Tangerine Morning: Jezzica's Story (Serenity Cove Series) Read online

  Jezzica watched her sister. If she’d read the expression on her face correctly, something was troubling her. Was she here for reasons of her own?

  “Go ahead. I want to hear the whole story.” Catylen shifted in her seat, as though settling in to hear all of the details.

  “Sorry, got a little sidetracked.” Her soft laugher filled the air. “I came to Serenity Cove to handle my birth mom’s estate, and after arriving, I learned my grandparents refused to even acknowledge me.”

  “Didn’t I hear you took a fall or had an accident on your way here?” Jezzica chimed in and washed the words down with a slug of hot liquid.

  “I did,” Samantha chuckled, “though it wasn’t funny at the time. We’d just reached Serenity Cove town limits, when the sign for the cove came into view and it seemed like a good place to pull over and take Goldie out. We followed the path—I lost my footing, tumbled and rolled to the bottom near the water. Logan and his sister Maggie came to my rescue.”

  “The old love-at-first-glance—I love it.” Catylen offered her take on the story.

  Julia stood poised with her coffee carafe that seemed to be an extension of her hand. “It wasn’t quite that simple—love rarely is.” Julia topped off their mugs.

  “It was definitely complex.” Samantha blew on the steaming liquid. “Of course, there’s Logan’s sister, Maggie—she’s incredible.”

  “A storybook ending.” The light dimmed in Jezzica’s eyes. Her mind drifted to Geoff and pain radiated down her spine—their fairytale had ended before it had a chance to get started.

  Samantha worried her lower lip between her teeth. “I’m sure you’ll be hearing bits and pieces from the gossip chain. I love this town—it’s my town. But be forewarned, no secrets are left untold and most are well embellished.” The light in her azure eyes danced.

  “But you finally made it to the altar?” Catylen prodded her to finish the story.

  Samantha’s laughter sprinkled the air. “Logan proposed—and my heart screamed yes, before my mind could form an opinion.”

  Jezzica pulled out a small packet of tissues, took one and passed them around.

  Julia chose that moment to return. “Can I get you ladies anything else?” She scooted around the table with her ever-ready glass pot of steamy coffee.

  “What is that heavenly sweetness filling the air?” Catylen threw her head back as if trying to get a better whiff.

  “A pan of caramel walnut rolls fresh out of the oven.” Julia laughed as the three nodded in unison. “I’ll be right back.”

  “No one bakes like Julia. She bakes for the Sea Crest Inn.” Samantha ruffled Goldie’s fur.

  Julia delivered the gooey rolls to their table, along with another treat for Goldie. If silence indeed had a sound, the three seemed tuned into the same frequency. They attacked the rolls, covered with creamy caramel sauce. The rolls quickly disappeared.

  Julia shifted her eyes to the sisters, as she collected the empty plates. “Samantha and Logan just came home from Paris, France.”

  “Julia, you’re the reason the coffee shop is called the gossip core of the town.”

  Julia laughed and the others joined in.

  “I do my part to keep the town healthy, sweet, and wise.” Her chuckle could be heard as she balanced the loaded tray and waltzed back inside.

  Samantha watched wistfully as the door closed behind Julia. “It won’t be the same without Julia and the coffee shop. She’s decided to work with Abby at the inn, full time. According to her, she’s still trying to work the kinks out of her life. She lost her husband of forty-six years to a sudden heart attack almost two years ago.”

  “Definitely a plus for the Sea Crest Inn. But now I have the task of finding someone to take over the coffee shop.” Jezzica’s lips curved into a smile. “Julia won’t be easily replaced.”

  “That’s a fact.” Samantha scooted her chair back from the table. “I’ve enjoyed visiting. But it’s almost time to meet my husband—my new favorite thing to say.” The proof was in her smile. “I do have a few minutes to go back with you to the bookshop, if you have any questions.”

  Jezzica rose. “Not necessary. If any issues pop up, I’ll let you know.”

  The three walked a few steps together. “Here I am.” Samantha pushed the button on her key and reached to open the door on her sleek convertible.

  “Oh, a new car?” Jezzica admired the shiny black car.

  “A wedding present from Logan.” Samantha beamed with pride. She held the door for Goldie, then slid into the driver’s seat, and with a small wave left the two sisters chatting on the sidewalk.

  Chapter Three

  Zack sat in his office at the Serenity Cove Police Department, where he had recently transferred to head a newly formed detective division. Which made him the only member of the team.

  A light tap sounded on his open door, and he smiled at the pretty lady that stood framed in the doorway. “To what do I owe the pleasure of a visit from our chief’s beautiful new wife?”

  Samantha put her hand up to her face as though to quiet the blush on her cheeks. “Here to rally up a little muscle.” A mischievous grin replaced the receding redness.

  “Someone giving you problems?” Zack narrowed his eyes. If Samantha has a problem—why wouldn’t she talk to Logan? He is our chief after all.

  Her laughter filled the office. “Not that kind of muscle. Jezzica needs help moving boxes. She’s preparing for the grand opening of her shop.” She rushed on without giving him a chance to respond. “The perfect excuse to weed out this animosity she has toward you. Oh, not that I think it’s personal.”

  Zack chuckled. “Not a clue where it comes from. I never met her before the night of the town meeting this past fall. She seemed miffed, as if I was in charge of perpetuating crime.”

  “The two of you appeared to be having fun at my wedding—one of the loveliest couples on the dance floor.” She daintily lifted her eyebrows. “And I must say you do have a few nice moves, detective.” Her grin widened into a smile and traveled to her eyes.

  How do I refuse that smile? “Okay. I give up.” He threw his hands in the air. “I’ll stop by the bookshop.”

  “You’re a sweetheart. Now, I think I’ll go and surprise that hunk I’m married to.” She winked, leaving a lingering trace of her perfume.

  He chuckled and shook his head. To have what those two have going for them… Jezzica flashed into his mind. Who knows, I might talk her in to having dinner.

  Zack picked up his phone to silence the beep. Hank’s number showed in the caller ID. “Serenity Blooms was robbed. Gina is really upset.”

  “Have Nicole or Alec meet me there.” Zack grabbed his cap and checked his gun as Logan rushed into his office.

  “I’ll ride with you.” They ran out the side door and jumped into a squad car.

  They found Gina pacing back and forth in front of her shop. Parked the wrong way, they left the doors of the squad car open as they rushed to her rescue. “What’s going on?” Zack pulled a notepad from his pocket.

  Logan touched Gina’s shoulder. “Let’s sit down. Then you can give us the details.” He opened the door and the three filed inside. The shop was in disarray. Floral arrangements were smashed on the floor and several display stands and tables overturned. “Where’s Pete?” Gina designed all the gorgeous arrangements, while her husband, Pete, ran the business end and was even known to make deliveries when their son Jeremy wasn’t available.

  Gina led them to the antique table she used for client consultations. “Pete made a run to Mariner Bay to take pictures of the church and reception hall for a wedding we’re doing in a couple of weeks. He’s on his way back.” She leaned her elbow on the table, nervously running her fingers through her silver hair.

  It was obvious that the people of the town trusted and considered Logan the law. Zack was still an outsider. “Where were you when the robbery took place?”

  “Taking a break with Maggie at the coffee shop.�
� She stopped as if that had told him all he needed to know.

  Zack sat back, his patience wearing thin. “The lock on the door doesn’t seem broken.”

  Gina crinkled her forehead. “Of course not—we leave the doors unlocked, except at night.”

  “Ma’am, tell us about the robbery—what’s missing?” Zack resisted the urge to be more forceful and intentionally kept his tone even.

  “When I returned from Maggie’s the door was standing wide open. I figured Jeremy had come in early to make deliveries. But I found the shop thrashed.” She swept her hand through the air. “Then I looked behind the counter and that’s when I saw it. The cash drawer had been pried opened and emptied.”

  “How much money is missing?” Zack jotted a few notes on the small pad he’d taken from his pocket earlier.

  Gina shrugged with a heavy sigh. “Thankfully Pete took the checks out of the drawer, so he could stop by the bank on his way to Mariner Bay. At least they didn’t get those. Cash? I would guess that Pete left two or three hundred dollars in the drawer.” She pulled a tissue from her pocket and blotted the moisture from her cheeks.

  “I’ll call Maggie.” Logan reached for his phone, but before he could punch in the numbers, a male voice caught his attention.

  “Gina.” Pete rushed to his wife. “Are you okay?” His eyes roamed the shop. “What happened?” He knelt by Gina’s chair and pulled her into his arms. As she filled in the details, their gray hair mingled.

  Zack rose from his chair. “Please don’t touch anything or clean up until our fingerprint crew finishes. We need you to vacate the shop, so we can secure the area and complete our investigation.” I hope we get lucky on this one and find a few clues. If Logan hadn’t been on the scene, would Gina have given him the needed report? He had grown fond of Serenity Cove and was prepared to earn his way in and be accepted by the townspeople. It would take more than mere talk—catching the culprits that had robbed the flower shop would be a good start.

  Chapter Four

  A cool salty breeze drifted from the shore. Jezzica closed her eyes and faced the sea. “Don’t you love the feel of a balmy wind whispering over your skin?” Her question only met with silence, she turned and found Catylen had continued walking. Jezzica reached the cottage, and kicked her sandals off next to her sister’s near the faded doormat. She entered to find Catylen listening to messages on the antiquated answering machine that had sat in that exact spot for years. The kind where you pushed a button and everyone in the room could hear the messages.

  The machine rambled on. “Don’t be discouraged—we’ll find the men responsible. The extended length of time that has passed tends to impede the progress.” Jezzica paced around the room, and biting on the flesh inside her cheek, she continued to listen. “Wish I had better news. If you have any questions, give me a ring.” The machine beeped and played the next message. “Cat, this is Mike. When are you coming home? I miss you. We can work out our problems. I love you, and I don’t want it to end like this.” A beep sounded and went to the next one. “Hi girls, it’s Mom. Give me a call. Love you.” The machine clicked off, overwhelming the room with a loud stillness.

  They both grabbed a tissue from the box sitting on the small table next to the floral sofa. They sat in the two armchairs in front of the window. Jezzica broke the silence. “Okay, say it. How dumb it was to hire a private investigator.”

  Catylen’s eyes opened wide as though she’d found a snake slinking through the room. “You hired a PI?”

  “Get real. The detectives aren’t doing anything.” Her acrylic fingernails made a tapping noise as she clicked her fingers back and forth.

  “This revenge you’re talking about worries me. You would give the information to the police if you found them, right?”

  Jezzica wiped her tears. “I’m not sure. I want them to hurt, to experience their life being ripped from them. Like they did from Geoff, as though he was nothing more than an immaterial object.” She curled one leg up under her. “The message from Mike. What’s that about?”

  Catylen chewed on her bottom lip. “Think betrayal. Think lies. Think deceit. That pretty much sums it up.”

  “What are you going to do?”

  “Find a place to live.” Her knuckles whitened as she clenched the arms of the chair.

  Jezzica moved and bent over her sister’s chair and placed her arms around her. “Stay here. It’ll give you time to—to make decisions. And there’s plenty of room if Tasha and Lauren want to stay during their summer break from college.”

  “You’re the first to know. It’s not easy to have the details of your failed marriage made available to the whole family.” She paused. “I wasn’t good enough—defective in ways that really mattered.” Catylen shifted and swiped at the wetness on her shirt where her tears had splashed.

  “You’re none of those things. Apparently Mike is.” Jezzica went in the kitchen wanting to give her sister a couple of minutes. She returned and placed two glasses of tea on the table separating the chairs. “Stay. Let everyone think you’re here to help me.”

  Catylen wiped the moisture from the outside of her glass. “Are you positive? You have enough without adding my drama to the mix.”

  “I’ve hardly made a dent in the shop. Help would be a good thing, and yes, I’m sure. We’re sisters—I love you.”

  “I love you, too. Join me for a walk?” Catylen pulled on a light jacket.

  “Yeah, I will. My brain’s a little mushy.” They ventured down the wooden steps and padded onto the sand, strolling along with the waves lapping on the shore, but not quite reaching their feet. “And you question why I’m at a crossroads when it comes to God. A God who’s supposed to care—I don’t think so.” Jezzica zipped her jacket against the bite of the wind.

  Catylen grasped her sister’s hand. “God never promised us a life filled with cloudless days of sweet fragrance. Like Mom’s favorite poem about the footprints on the sand. He walks beside us through life and we can see His footprints alongside ours. But when we can’t seem to put one foot in front of the other and find it difficult to breathe, He picks us up in His loving arms and carries us—then there’s only one set of footprints along the shore.”

  Jezzica pulled a tissue from her pocket. “Sounds nice. But when I see my footprints in the sand, they’re deep crevices from the heaviness of sorrow draped over my shoulders. It’s like living a nightmare, where I’m tossed into oncoming traffic and forced to keep dodging all the cars—unable to get off the road.”

  Catylen reached over and grasped Jezzica’s hand. “There’s always hope. Without hope, what would we cling to?”

  “You’re still talking about hope after what Mike did?”

  “I hurt. It’s as though he jabbed a knife into my heart, dead center. If Mike and I end up divorced, I’m not sure I can handle it. The only thing I can do is put it in God’s hands.”

  “It’s cold. Ready to head back?” Jezzica pulled the hood of her jacket over her hair.

  Catylen nodded. “I intend to sit by a warm fire, eat a sandwich and find a good book to take me away from all this.” She quickened her steps and followed Jezzica up the stairs and through the door.

  While Catylen lounged with a book, Jezzica retreated to her room. The unraveling of secrets had drained her energy. She opened her journal and noted the call from Jackson, the private investigator. She turned the page, along with her attention, to a more positive direction. She compiled a list of the supplies needed to restore life to the bookshop, tore it from the journal and placed it next to her bed.

  With her alarm set to wake her in time for an early morning run, she twisted the little knob on the lamp and the room filled with the moodiness evening had a way of conjuring up. She longed for the flicker of hope her sister freely talked about, reassurance that life in Serenity Cove could become her new reality. Hope continued echoing in her mind as she fell asleep.

  Chapter Five

  Zack slapped the button on the blaring alarm
clock. It crossed his mind to sleep another hour, but he threw back the covers. He hadn’t maintained his body by being lazy. The moment his feet hit the sand and he felt the briskness of the sea air, he was in his element. His comfortable stride soon morphed into a faster paced run. The sweat began to build, a signal he’d forced his endurance into the zone.

  The nice pair of feminine legs up ahead, wasn’t lost on him. Something about her seemed familiar—but mostly he was impressed with her stamina. Not many women on the force could maintain a run like this one. He picked up his pace. She moved with caution, as though she’d sensed he had moved closer.

  “Jezzica?” He lengthened his stride until he fell into rhythm with her.

  She covered her heart with her hand. “It’s you. You startled me for a moment.”

  “You have a powerful run.”

  “For a woman?”

  “I’d say you have a great style, period—but no, I haven’t seen many women that could compete.”

  “I started running in high school—now I need it like some people need caffeine.” Her breathy laugh sent shock waves through his senses. “Of course, I indulge in the caffeine after my run.”

  “We all have our vices. I tend to down a few cups of it myself, especially when I’m locked in my office with paperwork. How far do you run?”

  “Most often I like to get in five miles.”

  They continued along the shore with the waves splashing their legs, as the cool gust created comfort. They ran in tandem as though they had been running together for years. He thought of Susan, the woman he’d been engaged to while he was in the academy. Being a police officer had been his dream for as long as he could remember. When Susan decided she didn’t want to be in a relationship, especially a permanent relationship, with a policeman, he chose the academy. A big indication it wasn’t the kind of love that withstood pressure, the kind of test that life often litters our paths with. He returned his focus to the partner he’d gained. I think I could get used to this. But it seems Jezzica isn’t any crazier about policemen than Susan was.