The Unrelenting Tide (Islands of Intrigue: San Juans - Christian Romantic Suspense)

by Bonner, Lynnette

  Randy reached for the bag again. “Really, it’ll be fine. Just let me have it.”

  Realization dawned. “You don’t want me to see your apartment, do you?” He grinned.

  Randy’s face paled behind the rim of his glasses, but he shook his head in denial. “No, man. It’s— Listen, there’s something—” He huffed a breath of exasperation and turned toward the stairs. “Fine. Come on. I have to warn you though, the place is a mess.”

  Carcen trudged up the stairs behind his friend unable to keep a chuckle from escaping. “Didn’t get the dishes done, huh?” he teased. He’d been in his friend’s place numerous times and he’d never seen it anything but near-spotless. Randy liked things just-so and the Lord help the person who messed with his organization.

  Randy snorted disagreement, but added with a slight smile over his shoulder, “Something like that.”

  At the top of the stairs, Randy, plopped his catching gear and bag of extra clothes in a pile and fumbled through his backpack for his house keys. “I’m good. Thanks for your help, and for the ride. Just drop it there. I can get it from here.”

  Carcen dropped the bag and resisted the urge to tease his friend further. Okay, so maybe his dishes weren’t done and his laundry hamper was overflowing. “Alright man. Catch you tomorrow.” He started back down the stairs, but met Mrs. Sorenson, coming up, laden down with bags from Island Grocers and breathing like a runaway steam locomotive from an old western.

  “Here, Mrs. Sorenson, let me get those for you.”

  “Sheriff Lang, Lord bless you for your kindness.” She nearly threw him the bags but after only a couple steps she seemed to regain her breath. She nailed him with a twinkling gaze and a calculated arch to her penciled brows. “It’s a wonder you’re still alive and well after all the water you musta taken in today. When are you gonna grab up that little lady and her sweet munchkin and make a proper family for them?”

  “Uh.” Carcen felt heat skim the back of his neck. He chuckled. He could face down hardened criminals but this woman had been able to make him squirm from the time he was just six years old in her Sunday school class. “It does take two to tango, as they say.”

  The woman’s door was one past Randy’s. Randy had made quick work of the pile of equipment because he was nowhere in sight and his stoop lay empty.

  Mrs. Sorenson rummaged through her purse as they approached her door. “Well, so it’s not for a lack of interest on your part then? I’m glad to hear it, son. Glad to hear it. I’ll just keep taking it to the Lord in prayer, that’s what I’ll do. You can count on it.” Triumph filled her expression as she finally came up with her keys.

  She opened the door and Carcen followed her into the spotless apartment and set the bags on her kitchen counter.

  “You’re a good boy, Carcen Lang. A good boy. I always said you would be, even when your Mama used to worry about you boys so, when you were in high school. Thank you, kindly.”

  Carcen retreated toward the door. “It was nothing, Mrs. Sorenson. Have a good afternoon now.”

  Just as he was going back past Randy’s door, the accountant stepped out onto the causeway with a trash bag in one hand.

  He jolted to a standstill at seeing Carcen. “You’re still here?”

  “Mrs. Sorenson—” Carcen started to explain with a gesture toward her apartment, but his attention snagged on a big poster hanging on Randy’s entryway wall. “Genesis Expedition?” He pierced Randy with a look. “You’re a fan of that movie?”

  Randy snatched his door shut and waved away the question as if it was of no importance. “The wall looked empty with nothing there and I had that poster from my college days, so I put it up. Not particularly a big fan, no. But I did think it was a pretty good movie.” He started down the stairs toward the dumpsters Carcen could see across the lot. “Aren’t you heading to meet Devynne?”

  “Yeah…” Carcen studied Randy’s door for a moment longer, then turned and followed his friend down the stairs. His thoughts were running a hundred miles a minute as he waved goodbye, climbed into his truck, and picked up his phone to dial the office. Much as it pained his heart to even think on, he needed to have one of the guys do a little research for him.

  Curls still damp, Carcen pulled out the chair next to her and sank into it. Across the table, Marissa happily scooped bubble gum ice cream into her mouth. Devynne savored a mouthful of peanut butter and chocolate as she looked sideways to meet Carcen’s glower over the top of his strawberry shake. She couldn’t suppress a grin.

  He plunked his plastic cup down onto the table “Three times? How did you hit that target all three times?”

  “Mama thwows good, doesn’t she Uncle Cawce?” Marissa spoke around a big wad of gum.

  Carcen propped his head on one fist and fixed his gaze on her. “Either that or she’s just really lucky.”

  Devynne’s head tipped back on a laugh. Luck probably had everything to do with it, but she wasn’t about to admit that out loud.

  The bell at the door jangled and she glanced over to see a young couple push through the entry. The woman, a striking blonde, looked a little rattled. She kept glancing over her shoulder.

  Her companion touched her shoulder. “Don’t worry, we lost them.”

  “I’m just so tired of them taking pictures of me every time I step into public.”

  Devynne felt a pang of compassion. She knew what that felt like. She nudged Carcen and nodded toward the couple, whispering, “Who is she?”

  When he glanced over recognition immediately lit his eyes. “You know Chase Cole who lives over on Shaw?”

  “The billionaire? The pharmaceutical guy?”

  He nodded. “That’s his fiancée.”

  “Really?” She lowered her voice even more as the couple stepped over to examine the flavor choices. “I heard rumors that he was suspected of killing his first wife.”

  Carcen swallowed a mouthful of his shake and shook his head. “Was never proven. I think the case was dropped.”

  “So if she’s engaged, who’s the guy she’s with?”

  Carcen chuckled. “Well aren’t you just Miss Curiosity, all of a sudden?”

  She shrugged. “I know what it’s like not to feel you have a moment’s peace when you are out in public. It’s not much fun.”

  The warmth of his hand settled at the back of her neck. “But you are past that now. I think I’ll get to the bottom of most of this when I can talk to Dawson here in a bit.”

  “Maybe.”

  She certainly hoped so. And once this whole ordeal was over she would be free and clear. Would she go back to acting? It certainly paid better than quilting. Was far more rewarding. And would get her away from the temptation of one Carcen Lang. Although… if the danger was past… She swallowed and thrust that thought away.

  Carcen’s drilled her with a hard look. “You’d go back in a heartbeat, wouldn’t you?”

  She drew patterns in the ice cream at the bottom of her bowl and shrugged. “Maybe… If I knew it was safe.” She chuckled and leaned closer to insure only Carcen could hear her. “But it would be quite the PR nightmare, bringing me back from the dead.”

  “Mama, I gotta go potty!” Marissa’s eyes widened and she dropped her spoon into her bowl.

  “Alright, I’ll take you. It’s right there. See it?”

  Marissa scrambled from her seat and barreled directly into the legs of the man with the blond woman.

  “Whoa! Hey there. I thought this was an ice cream parlor, not a football field!”

  The man was being kind but Marissa seemed to have lost her tongue. Devynne nudged her. “Marissa what do you say?”

  The little tyke glanced up. “Sowwy,” she said and commenced to do a little dance.

  Devynne bit her lip to hold back a chuckle. How many times had she told her not to wait so long? “Let’s go.” She gestured to the restroom. “I’m right behind you.”

  She started by the man just as his companion stepped into her path and hande
d him a chocolate shake. She leaned to glance around the woman. Marissa pushed open the women’s room door, looking for all the world like she was running from a fire. Devynne angled herself sideways and tried to push between the couple and a table. She gave the man a sheepish smile gesturing ahead to where Marissa had just disappeared. “I’m really sorry about that.”

  “Oh, no big—” He met her gaze and gave a grunt of surprise, stepping forward to block her retreat. He stared, incredulity slacking his features. He glanced from her to Carcen, to the women’s bathroom door and back again, then seemed to realize they were all looking at him and raised his hands. “Sorry. It’s just… has anyone ever told you, you look like Shania Hane?”

  Devynne’s vision warbled. Not again.

  Carcen chuckled, stepped up behind her, and settled his hands against her shoulders. “She hears that a lot.”

  And I’m the one with the acting degree.

  “Josh!” There was a little exasperation in the woman’s exclamation as she took her companion’s arm and pulled him out of Devynne’s way. “You’ll have to forgive my friend. He’s a bit of a movie buff.”

  “Yes, and Genesis Expedition was one of my favorites.” He tilted his head to one side, studying her intently. “You look just like her.”

  Carcen sighed. “This is Devynne Lang. Devynne is the owner of The Healing Quilt, here on the island.” Carcen stepped around Devynne and stretched out his hand. “I’m Carcen.”

  The man was still gaping, but the blonde stepped forward and took Carcen’s hand. “I’m Kate and this is my… friend… Josh.”

  Josh seemed to recover his senses. He snapped his mouth shut and gave himself a little shake. “Yeah, I’m Josh.” His face reddened. “But…” he pointed toward his companion, “she said that already. I’ll just… be quiet now. Nice to meet you.”

  Carcen smiled and then looked down at her. “Need to go see to Marissa?”

  “Yes.” She offered the young couple a parting smile. Relief and thankfulness for the way Carcen had deflated that potential disaster coursed through her. Once her back was to them she blew a puff of air through her lips. There was definitely a reason she’d kept to herself in recent years.

  All those years ago when she’d gone seeking fame, she hadn’t known it would come at such a high price.

  The women’s room door slapped open and Marissa dashed out still doing her potty dance. “Mama!” exasperation filled her tone, “they got the signs on the doows wong! The man in thewe told me to give you this.” She thrust a jeweled box about the size and shape of an egg into Devynne’s hands, ran to the men’s room and pushed through the door before Devynne could even think to stop her.

  Devynne’s heart threatened to cease all rhythm. “Carcen!” She glanced over her shoulder even as she lurched toward the door Marissa had just disappeared behind. She had to get to her! Keep her safe! Why had she let her go in there alone!?

  Carcen, grabbed her arm and jerked her to a halt. Gingerly he pried the box from her fingers and set it on the nearest table. He thrust her behind him, backing away from the table toward the bathrooms and pushing her along behind him as he went. He pointed at Josh. “Both of you get outside, now! Call 9-1-1. Tell them where we are and that Sheriff Lang needs backup ASAP. Tell them there might be a bomb. Take her too.” His arm stretched in the direction of the girl behind the counter.

  A bomb! The thought hadn’t even crossed her mind!

  She heard feet scrambling and then all was silent.

  “Alright Dev. We just have to make sure Marissa is safe and then I’m going to need you to do exactly what I say, alright? You with me?”

  She wouldn’t be anywhere else. “Yes. I’m with you.”

  “Good. We’re going to make it. Everything’s going to be fine.”

  Was he talking to himself or to her?

  He turned his back on the small jeweled box and pressed her up against the wall next to the men’s room where Marissa had disappeared, but still managed to keep his body between her and the jeweled box. He laid a finger across his lips and motioned for her to stay where she was.

  He was going in!

  This all felt too familiar! Terrified for Marissa yet knowing he could be walking into a trap, she clutched at his arm, but all she got was a warm graze of skin before he was out of reach.

  “Just stay back!” He ordered in a fierce whisper. He thrust open the door Marissa had just entered.

  God, let her be okay.

  “Uncle Cawce!” mortification filled Marissa’s exclamation.

  Relief flooded Devynne, nearly taking her knees out from under her. Marissa had no idea anything might be wrong other than the signs on the bathroom doors being mixed up. She sounded fine. Alive. Healthy. Horrified that her uncle had burst in on her. Tears blurred Devynne’s vision.

  Carcen didn’t even step all the way into the room. Only the span of a heartbeat and then he had one hand around her arm pulling her forward. “Go in there with her. And stay there till I come get you. I’m going to check the other bathroom. If that is a bomb, it’s very small. You’ll both be safe in there.” He nudged her into the men’s room. “Lock the door!”

  She complied, able to see how he had cleared the room so quickly. There was nowhere to hide and no windows or closets to check. Just Marissa sitting on the toilet, a pedestal sink with a roll of paper towels hanging by it, and a urinal. The ceiling was a solid sheath of sheetrock.

  “Mama, this place is weiwd. Why did Uncle Cawce come in hewe? And what is that thing?” Marissa eyed the urinal quizzically.

  Trembling, and too distracted to even reply, Devynne shushed her and listened for sounds from the room next door. She scrunched her eyes shut and held her breath, waiting for the horrifying reverberation of gunfire, or a bomb’s blast.

  Nothing but silence. Then the bang of a door, muffled voices, and the bells on the shop door jangled. Someone going? Or coming?

  In the distance, the wail of a siren rippled the stillness.

  Her body craved oxygen and she gave in, sucking for a lungful, before holding it to again probe the silence.

  The tap squawked as Marissa set to washing her hands. The rustle of the paper towels shivered across Devynne’s spine and then a little hand slipped into hers.

  “I’m weady, Mama. We can go now.”

  Giving herself a shake, Devynne squatted down by Marissa’s side. She needed to act as normal as possible for her daughter’s sake. “You know what? Uncle Carcen and I are playing hide and seek with someone. Uncle Carcen wants us to stay in here until he sees if he can find them.”

  Outside, the siren stopped and the bell above the door jangled again.

  Furrows formed on Marissa’s little brow. “Who are you playing with, Mommy?”

  Devynne tweaked her nose. “We don’t know. Isn’t that funny? It’s all part of the game.”

  “Uncle Cawcen will find him.”

  Devynne swallowed. “I’m sure he will.” She forced what she hoped at least resembled a smile. “What was your favorite part about today?”

  “Hmmm…” The little tyke tapped one finger against her lips as if the fate of the world might rest on her decision. “Dunking Uncle Cawce!”

  “That was fun wasn’t it?”

  She did her best to keep up her end of a lighthearted conversation, all while wondering what was going on outside. It seemed like a lifetime before a knock came to the door. “Dev? It’s me. You can come out now.”

  Joy surged at hearing Carcen’s voice and her fingers felt clumsy as she fumbled with the lock. She threw open the door and launched herself into his arms. After only a brief moment she pulled back and pierced him with a questioning look.

  But it was Marissa who piped up. “Did you find him, Uncle Cawce?”

  Hands still resting at her waist, Carcen’s eyebrows rose in confusion.

  Devynne reluctantly stepped away from his touch. “I was telling Marissa how we were playing hide and seek with someone.”

  �
�Ahhh.” Understanding lit his expression. “Well, not this time, munchkin. But we’re still looking.”

  Disappointment surged. Yet it was exactly the outcome she’d been expecting. “How did he get out of there?” She nodded her head toward the other restroom.

  Carcen sighed. “This building used to be a house. The women’s bathroom must have been converted from the original bathroom, because there’s a window in there. And the lock has been forced. That’s how he apparently got in and out.”

  Shannon Niemeyer spoke from where she stood leaning over the jeweled box. “Lang, we’re all clear here. You can look at the contents now.”

  Devynne met Carcen’s gaze and mouthed. “No bomb?”

  He shook his head. “But, there’s a note. Let’s go see what it says.”

  Shannon was taking off a pair of blue gloves as they stepped over to the table.

  The hinged lid of the egg shaped box gaped open, the lid fully extended and resting against the table top. Dark green velvet sheathed the interior. A yellow piece of lined paper, folded into a small square with “Shania” scrawled across the top in a bold black stroke, lay nestled inside.

  Devynne’s eyes dropped closed. Despair threatened to overwhelm her. He really was here and he obviously wasn’t the man in jail. She drew Marissa closer and cast a look over her shoulder. Yellow crime-scene tape cordoned off the sidewalk out front and she could see an officer stationed there. A crowd was forming on the other side of the police tape. Curious onlookers wondering what was going on inside A Scoop in Time. She took in the faces. Anyone of them could be him. Lurking. Watching. Waiting.

  “Hey,” Carcen’s soft word drew her attention. He cleared his throat and nodded toward the people outside. “We’re checking them out.” Then, jaw clenched, he pointed at the men’s room door. “We’re going to get this guy.”

  She’d heard that sentiment many a time from the Sheriff who’d been assigned to her case in California. No reassurance rose up inside her. No conviction that this time would be any different.

  Carcen stepped closer, determination glittering in his gaze. “You hear me, Dev? I’m going to catch this guy.”