Six Hours Away

by Kay Correll

  Etta paused and looked up, a sad expression crossing her face. “Oh, Lillian, look. Johnny is listed as missing in the storm, too.”

  “Oh, no.” Her heart tightened and sadness swept through her. It was hard to explain. She didn’t really know them and it was so many years ago. But still. It saddened her. She sighed. “I had hoped they’d end up together and get their happily-ever-after. Or that at least Johnny did.”

  Etta closed the folder of papers. “I guess not. I’m sorry, Lillian.”

  “That’s that, I suppose. The end of the journal mystery. Though we still didn’t find any descendants of Anna’s family to return the journal to.” Lillian stood, pushing aside the thought of the missing couple. Or trying to. She had work to do. “Well, enough of this. I have an inn to run. You’ll take it easy if we leave you here? Promise?”

  “I’ll take it easy.” Etta nodded.

  “At least stay off ladders,” Jay admonished her.

  She grinned. “I will do that.”

  Lillian left with Robin and Jay, and yet she couldn’t shake the sadness that lingered over finding out the news about first Anna, then Johnny. Starcrossed lovers who never had their chance at happiness.

  Chapter 26

  Uncle Noah was driving her nuts. No matter how many times she insisted she was okay, he hovered around. Always and constantly. But, being back on the island had made one thing clear to Zoe. She’d thought she had to move away to make it on her own, prove herself. But now… all she wanted was to move back home.

  Well, not in the same house as Sara and Noah. It was way too cramped for all of them. But back to the island. Find a job here. She’d even turned in her notice at her job.

  Noah came walking into the sunroom. “Do you need anything?”

  “Aren’t you supposed to be working at the community center?” She eyed him over the rim of her glass of sweet tea.

  “I was, but I just stopped in to check on you.”

  “Uncle Noah. I. Am. Fine.” She didn’t know how to make it any clearer to him.

  He sank onto the couch beside her. “I know you are. I do. It’s just… it’s my responsibility to keep you safe. To take care of you.”

  “No, it’s my own responsibility to take care of myself. Make my own decisions.” She eyed him. “And, by the way, I’ve made a big decision.”

  He cocked his head to the side and she could see him bracing himself.

  “I’m moving back to the island.”

  His eyes flew open wide. “You’re what?”

  “Moving back here. But—” She held up a hand. “I’m not living here with you and Sara. I’m finding my own place. I’ve talked with Lisa and I’m going to move in with her.”

  “The two best friends together again.” A wide smile overtook Noah’s features. “This is great news. Great.”

  “I’ve missed living here. I love the island. The people here.”

  Noah took her hand. “I’d love to have you back here.”

  “Then it’s settled. And Lisa has a couple leads for me on a job.”

  “You’ll find one.” He hugged her. “This is the best news ever.”

  And it was good news. She was sure of her decision. And she was happy. Except… she missed Mason. He was the missing link to everything being perfect living back on the island.

  Chapter 27

  Mason sat at the conference table with his father, going over notes on what they were going to say at the scheduled meeting of the upper management of the company.

  His dad was going through a stack of papers that had accumulated while he’d been gone. He frowned when he picked up one with a handwritten address on it. He sliced it open and read it. “Well.”

  “Well, what?”

  “It’s from Brian.”

  “The guy that practically brought you to ruin?”

  “It’s about time I tell you the whole story. I found him. He was on an island. With his wife and daughter.”

  “I didn’t know he was married.”

  “It’s a long story, but he stole the money from the company to pay for some medical procedures for his daughter. She was dying. Anyway, he promised me he’d come back and turn himself in after she had one more surgery.”

  “And?”

  “And he’s back and scheduled to be arraigned this week.”

  “I haven’t heard any news of it.” Mason frowned.

  “I’m sure once the press gets ahold of it, it will be all over the news.” His father pushed a piece of paper across the table toward him. “And he still had stock in the company and turned it over to me. Looks like you and I have controlling interest again.”

  Mason frowned. “So he did it—stole the money—for his daughter?”

  “Yes, and it didn’t make it right, but honestly, I’d do anything for you too, son.”

  Mason looked at him for a moment. “Even come back as CEO for the company?”

  “Why, do you want to step down?”

  “I— I didn’t plan on having this position. Not for years anyway.”

  “But you’re doing a fine job with it.”

  Mason leaned back in his chair, choosing his words carefully. “You know how you and mom were? Working all the time? It consumed your lives.”

  “I know it did. And I’m sorry about that. We weren’t the best parents.” His dad leaned forward. “Is this about Zoe?”

  “No. Well, kind of.” He raked his hand through his hair. “I just… I was caught off guard. I wasn’t looking for… anything. But then… I found Zoe. And I care about her. When that tree was falling and I thought for a second that I’d lose her… I couldn’t breathe. Couldn’t move.”

  “Have you told her how you feel?”

  “No.” He looked down at the stack of papers before him and let out a long sigh. “No, I didn’t tell her. And besides, I have responsibilities here. She has a job there. Well, not on the island, but all the way across the country from here.”

  His father studied his face for a long while, then reached out and touched his hand. “You know, son. Sometimes you need to do what you want to do instead of what you think you’re expected to do.”

  He looked at his father and felt his face break into a wry grin. “You know, Dad, you could take your own advice.”

  His dad’s eyes twinkled, and a slow smile spread across his face. “About that. I have an idea.”

  Chapter 28

  Betty sat out on the front porch of the retirement center. She’d been sitting outside for about half an hour. Jay had called to say that he and Robin were bringing Barney for a visit when they came over on the ferry to pick up some supplies for the inn. She couldn’t wait to see Barney. She’d missed him so much.

  And she knew Barney hated storms. She hoped he’d handled the hurricane okay.

  She pushed to her feet when she saw them pull up in the parking lot and waved her hand, a smile sweeping across her face when Jay got out of the car with Barney in tow.

  Barney barked and wagged his tail, tugging Jay across the lot and up the stairs. She collapsed back into her chair and leaned down to wrap the dog in a hug. “Oh, Barney. You made it through the storm. It was a bad one, wasn’t it? I bet you weren’t very happy.”

  “He doesn’t like storms much, does he?” Robin asked.

  “Not at all. But he did okay?”

  “He was fine,” Jay answered.

  But she didn’t miss the looks that passed between Robin and Jay. Who knew what mischief Barney had gotten into. She petted him again. “Now, Barney, you need to be good for Jay.” Barney wagged his tail.

  “Here, come sit down. I got us some lemonade.” She motioned to the tray with a big pitcher of lemonade and three glasses.

  Robin poured them all drinks and settled beside her while Jay lounged against the porch railing. Barney sat right at her feet. She’d missed that. She petted him again and heard the resounding thump of his tail on the wooden porch.

  “I heard the bridge was out during the storm.” She shoo
k her head. “I didn’t know if you’d be able to come over here this soon.”

  “We took the ferry. But they’ve inspected the bridge. It wasn’t as bad as they feared. I think the bridge will be open before long. But for now, the ferry runs regularly and a few tugs are bringing over flat barges of supplies.” Jay took a sip of lemonade.

  “But the town did okay? Not much damage?”

  “We were really lucky with this storm,” Robin said.

  “I was worried about all of you. I’m so glad you’re okay.” She reached down to pet her dog. “And Barney is adjusting?”

  “He’s doing fine,” Jay assured her.

  “I’m sure he misses you, but he’s quite taken with Jay,” Robin added.

  “I’m so grateful you could take him.”

  “I was glad to. I’m glad for his company.”

  “Oh, did you know that George and Ida live here? They were talking about a journal Lillian found in their old home, Magnolia House. Some kind of mystery surrounding it while Lillian tried to figure out who wrote it?”

  Robin paused the slow rocking of her chair. “Well, that’s kind of sad. Lillian has found out more. The journal was written by an Anna Smith. And she had a secret boyfriend, Johnny. His dad was the lightkeeper.”

  Betty frowned. “The lightkeeper?” A slow recollection flowed through her. Anna Smith. Hadn’t heard that name in a very long time.

  “But it looks like both Anna and Johnny were listed as missing in a big hurricane that came through the town. Lillian is kind of sad about it. She was hoping that Anna and Johnny found their happily ever after. But Anna died.”

  Betty broke into a wide grin. “Oh, no she didn’t. Do I have good news for Lillian.”

  “What?” Jay frowned and looked at her.

  “I know you’ve done so much already, but do you think you could take me to the island so I can see Lillian?”

  “Of course. You can visit her and then we’ll bring you back.” Robin stood. “And I can’t wait to hear your story.”

  “Well, let’s wait until I can tell Lillian.”

  Lillian looked up from the reception desk to see Robin, Jay, and Betty Gleason standing before her. All three looked like they held the answer to some big secret.

  “Betty, what are you doing here? It’s so good to see you.” She came around the counter.

  “I have some news for you. News I wanted to deliver in person.”

  What news could Betty possibly have? Intrigued, Lillian led the way over to a sitting area in the lobby. They all settled and she turned to Betty, waiting.

  “Well, I heard about the journal you found.”

  A ping tugged at Lillian’s heart. “Yes, Anna Smith’s journal. It’s sad though. She and her beau died in a hurricane.”

  “No… they didn’t.”

  Lillian leaned forward, searching Betty’s face. “What?”

  “They didn’t die. They married.”

  “But how? They were listed as missing…”

  “They were listed, but really they’d eloped. They didn’t know everyone thought they were missing in the storm. They’d left a letter, but that did go missing in the storm.”

  “I don’t understand…”

  “They stayed away for a couple of years because Anna’s father was not a fan of Johnny’s. But then they had a child and came back to see if they could work things out. Her father took one look at that little baby girl, and, well. The rest of the family lore had it that that little girl could do no wrong and brought the family back together. He spoiled that little girl and the whole family got their happily-ever-after.”

  “How do you know all this?”

  “Anna was my great grandmother on my mother’s side of the family.”

  Happiness rushed through Lillian. Anna and Johnny had found each other. They married. It was the perfect ending for the journal story. Lillian jumped up. “I’ll be right back.”

  She hurried to The Nest and back to the lobby and handed the journal to Betty. “Here you go. Here’s the journal.”

  Betty clutched it tightly to her chest. “Oh, a bit of my family history. This is wonderful.”

  “And one more thing.” Lillian held out the piece of turquoise sea glass. “We found this with the journal.”

  “Oh, it’s beautiful.” Betty set the journal down and took the sea glass, turning it over and over in her hand.

  “You should make it into a pretty necklace or something,” Robin suggested.

  “That’s a great idea, dear. It’s so pretty.”

  Lillian sat back, content that she’d found the end of Anna’s and Johnny’s story, and that their story had finished with such a remarkable, happy ending.

  Chapter 29

  Robin popped into her bungalow with Barney the next day. She really needed to get a few more outfits if she was going to stay with Jay much longer. Though, maybe she should just move into the inn for a bit. She did worry about what the town gossiped about, even though she had her own room at Jay’s.

  She shook her head. She should listen to Lillian and ignore the town gossip. It made Jay feel better to have her near while Freddy was still missing. Though hopefully, by now, he was miles away from Belle Island.

  And Barney and Sunny were getting along great at Jay’s house. She swore the kitten got bigger every day. She should just let things go along like they were for now. But she did need those clothes.

  She unlocked the door and she and Barney went inside. “Barney, I won’t be long. Just need to get a few things.”

  She checked through her mail, then headed to the bedroom to pack a small bag with a few more outfits. And shoes. She needed more shoes. She hummed under her breath as she packed. Life was pretty good these days. She and Jay were a couple. The inn had opened back up. And soon the bridge would be open, too. Though the ferry was doing a great job of hauling the tourists and day visitors to the island and business was picking up for the town.

  She walked back into the front room, lost in her thoughts of her perfect little world, and froze.

  Freddy stood in the doorway.

  She took a step back. “What do you want?”

  “To get off this blasted island. I need a boat.”

  “I don’t have one.”

  “But your friend Charlotte can get us one.” He took a menacing step toward her.

  “She—she doesn’t have a boat.”

  “But her boyfriend does. I hear all about things on the island from Dana. Been living here with her for months now.”

  Too bad for Dana. She was so much better off now without him.

  She looked to her right and left but didn’t see anything she could grab to protect herself, and she wasn’t into the whole grab her and hold a knife to her thing again. She sensed, more than saw, Barney come up to her side and growl at Freddy.

  “Keep the dog away. I mean it.” Freddy swung his arm wide and she couldn’t miss the glint of a knife.

  “Barney, it’s okay.” She lied to the dog who stayed stubbornly at her side.

  “So, you call your Charlotte buddy and get a boat.”

  “What will I tell her? She knows I don’t boat.”

  “Think fast, kiddo. ‘Cause I need one to get off the island.”

  She pulled out her phone and started to call Charlotte, but then quickly changed her mind and pressed the button for Jay. Before he could say anything, she rushed her words. “Charlotte, I need you to do me a favor. I have a friend who needs a boat to get off the island.”

  “Hey, Robs. You called me, not Charlotte.”

  “I know, but he’s responsible. Just needs to get to the mainland for some kind of emergency.”

  “Robs? You okay?”

  “No, I don’t think so. I’m here at the bungalow now. He’s here with me.” She turned to Freddy, stalling for time. “You’ll need it only for the afternoon, right?”

  Freddy circled nervously back and forth in the entrance to the house.

  “I’m on my way.” There was
no mistaking the edge of urgency in Jay’s voice.

  The phone went dead, but she continued. “Yes, a powerboat would be fine. Yes. Okay, we’ll head to the marina in about thirty minutes if you can have it ready then. And tell Ben, thanks.” She slipped the phone into her pocket.

  “So, I got you a powerboat. She said something about a center console.” Robin wasn’t sure what she was saying but just threw out some boating terms, hoping to buy time. “Do you know what kind of boat that is? Can you drive it? I hope it has gas in it for you.” What else could she ramble about to stall? How long would it take Jay to get here?

  “You’re going to go with me.” Freddy waggled his knife. “But the dog stays here.”

  “You don’t need me.”

  “Yes, and you’ll sweet talk them at the marina, too. The stupid sheriff has someone watching my boat, and watching the ferry, and I haven’t been able to get away. But now, this will work. I’ll hit the mainland and get out of this area. They’ll never find me.”

  “You could just take the boat after you get it. You don’t need me.”

  “I think it would be better if you stay with me until I know I’m safely away. That way you can’t pull any tricks.”

  Unless, of course, they show up to the marina and no one knows anything about her calling for a boat…

  She stalled some more. “I should lock Barney up in a room so he doesn’t cause any trouble.”

  “Is that a closet?” He pointed to the closet in the corner.

  She nodded.

  “Put him in there.”

  “I can’t put him in a closet.”

  He took a step forward. “Oh, yes, you can.”

  She walked over to the closet and opened the door. “Come on, Barney.” She tried to coax the dog.

  He was having none of it. He stood where he was, his back taut, on alert, eyeing Freddy.

  “Barney, come here.”

  “Get that dog locked up. Now.”

  “Barney, please.” She pleaded with the dog, afraid of what Freddy might do.