by Garcia, Rita
I lost sight of the woman. Crouching, I crept along the line of woody trunks, treading lightly. All I could do was pray nothing crunched beneath my feet. I stole a quick look. There she was. I couldn’t see her face, but there was definitely a gun in her hand. She moved even closer to where I hid with Goldie beside me.
I recognized her. My heart pounded against my ribs. With another step, she now stood on the other side of the same tree, shielding me from her view. How could I make it inside the house? I didn’t like the answer—I couldn’t. It would put both Goldie and myself in danger.
There are moments of truth in each of our lives. I either had to fight for my life or allow Lilyan to win. I eased around the tree behind her. The calming scent of the lavender failed to lessen the fear exuding from every pore of my body. If she turned around, Goldie and I would be easy targets. Lilyan and I were about the same size, so I stood a chance. I lunged for her, tackling her to the ground.
Goldie’s hackles raised with an aggressiveness I’d never seen in her before. Teeth bared, she latched onto Lilyan’s arm—the gun flew from her hand. Lilyan grabbed her injured limb. She wiggled and twisted from my grasp and belly-crawled for her weapon. Goldie leaped in front of her, and Lilyan froze. The intensity and hostility in her glare sent chills through me. If she managed to grab her gun, her demeanor said she would not hesitate to use it. Goldie would be no match against a bullet. Had she already fired? I would not have heard the gun go off.
Chapter Thirteen
This jerk had to be stopped. In the conference room, Alec had pictures pulled up on all three monitors. The center one zoomed in on the bookshop. The screen to the left panned a long shot of the alleyway and Sam’s damaged SUV. The video on the right held shots of Sam’s apartment after it had been ransacked.
I leaned against the doorframe and viewed the three screens from a distance. Snap. “I can’t believe it. It’s so blatant. She must be laughing at what fools we are.”
“You want to share this enlightenment?” Alec narrowed his eyes and swung his head in my direction.
“The work of an amateur, and not a very good one.” I shook my head. One of the basics I’d learned over the years as a cop—listen to your gut and work every angle. “I’ll explain on the way. We have an arrest to make.”
Alec shut down the monitors. “Wouldn’t morning be better?”
“I don’t trust her next move.” I reached into my pocket before remembering my keys were on my desk. “Let’s take your cruiser.”
From the passenger seat, I filled Alec in. “The painted words were low on the windows of the bookshop. Since the first incident, there was something about the way they were written. I couldn’t figure it out until I stared at the screens. Even in school Lilyan had an odd way of forming letters—more like drawing than writing.”
Alec clicked the blinker on and turned. He pulled onto the dirt shoulder in front of Lilyan’s house. The carport was empty of her blue Honda. Sickness rocked my chest. “Go to Maggie’s. She and Sam are there alone.” I called Ted for back-up.
We defied every speed limit. Not more than a quarter of a mile from Maggie’s, I pointed to a wooded area off the road. “That’s Lilyan’s car.” It was only a blur of blue as we passed it. Alec swerved into Maggie’s driveway with Ted right on his bumper.
Out of the vehicles, we stormed down the path. Sam was on the ground—Goldie hugged against her. Lilyan towered over them. “I tried to tell you nicely, but no, you wouldn’t listen. This is all your fault.” I doubted Sam could make out a word Lilyan spewed out, wildly waving her gun around. Lilyan hadn’t spotted us, but it was only a matter of seconds before she would.
I motioned to Alec and Ted to move in from behind. Then I made my presence known. “Lilyan. I’m here.”
“Here to visit this trash? Just like her mom.” She leveled the gun toward me. “Maybe she should have the honor of watching you die first.” Pure hate emitted from her closed expression. Man. The ball whizzed right past me on this one—a rookie could have done better. A gasp released over my shoulder. Maggie had joined us. I wanted to check on the progress of the team as they moved into position, but didn’t want to tip their play. My eyes remained focused on Lilyan.
A twig snapped. I cringed as Lilyan slightly turned. In a smooth synchronized motion, Alec tackled her to the dirt. I rushed forward and grabbed the gun from her grip. Ted secured her arms at her back and snapped on cuffs.
Ted gripped Lilyan’s upper arm and escorted her down the path to his patrol car. The group followed. Lilyan’s lips moved behind the closed glass.
Sam folded her arms across her chest. “She’s threatening that next time she won’t miss.”
“Had she actually fired at Sam?” I tightened my hand around Sam’s, the color drained from her face as though she was about to upchuck her dinner. “There won’t be another chance.”
I motioned to Ted. “Get her out of here. Mirandize her, and check her for powder residue.”
“By the book.” Ted slid into the driver’s seat. Lilyan thrashed around wielding continuous threats from the back seat.
Alec went around to the driver’s side and Ted lowered the glass. “See how fast you can get a search warrant for her house and vehicle. And have Arnold impound her car.” Ted nodded and Alec came back to where we waited.
Four sets of eyes were glued to the cruiser as Ted backed out of Maggie’s driveway. With the car no longer in view, I motioned toward Maggie. “Give Abby a call and see if she has room for the three of you, three if you included Goldie, which I did. There’ll be a full-blown search ripping through here in the morning.”
“We’re in luck. I’ll grab an overnight bag,” Maggie said, flipping her phone closed.
I held on to Samantha’s hand, as she started to follow Maggie. “I’m sorry. I made a dangerously bad call with Lilyan.”
“Your fault? Seriously? I’m grateful you showed up. After the way Goldie attacked her, the minute she managed to grab her gun, I knew she meant business.”
“The blood on Lilyan’s arm was Goldie’s doing?” I reached down and rubbed the little dog’s head. “We have the makings of a police dog on our hands.”
Her are you crazy look didn’t need words. “I’m going to help Maggie.”
“You’ll need to come down to the station and give a complete statement tomorrow.”
“Isn’t this where I came in? A detailed report of my accident.” She reached up and gave me a hug, lingering a moment longer than a mere thank-you might. “See you tomorrow.” She placed a foot on the first step and paused, did a half-turn and tossed me a wave. I nodded and she went on in. Heaviness gripped my stomach—what if something had happened to her?
Alec and I headed to the station. “Boss, how do you want to proceed with Lilyan’s arrest?” I understood the implications, and had already wrestled with the options.
“You take the lead. Call and talk to the psych ward over in Mariner Bay, see what Dr. Jefferies suggests. Don’t drop the ball on this one.”
Chapter Fourteen
Life is filled with promises—its ways often more fickle than young love. People everywhere fighting the touch, smell, and shape of their own personal emotional legacies. Can we become victors, place our flag in the ground and declare ourselves conquerors? ~Journal entry
“Are you sure this isn’t Cabot Cove? I’m waiting for Jessica Fletcher to come riding up on her bicycle.” I sliced into my Belgian waffle topped with mounds of whipped cream and strawberries.
“Better you hear it before the gossip chain wakes up.” Logan chuckled and broke the yokes with a fork, spreading the bright yellow over the egg whites.
“I’m impressed you both find this humorous.” Maggie’s gaze bounced between the two of us. “What if she’d hurt Sam? Or injured Goldie? Stupid…stupid leaving Sam outside.” She pushed her plate back, her breakfast untouched.
“Neither happened. No one was hurt—and I pray Lilyan gets the help she needs.” The what ifs churned
in my stomach, making it impossible to swallow another bite.
Logan picked up the phone next to his plate and studied the screen. He shoved the phone into his pocket and stared at his food, a penetrating seriousness replacing the earlier humor.
“What?” I watched his lips, waiting for an answer.
“Two bullets were found embedded in the front porch rails of Maggie’s house.”
Maggie frowned and shook her head. “Two bullets—”
My chest tightened. “Lilyan must’ve fired about the same time we ran behind the trees.” What if I had chosen to go in the direction of the porch?
“If she’d been a more experi...never mind. If you need me, call.” Goldie hopped up and Logan gave her a rub before trudging away.
Abby strolled to our table and I welcomed the interruption. I had met her when we arrived in the wee hours this morning, and instantly understood the charm and success of the inn.
Abby touched Maggie’s shoulder. “I see you’re enjoying one of our signature lattes.” She nodded to the cups on the table. “I hope everything is alright.”
“Logan has it all in hand. Sure appreciated your help.” Maggie fiddled with her napkin.
“The benefit of a small town, friends helping friends.” Abby glanced toward the door. “I better get back to greeting our customers—my hostess is out with the flu today. But let me know if you need to stay another night.”
“I don’t anticipate it, but I’ll let you know if anything changes.” Maggie stood and gave Abby a hug and quickly sat back down as Abby reclaimed her spot by the entrance.
“I finally found a place to indulge in latte bliss.” The air floated through my lungs at a normal pace, for the first time since my encounter with Lilyan, and her gun.
Maggie flipped a stray curl over her shoulder. “Did you know Julia does the baking for the inn?”
“Really? That lady works serious magic with pastries.” Concern still lingered in Maggie’s expression. “Maggie, thank you for your friendship. You’ve been my lifeline in Serenity Cove.”
Maggie pulled her plate closer and toyed with her breakfast. “You’re like your mom, easy to love.”
My mom? I was still working on the birth mother concept. Questions circled my thoughts, much like a pinwheel twirling in the wind. “Maggie, you and Anne were good friends. You grew up here, in the cove. So you know Anne’s parents?”
“Anne, Thelma, and my mother grew up together. From the stories I’ve heard, the three of them were best friends. Anne and I became close during my mother’s illness. I was only fourteen, and about to lose my mom to cancer. Anne was there for me. She listened to me. She accepted my anger. She held me when I cried.”
“Losing your mother so young, I can’t even imagine.”
“The hardest experience of my life.” She sat silent for a moment, apparently trying to compose herself. “Sorry, I got sidetracked. I knew Anne. Her parents—not so much—enough to say hello if I saw them in town. I can’t recall ever having a conversation with either of them.” Maggie paused while the waiter cleared our table and brought fresh lattes. “When we were younger, Logan and I often went to the Sea Glass for story time. And, oh, how the characters leaped off the page. Anne kept us mesmerized. She gave each character a unique voice, adding movements and expressions.”
People kept painting a picture of an extraordinary person. More than outward beauty, they portrayed an inward beauty and grace. It wasn’t the portrait I’d prepared myself to find. “So you and Anne remained friends through the years?”
“After college, I returned to Serenity Cove. When I visited Main Street, I saw a realtor’s sign in the window of the antiques shop. I had always loved the antiques I’d grown up around. So the opportunity was like a chance to grab a dream—one I didn’t even know I had.”
“So with both of you being shop owners, you became close?”
She nodded. “Early mornings, we often chatted over tea. At the start of the summer season, we’d discuss our shop windows. We wanted to keep the displays fresh and new for the seasonal visitors. In the process, we became best friends.” Maggie eyes held a far away look, as though lost in nostalgic memories.
“Did you see her parents much after you opened the shop?” I tasted the foam on top of the warm mug.
“Not much.” Creases formed on her brow. “Anne told me, John would drop her mom off to visit her, while he went to see Phil at the barbershop. After getting his hair cut, he’d have a sandwich at Rubi’s. John never set foot inside her shop.” She hesitated a long moment. “John wasn’t an easy person. Anne shared with me how she’d tried to talk with him about you. He told her to leave the past where it belonged. Used clichés like ‘water under the bridge.’ Anne said he’d had difficulty looking at her when they were together.” She reached and touched my hand. “Don’t be disheartened. Time has a way of softening people—even mulish old men.”
I wasn’t at all convinced. I fought back tears. “Is there a chance I might run into them, here in town?”
“I doubt it. Since Elizabeth’s stroke, they don’t often come into town, if at all. I stood near Elizabeth during Anne’s service and my heart went out to her. John stood there with tears streaming—never uttered a word to anyone. My guess is he found regret to be a grueling opponent.”
Did my grandfather consider me an adversary? Maggie glanced at her cell phone, which was how I normally checked the time. “I’ve kept you too long with too many questions.”
“Not at all. My assistant opened the shop. But I have a shipment coming in around noon, so we should get going soon.”
We waved to Abby and retrieved Maggie’s car. The day was filled with crisp sunshine—the kind of day to take a book and sit on the shore. Exactly what I wanted to do, get lost in the pages of a story.
Logan had sent a text saying the locks were changed and the keys were at Maggie’s shop. Again, he had come to my rescue. When Maggie and I returned, I retrieved them and headed to the bookshop.
Panic halted my breathing as I inserted the key into the lock. Goldie’s calmness encouraged me to go on up. Inside, air hissed from my lungs as I leaned against the closed door, preparing myself for the havoc Lilyan had unleashed on the apartment. Lord, I need peace.
Geared to expect disaster, I shuffled down the hall—my feet feeling heavier with each step. I forced myself to go in. My eyes roamed the room taking a moment, like going into a theater and waiting for your eyes to adapt to the darkness. The unbelievable made me smile. The room was restored and orderly. There could only be one person responsible. No wonder my heart kept reaching out for his.
I sent Logan a text. “Thank you isn’t enough.” I refrained from saying you make my heart soar on wings of delight. That deceptive foe uncertainty made way too many decisions for me. Maybe, the time had arrived to venture into some uncharted waters? It deserved more than fleeting consideration.
Chapter Fifteen
Do I dare to dream? Logan keeps coming to my rescue, not because someone paid him, but because he chooses to—because he cares. My heart called it love—could it be? What is this word love that encompasses so many facets of depth and emotions? ~ Journal entry
I placed the baskets I’d filled with Anne’s personal papers on a table in the supply room and took Goldie outside. When I felt a hand on my shoulder, I flinched and stumbled backward, still edgy from my encounter with Lilyan.
Maggie reached out and steadied me. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s been an eventful morning. My insides are settling down—unless someone sneaks up behind me.” Touching her arm, I laughed to put her at ease.
She apologized again before sharing her real reason for coming over. “Logan called. He sent you a text, but you didn’t respond?”
I felt my pockets and came up empty-handed. “Oops, my phone’s upstairs.”
“He’s dropping off your SUV on his way to the station.”
“Like hide-and-seek, he takes it one place and I move.”
“Hmm.” She tilted her head. “Maybe it’s time to let him find you?” She flashed me a smile.
“I want to finish here and move forward with my life.” I glanced down at Goldie and turned back.
“God has a plan for you, you’ll see. Are you sure you’re okay?” She laid her fingertips on my arm.
“Positive. I’ll come by later. I’ll grab sandwiches for the three of us—Linda’s working, right?”
“Until closing. See you in a while.” Maggie ruffled Goldie’s fur. “You’re Aunt Maggie’s cutie.” I couldn’t help but roll my eyes as Goldie’s tail whipped against my leg—the affection clearly mutual. Maggie chuckled and tossed me a wave.
“Let’s go inside, baby.” I retrieved the baskets of papers. Determined to get to the bottom of the pile, I emptied the contents on the kitchen table. The letters and photos my mom had sent to Anne were stuffed into one basket to be read later. I went in the other room and came back with the ones I brought from Stone Valley, the notes Anne had written to my mother. I added them to the stack. Why avoid them? One of them might mention my birth father. Who was he? Why had he left? Goldie demanded my attention and pranced to the door. At home, a light blinked when the doorbell rang. Goldie had easily adapted, filling in the gap.
I found Logan leaning against the stair rail. I tried to recover from my look of surprise once I remembered he was dropping off the SUV.
“You might need these.” He held up my keys with a butterfly fob. He stepped inside and placed a hand on each of my shoulders. “You okay?”
“All the mayhem has me jumping at my own reflection.” I led him to the kitchen. “I’m sorting out fragments of Anne’s life—hoping to find pieces of me in the mix.”
