by Diane Darcy
He lifted his hand to point to one guy at a time. “Isabelle, this is Brandon, Charlie, Sean, and Jeff.”
“Hello again,” said Brandon.
“Nice to meet you,” said Charlie with dimples displayed.
Sean bent his head. “Izzy.”
Jeff stared.
Adam didn’t like the way they ogled her. He glared at his friends. “It’s Isabelle to you bums. I’m the only one here who gets to call her Izzy.”
“It’s okay, I don’t mind.” Her lashes lowered. “It’s nice to meet you all,” she said shyly. “I wasn’t sure what you’d like so I made this.” She set the platter on the table, and Adam noticed the refreshments for the first time. He glanced at his own platter, set it down, and looked at the guys contemplating the food.
Celery sticks filled with canned cheese, and Ritz crackers with cream cheese and chunks of artificial crab meat. A bowl of peanuts and what looked like a dish of melted Velveeta mixed with salsa, alongside a bowl of tortilla chips.
When Adam cooked, they were used to a little better quality. All the guys exchanged glances then, as one, they smiled at Isabelle.
“Looks good, ma’am,” said Brandon.
“You bet,” said Charlie.
Sean grinned. “Just like Mama used to make.”
Jeff snagged a celery stick and bit into it. “Mmm. Yummy. Thanks.”
“Yes. Thanks, Izzy,” said Adam.
With a pleased look, she nodded. “You bet. I bought the makings for macaroni and ham casserole. The ingredients were on sale. Or I could warm fish sticks and tater tots. Do any of you have a preference?”
Again, the guys exchanged looks.
Adam smiled at her. “Thanks, but I was just talking to the guys and they said they were looking forward to pizza.”
Her brows crinkled. “I could run to Little Caesars, if you’d like.”
A chorus of no’s rang out.
Adam rubbed the back of his neck. “We have a special place we order from. A friend of ours owns it.”
Brandon nodded. “So that’s the only place we can go or we feel like traitors.”
“We’ll just call that order in,” said Sean. “We already have the number programmed into our phones.”
She nodded. “Okay. If you want me to make anything else, let me know. I was thinking about whipping up some pudding or cupcakes for dessert.”
“That’s okay,” said Adam. “None of us are really that big on desserts. The pizza fills us up.”
“Okay. I bought Popsicles if you change your mind.”
After she left Brandon smirked. “She sure is something to look at.”
Charlie spoke up. “And she seems real nice.”
Sean nodded. “Pretty and nice. That’s a good combination.”
“It is,” Jeff agreed. “But she can’t cook worth beans. I thought she was going to offer us some fried Spam.”
Adam glared. “The food is just fine. She’s been too busy becoming a nurse to learn how to cook.” He picked up a cheese-filled celery stick and bit into it. “And I expect you all to eat it. I’m not having Izzy’s feelings hurt.” He ignored their snickering as he ordered three pizzas.
The next time Isabelle went shopping, he was going with her.
~~~
Isabelle sat curled up in an easy chair in the living room and tried unsuccessfully to concentrate on a novel. She wished she had something to do. She’d cleaned the kitchen, then looked around for something else to clean in the already spotless house. There was nothing to cook, and after the way Adam introduced her as his girlfriend, it would seem odd if she went outside and asked for a list of chores.
The phone rang, and Isabelle snatched it up and saw it was her father calling. “Hello? Did you find it?”
“I didn’t.” Her father sighed. “I’m sorry, Izzy. We tried. The limo driver didn’t know anything about it and--”
“Did he seem honest?”
There was a hesitation. “I don’t know. He did let us search the limousine, but…there was something about him. He didn’t meet my gaze when I spoke to him. And he searched the limo first, before he’d let us go inside. But…I did watch him through the door and…I don’t know. He didn’t pocket anything that I saw. I’m probably being overly suspicious.”
“What about the school?”
Dad sighed. “We contacted the principal and she met us at the school and helped us hunt, but we didn’t find it there either. She personally contacted each of the janitors and let me speak to them. None of them knew anything. They did, however, tell us where the trash bags from the dance were located. Courtney, Erin, and I went through each bag looking for the necklace. We didn’t find it.”
“Oh, Dad.”
“Same story at the ice cream shop. Finally, we hired a man with a metal detector and scoured the beach. We found a few things, even some jewelry, but not the necklace.” He sounded so down and weary, it brought tears to Isabelle’s eyes.
She pressed a hand to her forehead. She’d been counting on them finding it. What would she tell Adam? “What else can we do?”
“The metal detector guy we hired gave us the name of a man that regularly scours that beach. We tried to call him, but so far no luck. We may have to head down there in the early morning to see if we can question him.”
Isabelle’s stomach clenched. “What’s your next step?”
“I went to the police station to get ideas. I let them believe the necklace belonged to me. Which, I realize, might get me in more trouble in the long run, but what was I to do?”
He sighed again. “Luckily, I had a picture of the necklace from the website, and I was able to fill out a report. I…I told them it was worth $5000 so they wouldn’t ask questions about how I’d obtained it.” Another sigh. “So now there’s a case open, and if anyone tries to pawn the necklace, it’ll get flagged because all items have to be recorded in a database the police have access to. If there’s a match, the police will call us. Unfortunately, they said it might take several months because the seller could be hoping it slips through the cracks and the owners will stop checking.”
“Months?” Isabelle’s heart sank.
“Erin helped me brainstorm a few more ideas. I’m going to take pictures of the necklace around to all the pawnshops in the area and talk to the managers. I’m also going to take flyers around to the neighbors. I’ll put them up by the ice cream shop, the high school, and the beach.”
Izzy’s stomach hurt. Dad was obviously doing everything he could but…
“How are you doing?” he asked. “How is it going over there?”
She looked around the luxurious setting and felt almost guilty for staying in the lap of luxury while they were out searching through trash and talking to police. “It’s fine, Dad. I’m fine. Don’t worry about me.”
“Has Adam said anything?”
“We haven’t really talked about it. I’ve simply been helping him with a few things. He’s had some friends over today, but the poker game should be breaking up soon, so I’ll go talk to him later and try to get him to give us a little more time.”
“Okay. Thanks, sweetie. I’m just not sure I’d be up to that conversation tonight. I can see where this is going. I doubt Mr. Wilder will be willing to give us much more leniency, but I’ll talk to you tomorrow and see what he’s decided.”
After she’d hung up she clenched her eyes and pressed her fingers to the middle of her forehead. Where could the necklace be? Someone must have picked it up. It was the only explanation. It frightened her that her father had gone to the police, but he was right, what else could they do? Maybe the fact that the police were involved would allow Adam to give them a little more time.
But would he be willing to wait months? Could she talk him into that? She’d simply have to lay it all out, and hope he was feeling generous. Again.
~~~
A while later, the guys came into the house and said their goodbyes to Isabelle as she sat stiffly on the couch with an unrea
d magazine on her lap. They headed for the front door and, after a brief smile at her, Adam followed. She could hear them chatting and laughing outside, so she went out into the darkening evening air to the patio, lit with strings of lights, to find the men had already cleaned up.
Isabelle headed into the kitchen to find the dishes neatly stacked in the dishwasher and, as she stood around wishing for something to do, Adam walked into the kitchen.
“I could have cleaned up,” said Isabelle.
He gave an unconcerned shrug. “Thanks, but that’s okay. We’re used to doing it ourselves. I don’t want the guys getting lazy.” He looked out the patio windows, back at her, and very slowly he smiled and tilted his head. “Will you come outside with me? It’s a great night, and we can sit and watch the ocean.”
“Sure.” Isabelle was glad to have the chance to talk to him. Once outdoors, Adam hauled a couple of beach recliners onto the grass near the cliff. “This way we’ll have a better view of the ocean.” He waved a hand at one of the chairs. “Have a seat.”
He walked away and Isabelle sank onto the recliner, leaned back, and entwined her fingers across her stomach. A moment later most of the lights went out and Adam returned to sink onto his own recliner. He smiled at her. “Nice, huh?”
The way he looked at her, with his lips curved and his gaze searching her face, made her shiver. She looked down at the darkened beach below and listened to the waves, soft and lulling in the distance. “It’s wonderful. Your entire house is beautiful.”
“Thanks.”
“And I love that it’s called The Castle. It’s a good description.”
Adam grimaced.
“You don’t like the name?”
“My friends razz me about making jewelry and living in a fairytale castle. If I’d had a wife when I bought this place, it wouldn’t have been so bad. I could’ve claimed she made me buy it. That’s what the last owner did. He told everyone she made him build it.”
Isabelle laughed.
“Don’t get me wrong. I love the place. It sort of has everything. Trees, the pool, the beach. I just don’t like people claiming I live in some sort of whimsical unicorn-and-rainbows place, you know?”
That made her laugh. “Poor guy.”
“I can see I’m not going to get any sympathy out of you. And I shouldn’t. When it came on the market a couple of years ago I was the first in line to buy it.”
“You’re lucky you could afford it at such a young age. The jewelry business must be doing well.”
“Well enough.”
“How’d you get into jewelry making?”
“My dad was military, and that’s what he wanted for me. My best friend’s dad made jewelry, and that’s what he wanted for his son. To make a long story short, Isaac, my friend, did a lot better learning to craft jewelry when I was around, and I would only agree to go into the JROTC if Isaac did it with me. Our dads figured it was keeping us busy and out of trouble, so we did both.”
“Where’s Isaac now?”
“Have you heard of Beckman Jewelers?”
“Sure, who hasn’t?”
“Issac’s grandfather started the place, now Isaac runs it with his dad.”
“So you’re competitors?”
“We don’t see it that way. Mr. Beckman mentored me all the way through. Without his help, I wouldn’t be where I am.”
“What do you mean?”
“Beyond the fact that he taught me how to make jewelry, it was still a struggle to sell anything when I first started. He helped me choose a good location for my first store, taught me to include information like where the gems came from, why I chose them, the inspiration for the piece, and any interesting stories attached to them. At that point I knew the craft, but he saved me years of trial and error on the business end.”
“He sounds like a nice guy.”
Adam laughed. “He wouldn’t agree. He likes to say he’s strict and doesn’t suffer fools. So, change of subject. Tell me about your family.”
“My family?” It took her a few seconds to adjust.
“I knew your dad turned his life around in the last few years. I also knew he had two daughters. I didn’t realize I knew his eldest.”
“My dad has his problems, but he’s a great guy and I wouldn’t trade him for anyone.” She shrugged. “Let’s see. My sister is eight years younger than me, gets good enough grades to have earned a scholarship, and works at The Deck.” She glanced up. “It’s a beachside restaurant out on South Coast Highway.”
“I’ve been there.”
She shrugged helplessly. “I’m not sure what else to say. They’re great.”
“What happened to your mom?”
“She died of cancer when I was fifteen.”
“I’m sorry.”
She lifted one shoulder. “Thanks.”
“So when your dad was struggling with alcohol, who took care of you girls?”
“It worked out fine.”
“Meaning you took care of your sister?”
“I had my mom until I was fifteen. We were fine.”
“And now you’re a nurse. It sounds to me like you’ve always taken care of everyone else. Who takes care of you?”
Her eyes narrowed. “I know you live in a castle, but don’t mistake me for a damsel in distress. It would be a mistake. I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself, and anyone else I need to.”
He lifted both hands in a gesture of surrender. “Sorry. I’m just trying to understand you better.”
“Don’t bother.”
“I can’t help it.”
For some reason, Isabelle blushed and she was grateful for the darkness. She bit her lip and decided it was her turn to change the subject. “I talked to my dad today.” She swallowed. “He’s had no luck so far finding the necklace.” She told him all her father had done and his plans to continue looking. When she finished speaking, there was a long silence and Isabelle held her breath.
After a moment, Adam exhaled. “I figured as much. You’d have said something sooner if he had. I suspect it’s long gone. If someone found it and knows what it is, what it’s worth, the jewels could be sold individually, and the gold melted.”
Isabelle’s stomach tightened and her chin dipped. She studied her entwined fingers. “I have to believe it’ll be found.” She stood. “I’m going to go to bed now. Goodnight.”
“Wait.” He stood and faced her across the chairs. “Don’t go yet. You’re probably right. I’m an eternal pessimist. I’m sure your dad will find it.”
She didn’t believe he really believed that, but she appreciated the sentiment. “Thanks, Adam. I’d better go to bed. I work at the hospital in the morning.” Something she wasn’t looking forward to. She hoped Pete wasn’t there.
He studied her for a long moment. “Can you do something for me?”
“Sure. That’s what I’m here for.”
“I want you to try to relax and have fun while you’re staying here.”
Her brows rose.
“I know the necklace is a big worry, for both of us, but there isn’t anything we can do about that at the moment. So relax, okay? Have fun while you’re here, enjoy the house and the beach, and I won’t put any pressure on your dad. We’ll wait and see what he comes up with. All right?”
Isabelle’s gaze dropped to the chair in front of her. “According to the police, it could end up being several months before it turns up in a pawnshop.” She glanced up, needing to see his reaction, wondering if that would seal the deal and the police would be calling on her father first thing in the morning.
Adam shrugged. “It is what it is.”
Her hand touched her throat. “You mean you won’t call the police or my dad while he’s looking?”
“I won’t. The fact that you’re here is assurance enough that he’s doing his best to find it. So do we have a deal?”
Isabelle’s heart soared. If he didn’t put any pressure on her father, if he was willing to wait, that was more t
han she could have ever hoped for. “I’m not sure why you’re doing this. What do you get out of it?”
“Your company, no one trying to set me up, and the assurance your father is well motivated.”
That made sense. She held out her hand. “Deal.”
He grasped her hand in his big, warm grip and a slow burn built in her blood and tingled up her arm. Startled by the sensation, she lifted her head to look into Adam’s face.
Satisfaction gleamed in his eyes and he smiled slowly. “Deal.”
A small shaft of fear clawed its way to the surface. She’d always considered herself a cautious individual--never considering herself to be particularly daring--but standing there, in the dark, near the edge of the cliff, her small hand engulfed in his large one, she wondered if her instincts had deserted her.
Had she just made a deal with the devil?
Chapter Five
ADAM WATCHED ISABELLE LEAVE, AND once she was inside he sank onto his recliner, crossed his arms, and listened to the ocean. Now that he was alone, he wondered if he’d come across sounding like an idiot. Stay here and have fun? Who did he think he was fooling? Of course he was hoping to start a relationship with her.
And then what? He’d prosecute her father? Granted it would be his insurance company doing the prosecuting, but he was pretty sure Izzy wouldn’t see it that way.
Why did Stephen have to take the necklace in the first place? Why couldn’t he have stopped at Walmart and bought a gaudy, cheap necklace fit for any high school prom in the country? He'd pretty much ruined things between Adam and Izzy. Just yesterday, at the hospital, she'd promised him a date at the end of the summer with a shy smile and an excited look. Now she probably didn’t want to see his ugly face.
He sighed. He wished he knew what to do. He should probably send her home and resign himself to the fact that he’d lost his chance with her. He could tell her that, in a moment of passion--hers because she was frantic to protect her father and his because he was so angry about the betrayal--they’d struck a strange bargain and they should both back out of it, go their separate ways, and let the insurance company do whatever it did in cases such as these.
