Love Inspired Suspense March 2015 - Box Set 1 of 2: Protection DetailHidden AgendaBroken Silence Page 35

  They called the sheriff, and he arrived at the scene fifteen minutes later.

  “So, you have no idea who this man is?” Sheriff Davis asked.

  Ed shook his head. “I’ve never seen him before.”

  “And you, Bailey?” The sheriff turned toward her. His eyes were shielded by his sunglasses, but she’d always known the sheriff to be a fair man. He was simply investigating this death now. She knew there would be no accusation in his gaze.

  That was what she tried to tell herself, at least.

  Things like dead bodies washing ashore just didn’t happen here on Smuggler’s Cove. This would be the story of the decade, maybe even the century.

  She still clutched her throat, unable to get the image of the man out of her mind. “No, I have no idea. He looks a little like that man who was working down at the docks, doesn’t he?”

  Ed looked closer. “Now that you mention it, he kind of does.”

  Bailey shook her head, resisting the urge to cry. “It’s hard to tell. He’s awfully swollen.”

  “You have a name for this dockworker?”

  “I think it was Arnold. I thought he was watching me one day while we were down there and when we tried to talk to him about it, he ran,” Bailey explained.

  The sheriff bent down toward the rumpled heap of a man, who wore a black coat with jeans and boots. There was clearly a bullet hole going through his temple. Was this the man from the docks? She couldn’t be sure. Even if it was him, why was he dead? What had happened? Did this relate in some way to everything else that was going on?

  Using a pen, the sheriff opened the man’s jacket. From where Bailey stood, she saw a wallet peeking out from an inside pocket. The sheriff pulled on some gloves and carefully pulled it out. As he opened the fold, something fluttered to the ground. A paper. Maybe a photo.

  Bailey stepped closer, anxious to see what it was.

  She gasped when the object came into focus.

  It was a picture.

  Of Ed.

  The sheriff looked up at the two of them. “You sure you don’t want to revise your earlier statement?”

  Thoughts collided inside Bailey’s head. Ed had been outside this morning. He had a gun. He’d probably used that gun in precarious situations before.

  Could Ed have killed that man?

  She shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts. Just an hour earlier, she’d been longing for forever with the man. Or, at least, the possibility of it. She’d been feeling things she hadn’t felt in years and was beginning to trust.

  Now, with one picture, all of that started to vanish.

  You’re being ridiculous, Bailey, she scolded herself. There’s probably another explanation for this. Maybe someone is trying to frame Ed.

  “Sheriff, we didn’t get back here until late yesterday afternoon,” Ed said. “Bailey and I both were checked into a hospital because of a boating accident, so they can verify my presence there. Bailey and I were here for the rest of the evening, trying to get my father’s estate in order.”

  “And this morning?” Sheriff Davis pulled his sunglasses down, his gaze clearly showing that he meant business.

  “The man has been dead for longer than today.” He pointed to the body. “He’s waterlogged, rigor mortis has set in. This crime didn’t happen this morning.”

  “And what did you say you did for a living again?”

  Ed didn’t flinch. “I’m a lawyer.”

  “And you know all about dead bodies how?”

  Ed shrugged. “Watching crime dramas on TV? I don’t know. Everyone knows that information.”

  He was doing a good job playing as if he didn’t know. He was good at skirting the truth. Certainly he had to be in his line of work.

  “How about you, Bailey?” The sheriff turned toward her. “Did you know that?”

  Panic raced through her. Guilt flashed through her that, only minutes before, she’d been questioning Ed’s guilt. “He…he has good points, Sheriff. My guess, based on my experience as a nurse, is that this man has been dead for several hours, and out to sea for longer than that.”

  “And the fact that he washed up here?” the sheriff continued.

  Bailey shrugged. “It could have happened anywhere on the island, really. The tide just happened to be working against us and washed him up here.”

  Sheriff Davis held up the picture. “How did your picture end up in his wallet, then?”

  Ed shook his head. “I wish I could tell you that. I have no idea. Like I said, if this is the man from the docks, then I’ve never spoken with him.”

  *

  A few hours later, Bailey finally found some time by herself and she called her sister. She climbed up to the widow’s walk, her favorite place, to clear her head. She nestled down on the lone bench and held her breath, waiting for Lauren to answer and making a mental note to water the spider plant sometime that day.

  When her sister’s voice finally sounded across the line, Bailey let out a long, relieved sigh. “How are you, Lauren?”

  “Busy as ever, but we’re doing okay. How about you? You coming back for a visit anytime soon?”

  “I’m trying to wrap things up here. As soon as I’m done, I’ll come for a visit.” She glanced out the widow’s walk and saw the police were still there collecting evidence. The horrors of the past week still made her head spin. How had everything spun out of control?

  “Your patient must have left a lot of loose ends. I didn’t think this was in your job description.”

  “It’s not. Officially, at least. But someone’s got to do it, and I’m already here. Besides, I don’t mind.” Originally she wanted to help for Mr. Carter’s sake. But now she knew Ed, and she wanted to help him.

  “Did the man’s son ever show up?” Lauren asked.

  Ed’s picture flashed in her mind. “He did. I’ve been helping him.”

  “Would serve him right it he had to do it all by himself. That’s what he deserves for missing his own father’s funeral.”

  Bailey’s cheeks flushed. That was what she’d thought at one time, also. “He actually had a decent excuse for not being here, and he felt terrible about it.”

  Her sister paused. “Wow, what’s that in your voice? I want to say compassion, but that’s not quite it. Is Mr. Carter’s son handsome, by chance?”

  “Lauren!” Bailey’s cheeks heated even more. “Yes, he is. But that’s not why I’m defending him. You know me better than that.”

  “You’re right, sis. You’re not superficial. You always see the best in people, for that matter. Speaking of which, I got the strangest knock at my door the other day.”

  Familiar apprehension stretched across her shoulders. “Is that right? Who was it?”

  “It was some guy who worked for the city and he was surveying all the yards in the neighborhood for something. Anyway, he said he used to know you.”

  Familiar tension filled her. “How did he know who you were? We have different last names now that you’re married. Plus, I’ve never lived in Florida.”

  “I know. Weird, right? He was a real friendly guy. We just started talking. He said we look alike. Isn’t that crazy?”

  Her sister was a petite brunette. “That’s crazy. But, all that said, I have no idea who you’re talking about. Is the world that small that someone I dated in North Carolina is now down in Florida?”

  “He said his name was Vince.”

  “I don’t ever remember dating a Vince. And I would remember.”

  “Let’s see if this rings any bells. He was super tall. Probably six-three. He looked like he works out, he had light brown hair, kind of spiky, and a killer smile.”

  If her sister only realized the implications of that last cliché. The only person who fit that description was Ed’s friend Micah. He had said he’d just gotten in from out of town. Could he be the person at the CIA who was in on this?

  “Bailey? You there?”

  Bailey snapped back to the present. “Nope. He still d
oesn’t ring any bells. I don’t think I’ve ever dated anyone who fits that description.”

  “Maybe it’ll come to you while you sleep tonight. A college boyfriend? Blind date? I don’t know. He couldn’t have been making it up. He knew too much about you.”

  Bailey’s throat tightened even more. “Did he? Like what?”

  “For one thing, he knew you were in Smuggler’s Cove now, so he must be someone you’ve spoken with in the past year.”

  Her heart pounded in her ears. She forced her voice to sound light. “Maybe he was that guy I met at a picnic right before I left. I, uh, I didn’t know him well, but I didn’t get good vibes from him. If he comes back, I’d stay away from him, Lauren.”

  She prayed her sister would understand.

  Bailey knew the truth—the man was one of the bad guys, and he clearly wanted Bailey to know exactly what his reach was.

  Those threats weren’t empty; this man fully planned on carrying out his mission unless Bailey did exactly what he said.

  TWENTY

  Ed hung up with his friend Archie just as Bailey came back into the living room. The whole situation was becoming precarious, and he didn’t know whom he could trust anymore. Archie had never let him down before, though.

  Finding the information seemed a futile task. Now there was that dead body that had washed up on the shore. Ed had a feeling that the man was Arnold, the dockworker. What he didn’t know was why he might have been killed or by whom. Had the man betrayed them? Made a fatal mistake that had sealed his destiny?

  Even more worrisome was the fact that Ed’s picture was in the man’s wallet. Would he be framed for this? The state police had been called in, and there would be an investigation into the matter. This was more than one sheriff on the island could handle. Who knew what other kind of evidence had been planted? He certainly didn’t.

  Just then, someone knocked at the door. Ed motioned for Bailey to stay back; he would answer, just in case. He was surprised when he saw Todd standing on the stoop there.

  “I have those windows. I’m sure you’re anxious to replace that wood in your kitchen, especially since they’re calling for thunderstorms over the next several nights.”

  He opened the door more. “Please. Come in.”

  Todd glanced at Bailey and nodded. “Bailey. How are you?”

  She smiled, though the action looked strained. “Hanging in.”

  “I heard about the body that washed up on the shore. It’s been the talk of the island.”

  Ed had to play it cool so he didn’t raise suspicions. “Crazy, isn’t it?”

  “Yeah, stuff like that doesn’t happen around here. It’s already got everyone on edge. Between that and all the visitors we’ve seen around here lately.”

  “Visitors?” Ed asked.

  Todd nodded. “Yeah, this usually isn’t tourist season, but there have been some people staying at the bed-and-breakfast in town. They don’t really seem like the remote-fishing-island type of people, more like the New York City type.”

  “Anyone know why they’re here?” Ed kept his voice even.

  Todd shrugged. “Were here. They left two days ago. They were supposedly on a marriage retreat.”

  “So, it was a man and a woman?” Bailey asked, glancing at Ed.

  “Yeah, a younger couple. Anyway, almost everyone in town was speculating about them. You know how small towns are.” Todd sat down his toolbox on the kitchen table.

  Ed crossed his arms and leaned against the counter. “I suppose I’m the source of some of the speculation.”

  Todd laughed, but the noise sounded too forced. “I can’t deny it. Rumor has it that you were running around in Europe, cavorting with kings and diplomats.”

  “People have wild imaginations, don’t they? And here I am, just a boring lawyer.”

  Todd glanced back at Bailey. “And, of course, everyone thought Bailey would leave. Now they think the two of you have fallen in love or something.”

  Bailey let out a nervous laugh. “That’s crazy.”

  “She’s been a real godsend helping me out around here,” Ed said.

  “I’m getting paid,” Bailey added.

  Todd raised his eyebrows. Perhaps they were objecting too much.

  He turned back to Ed as he unloaded his tools. “You selling this place?”

  Ed shrugged. “I’m considering my options.”

  “Lots of people would like to have their hands on a piece of property like this.”

  “But not everyone could live without a car or access to a shopping mall.”

  “I can’t argue with that.” Todd turned back to the window. “So, anyway, this should take maybe an hour to put the windows in and caulk around the edges.”

  Ed nodded. “I’ll give you a hand.”

  At this point, he didn’t trust anyone easily. No way was he leaving this guy here by himself.

  “Ed, can I have a moment?” Bailey asked.

  He nodded and stepped down the hallway.

  “Let me have a few minutes alone with him,” she said.

  “Why would I do that? I don’t know if I can trust him. I don’t want to leave him alone with you. He knew this house, Bailey. He’s been in and out. He’s a suspect in my mind.”

  “He might talk to me,” she insisted. “Let me give it a shot.”

  “You really want to do this?” Ed stared at her, wanting to protect her, but knowing he had to trust her, as well.

  She nodded. “I do.”

  Ed stepped back. “Okay. But I’m staying close, just in case.”

  *

  Bailey and Ed walked back into the kitchen. Bailey took a deep breath, trying to tap into her best acting skills. She reminded herself of the life-and-death implications of doing this and prayed that God would forgive her for this charade she was putting on.

  “I’m going to go grab some things outside,” Ed told Todd, continuing toward the back door. “I’ll be right back.”

  “No hurry,” Todd mumbled.

  Bailey tried to look casual as she stood against the kitchen island.

  Todd looked over and smiled. “You sticking around?”

  “Why not?” She observed Todd, wondering if he was the person behind the footsteps Mary Lou had heard. He was too thin and lightweight, she concluded. Yet he wasn’t telling the truth about something.

  Todd pried the plywood from the window. “Yeah, why not?”

  “I need to be honest, Todd. I have a question for you.”

  “Ask away.”

  She paused for just a moment, praying that she’d have the right words and approach. “Did you put in a walkway in the hayloft for Mr. Carter?”

  His eyes flickered with surprise, but he kept working, not missing a beat. “Actually, I did.”

  “When did you do that?”

  “Mr. Carter asked me to about a month ago.”

  “Why didn’t I know about that? It seems odd that he would have kept that from me.”

  Todd shrugged. “I don’t know. The whole project only took a day. I think you’d gone over to the mainland to pick up his prescriptions or something.”

  “Did he say why he needed a walkway up there?”

  Todd shook his head. “It wasn’t my business. He told me not to tell anyone about it, though.”

  Wasn’t that interesting? There was something else that Todd knew that he wasn’t sharing. Bailey wanted to know what. Before she could ask, Ed stepped back inside.

  “Bailey, I just remembered something I need to get in town. I was wondering if you could go with me.”

  She stared at him, trying to read him. She wasn’t through questioning Todd yet. Yet she could tell by Ed’s gaze that he needed to talk to her.

  “Sure,” she finally muttered.

  “We’ll be back in thirty, forty minutes,” Ed told Todd.

  As soon as they were outside, Bailey turned to Ed. “What was that about?”

  “We’re not really leaving,” Ed whispered as they stepped outside.
“I heard the conversation from outside. He’s hiding something.”

  “Yeah, I thought the same thing. I didn’t have a chance to get enough information out of him before you interrupted.”

  “We’re going to wait in those trees over there. If my hunch is correct, he’s going to go out to the garage and do some investigating himself. Especially if he knows something.”

  “You think?”

  He nodded.

  They started down the pathway leading into town, but then skirted around the property of the house until they reached the side yard. They squatted there and waited.

  Bailey thought about telling Ed about her conversation with her sister. She thought about mentioning that a man who looked like Micah had shown up at her sister’s place. But if she shared that information, Ed might ask too many questions. He might put too many details together and realize that Bailey was more involved in this than she’d admitted.

  The questions and choices battled in her mind. She wanted to be honest with him. But she also had to look out for her family. Her head pounded as she weighed her options.

  Just when Bailey thought for sure that Ed was wrong, Todd stepped out the back door. He looked from side to side, as if searching for anyone watching. When he didn’t see anyone, he stepped onto the grass and headed straight for…the garage!

  “Just what is he up to?” Bailey muttered.

  “He might be the culprit in all of this. You said he lied about not being in town, right?” Ed whispered.

  She nodded. “Yeah, Samantha said she saw him. He told me he was out of town.”

  “Did you say he’s former military?”

  Bailey nodded. “He sure is.”

  “That only solidifies my suspicions.”

  As Todd disappeared into the garage, Ed stood. “Come on. We’ve got to stay quiet, though.”

  Bailey nodded. Ed took her hand and pulled her behind him. They stayed low as they approached the garage. Slowly, they slid in through the open barn door.

  Footsteps sounded overhead. Someone was up there. Todd was up there.

  Ed put a finger over his lips, motioning for her to be quiet. Bailey nodded as Ed pulled out his gun and crept toward the wooden ladder leading upstairs. With stealthlike quietness, he climbed upward. Bailey stayed behind, waiting for his signal to follow.