves along with an evidence bag, from a supply he kept in his truck. The two tromped through the sand to Jezzica’s place. Zack positioned himself where he had stood the night of the shooting and directed Logan to stand where the killer had stood. Logan pointed his gloved finger like a gun and peered across the top.

  His finger lined up with the trunk of an ancient oak tree. “Check out the tree behind you a little to the right.”

  Zack ran his hand along the bark, ripping his gloves. Logan moved next to the tree and motioned for Zack to move. He took a small knife from his pocket, stretched his arms up high and wedged it under a metal object and pried it out.

  With a deep sigh, Zack held out the bag for the casing.

  Logan shoved the small knife back in his pocket. “Let’s get this to Stone Valley. It could help end this inquiry—if it matches the suspect’s gun.”

  Chapter Thirty

  Tangible excitement surrounded the foursome as they sailed into the front lobby of the Sea Crest Inn.

  The pottery display caught Catylen’s attention. “Look at the detail in these pieces. These tall vases would look sensational in the bookshop, and you could also add a few paintings done by local artists.”

  Jezzica ran her fingers over the smoothness of a pottery piece—the elegant shape held a touch of whimsy. “It would give the shop a unique Serenity Cove flair.”

  “Good morning.” Abby swept into the lobby. “I have a table waiting in our bistro area.”

  The center of the lobby was brightened with plants and vases of colorful flowers. Overstuffed sofas and chairs were placed around low-slung tables, and looked to be a comfortable place for guests to enjoy a drink or even a light meal while being serenaded by waves frolicking on the shore.

  The women gathered around a table. “Our signature latte is a vanilla and cherry blend called Chantilly Rose.” They all quickly agreed and Abby signaled one of her waiters.

  “Would you like to inspect the shop space while we wait for our drinks?” Abby led the way to another section of the large room. She paused in front of the first store. “This is our gift shop. They carry an array of things a traveler might need, and also an assortment of souvenirs. The space for the bookshop is right next door.” She continued the few steps to the opened area.

  “Nice.” Lauren inspected the storefront. “There’s room for a good selection of reading materials. Abby, would it be a conflict if we carried a few gift items?”

  “With the gift shop? I don’t think so, as long as you don’t compete by selling the same products.”

  “I’m thinking book-related items. A bookshop back home carried some beautiful fabric book bags that came with a padded case for either sunglasses or reading glasses.” Lauren continued to stroll through the shop.

  “Low shelving would be best so not to obstruct the view of the seating area or the ocean.” She pointed across the lobby to the wall of windows that showcased an expanded view of the sea.

  Jezzica followed Lauren. “Maybe I should run this one.” She laughed as her niece swung around with her eyes opened wide, ready to protest. “Just kidding. It’s all yours.”

  Abby glanced from Lauren to Jezzica. “If it’s a go, I’ll have a lease agreement drawn up.”

  Jezzica stepped back and with a nod allowed Lauren to deliver the final words.

  “It’s a go.” Lauren’s eyes watered and her voice sounded higher than normal.

  “Fantastic.” Abby reached out her hand. “Great having you onboard, Lauren. Shall we go enjoy our drinks?”

  The women were once again seated around a low glass table. The waiter immediately served their designer coffees.

  Abby sipped the foam from her drink. “Catylen, now that your daughters are settling in, will you be staying in Serenity as well?”

  “For now. I haven’t made any long-range plans.” She entwined her fingers in her lap and looked up at Abby. “Do you have an art instructor for the inn?”

  Abby shook her head. “We don’t.”

  Catylen plunged ahead. “I’ve taught oil and watercolor painting at our local college in April Springs. It wouldn’t be difficult to put together a few art kits and hold classes right here at the inn.”

  “We could keep easels for the guests to use.” Abby nodded. “I like it. Why don’t you work up a schedule of classes along with suggested fees and we’ll talk.” She tilted her head and looked to be concentrating. “You might want to offer private lessons as well.”

  The light danced in Catylen’s eyes and lit her face. “Are you available the beginning of the week?”

  “Tuesday morning around ten is good for me.” Abby beamed a smile. “I hate to cut our time short, but I have another appointment.” Abby rose and offered her hand to each of the ladies and was quickly on her way.

  Between making business deals and caffeine-infused lattes, the four were talking over one another as they left the inn.

  “I’m going to swing by the bookshop and see if the contractor finished removing the dividing wall between the two shops.” Jezzica made the loop onto Shoreview Drive toward Main Street.

  The shops were getting busier with the June arrival of summer residents and visitors
. The sidewalks were filled and if the number of shoppers licking ice cream cones was any indication, the newly reopened Scoops was doing a booming business. Jezzica frowned as people stepped off the sidewalk, avoiding the front area of the bookshop. She parked, and water was gushing from under the door and flowing out into the street.

  “What’s going on?” Careful to not slip in the water, Catylen followed Jezzica to where Maggie stood pointing at the shop while talking on her cell phone.

  Maggie flipped her phone closed. “I called and the fire department is on the way. They said to not open the door.”

  Jezzica could see through the glass door and windows—the whole shop was flooded. Weeks of hard work gone. She pumped her fist in the air and demand answers.

  “It probably looks worse than it is.” Maggie shook her head.

  “I’m glad you saw it and called for help.”

  “Actually, I came over to give you this. But now isn’t a good time.” Maggie held what looked like an invitation her hand.

  “Now‘s fine. I can’t do anything except wait.” She reached for the pale green envelope. The outside pictured a teacup with a quote underneath. A Proper Tea is much nicer than a Very Nearly Tea, which is one you forget about afterwards. A.A. Milne.

  Samantha laughed, glad for the break from her current disaster. “Gotta love Winnie-the-Pooh.”

  “And hats are a definite must.” Maggie grinned. “I talked to Abby and arranged the garden tea for Samantha. I hope your sister and nieces will come as well.” Maggie frowned. “This is really awkward, talking to you about this now.”

  “Really, it’s fine. I wouldn’t miss the tea and I’m sure Catylen and the girls would love it. My offer to help still stands.”

  “Thanks. We’ll talk after you deal with this problem.” Maggie shook her head at the water still seeping under the door. “Let me know if you need anything.”