The Game Changer

by Iona Morrison

  Matt smiled and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “I’ll call the sheriff’s office today to see what’s going on. I wonder if they used a dog when Adriana first went missing.”

  “Police are getting better about calling in search and rescue dogs when they’re available. But dogs and handlers aren’t always easy to come by, especially for small towns.” Jessie glanced at him. “So you believe his story, and you’re going to help?”

  He handed her a stack of books. “We’ll see. The jury is still out on the believing part, but I’m going to dig around a little. I do believe in you, though, and I know you saw something when you were looking at her picture, didn’t you?”

  “I saw a quick flash in my mind, I know someone took her, and she’s still alive. But I didn’t see who it was or why. I saw enough to know another woman’s body will show up at some point.”

  “Hell, not what I wanted to hear. I knew you had seen something, which changes everything for me.” He touched her hand. “I’ll see you later. Are you working at the church today?” He grabbed his coffee.

  “No, I have a couple of weeks off to work on the store.” She smiled, turning around, taking it all in. “My dream is becoming reality.” She stopped in front of him.

  “My view of it is about perfect.” He watched her, his grin fading. His tone became serious. “Maybe you should lock the door, sweetheart.” He lifted her chin and gazed into her eyes. “I don’t want just anyone coming in here to stare at you.”

  “I guess I could, but I’m expecting a few more deliveries.”

  “Put a note on the door and tell them to knock if they have a delivery,” he said, handing her a paper and pen. “I’ll get back to you if I hear anything. Lock it!”

  She walked with him to the door and taped a note to the glass. As soon as he went out, she clicked the lock. She stood there watching him get in the car and then unlocked it. There was always some man thinking she was helpless and telling her what to do. She waited until he waved at her and then locked it again. Jessie watched him drive away.

  The snow had finally stopped falling, and the sun was peeking out from behind the clouds. The church looked like a postcard picture. Her gaze followed the movement of the trees blowing in the cemetery, sending the icy white flakes flying from their branches. In the shadow of the church building, the graveyard looked cold and foreboding. Only the tops of the headstones peeked out above the snowy cover blanketing the ground. She shuddered, rubbing her arms. It had been a strange morning.

  Back to work! She turned away from the window. The smell of new books, fresh paint, and leather tickled her senses. Grabbing the stack of hardbacks off the counter, she carried them to the front of the store, arranging them on the display table in the front window. Jessie smiled as she picked up the new release from one of her favorite authors, clutching the book to her chest. Corinne Clark had promised to come opening day and sign books. How cool was that!

  Her smile broadened. She had done it. She was officially an adult who owned her own business. The French doors between her store and Java Joe’s coffee shop remained closed. Paper covered her side for now, but only until she was ready to unveil her new store. Jessie ran her hand over the wooden sign, which was the last thing that would go up on the outside of the building, and then she bent behind the counter to open another box.

  After hours of unpacking boxes and putting books on their shelves, it was starting to take shape. Cozy reading corners, with chairs and small tables to place drinks, were in place. She hung several of the paintings that had arrived earlier in the month; they added vivid color against the exposed brick walls. Every day it looked at little more like the place she had dreamed about when she first saw that it was for sale. It was an excellent setting to pass a little idle time in, reading and drinking coffee.

  She laughed at the text Matt left her mid-morning asking her if anyone else had come into her shop to stare at her. He had the power to make her feel weak in the knees. What was she going to do about him? He had been dropping hints about marriage, but she wasn’t ready. Not that there was anyone else; she wanted to get her business off the ground and had a few other things on her to-do list before she settled down. Matt wouldn’t wait forever, but her over-protective dad was a constant reminder of why she wasn’t ready. After twenty-six years of being an only child, Jessie was still learning to cope with her dad’s domineering ways. Her mom had given up trying to keep peace in the family years ago. Only Grams, bless her heart, was strong enough to give him a run for his money, and Jessie had learned from her. Every time she turned around, Dad was giving his unsolicited advice. He had made the holidays tense. Jessie frowned. She had to admit Matt upset her a few times, too, when he had agreed with her father. It hadn’t scored any points in his favor. Still she couldn’t hold it against him either. Dad had a way of making people agree with him against their better judgment.

  ****

  She was about to rip open another box when she heard tapping at the door. Jessie wasn’t surprised to see Reba standing outside after her morning. She unlocked the door and held it open.

  “How’s it going, my dear? I wanted to stop and check out your progress.” Reba swept in, touching Jessie’s arm as she passed her then turned around taking it all in. “I like the way it looks.”

  Jessie clicked the lock on the door. “I can hardly wait until my opening day. Why the frown?”

  “I knew this morning when I woke up that things were active again and that you were being called upon to do something.” Reba stopped at the table, her finger tracing the letters on the wooden sign. “Hmm, I like this. Idle Time Books is a perfect name” Reba clasped Jessie’s hand. “This case, my dear, may take you a little farther away from home.”

  “I can’t go anywhere right now. As you know, my store will keep me busy, and I’m working a couple of jobs.” No, please not now. Jessie’s mind raced ahead, but she knew she wasn’t winning this one.

  “Needs are seldom convenient; they just are. I could be wrong, but I rarely am. So I expect that you might want to keep a bag packed just in case you need to leave in a hurry.” She patted Jessie’s hand as she let it go. “Why don’t you tell me what happened this morning.”

  Jessie motioned to the small table and chairs in the corner. Reba sat in the leather chair, crossing her legs at the ankles. Jessie gave Reba the details and sat back in her chair to wait for her wisdom. Reba was too quiet, which was unusual. Jessie’s fingers tapped on the arm of the chair. Waiting wasn’t one of her strengths. “So what do you think?”

  Reba folded her hands on the table in front of her. “Well, it’s a unique approach, I’ll give you that, but I’m not sure what I think. You were in his dream, and he came into your store, what are the odds of that?”

  “Almost improbable, I’m sure.” Jessie pushed the picture of Adriana in front of Reba.

  She stared at it a minute. “She’s a lovely girl. Her smile is sweet, isn’t it?” Reba held the photo up close. “It makes me wonder.”

  “What?” Jessie leaned forward closer to Reba.

  “Maybe the person who abducted her doesn’t want to hurt her but is obsessed with her. You know a stalker.”

  “I had the same thought cross my mind.” Jessie leaned back in her chair. “How can you know for sure?”

  “We’ll know soon enough, I guess.” Reba smiled and patted Jessie’s hand. “I’m glad you bought the store. This building needed some tender loving care for a while. Tying it together with the coffee shop is pure genius.” Reba pointed at the closed doors. “The customers will be dropping by in droves.” She reached for her gloves on the table. “When is your grand opening?”

  “The first week in March. Why?”

  “That should give you plenty of time in case you’re needed. You can’t have the store open without the owner being present.” Reba stood. “It’s always good to see you, Jessie girl, but I need to get on my way. I have to do some grocery shopping so Lawrence will have dinner tonight. He’s been very
patient with his less than spectacular meals lately. I think he deserves a good one this evening.”

  “Be careful, don’t slip.” Jessie followed Reba to the door and let her out, locking it again behind her. I’m not going anywhere. I want to be here, doing what I’m doing. Please, oh please, let her be somewhere nearby, so I don’t have to leave Blue Cove right now. She tilted her head heavenward.

  Jessie worked the afternoon away. By the time five rolled around, she had unloaded, sorted, and shelved several boxes of books. Her mountain was declining slowly to a molehill. A few more days of hard work and her store would be ready.

  She stepped into the back room to get her purse and jacket. Winter days meant it was getting dark early; the air was cold and crisp from the earlier snowstorm. She buttoned her coat, pulling the scarf around her face. Shutting off the lights in the store, she went to her car parked at the back entrance.

  Jessie fumbled in her purse trying to reach her ringing phone. Why did it always seem to go missing? She shifted things around, finally reaching it on the fourth ring.

  “Hi, Grams.”

  “Hi, how’s my favorite granddaughter?”

  “I’m your only granddaughter, and I’m okay. What’s happening?” Jessie smiled. Sadie was up to something. She could hear it in her voice.

  “When we were all together at Christmas, I noticed that you and Matt were having some trouble. I can talk to him if you want.”

  “That’s okay, Grams, I’ll handle him.” Jessie grinned, knowing what Matt would think about that statement.

  “I thought you could use a little time away from him. Absence makes the heart grow fonder as they say. I looked into some airline tickets for a vacation retreat. I want to take Katie and you. The whole week will be on me. To tell you the truth, I need time away from your father before I let him have it.”

  “When and where?” Reba’s words raced back into Jessie’s mind.

  “When depends on you and how the store is coming along. The where is a surprise, but it’ll be warmer than where we both are now.”

  “My first thought would be to say I’m too busy, but by the end of the week, I should almost be done. I have some vacation days, and it will still give me nearly three weeks until the store opens. You know, I think it sounds great. I’ll talk to Katie and get back to you so you can book it.”

  The minute she hung up, Jessie called Katie. She explained Sadie’s getaway idea.

  “Oh, that would be wonderful. I can take the time since the holidays are over. Also, a spa—well now—that sounds too divine. You can count me in for sure. It’ll take a least until the end of this week to get things ready for Alisa to take over for a few days. Next week would be perfect, and any place would be delightful.”

  “How’s Alisa working out?”

  “She’s great! I’m so glad I had the funds to hire and train her. Besides, I think Kip is sweet on her. He shows up for dinner at the Inn a lot since she started working here.”

  “She couldn’t get a nicer guy than Kip. I hope she treats him right.” Jessie laughed. “If not, she’ll answer to me. If I had a brother, I would like him to be just like Kip.”

  “Sure, sure, or like Dylan, or Jeremy, Gary, or any other guy you’ve ever met besides Matt.”

  “Katie, you’d be wise not to start on me.” Jessie ruined her firm tone by laughing.

  “Why’s that?” Jessie heard the laughter in Katie’s voice. “I may be shorter than you but remember—dynamite comes in small packages.” Katie’s giggle punctuated the air.

  “You’re too much. I’ll talk to you later, and I’ll let you know when Grams gets everything settled date-wise.” Jessie smiled as she disconnected the phone and smiled all the way home.

  Jessie sat at her computer, turned it on, and jotted off a quick email to Sadie to let her know they would both be going with her. Excitement filled her, a surprise destination was perfect, and maybe Grams was right; time away from Matt might be good. Oh, she loved him all right, but he needed to give her credit for having some intelligence and being capable of making some decisions for herself. He might miss her too, which wouldn’t be a bad thing. They could have a great reunion when she got back. Her face flushed just thinking about it.

  Jessie looked at her computer screen. What happened to you, Adriana? I’m going to keep looking until I find you. Jessie dialed Adriana’s friend.

  Chapter 2

  Matt had spent the better part of the afternoon on the phone with Sheriff Thompson. The whole case was an inept mess. No one seemed to know what was going on in regards to the investigation. He didn’t want Jessie involved in this case, but telling her no wouldn’t be easy. Their relationship was still recovering from their fight over the holidays. Why he had acted the way he did was a total mystery to him. Hell, he was jealous, plain and simple. His brothers kept hitting on her, the guy staying at the Inn wouldn’t leave her alone, and like a chump he had agreed with her father when he lectured her about the bookstore. No wonder she hated when he lectured her. What was even worse, he didn’t agree with what her father was saying. A case of nerves was his one and only plausible excuse. It wasn’t a good one. His apology had better be fine-tuned. Maybe he should ask her not to get involved and not tell her. If he knew his girl, he was too late anyway.

  He smiled when she answered the phone. “Hi, sweetheart. Can I take you to dinner or bring it to the house?”

  “What do you have in mind?”

  “How about I pick you up in twenty minutes and we’ll figure it out. I’m getting ready to leave work now.”

  “Sounds good, I’ll see you soon. It’ll give me time to fill you in on what I’ve found out about Adriana so far.”

  Matt groaned inwardly. “Sure, that would be great. See you in twenty.”

  Now what should he do? She was already involved. He was going to have to do some pretty fancy maneuvering on this one. There was more to the case as one of the deputies had suggested. Matt considered the conversation he had with the deputy earlier in the day.

  “Ever since we started investigating this case,” Deputy Johnson stammered. “Strange things have happened.”

  “Strange like how?”

  “Well…” He hesitated. “All of our reports on her have disappeared. The legwork, interviews, and the man-hours we put in are gone. I’m not only talking about paper files, but our computer files on the case are wiped out.”

  “Are you sure you didn’t just misplace them.”

  “Of course, I’m sure. They’re flat out gone.” Matt had heard the officer’s exasperated sigh over the line.

  “What else?”

  “We’ve noticed strange things like—I don’t know how to say it without sounding ridiculous—just your usual dolls with pins stuck in them, dead chickens, and basic vandalism using blood. It’s hard to believe even for me, and I’ve seen all the crap. Hell, it’s been chaos around here ever since we started the investigation. Every day we come across some other strange occurrence. The evidence suggests a cult ritual or voodoo. Whoever is messing with us, knows what he’s doing.” The deputy cleared his throat. “What I’m trying to say is this isn’t kids stuff or a juvenile prank.”

  Matt had heard the fear in the deputy’s voice. Johnson was afraid and cops rarely were. It made him wonder what Johnson wasn’t telling him.

  He pulled his car in beside hers. She was standing outside waiting. He smiled as she hopped back and forth trying to keep warm in the frigid night air. Bundled up from head to toe, she was a beautiful sight. Her gloved hand started waving the moment she saw him. He wanted to protect her, but he didn’t have a clue what he was protecting her from or what they were dealing with yet. Face reality, Matt, she doesn’t need you to babysit her.

  She popped her head in the door. “Hi.”

  “You know you don’t have to stand out in the cold. I’d be happy to come to the door for you.”

  “I know, but I was too excited to sit still and wait.” She flashed him a smile. “Did you talk
to the sheriff’s department?”

  “I did.” Boy was he ever in trouble. At fault were those eyes and that smile. Jeez, I could use a little help, here. A diversionary tactic was in order. “Before we talk about the case, I want to say something to you.”

  “Sounds serious, what’s up?” She pulled the seat belt across herself but held the buckle in her hand. “Did I do something wrong?”

  He shook his head. “I owe you an apology.”

  “For what?”

  “Some of the things I did while your family was here.” He paused, taking her hand in his. “I didn’t agree with what your father was saying about buying the bookstore. Any business is a risk, but you’re a smart woman, and I knew you had considered it thoughtfully.”

  She looked puzzled. “For heaven’s sakes, why would you agree with him? He still brings it up. He’ll continue to use it against me.”

  “I have no real defense except to say, I was trying to fit in with your family and feeling nervous about it. The worst part is, I was jealous of my brothers and that other guy. Ah, hell, I have no good excuse, just bad judgment, and I’m sorry.” He could see her shaking her head.

  “You know your brothers were only flirting with me to bug you. They aren’t interested in me, and the guy at the Inn was a little tipsy, that’s all.”

  He winked at her. “Yeah, well you believe that if it makes you feel better. I know my brothers. I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have let them get to me.”

  “Look, any guy who will say he’s sorry is okay in my book. We’re good, and I’ll add the points back that I took away from you when you did it.” She turned in her seat and clicked her seat belt.

  He laughed. “I just knew you did something like that. I could feel you were upset with me, and that I wasn’t living up to your expectations.”

  “It’s all in the point system. Now drive, I’m hungry.” She grinned and pointed at the steering wheel.