Long Simmering Spring (33 page)

“Undoubtedly,” Emma said. “And I feel just awful for Karen. No one’s seen her for weeks. What’s happened to her?”

Cole cleared his throat. “I can’t talk about the specifics, but she’s in good hands right now. What I
can
say is that with the DEA’s help, we’ll hopefully be able to trace the financial transactions domestically and internationally, and with any luck, the money trail will continue. We’re still working on pulling all of Max’s telephone records, too.”

Lexie placed a steaming bowl of corn on the cob in the center of the table. “Let’s focus on happier things. Like the fact that Julie found what appears to be the missing part to the pirate keys.”

Cameron’s uncle was able to confirm that the key was from the early 1700s and was part of the set. “When we get the keys back from Cameron, we’ll have to see for ourselves if they match up,” Julie said with a smile.

“
The Siren Lorelei
lives on!” Theo said. “Dad would be pleased. Especially if I figure out how to work this into my next novel.”

“Just as long as you don’t work anything else into your novel,” Cole said, the implication being that the drug issues plaguing the town should not be the subject of any book, fictional or not.

Theo shook his head. “You know I only write historicals.”

“Good,” Cole said.

Julie looked around the warm, cozy farmhouse kitchen. She was together with all her friends and with the man she loved. In front of all their friends, Cole slipped his arm around her waist and squeezed. She returned the favor, sliding her hand up the back of his shirt to enjoy the feeling of touching him skin-to-skin.

At that moment, she realized he was truly hers.

Even though Cole still had a long way to go to overcome his demons, Julie knew that together, they could help him achieve some measure of peace. He’d admitted that she’d saved him from himself, but he’d saved her, too. Saved her from a lifetime of disconnect and loneliness. Star Harbor wasn’t the past—it was her future, and with Cole by her side, they’d face it together. His body was warm under her palm. Then he bent his head and gave her a long, tender kiss.

“I love you,” he whispered only for her.

Her own internal song drowned out the noise in the kitchen. They had the rest of their lives to share moments like this together.

“I love you, too,” she whispered back. “Now and forever.”

Acknowledgments

Despite the fact that
Long Simmering Spring
is the third Star Harbor book to be published, the manuscript that eventually became this book was the first thing I ever wrote. As such, there are many people I would like to thank for supporting me from the beginning. As always, Jonathan, for everything. My incredible family, for supporting me unreservedly. The women of Wine and Words, for suffering through the first draft of this manuscript. Jennifer, also for suffering through the first draft of this manuscript (as well as many subsequent drafts), and for all of your amazing encouragement. Robin, for answering all of my criminal law questions, and Catherine and Vandana, for answering all of my medical questions—you were all so generous with your time. Ruthie Knox, Suzanne Turner, Jessica Scott, and my sister-in-law, Sara, each for taking a good, long look at this manuscript and providing great insight on topics too numerous to list. Sue Grimshaw and Kelli Fillingim, for the tough work that you put in to help me to bring Star Harbor to life (again!). And Nalini Akolekar, who continues to show me daily that she really knows her stuff. Thank you.

PHOTO: © TIM HERBY

A New
England
native
and
former
attorney,
Elisabeth
Barrett
was
inspired
to
write
the Star
Harbor
series
by her
summers
spent
living
and
working
on Cape
Cod
and
Martha’s Vineyard.
Currently,
she
lives
in
the
San
Francisco
Bay
Area
with
her
husband
and
threechildren.
When
she
is
not
writing,
Elisabeth
loves
baking,
choral
singing,
and
hiking. www.elisabethbarrett.com