The Harvest Club (14 page)

“Sounds good, but I can’t believe you gave up so easily.”

“I’m choosing to pick my battles and live to fight another day. Hey, it’s time to leave. I need to lock up. See you around.”

“Goodbye, Jess.” He could hear her mumble something under her breath.

He wouldn’t tell her, but he was sending officers on the night shift to patrol the church a few times. He would sit outside her house, walk the area, the gardens, and the path toward the marina.

****

Jessie was a little concerned that she had forgotten something significant, but couldn’t for the life of her remember what it was. She was just happy to be home. She changed into her favorite shorts and T-shirt and was ready to chill in her cozy, peaceful space. Every time she walked through the rooms, she marveled that this was her home.

The sun was getting low in the sky, and it wouldn’t be too long before it set over the ocean. Sunset watching was her nightly ritual. She sighed, and walked into the kitchen to take something from the freezer to make for dinner.

Her feelings were all jumbled up inside, twisting her into knots. Shadowy figures, ghosts, intruders, police protection were things she had never worried about before. She hadn’t chosen this case, it had chosen her, and she wasn’t about to let worry rule her life. She wondered how that was even possible and went to her computer to check her emails.

There was something from Jeremy. He gave her a few things to check out. Up-line, he told her, there were some pretty strong firewalls, but he was working at getting around them. He’d found several major hospitals in the chain, but didn’t know how they fit in. Some pretty influential people were in the mix, he wrote, and quite a few people were getting money from the same stream. He hadn’t found the source of the stream, but he was as hooked as she was. Jessie knew he would keep searching just like she would. She copied Jeremy’s note to her special file, forwarded it on to Matt, and deleted it from her emails.

She decided to run before it got dark. She didn’t relish the thought of being taken by surprise. The slightly cooler temperature had brought out several runners to use the path, so she was in good company. She should be safe. The steady pace she set meant she wasn’t overtiring and would have a reserve just in case. She was thinking and planning, going over several eventualities and what ifs.

She needed to run a different path. I’m so predictable that anyone could easily follow me. I probably should run in the morning and change my times up, she thought. Be smarter, pay attention, keep your enemy guessing, isn’t that what she had learned in her self-defense class? She should have listened more intently. Who would have known that one day she might actually need it?

Her phone vibrated in her pocket. She looked at the name and answered it.

“Hey, stranger, where are you? Are you okay? You sound out of breath?”

“Hi, Mom, I’m running.”

“That explains it. Why don’t you call back later on when you’re ready to chat? It must be hard to run and talk at the same talk.”

“Okay, I’ll call you back.”

She had just rounded the curve toward home. There were a lot more runners on the trail, here. Out of the corner of her eye she saw a big guy on one of the benches along the path. Though his face was partially covered by a newspaper, something about him seemed familiar.

It could be her imagination, but she felt his eyes on her, following her, until she no longer was in his sight. She picked up her pace and kept moving. Never in her life had she been so happy to get home and lock the door behind her. She didn’t want to think about the fact that one good kick by him could probably knock the door off its hinges.

“I’m getting paranoid,” she said softly.

Jessie made dinner for herself and sat down to eat and watch one of her favorite programs. She didn’t want or need anything exciting for the rest of the evening.

She called her mom back and fell asleep curled up on the couch with the lights on.

Jessie’s dreams were filled with awful images of Gina without her eyes. Near the end of the dream, Gina’s eyes became like a two-way mirror. Jessie could see the image of a huge man with a cruel look on his face reflected in Gina’s eyes. She awakened in a cold sweat, disoriented. Her heart felt as though it would pound out of her chest. She knew she had seen that man. He had been sitting on the bench watching her earlier tonight. She glanced over her shoulder at the clock; it was only 11:30.

She picked up her phone and pushed her speed dial.

“Jess are you okay?” Matt answered instantly, his voice filled with concern.

“I hope I didn’t wake you, but I need to talk with somebody, and I can’t talk to anybody about the case but you. Where are you?”

“I’m sitting in my patrol car right next to your car. Now I’m getting out of my car, I’m walking up to your back door, and I’ll be knocking right about now.”

She went to the door, opened it, and motioned him in. “I hate to admit it, but I’m glad you’re here.”

He looked her over and grinned making Jessie wonder about her appearance; curly hair must be going in every direction, she was still in her running clothes, and she had rubbed her eyes. Her mascara was probably smudged. Concern grew on his face. “What’s up?”

“I had a terrible nightmare, but before I tell you about that, did you see the email I sent you earlier?”

“No, I was doing a little surveillance work at a friend’s house.” He grinned.

“Do you mean me? Why didn’t you tell me earlier?”

“I didn’t want to let you know how uneasy I was and mess with your head.”

“I need to show you this email I got from Jeremy.” She opened the file on her computer.

“It looks like his thinking and mine might be running on the same track. What happened that has you so upset?”

“Earlier, I went running and on my way back, I passed a big man sitting on a bench along the path. The thing is, he seemed to be staring at me. He appeared familiar, but I thought, maybe I was letting my imagination run away with me. Then I had this dream about Gina. It was a nightmare actually. Toward the end of the dream, I saw a man in the reflection of her eyes. He had a cruel, sinister look on his face, and he was the same man who was sitting on the bench. I think…I think he was also at Joe’s when I was there on Saturday.” She pushed her hair back away from her face. “I never used to have to worry about anything like this before. What have I walked into?”

“It’s a damn mess for sure, and you’re in the center of it all.” He took her gently by the arms pulling her in to his chest. His chin rested on her head. His hands rubbed up and down her back. “Always go with your gut, your instinct. It’ll keep you alive. That’s why I’m sitting outside until I have others to help shadow you as much as possible.”

“I’m afraid to close my eyes.” She shivered. “I don’t want to see anything else. I’m more than a little freaked.” She liked his strong arms around her, but pulled away. “Can I get you something to eat or drink?”

“You don’t need to wait on me. Just take care of yourself.” He looked amused.

“I never could have imagined a few weeks ago I would have so many strange experiences living here in this little piece of paradise.”

“Hair raising experiences might be a better analogy.” He grinned at her. “Have you seen your hair, lately?”

“Are you trying to tell me my hair is a mess or I look messy in general?”

“I’m taking the fifth. That’s a loaded question.” He chuckled.

She went to look in the mirror in her room. Matt heard her moan and then mutter something under her breath.

“Jess…” he called out. “Why don’t you try to get some sleep? I’ll stay here on your couch. If I fall asleep, I’m a light sleeper and will hear anything. Is that okay with you?” He paused. “I’ll get whatever for myself and watch a little TV. I’ll keep it low so you can sleep, and I’ll be close by if you have another dream.”

Walking back in the living room, she gave him a grateful smile. “Thanks. I have work tomorrow, and I don’t want to be a complete zombie.” She laughed cynically. “I can remember when such a statement was just a joke. I’ve always prided myself about planning and being in control. Since I’ve moved to Blue Cove, the joke’s on me. It makes me long for the peace of New York.”

She left the living area and headed for her bedroom again. With her grooming taken care of, night clothes and robe on, she passed him on the way to the kitchen to get a glass of water.

“I was wondering what Katie will think seeing your car here all night.” She made a face.

“Probably nothing…I stopped by to tell her I would be in the area most of the night because we had a report of a suspicious prowler. She thinks I’m on a stakeout for work. I told her I’d be in my car and walking the area between here and the marina.”

“Looks like you covered all the bases then.” She felt relieved. “Goodnight and thanks.”

“Goodnight, Jessie, and you’re welcome.” He smiled.

“I was beginning to think you would never call me by my name.”

“Sweetheart, you make it too easy for me.” His smile widened to a grin. “I love teasing.”

When Jessie got up Matt was already gone. He’d left a note.
Hey Jess, I left before the sun came up. You were sleeping soundly, snoring like a trooper, and I didn’t want to disturb you. Hang in there. Dylan has been briefed, and we’ll be taking turns looking out for you until the back-up arrives.

“Snoring, humph. I don’t snore!” she shouted at no one in particular.

Jessie left the house wearing her bright multicolored skirt with a fuchsia top. She was happy Matt had stayed the night. Of course, she would never tell him that.

The first stop on her agenda was Java Joe’s for coffee and a bagel, or maybe she’d splurge and have a cinnamon roll, or better yet, one of their delightful scones. Molly’s friendly face greeted her the minute she walked through the door.

“Hi, Jessie, you’re looking good. That’s a perfect color for you.”

“Thanks, Molly.” Jessie looked at the sign that posted the specials for the day. “I want a medium hazelnut coffee, and a chicken salad sandwich to go. I’ll eat it at lunch.”

“If you can wait a couple minutes, I have some killer cranberry scones that just came out of the oven; they need to cool just a little in order to bag them.” Molly handed the coffee to her and started on the sandwich. “Do you want chips or a salad with the lunch special?”

“I shouldn’t, but I’m going to have the chips.” Jessie stirred cream into her coffee.

“Kenny asked me to marry him last night. Isn’t that cool?” Molly’s face glowed. “We’re looking at a late November or early December wedding.” She stuck her ring finger out for Jessie’s admiration.

Jessie looked at Molly’s gorgeous solitaire diamond. “Congratulations to you both! Kenny has great taste. Your ring is beautiful.”

“Isn’t it though? He picked it out all by himself and surprised me. I wouldn’t have chosen anything so amazing. It must have set him back a pretty penny.” She held her finger out, staring at the ring. “See how it sparkles?”

“It’s beautiful.” Jessie smiled at her enthusiasm.

“I’ll get your scone so you can get to work. I asked Katie, too, and was wondering, even though we are new friends, would you consider being in my wedding? Think about it, okay?” Molly placed the warm cranberry scone drizzled with a vanilla icing in a box, placed it in a bag followed by her lunch, and handed it to Jessie.

“Molly, I’m honored you would even think of me to be a part of your special day. I would love to.” Jessie paid, put a tip in the jar, took the bag, and thanked Molly again.

“Since it’s almost July, I’ll let you know as soon as our date is finalized. I know we don’t look the part, but we are going to have a beautiful wedding.”

“I know you will.” Jessie’s smile widened. “And, Molly, you are uniquely you. My grandma always tells me that, and it seems to fit you, too. Have a great day!”

She really had needed to hear such happy news. Any news that had life and love involved in it was better than what she had been hearing lately. Her first interview was today, and John had promised to email or call her so she could ask him questions. She was looking forward to seeing if the church saw Gina the same way Gina’s family had.

****

The church parking lot had several cars in it, and Jessie remembered there was a morning book club group meeting there today. She was happy to have others in the building. Melinda had come early to make coffee and set up.

“Wow, Jessie, you look nice today.” Melinda walked up to her. “Fuchsia is your color.”

“Thanks.” She looked at Melinda’s tamed hair and polished pant suit. “You look pretty nice yourself.”

Melinda preened a bit. “I don’t look half bad, do I? I heard you’re interviewing people about Gina and letting them talk. I want to talk to you, too.”

“Sure, any time. I want to get it done before Pastor Rick gets back because I don’t want to upset him with people coming and going in the office.”

“He doesn’t like anyone talking about her at all. He won’t like it.” She spoke matter-of-factly. “This is my book club, so I’d better get to the meeting.” Melinda headed toward the room the club was meeting in.

Jessie walked down the hall to the office and unlocked the door. Each day she found herself getting more attached to the job and people. The longer she worked here, even with all the crazy things that had happened, the more she loved her job. Maybe it wasn’t the secretary part as much as the thrill of a great story and the adrenaline rush she got from unraveling a mystery. She would know more when things settled down. She drank her coffee, enjoyed the cranberry scone, and got her small tape recorder ready for the interviews.

By lunch time, Jessie had talked to three or four people and all of them said, basically, the same thing. Pastor Gina was a wonderful pastor with a kind heart. She had a way of making each of them feel special and like an integral part of this church. They were heartbroken and felt like she had been stolen from them. They would have left, but they had been attending for a long time and they had good friends in the church. And the final area of agreement was that Pastor Rick didn’t have the heart or the regard for them that Pastor John and Gina had had.