Jack leaned back in his chair and glanced at his watch. It was only 8:30 a.m. The clinic didn’t open to visitors until nine, but Jack planned to be there as soon as he could to check on her.
Everyone needed someone to watch out for them. He wouldn’t overstep. Juliette wasn’t officially a part of his flock, so to speak, but she could be an unofficial member while she was in town.
“Morning,” someone said behind him.
Jack stood to refill his coffee and saw Braden Dillinger appear from the hallway. Braden was staying with him for a short while as he recovered from the invisible wounds brought on by his military service. The brawny man was a friend of Ty Chambers, Cassidy’s husband. He’d come to the island to heal and had decided to stay.
As soon as Jack had met the man, he’d sensed God leading him to help. When Braden needed a place to stay, Jack offered his home. And the growth he’d seen in Braden over the past month had been incredible. That was thanks to God and to Lisa Garth, Braden’s new girlfriend. The two were crazy about each other, and their quirks made them adorable together.
“Morning, Braden.” Jack paused and observed the man for a minute. Something about him seemed different. There was a nervous energy about him, Jack realized. “What’s going on?”
Braden pulled something from his pocket and held it out. It was a ring—an engagement ring. And Braden’s expression held a mixture of elation and terror. “What do you think? Is it too soon?”
A grin stretched across Jack’s face as he realized what was going on. “You’re going to propose to Lisa?”
“Do you think it’s too soon?”
“Lisa won’t think so. I think she’ll be over the moon.”
Braden released a breath, his shoulders sagging with relief, and he smiled. “That’s what I’m hoping. It is quick, though. It’s only been four weeks since we met.”
“I proposed to my wife after three weeks. Sometimes when you know, you just know.”
“That’s awesome, man.” Braden nodded and crossed into the kitchen to grab some coffee. “You don’t talk about her a lot, but I can tell you really loved her.”
“Leah was a good woman.” Jack shifted, feeling emotions begin to well within him—emotions he didn’t want to deal with right now. “When are you planning on proposing?”
Braden raised his coffee mug. “Not yet. Maybe at Christmas. Maybe at the Lantern Beach Illumination. I’m still trying to decide. I went into town yesterday to buy this. I told Lisa I had to pick up some supplies for the work we’re doing at Ty’s place—and I did that. But I also shopped for this.” He stared at the ring again.
“I’m sure you’ll know when the time is right.”
Braden glanced beyond Jack to the living room. “Hey, do you need help decorating for Christmas around here? I can lend a hand, if you need me to. I’ve been meaning to ask.”
Jack shrugged, wondering when Braden might ask him about the fact that there was no visible sign of Christmas in the house. “I’m not much for decorating for Christmas.”
Braden’s expression was unreadable. “Oh, okay. Well, no pressure. But I’m here if you change your mind.”
“Thanks, Braden.” Jack glanced at his watch again. “I’ve got to run to the clinic now.”
“Okay. Stop by Lisa’s later, if you have the chance. She’s got some new recipes that you’re going to love!”
“Maybe I will. We’ll talk later, Braden.”
Right now, Jack wanted to check on Juliette.
Chapter Six
Just as Cassidy had promised, she showed up at the clinic at nine a.m. and stepped into Juliette’s room.
“How’s it going this morning?” She paused at the foot of the bed.
“I guess I’m well enough to send home.” Juliette sat up in the hospital bed, feeling much more alert than she had last night. “That’s gotta be a good thing, right? The nurse even helped me take a shower so that I could feel halfway human again. And she taught me how to change my bandage, and she filled my scripts.”
“Sounds like a five-star accommodation.”
“Not quite.” Juliette’s smile faded.
Cassidy extended her arm and handed her a large paper bag. “I brought you some clothes. I think we’re about the same size. I’m just a little taller.”
“I appreciate it.” Juliette rubbed the hem of the sheet. “Any updates?”
Cassidy frowned and leaned her hip against the wall. “I wish I had good news. But we were up all night trying to locate your attacker, and we’ve had no luck. No one seems to have seen him except for his brief appearance here at the clinic yesterday.”
“How about the parking lot? Is there any footage from there?”
Cassidy shook her head. “No, he walked out of sight of the camera, almost like he knew it was there.”
“I see.” Disappointment tinged her voice. When were they ever going to catch a break? And would it be too late when they did?
Cassidy shifted, still studying her. “Listen, where are you going to go when you leave the clinic?”
Juliette had been thinking about it all morning, but she hadn’t reached any satisfying conclusion. “Away from this island, I guess. I’ll try and find some place to hide.”
“Is there someone you can stay with?”
Her mind raced through possibilities. Her agent or manager? Nope. Friends at church? She didn’t want to put them in danger since most had young kids.
“Not really,” Juliette said. “But that’s okay. I’m used to doing things on my own.”
Cassidy frowned. “I can offer you protection, but only while you’re here on Lantern Beach.”
“I appreciate it. But I’ll get my things and leave. I’ll find somewhere new to hide out.”
“Remember, you can’t drive while you’re on your pain medication.”
Juliette frowned. Cassidy had a point. “I’ll figure out something.”
Cassidy rested her hand on her belt. “I can have one of my guys escort you back to the rental where you’re staying.”
“I really don’t want to be a bother. I can call a cab—if you have those here.”
“If you can wait until noon, I’ll pick you up myself. How does that sound?”
“That . . . would be nice. But, like I said, I hate for you to go out of your way.”
Cassidy’s phone rang. She stepped away as she answered, but whatever was being said on the other end didn’t sound good. After she ended the call, she turned back to Juliette.
“Listen, there’s been a car accident near the ferry dock. I need to go be on the scene. I’ll get back here as close to noon as possible. Sound good? We can talk about some places you might be able to stay.”
“Yes, of course. Thanks.” If only everyone in her life was as friendly and kind as the people here.
But Juliette already felt like a burden to this island. She’d brought trouble here with her . . . and that was the last thing she’d intended.
Jack walked out to his car, ready to begin his day. He would check on Juliette, but he also needed to visit two of the congregation’s shut-ins. The church choir—also known as the town carolers for Monday’s island festivities—would meet at the building to practice. And the finance committee was having a meeting over dinner this evening, a meeting Jack was strongly encouraged to attend.
Although Saturday was officially Jack’s day off, did he ever really have a day off in his job? Not really. And that suited him fine for now. He didn’t have a family to split his time with. But he really needed to make it a priority to have a day of rest.
Maybe after the Christmas season was over, he’d see to that.
He paused by his car, about to open his door, when something caught his eye.
Jack squinted. Was that . . . ?
He leaned closer. Sure enough, someone had scratched the side of his door.
Not just scratched it. No, someone had left crudely carved words there.
She’s mine.
Leave her al
one.
He sucked in a breath.
Juliette.
These messages were about Juliette.
Suddenly, Jack’s back muscles pinched, and he glanced around.
There were houses surrounding the church and parsonage. Most were empty right now.
He squinted, trying to examine the windows and other crevices.
He saw no one.
But Juliette’s stalker knew he lived here. He knew who Jack was. And he’d sent a clear message for Jack to stay away.
And that made Jack want to do the exact opposite.
More than anything, he wanted to check on Juliette now.
But her stalker seemed to be growing crazier by the moment.
Chapter Seven
“Guess what?” Thirty minutes after Cassidy left, a nurse stepped into Juliette’s room with a wide grin and papers in her hands. “You get to go home now!”
Juliette blinked as she sat in the chair in the corner of her room—the one Jack had sat in last night. She’d desperately been trying to pass time by watching TV. She wished she had her phone, so she could at least check her messages. No doubt her manager, Sebastian, had probably tried to call her.
With Juliette’s new movie debuting soon, there had been unending press opportunities. Juliette, an introvert by nature, hated press opportunities. But Sebastian insisted they were good for her career and for building goodwill.
She considered calling her dad. No, he’d remarried and left her behind. Juliette really should have taken time to cultivate more relationships. By the time she’d realized how great the void was, it seemed too late.
She glanced at her watch, realizing it wasn’t even ten o’clock yet. “Really? I get to go home. But it’s . . . early.”
“But you’re doing great,” the nurse said. She was a matronly woman with short salt-and-pepper hair. Her tag read Margot. She had a happy, high-pitched voice that reminded Juliette of a TV mom from the 1950s. “Doc Clemson just signed the forms. You’re a free woman. You do remember everything I told you about dressing your wound, though, don’t you?”
“I think so.”
“It’s all written down in case you forget. I’ll slide it right here in the bag with your other personal possessions.” Nurse Margot smiled warmly.
“So that’s it? I can just go?” Juliette had already gotten dressed in the jeans and T-shirt Cassidy had brought her.
“That’s right. Most people are ready to get out of here as soon as they can.”
Then why did some internal part of Juliette want to beg this nurse to let her stay?
She could do this. She’d been on her own for a long time with no one to look out for her except herself. She would manage this also.
Still, a sense of dread filled her. Where was she going to go? Would she have to face her rental house alone? What if her stalker was there?
“I need to call for a ride,” she said, knowing she was in no state to drive.
“I know the perfect person. A young girl just started a business here on the island. How about if I call her for you?”
“That would be perfect. Thank you.”
As Margot made the call, Juliette stood. Pain split through her side, nearly causing her to pass out. She grabbed the wall to steady herself. She could get through this. It would just take time to heal.
Nurse Margot frowned and reached for her, quickly putting away her phone. “Let me get you a wheelchair.”
Juliette shook her head, pulling herself together. “No, I’m fine. I just need to get moving. I’m just sore.”
“You look a little more than sore.”
“I’ll be fine.” Juliette reached for the wall to keep her balance.
“But our policy is—”
“I’ll be fine.” As Juliette stepped into the hallway, the officer assigned to guard her stood. She’d met the young, lanky officer briefly this morning. “Office Leggott.”
His eyes narrowed with confusion. “Are you leaving?”
“I’ve been discharged.”
He reached for his phone, his forehead still furrowed. “Let me call the chief.”
Juliette waved him off. “Don’t worry about that. She’s at an accident scene.”
“I heard it’s a handful.”
“I bet. You don’t have to wait around for me.”
“Oh, yes, I do.” He nodded, almost looking dopey or fearful—maybe both.
“Okay, then.” Juliette didn’t have the energy to argue.
The good news was that the more she walked, the easier it got. Nurse Margot stayed beside her, holding her arm.
Juliette trembled.
Nurse Margot must have felt her anxiety because she murmured, “You’ve got this.”
Juliette wasn’t so sure.
Juliette glanced around. The hallway was empty, other than some Christmas decorations. She suspected that it was a slow time of year for everyone, even the clinic staff around here. “Blue Christmas” crooned overhead. A song about spending Christmas alone . . . how appropriate.
Was her stalker here?
Juliette’s heart quickened, and she pulled her borrowed coat closer around her neck, wishing it was armor instead. But nothing would make her feel safe right now.
No, her stalker wouldn’t be that brazen . . . would he? He had just attacked her out in the open with a knife.
Juliette was such a contradiction—one minute anxious to leave and the next minute terrified that she couldn’t remain. Then again, fear did strange things to the mind.
That was what it was doing now. It caused Juliette’s brain to shoot in a million different directions, unable to land in a single one.
As she stepped outside, her lungs seized. A cold wind hit her, sweeping around her like a hug from an enemy. At least the sun was bright, but even it couldn’t cut through the chill in the air.
“Your driver will be in a burgundy sedan,” Margot said. “She should be here any minute.”
Juliette would get her driver to take her to her cottage. She’d pack up and head somewhere else.
Juliette didn’t know where.
There was nowhere she could go that was safe.
Despair clawed at her, each tear more vicious than the last.
The door to the clinic slammed behind her, and Juliette nearly jumped out of her skin at the sound.
You’re being silly, Juliette.
Yet, despite the logic she tried to apply, the other part of her knew John Doting, as she’d begun to call him, was watching.
Juliette didn’t know where he was. He could be in one of these cars. In a car in a lot across the street. Behind some of the trees on the other side of the building.
But her stalker was there somewhere. Juliette was certain of it.
He’d been waiting for her to leave. Probably salivated for it.
Juliette squeezed her coat tighter. She should go back inside.
No, she had to wait for her ride.
What if her driver had pulled around to the other side of the building?
“I’m just going to stretch my legs a moment,” Juliette said. “You both don’t have to stay here.”
“I’m still waiting to hear back from Chief Chambers,” Leggott said, the phone still to his ear.
With tension pulling across all her muscles, Juliette took a hesitant step. Then another. And another.
She reached the edge of the clinic and peered around.
Nothing.
No one.
She released her breath.
One side down. One more to go.
With her arms wrapped across her chest, she walked to the other side. Peered around.
And again, nothing.
Where was the driver? Maybe she should call Chief Chambers.
Juliette’s gaze darted around again.
Was that movement in the trees across the street?
Bile started to rise in her throat.
What if that was him?
She stared harder but saw nothing.
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Was she seeing things?
Juliette had no idea.
But she had to get back inside.
She turned, ready to run as fast as she could, not caring what anyone thought of her. But, as she did, she slammed into someone.
A man.
Juliette tried to scream but couldn’t.
Instead, her life flashed before her eyes, and she braced herself to feel the knife again.
Chapter Eight
Jack grabbed Juliette’s shoulders to steady her. She looked like she was poised to either pass out or run for her life. Her eyes were wide, her lips parted like she might scream, and her skin pale.
She still seemed so frail, so young, even now that she’d cleaned up and changed into some jeans and a sweater. Her hair was straight this morning and still slightly damp. She wore no makeup, but her face looked fresh and clean.
Jack hadn’t intended on scaring the woman. He’d assumed Juliette had heard him coming. He’d made no secret of it. He’d parked on the back side of the lot and was about to go inside to check on her.
“Juliette, it’s okay,” he said softly.
She let out a breath, and her shoulders sagged so quickly that Jack again feared she might pass out. Her hand went to the skin between her eyes, and she squeezed.
“I . . . you . . .” Juliette started.
“It’s okay. You don’t have to explain. But what are you doing out here?”
“A car is coming to pick me up.”
His forehead furrowed. “A car?”
“I don’t know anyone else on the island, and I had to get home some way,” Juliette said. “Nurse Margot called someone for me.”
“Cassidy—Chief Chambers—would have given you a ride.”
“I know, but I heard people talking about an accident down by the ferry dock. I knew she was busy, and I’m a little impatient sometimes.”
With one hand still on her arm, Jack glanced around. Leggott and Nurse Margot nodded at him. Beyond the two of them, Jack didn’t see anyone out here, waiting to give her a ride. And he didn’t like the idea of Juliette getting into a car with a stranger either. Not after what had happened yesterday.
Storm of Doubt Page 4
