Tangerine Morning: Jezzica's Story (Serenity Cove Series) (22 page)

Logan motioned toward the front of his desk. “Have a seat.”

“Put me out of my misery here. What’s going on?” Zack dropped onto the chair.

“For starters, Internal Affairs has completed its investigation. You’ve been vindicated of all charges.” Logan pushed two large envelopes across to Zack. “Those are your copies of their official findings.”

Zack relaxed back in his chair. “For starters?”

“Vincent Faraday’s widow dropped the lawsuit.” Logan’s eyed him closely.

Zack shifted positions, and shrugged his shoulders. “What’s the problem?”

“It puzzles me why his widow withdrew her charges. I’m not asking. I don’t even want to know how you influenced this change of heart. Did you do anything I should be concerned about—anything that will adversely affect this department? Anything that might backfire?”

“Played a little hardball with Susan, Louis Barclay’s daughter.”

“No threats that might come back to haunt you or this department?”

“You have my word, there’s nothing to worry about.”

Logan leaned down and unlocked his bottom desk drawer and placed Zack’s gun and badge on his desk. “Welcome back.” He stood and shook Zack’s hand. “Officially report back on Monday morning. We’ll meet first thing and review our current cases.”

“Thank you, sir. It’s good to be back.” Zack left and paused in the doorway of his own office. “Thank you, Father.” He sat at his desk, and had no complaints about filtering messages and doing paperwork. He loved being a detective, and even more so now that his career had almost been destroyed.

He finally reached the end of the list, and went in search of coffee.

In the coffee room, Nicole sat at the table with a sandwich and her fingers in an opened bag of chips. He filled a mug and sat across from her. “How’s it going?” Seemed to be a day for firsts. The first time he’d been in the station for much too long. And the first time he’d seen Nicole since she told him of her plans to leave Serenity Cove.

She stared down at the table and after a few long moments, looked up at him. “Ted asked me out.”

What was he supposed to say? “A good thing?”

“Could be.” She tried to hide her shy smile.

“Ted’s a great guy.”

“There wasn’t an opening in Mariner Bay, so I decided to stay on here and see how it goes.” Her smile faded and there was a hint of tears in her eyes.

“I’m glad you’re staying. I would’ve missed you.” He stood and moved toward the door. Unrequited affection could make a guy really uncomfortable, especially when he was the target. He enjoyed working with Nicole and hoped they could again.

“Hey, Zack.” Nicole raised her eyebrows. “Were you serious about your offer? I’d like to make the move to your division.”

“Let me clear it with Logan. Otherwise, welcome aboard.” He offered his hand.

She grasped his hand and smiled. “Thanks, boss.”

“You’ll be a great asset to the detective division.”

Back in his office, he quickly shut down his computer and grabbed his cap. The bright afternoon sun beaming through his window, told him there was enough time to do something spontaneous.

He drove to Main Street and parked in front of a certain female’s shop. The windows sparkled—painted with an announcement for the grand opening. He stepped through the door, then hurried to where Jezzica was struggling with a potted plant. He followed her instructions and hefted the plant on top of one of the tall shelving units.

“Tell me what you think?” She motioned to the shop’s interior.

“Looks like you’re ready to open.” He walked to the fireplace. “The bricks cleaned up nicely. I like how you arranged the seating on each side.” He chuckled as he placed his hand on the back of one of the chairs covered in a brown plaid. “Are you sure you intend to sell books? It’s a great place to relax and read.”

She rolled her eyes at him. “Come see the archway leading to the coffee shop.” Jezzica led the way into the newly designed shop. The wall behind the counter was lined with several shiny new machines.

“Hi, Tasha. I think I may be your best customer.” Zack chuckled.

“As much as I miss Julia, I like what Tasha’s done with the space. Like bringing a little latte love to Serenity Cove.” Jezzica grinned at her niece.

They walked back through the opening into the bookshop. “Any chance I could persuade you to play hooky for the afternoon?” He tucked his hands into his pockets, expecting her to decline.

“What do you have in mind?”

He tried to keep the surprise out of his voice. “We could rent a sailboat down at the harbor.”

“Let’s do. It’s a gorgeous day.” She went behind her desk and grabbed her denim bag. “I’ll give Caty a call on the way.”

He took a deep breath. This was turning out to be one of those days when life couldn’t get any better. They climbed into his truck and he smiled at the beautiful woman next to him. His heart had chosen a difficult path, one that he was very willing to pursue.

Chapter Thirty-six
 

Zack nudged the boat out of the harbor. The balmy breeze promised a fabulous afternoon of sailing. Jezzica leaned back, facing the soft wind savoring the release of tension.

“That’s what happens out here in the open waters.” He cut the engine back to a purr and reached for the bottle of water she offered him.

“It’s heavenly out here. I haven’t been out in a boat since—” Since she and Geoff had joined another couple on a dinner cruise. “In a really long time.” The last thing she wanted was to put a damper on the afternoon.

“Want to head over and have a late lunch at the Mariner Bay Harbor?” He handed her the now empty water bottle.

“I hear they have an awesome restaurant on the waterfront.” The boat tipped slightly and a spray of water teased her skin. “I think I want a boat. The cottage has a small boat dock—big enough for two boats.”

“I’m considering making the owners of my place an offer to buy it. There’s a dock there as well, and a boat would be next on my list.”

“So your move to Serenity Cove is permanent?”

“I could see living here for the long term. It’d be a great place for kids.”

That put a little tension back into her neck. “My sister and I loved our summers here.”

“Look on the port side.” Zack pointed to the water.

A school of manta rays were swimming by. One suddenly leaped out of the water, causing quite a disturbance on the surface. “They’re amazing.” Jezzica grasped the edges of her seat cushion as the boat rocked in the waves.

“They often turn backflips in the air.” As if taking commands from Zack, one did exactly that. The group swam away, uninterested in the boat or the people on board.

“We’ll have to bring Lauren and Tasha next time.”

He turned and smiled and she cringed at his words, reminding herself to take it slow. At least this time she wasn’t falling apart. Jezzica looked up and saw the Mariner Bay Harbor. She patted her rumbling stomach. “I’m ready to eat.”

“About five minutes.” He turned slightly starboard. The clouds overhead thickened and the wind’s strength became a little more persistent. They drifted into the harbor, and Zack fastened down the rolled sails and locked the cabin before stepping up onto the dock.

They followed the boardwalk to the Harbor Restaurant. Jezzica laughed and looked up at Zack. “Creative name.”

“Wait until you taste the food. You’ll never forget the name.” He chuckled as he opened the door.

A ship’s wheel circled with
Welcome Aboard
hung behind the hostess station. Oars and anchors hung on the grass-cloth covered walls of the reception area. As the hostess led the way, her steps echoed on the plank flooring. She seated them at a table with blue and white striped canvas fabric on the chairs. The inviting nautical décor promised to deliver the eating experience Zack had raved about.

“This is amazing.” She scanned the menu. “What do you recommend?”

“I’m probably not the person to ask. I’m having my usual—the Mariner’s Monte Cristo sandwich.”

“Make that two. I haven’t had a great Monte Cristo in forever.” She closed the menu and set it on the edge of the table.

Appreciating the harmony between the great food and spectacular view, she smiled across the table at Zack—a man who awakened an unexpected longing in her. She wanted to know this incredible man better.

“Your expression tells me I’d like to hear your thoughts.” He gave her a half smile and winked.

The butterflies inside fluttered to the strings of romance. “Don’t think so.” Her smile widened, as he seemed to read her musings—maybe even shared them.

After finishing their meal, they strolled the length of the Dolphin Wharf. Over the railings, the clear water perch swam lazily about the algae-covered piles.

A few drops of rain and Jezzica followed Zack’s upward gaze. Clouds blocked the afternoon sun. “Let’s head back before this gets serious.” He grasped her hand. The sessions with Dr. Ellie resonated with Jezzica, and just maybe she and Zack had a chance.

As they pulled up anchor and eased out of the harbor, a group of dolphins frolicked in the waves. Zack maneuvered the boat into the open sea. The rain, although not pouring, was definitely more than a drizzle.

“Lift the lid and look inside the seats. There should be something to help keep you dry.”

Jezzica searched and found an umbrella. Unfolding it, she made her way and stood next to Zack and held it above their heads. A rainbow appeared, with colors brighter than any she’d ever seen. Her stomach churned a couple of times as the boat lifted and dropped with the ripples of the waves.

“There’s something enchanting about the rain.” She moved a little closer and wrapped her arm around his waist. “I like sailing in the rain.” She smiled up at him.

The boat lurched harder and she stumbled back. She tried to regain her footing, but suddenly something slammed into the boat. The craft rocked and a wave of water covered the boat as it capsized. Tossed among the rolling waves, she managed to grip a rope from one of the sails. She searched for Zack as the rope burned against her hands. She couldn’t see him.

Water dripped into her eyes and panic gripped her insides. She held on tightly and called his name. The boat bounced with the waves and whipped her around with it. Jezzica fought to hold on, but knew it was only a matter of time before the waves would rip her free of the boat. Tears flowed and mixed with the salty seawater.
Where was Zack? Was he already gone?

A larger boat crossed the waves toward her. Jezzica fought to hang on to the rope. The canvas ripped and the rope slipped, increasing the blood now streaming from her hands. Where was Zack?
God this can’t be happening—not again.

The boat drew closer. Someone jumped into the water beside her, wrapping a rope around her waist. “You have to let go.” Her fingers refused to loosen their death grip. The man pulled a knife from his pocket and sliced the rope. He moved the two of them closer to the boat with “US Coast Guard” written on the side of it and a bar of lights above the cabin. She felt a tug on the rope clinching her waist as she was lifted out of the water and on board.

“He’s still out there,” she cried as someone removed the rope from around her waist. “You have to find Zack.”

She was helped down the steps and onto a cot. “We’ll find him, don’t worry. We’re trained to find survivors under these conditions.”

Jezzica closed her eyes giving into the heaviness of exhaustion. She was unaware how much time had passed when someone helped her up and guided her off the boat. She was back on land. “Where’s Zack?”

“Ma’am, just relax. We’re taking you to the hospital.”

“No. Where’s Zack.” She was bordering on hysterics. “I refuse to leave until you find him. Please. Call my sister.”

He pulled a cell phone from his pocket and gave it to her. Her trembling hands were shaking so hard, he took the phone and pushed the numbers she gave him and handed it back to her. She waited for Catylen’s voice. “Caty. Zack and I capsized and now he’s missing. Caty, I need you.”

The man took the phone back, giving Catylen their location, then led her toward the same building where they’d rented the sailboat earlier. Inside she sat in a metal folding chair and someone wrapped her in a blanket. She held the front of it closed, trying to stop the trembling throughout her body.