“To be fair, I didn’t expect someone to try and kill you.”
“No. Of course not. But now that someone has tried to do just that, who is to say that someone else won’t come by and attempt to finish the job?”
“That’s an awful thought.”
“Yeah. But it’s also one that I haven’t been able to get out of my mind. I mean, what am I going to do? Spend the rest of my life walking around with a bodyguard?”
“You could do that, and it would give you a layer of protection. But it’s not going to stop people from hating you.”
“Let’s be honest. At this point, I don’t think there is any way to stop people from hating me.”
“I wouldn’t be so sure about that,” I said. “But I do know a great way to keep yourself from making new enemies.”
“You mean, by not buying up any more businesses and putting additional people out of work?” Jake said.
“Exactly.”
“Trust me. The days of me going on a buying frenzy are over.”
“That’s a good start. At the same time, there’s a lot more you can do than just that.”
He folded his arms. “I’m not going to like what you have to say, am I?”
“Do you want people to stop hating you or not?”
“Of course I do.”
“Then you have to give people a reason to like you.”
“That’s easier said than done.”
“Really? Didn’t you see the reception that Xavier Watterson got when he donated that big parcel of land to the city to be converted into a park? People were gushing about him,” I said. “I think you’re complicating things. Why don’t you pour a bunch of money into improving this town instead of just your bottom line? I have a feeling you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the results.”
Jake bit his lip. “Maybe you’re right.”
“No. I’m definitely right. You should give philanthropy a try.”
Jake stared out the window, deep in thought.
Chapter Five
I got a call from David a short time later notifying me that he had finally finished up at the police station. From there, he drove by the hospital to pick me up. By that time, we were both famished. Unfortunately, not a whole lot of restaurants were still open at that hour. Antonio’s sure wasn’t.
Although, after all that had happened, I wasn’t in the mood for a three-course dinner anyway. But I also didn’t want some greasy fast-food burger. Grabbing some pizza ended up being the happy middle ground.
Our taste buds certainly didn’t complain. The onion and garlic pizza tasted like magic. On nights like that, I wanted to shake the hand of the person who invented pizza. Melted cheese. Dough that was cooked to perfection. I couldn’t get enough of the stuff.
David and I were so busy scarfing it down that we were halfway through eating the pie before we began talking about anything other than our stomachs.
“I know it’s been an insane evening, but we really do need to discuss what happened,” I said.
David took a deep breath. “I agree. I’m just still trying to process everything.”
“I know what you mean. It has been a nightmare of a night.”
“Besides, honestly, I’m not even sure where to start. I mean, what happened…was just jaw-dropping.”
“It’s more than that. I just keep wondering, how does something crazy like that even occur?”
“Hey, you’re the one who is always talking about how desperate times lead to desperate measures.”
“True. That said, this is more than just desperation. We both know that it takes an unstable person to try to commit murder. But to carry out an attack in the middle of a parking lot, in plain view of bystanders—that is the behavior of someone who is completely unhinged.”
“At least, temporarily unhinged,” David said.
I scrunched my nose. “What do you mean, temporarily?”
“When I dragged Todd Gordon into the interrogation room, I fully expected him to be certifiably nuts. Instead, he just sat quietly in his chair, looking like he was just as shocked by his actions as I was.”
I shook my head in disbelief. “That’s how you know you’ve really lost it, when you manage to surprise yourself with your own violent instability.” I took a deep breath. “Were you able to get a motive out of him?”
“That was actually pretty easy when he told me that he was a longtime employee of Wilkerson Electronics.”
“Which was just bought up by Jake and subsequently shut down to make way for a big-box chain electronics store,” I said.
David nodded. “Exactly. Apparently, Todd had worked for Wilkerson Electronics for twenty-one years. Then, just like that, he was suddenly out of a job.”
My eyes widened. “No wonder he was so angry.”
“Yeah.”
“And now a single moment of blind rage is going to cost him the rest of his life in jail.”
“It’s a real shame,” David said. “Not to mention, a complete waste.”
“It sure is.”
“I have a feeling that Todd will spend the rest of his life regretting what he did.”
“Maybe you’re right. Unfortunately, that doesn’t change anything.”
“So true. After all, the damage has already been done.”
“I’ll say. And Jake is going to have a scar on his abdomen for the rest of his life to prove it,” I replied.
“But like the doctor told you, it could have been much worse,” David said.
I nodded. “It could have been deadly.”
“It’s still amazing to think that Jake will eventually make a full recovery.”
“It never ceases to amaze me how thin the line is between life and death sometimes.”
“Or how quickly things can change.”
“Too quickly, I’d say.”
I took a deep breath and stared out the window. “You know, in the past, every time I have spoken with Jake, he has been drenched in cockiness. But tonight, he looked like a scared little kid.”
“That’s what happens when you find yourself staring down your own mortality.”
“I wonder how long it will be before Jake is back to his old arrogant self.”
“Maybe he won’t.”
“Perhaps you’re right,” I said. “I don’t have an answer for that one. But I can say that no one in Treasure Cove knows how to make enemies quite like Jake.”
“What an unfortunate talent to have.”
“I know, right? Some people are good at sports. Others are great at cooking. Jake’s calling is to be able to turn an entire town against him.”
“And he did a really good job of it. He has made some serious enemies. So many that I am surprised that something like this didn’t happen sooner.”
“You’re not alone.”
“Of course, I’m not. You’re the one who has been going on about the Jake Williamson effect for nearly a year. I mean, how many times did you warn him about the consequences of pushing people to the brink?” David asked.
“Why does one of my grimmest predictions have to be the one that came true?” I shook my head. “Why couldn’t I have been right about picking winning lottery numbers?”
David shrugged. “I don’t know. I guess your instincts are just more in tune with the struggling heartbeat of this town.”
“Speaking of unfortunate talents,” I deadpanned.
David put his hand on my shoulder. “You say it’s unfortunate, but I have a feeling that Jake believes otherwise. I mean, if it weren’t for you, he’d be dead right now. I sure hope he thanked you.”
“He actually did that and more,” I replied.
“Is that so?”
I nodded. “He told me that this brush with mortality was going to make him reexamine his life.”
David’s eyes widened. “Really?”
“Not just that, but he also said that I should expect to see a whole new Jake in the future.”
David squinted. “Do you believe him?”
; I became pensive for a moment before replying. “Actually, yeah.”
David leaned back in his chair. “I’m going to reserve my judgment.”
“That’s because you didn’t see the look in his eyes. He didn’t have the same killer instinct that I was used to seeing from him. He was no longer a shark in a suit. Instead, he was a man who realized how lucky he was to be alive. That doesn’t mean he will change. But it at least gives me hope,” I said.
“That’s a start.”
“I guess we’ll just have to see what happens.”
David stared out the window. “After everything that has gone on, I’m kind of afraid to find out what might happen next.”
A panicked look came to my face. “It’s not like you to be scared.”
“Aren’t you?”
I took a deep breath. “Well, I don’t exactly feel cozy and comfortable.”
“Exactly. I mean, all I wanted to do was take you out to dinner…”
I held up a slice of pizza. “You have.”
“A nice dinner,” David said. “And look what happened.”
“Hey, Antonio’s isn’t going anywhere. Besides, on a night like this, I can’t help but be reminded of how lucky I am to have you in my life.”
He took my hand and gazed into my eyes. “I love you too.”
Chapter Six
I woke up the next morning hoping that no new surprises would be waiting for me. Instead, life had different ideas. Thankfully, the latest surprise was a good one. I was halfway through my work shift at Daley Buzz when Daphne Lipton entered the coffee shop, alive and in one piece.
I breathed a huge sigh of relief.
How could I not? I had been trying so hard to reach her the night before. So when she didn’t answer any of my calls or text messages, my mind feared the worst.
Now, with her standing in front of me, I could finally stop freaking out. Even so, there was still a huge question mark in my mind that I wanted to clear up.
Before I delved into my questions, I smiled wide at the tall, trim, square-faced, forty-eight-year-old brunette.
“Daphne. You don’t know how happy I am to see you,” I said.
“I know you were really worried about me,” she replied.
“Of course I was. Where have you been?” I asked. “And why didn’t you answer your phone?”
“I know it’s going to be hard for you to believe, but I just checked my messages a few minutes ago.”
“You’re right. That’s impossible for me to believe,” I said. “Unless…did your phone battery die?”
She shook her head.
“Then why didn’t you pick up your phone?”
“Because I was out of town at a spa retreat and had my phone turned off.”
“All night?” I asked.
“That was kind of the point of the retreat. You know, to disconnect and recharge,” Daphne said.
I shook my head in disbelief. “Of all the times to unplug from the world.”
“I know, right? I end up choosing the day when chaos decides to descend on Treasure Cove.”
“Unfortunately, chaos is no stranger to this town.”
“True. I just happened to go the spa on the day that chaos decided to make a repeat trip here.” Daphne exhaled. “Who knew things were about to get crazy again?”
“They didn’t just get crazy. They almost turned deadly,” I replied.
“I’ll say. It’s a good thing I wasn’t driving when I checked my messages. Otherwise, I might have gone right off the road when I listened to yours.”
“Thankfully, you had a safe trip back. I’ve done enough worrying lately.”
“I’ll bet.”
“I’m telling you. I could use a spa retreat of my own right now.”
“You should take one. And Jake should be paying for it.”
“Very funny.”
“You think I’m joking? It’s the least he could do for you.”
“Maybe so, but there’s a fat chance of that happening,” I said.
“I don’t doubt that. But Jake really should open up his wallet. After all, he owes you his life,” Daphne said.
I remained modest. “David and I just happened to be in the parking lot at the right time. Luck had a lot to do with it.”
“Sabrina, you can be humble all you want, but I know you did something incredible even if you aren’t willing to admit it.”
“Not everyone in this town agrees that I did something incredible last night.”
Her nose crinkled. “What are you talking about?”
“There are a number of people in Treasure Cove who wish that Jake hadn’t survived that attack.”
Daphne shook her head in disbelief. “That’s messed up.”
“I agree. But we’re living in bizarre times. Besides, Jake has made a lot of enemies,” I said.
“No one knows that more than I do,” Daphne replied. “But you know what? Even after the sour way that things ended between Jake and me, I never would have wished for someone to try to kill him.”
“No. Then again, you’re not a lunatic. The same cannot be said for Jake’s attacker.”
“Clearly.”
“Let’s go back to the way that things ended between you and Jake for a second,” I said. “Why didn’t you tell me you had broken things off with him?”
Daphne bit her lip. “My emotions were just really raw. I was working through a lot of sour feelings and just kind of wanted to get my bearings back first.”
“I understand, but I could have helped you. I mean, that’s what friends are for.”
“Don’t get me wrong. I was going to call you and ask you to come over to my house with a bottle of wine and a quart of ice cream.”
“I would have been there in a heartbeat,” I said.
“I know you would have. But I’ve gone the ice cream and cabernet route before, only to still feel miserable the following morning. That’s why I wanted to try something different this time.”
“Did it work?”
Daphne became pensive for a moment then nodded. “Yeah, it did.”
“Good,” I replied. “But just know that I’m here for you if there’s anything you want to get off of your chest.”
“Absolutely. And thank you for that.”
I smiled. “Like I said before, that’s what friends are for.”
“By the way, how did you find out that Jake and I had broken up?” she asked.
“He told me last night at the hospital.”
Daphne grimaced. “Is he going to be all right?”
“The doctor said he’ll make a full recovery.”
She exhaled. “That’s a relief.”
“I know it’s going to sound funny. Especially since Jake was stabbed. But he actually got really lucky.”
Her forehead wrinkled. “How so?”
“If the knife had gone into his body a few inches higher, he’d be dead right now.”
“Wow.”
“Yeah. It’s amazing what a difference a few inches can make. Or a few seconds, for that matter. I mean, if I hadn’t gotten out of David’s car at exactly that time and spotted Jake’s attacker…” I had trouble finishing my sentence.
Daphne put her hand on my shoulder. “I’m glad you were there to warn Jake.”
“And I’m glad you weren’t there in that parking lot last night,” I said. “I mean, just think. If you hadn’t broken up with Jake, you probably would have been coming out of the restaurant with him. Which means you could have gotten caught in the middle of the altercation. Or worse.”
Daphne nodded. “I could have gotten stabbed as well.” She took a deep breath. “I know. It’s so chilling to think about.”
“Why don’t we talk about something else?”
“We can talk about anything you want. I’m just counting my blessings that I left Jake when I did.”
“Speaking of, if it’s not too sore of a subject, why did you break things off with him?”
“Do you know wha
t it’s like dating a man like Jake Williamson?”
I shrugged. “I have no clue.”
“You’re lucky. That means you didn’t have to experience what it feels like to always come in second to whatever business deal he was on the verge of making or whatever growing dollar figure happened to be in his bank account or what new market share he could control.”
“I’m sorry he never put you first.”
“Yeah. Well, I’m sorry that Jake never kept his promises. He told me he was going to cut back on his work hours. That he wasn’t going to be so tyrannical about buying up every business in town. That he would devote more time to me and our relationship. But in the end, those were all just empty words. Finally, I couldn’t take it anymore. So I left him.”
“Good for you,” I said. “You deserve better than Jake.”
She nodded. “It took me a while to realize that, but I finally came to my senses. That said, finding a better man is a different matter entirely.”
“Someone will come along.”
“How can you be so sure?”
“Because that’s what my instincts are telling me.”
“In that case, I believe you. It turns out you have amazing instincts,” she said.
“They haven’t steered me wrong yet,” I said.
Daphne’s nose crinkled. “Can your instincts give me any more information to work with? Like the name of this special someone that will come along?”
I grimaced. “No. But just hang in there. My gut is telling me that you’ll find happiness soon enough.”
Daphne crossed her fingers. “I sure hope so.”
Chapter Seven
“Kelly. Break time is over,” I said.
The curvy, blue-eyed, angular-faced, thirty-year-old checked her phone and then grimaced. “Sorry,” Kelly replied. “Delilah and I just got to talking, and I lost track of time.”
Kelly got up from the table, leaving only Delilah O’Keefe sitting there. The thin, fifty-two-year-old had wavy, long, brown hair and a round face. She wore a crystal necklace, a number of jangly bracelets, and a flowing ankle-length dress that had a New Age pattern on it.
Delilah spoke to me with a soft, soothing voice. “Don’t blame Kelly. I was the one who kept her talking.”
Daley Buzz Cozy Mystery Boxed Set Page 88
