Kitabı oku: «The Inn At Shadow Lake», sayfa 2

“Where do you want this?” he asked, hovering in the doorway.

“Thanks, I can handle it from here.” Julie took the box from his arms, walked to the far corner of her office and then lowered it onto the carpet. She turned to face him. “See, it wasn’t that heavy.”

“If you say so.” Zach leaned against the doorjamb, arms crossed over his broad chest. His blue-gray eyes filled with a familiar longing and a lazy smile eased its way across his face. “So, how are you, Julie?”

“I’m fine.” She took in a much-needed breath. Zach’s sudden presence in her life was taking its toll on her already frazzled nerves. The pleasant aroma of vanilla almond coffee brewing in the Capresso machine in the corner of the room gave her the sense of normalcy she so desperately needed. Beatrice always made her a fresh pot of coffee at this time of day. At least something was going according to plan. Julie curled a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “It’s been a while, Zach,” she said, leaning one hip against the top of her desk.

“Yeah.” Zach scanned the office before his penetrating gaze returned to meet hers. “About eight years, Jewels.”

He called her by his old nickname for her. The one she hated. Yet, hearing it now brought forth a rush of precious memories. She forced the sweet thoughts from her heart and mind. “Has it been that long?” Though she knew all too well exactly how long ago it had been.

“Yeah. So, what have you been up to?” he asked.

Julie smiled. “Running the lodge, for one thing.”

His gaze locked on hers. “You really own this resort?”

“Yes.” She nodded and took in another quick breath. It was good to see him. Zach had meant the world to her once. “My husband and I bought it and—”

“Right.” His sudden, cool gaze confused her. “You look great. You haven’t aged a day.” He pushed off the doorway and backed up a step.

“Thanks.” Why was he deliberately making her uncomfortable? It wasn’t like him. At least not like the Zach she used to know. She lowered her gaze so he wouldn’t notice the moisture in her eyes. “I’d…better let you go,” she said once she composed herself. She lifted her gaze to meet his.

“Yeah, I’m off to do some exploring.” He ran a hand through his hair. “You know. Take a drive around the lake, find a couple of places to fish.”

Julie ached to do a little exploring of her own and run her fingers across the roughness of his jaw. It was good to hear his deep, familiar voice. She had to get a grip on the overpowering emotions coursing through her. Seeing him again, old feelings resurfaced, stronger than ever.

A strand of hair fell across his forehead and she fought the overwhelming impulse to smooth it back, as she used to. “How long are you staying, Zach?” Surely, he couldn’t be their “mystery man,” the one who had insisted on main level accommodations with a view of the lake. But the way her day was going…

Julie wished she’d made more time to be involved with the lone guest who had mysteriously booked a room for an extended stay. If she’d seen his name, she would’ve had some warning. “Are you with your family?” she asked, hoping he would say yes.

“No. It’s just me.” He smiled, but it wasn’t real.

Julie studied his face. Something was wrong. He was their “mystery man,” all right, in more ways than one. “Is your room okay? We wanted to make sure that you’d be comfortable. You know, for such a long…vacation.”

“Yeah. It’s great.” His distant gaze held hers. “You and your husband must love it here.”

Julie walked to stand at the open door with him. Through the floor-to-ceiling windows at the far end of the lobby, she surveyed the silvery lake and the tall evergreens of the densely treed property.

Her heart felt as heavy as the thick morning mist that rose from Shadow Lake. The steely gray presence curled up the vast, manicured lawn near the back of the lodge, lingering at the tall windows until it enveloped the building in a translucent cocoon.

Eerie, yet beautiful. Peaceful, but lonely.

Just like her heart.

Dragging in a deep breath, and wondering about her sudden case of melancholy, she turned to face Zach. “My husband…Tim—” she blinked and cleared her throat “—he…he died suddenly. Three years ago.” She still found it hard to discuss Tim’s death and the virus that had weakened his heart in a matter of weeks.

Zach reached out and gently lifted her chin so her gaze would meet his. “I’m sorry, Julie.” His words, so sincerely spoken, revealed the tender man she remembered. The gentle touch of his long fingers brushing her cheek stirred emotions she’d tried to bury along with their past.

He took her hands in his. His gaze connected to her soul this time and a glimmer of sunshine filtered into the fogginess of her heart. His strong, warm hands felt so good around hers. They stood only inches apart. “You sure you’re all right?”

Thoughts of their past raced through her mind and she wondered what it would be like to kiss him again. Clearing her head, she pushed the thought away. “I’m fine.” In Zach’s strong arms, she felt like a college girl all over again. Could he feel how her hands trembled in his?

“Okay. I’m off to do some sightseeing.” Gently, he released her hands from his.

“Thanks for saving me from an embarrassing fall.”

“Yes. Catch you later.” Zach chuckled. He winked and for a split second, his teasing gaze held hers.

She’d always loved his sense of humor. In seconds, he was out the door with no plans and probably no map. He hadn’t changed at all. But something in his life had left the emptiness she saw in his eyes. After all these years, why would God bring Zach back into her life now? Circumstances at the lodge couldn’t be worse.

Zach would never admit it, she knew, but he looked as if he could use a friend.

Placing a hand to her heart and reeling from the deep emotions swirling inside, Julie suddenly realized, so could she.

Especially since…the murder.

TWO

Zach pulled his vehicle into the small parking lot across from Shadow Lake Inn after having spent the last four hours mapping out the perimeter around the lake and meeting with team members on the case.

Senior Agent John Castlerock hadn’t been at the rendezvous point as planned, and none of the other agents knew his whereabouts. Zach didn’t like the troubling thoughts running through his mind.

Was John keeping something from the team? From him?

He’d never worried about John’s loyalty before. So why was there a sudden feeling of apprehension creeping its way through his gut? Why wasn’t John here yet?

He crossed the narrow road to the inn and his thoughts turned to Julie. Zach hadn’t expected the sudden rush of affection he felt when he held her in his arms again. He thought he had braced himself for the impact of seeing her when he studied the pictures the Bureau had shown him. Blue eyes, silky blond hair, her killer smile—it was enough to bring a man down. Her slim, well-toned body and feminine curves didn’t help matters, either.

Muttering a curse, he mentally repaired the protective wall he’d built around his heart and forced his concentration back where it belonged.

On his assignment.

Julie—the suspect.

He made his way along the hallway leading to the business section of the inn. The door to her office was slightly open giving him a perfect opportunity to sneak a quick look at her books and gather more information on the nosy Brit. Checking to make sure no one saw him, he quietly slipped into the room.

The suspicious box still sat in the corner. Obviously there was something inside that Julie didn’t want him to see. Heading toward it, he came to an abrupt halt when he noticed a small figure sitting in the brown leather chair. He could hardly see her over the top of the desk.

“Hello.” She jumped from the seat and scooted around the desk to face him. “Are you the misty man?”

Zach swallowed. “Uh, the what?”

“You sure look like the misty man to me.” The little girl tilted her head, placed her hands on her hips and gave him a quick once-over.

What in the world was a misty man?

Light blond hair, combed into a neat ponytail, bounced with every move she made. One strap of the denim jumper she wore slipped over her shoulder and the white turtleneck underneath the dress. Tennis shoes, laced in red, had matching frilly things centered in the bows. One of the laces was untied. She could trip and fall.

Without warning, she grabbed Zach by the hand and led him to the leather chair behind the desk. Her warm, small hand wrapped around his fingers as she tugged him toward the desk. “Want to see my picture?”

His heart stopped at her innocent touch. Who was this kid and what was she doing in Julie’s office? Inwardly, he muttered an unspoken oath. It was too late to hightail it out of there. “Yeah, sure.”

“You sit here,” she instructed. Smiling up at him, a familiar blue-eyed gaze met his.

His heart almost stopped. There was no denying the uncanny resemblance. Julie had a daughter, a little girl about the same age as Ashley would’ve been.

Zach almost stopped breathing. Why hadn’t this minor detail been in the report he’d studied?

Suddenly she was sitting on his knee, showing him the drawing. “See? This is Mommy. And this…is Prince Charming.” She turned to gaze at him again and her sweet face touched Zach’s heart in a way he’d known only once before.

The kid squirmed on his lap. Instinctively, he placed an arm around her so she wouldn’t fall. He waited for the heartache, the pain to grip his soul.

“Do you like it?” she asked hopefully. “Hey. He looks just like you!” She turned to study his face. “See?” She touched the image of the man she had drawn then pressed her fingers to Zach’s cheek.

Zach sucked in a breath and glanced at the stick figure. “It does kind of look like me, huh.” Maybe this kid had the answers he needed.

“And this—” she pointed to the stick figure woman in the picture “—is Mommy. Isn’t she pretty?”

“Hmm.” Zach lifted the drawing from the desk and held it close so they could both examine it together. He whistled. “She sure is.”

She giggled and rested her head on his shoulder. The top of her ponytail brushed his cheek and Zach’s eyes grew moist. But this time he didn’t feel the usual anguish. This time, his heart filled with something good.

Pure. Sweet.

Was it possible, after all he’d been through and seen, there was anyone truly virtuous still left in the world? He steadied the little girl on his knee. “Uh, your shoelace is undone. Let me tie it for you.”

“Okay.” She stretched out her leg and lifted her foot.

Fingers trembling with memories of other little shoes, Zach fumbled with the red laces and tied a double bow. “Here you go,” he said, his voice breaking.

“Thank you.” Her sweet round-eyed gaze reached into the depths of his soul with her little girl innocence and trust.

“You’re welcome,” he managed, his voice barely above a whisper.

“Emmie,” Julie said quietly, standing in the doorway. “Honey, what are you doing?”

The little girl jumped from Zach’s knee and ran to her mother. “Mommy, it’s the misty man. He’s here! See?” She nodded in his direction and smiled.

“Emmie, sweetheart, I don’t think that—”

“Yep. Here I am. In the flesh.” Zach leaned back in the chair and grinned. “Misty Man.”

Julie’s gaze met his and she smiled. Kneeling, she hugged her daughter. The tender sight, mother and daughter quietly laughing together, overwhelmed Zach. He didn’t welcome the unexpected current of emotions he felt charging through his body. He didn’t want to think about families and little girls.

Not now. Not ever.

Julie sighed inwardly and rose to her feet. Seeing her daughter sitting so comfortably on Zach’s knee had touched her deeply, reminding her how much Emmie needed a father in her life. And how much Julie longed to fall asleep every night in the arms of a man who loved her. Hand in hand, she led Emmie to where Zach sat at her desk. “Zach, this is my daughter, Emmie.” She turned to her little girl. “Sweetheart, this is…Mr. Marshall.”

“I showed him my drawing.” She smiled up at Julie, a proud look of accomplishment in her sweet eyes.

“Oh, you did?” Julie glanced at the picture on her desk and turned to Zach. He smiled and Julie’s heartbeat quickened. Did she still have feelings for him? That was ridiculous. He was just an old friend. That’s all.

“Mommy,” Emmie whispered turning to Julie. “He’s the misty man.”

She really needed to watch what she said around her daughter. Julie turned to Zach and offered a rueful smile. He raised an eyebrow and flashed a slow, crooked grin.

“You of all people should know that, Julie.”

She blushed at the hint of intimacy in his words. “Zach, I—”

“Oh, there you are. I’ve been trying to warn you all day. The myst—” Beatrice marched through the open door into the already crowded office and stopped abruptly to stare at Zach. Placing a hand to her heart, she stammered, “Oh, h-hello, Mr. Marshall. Hmm, quite nice to see you again. Was there something you needed?” A pink blush flooded her cheeks and she drew in a quick, shaky breath. “I…trust the room is to your liking?”

“Yeah. It’s fine.” Zach’s eyes narrowed. He rose to his feet. “I’d better get going.”

“No need to leave on my account. I only came to ask if Emmie wants to taste test our new chef’s chocolate chip cookies,” Beatrice added, lifting her chin.

Julie detected the slightest twinkle in her friend’s eyes. She was probably trying to warn her that Zach was their “mystery man.” It was what they’d come to call him from the time he made his rather mysterious reservations. Apparently, they’d referred to him by that name in front of Emmie too many times.

She knelt down, eye level with her daughter. “Cookies sound good. What do you say, sweetheart?” Julie smiled and affectionately caressed Emmie’s pretty face.

“Yummy. Chocolate chip’s my favorite.” She gave Julie a kiss on the cheek and a quick hug. Running back to the desk, Emmie grabbed the drawing and skipped over to Zach. “You can keep this,” she said, proudly smiling up at him.

Zach crouched down beside her and accepted the drawing from her outstretched hand. “Thanks. It’s a great drawing, Emmie.” He winked and gave her a quick smile.

Slowly, Julie stood. Having witnessed Zach’s tenderness with her daughter, her heart unexpectedly filled with longing. If only Emmie could have a good family man to be the father she so desperately needed. A man who would be home every night to tuck her in and read her a bedtime story. Who would share in the wonderful joy of raising her daughter. But now was not the time for silly sentiments. She had a crime to solve. A business to run.

Emmie skipped over to Beatrice and then reached for her outstretched hand. Beatrice gave Julie a knowing glance then closed the door after them. An endless moment ticked by.

“You have a daughter.” Zach’s eyes filled with tenderness. “She…looks just like you.”

“Thanks. She’s a real blessing, especially after losing my husband.”

In an instant, Zach closed the distance between them until he stood only a breath away. Curling his fingers under her chin, he lifted her gaze to meet his. “Can you get a sitter? I’d like you to have dinner with me.”

Julie smiled despite how her heart danced recklessly inside her chest. It would be fun to share a meal with someone. With Zach. She would have the chance to ask him all the questions that had her mind spinning. Why was he here?

“Tonight,” he whispered, pulling her into a light embrace. “We’ll catch up on all the years.”

His deep voice and tender touch awakened feelings in her heart from long ago. A wave of awareness pulsed along her spine. The feel of his warm breath against her cheek, the pulse of his strong, steady heartbeat beneath her fingertips—it was all too familiar.

Gazing into his steel-blue eyes, Julie swallowed hard and opened her mouth to say something.

Anything.

Zach dropped his hands from her arms and took a step back. “You already have plans,” he stated.

“No, it’s all right,” Julie managed. “My parents live only a few minutes away. Emmie will love staying over. Tomorrow’s Saturday. No school.”

One corner of his mouth lifted in a smile. “You want to eat here or go somewhere else?”

“Well, I need to sample the cuisine my new chef has prepared. Do you want to join me, Zach? We’ll have a taste testing of our own.”

“What time?” he asked, reaching for her hand as if a lifetime hadn’t passed since they’d seen each other.

“Seven?”

“Okay, seven it is.” Zach gently pulled her to him and encircled her in his arms. “It’s good to see you after all this time,” he whispered, his breath warm against her cheek. After a moment, he released her and held her at arm’s length. “I’ll meet you in the lobby.”

“Okay.” Her knees felt as if they would give out on her. Why was she reacting to him as if they’d never been apart? It didn’t make any sense. Julie ran a hand along the spot on her arm still charged with electricity from Zach’s tender touch. At twenty-nine, she had no right responding to him like some love-crazed teen. But her body seemed to have a mind of its own where he was concerned.

“See you later.” He started to close the door behind him.

“No, wait.” Julie curled a strand of hair behind her ear. “Keep it open. I love these late-October afternoons with the sound of the fire popping.”

The pleasant aroma of Yule logs burning in the large, brick fireplace made her think of Christmas. That time of year always brought happy childhood memories to mind, chasing away any sign of loneliness.

“Sure thing.” He winked.

“Thanks.” Julie glanced through the office door into the massive lobby, and smiled at the clerk at the reception desk. The flames in the brick fireplace crackled, providing welcome warmth to another chilly, overcast day in Washington State.

The mantel, a large western red cedar beam placed across the curved top of the brick firebox, highlighted wooden sculptures and candleholders crafted by various Native American tribes of the Olympic rain forest. Several guests brought their coffee with them and sat on the comfortable forest-green sofas grouped near the massive fireplace.

Walking around her desk, Julie collapsed into the chair, still warm from Zach’s presence. This was just like him, catching her off guard, pulling her heart in too many directions at once. Even now, after all these years. She couldn’t allow history to repeat itself where Zach was concerned. He’d be leaving again. She had Emmie to think about this time. And the lodge.

Her parents would be thrilled to have Emmie over for the night, if they didn’t already have plans. What had she been thinking? They were already keeping Emmie tomorrow evening. Maybe two nights in a row would be too much for her parents to handle.

She dialed their phone number and made the babysitting arrangements only after her mom assured her they would love to have Emmie for the weekend.

A few hours later, Julie pulled her small white car into the private parking space at the resort. She adjusted the rearview mirror to check her image. At least she’d had time to freshen up and reapply a light touch of makeup. Even in the high humidity of the rain forest, she was having a good hair day.

Thunder rumbled overhead and Julie hurried up the gray slate steps of the lodge, slick from the daily afternoon rainfall. She checked her watch. Five after seven. She was late.

“Are you always in such a rush?”

Julie looked up to find Zach’s amused gaze. She laughed. “Only most of the time,” she admitted.

“Come on.” He opened the door and guided her inside to the dining room.

“We won’t have to place an order,” Julie said once they sat down. Zach had changed into beige slacks and a black golf shirt. She was acutely aware of his tall, athletic physique. Zach had a powerful maturity about him that hadn’t been there eight years ago. And she had a deep faith in God that hadn’t been there all those years ago, either. Zach looked good. Too good. She’d need God’s strength to keep from falling for him again. “It’s the chef’s choice tonight based on some of my favorites. I hope that’s okay.”

“Sure. I’m very impressed. Looks like you’re doing a great job running this place. It’s got to be a huge responsibility, both emotionally and financially.” Zach leaned forward in his chair and studied her. He seemed to be seeing her in a new light. Had she changed that much since they’d last seen each other? “Especially with a daughter to raise on your own,” he added.

“I guess I’m used to the busy schedule by now.” Julie turned as the new chef approached their table. She didn’t want to talk about the personal heartache after losing her husband, or how many long hours she’d worked trying to put the business in the black. The next three months would prove if her efforts were enough to keep the lodge open for good. To close the place or have to sell it would break her heart.

Julie didn’t want to think about that or the recent murder of their groundskeeper, a man in his sixties who had become a dear member of the Shadow Lake Inn family.

The police still had no motive for his brutal, untimely death. Shaking the grief from her heart, Julie set her mind to finding out about Zach. A trace of sorrow glimmered in his penetrating gaze. What had happened in his life to cause the well-masked sadness she detected?

“Good evening.” The man Julie recently hired as master chef held two leather-bound menus in his hand.

Straightening in his seat, Zach eyed the man and took the booklet from his outstretched hand.

“John Rockwell, I’d like you to meet Zach Marshall.” Julie liked the man she’d hired only a few days ago. His long list of qualifications was more than noteworthy. He had trained at the Culinary Institute of America in Napa Valley and his references were impeccable. Shadow Lake Inn was fortunate to have him.

His résumé had come via the fax machine at just the right moment, when she needed to hire someone in a hurry. Just like when she’d received Beatrice’s timely résumé.

John was a tall man like Zach. About six foot two, she guessed. About fifteen years older than Zach, and distinguished-looking with brown hair graying at the temples, he’d been divorced for several years. With two teenage children living in Seattle with their mom, he had just relocated from the East Coast to be closer to them.

“Nice to meet you.” John extended a hand to Zach. He smiled as they shook hands. “If there’s anything special you’d like prepared, just say the word.”

“Thanks.” Zach smiled. “I’m sure everything will be fine.”

“Wonderful.” John left them to their privacy.

“You know, of course,” Julie said smiling, “this meal is on the house.” She didn’t want Zach to think he had to pay for the costly dinner.

“What, don’t you think I can handle it?” Zach’s amused gaze met hers and a lazy grin eased its way across his face.

“Well, I hope to have the answer to that and more…by the time we get to dessert.”

Zach laughed. “Oh, you do, huh?”

“Don’t worry,” Julie teased. “You know you can tell me anything.”

“What about you, Julie?” His intense gaze caught her off guard. “Can you tell me anything?”

She was surprised at his sudden seriousness. “You already know everything.”

“Well, I know some things, but not everything. For example, just what is a ‘misty man’? And why does your daughter think I’m him?” Leaning back in his chair, Zach chuckled lightly and raised an eyebrow awaiting her response.

Julie recognized the mischievous twinkle in his eyes. “‘Misty man?’ It’s silly. Just kids’ stuff. Not even worth mentioning, believe me.” She cleared her throat. “Tell me, Zach, what brings you back to Washington State? Business?”

A tray-laden waiter brought an array of appetizers—baked Brie with sliced French bread and apple wedges, stuffed clams and oysters on the half shell.

“First things first.” Zach’s eyes narrowed in amusement. “I’m starving and this looks great.” He laughed lightly. “There are benefits to knowing the owner.” He held out his glass of sparkling water to hers in a toast. “To old friends.”

She gently touched her long-stemmed glass to his. The soft chime of fine crystal rang softly in the dimly lit, cozy dining room.

Old friends. Somehow, the thought disheartened her. Was that all they were? Julie sipped the water and lowered her glass to the elegantly set table. She placed a slice of French bread and a small helping of buttery Brie onto a plate.

A few minutes later, she realized that finding out what Zach had been doing since he’d driven away on his motorcycle was going to be more difficult than she’d thought. They were almost finished with the appetizers and she had no clue about his life at all. “Did you stay in California or go back to the ranch in Montana? You know, that day you left on your Harley. I often wondered about that,” Julie admitted.

Zach glanced at the water in his glass. Slowly, he lifted his gaze to meet hers. “I went for a ride.” His expression stilled and grew serious. His attention drifted to the flame of the red tapered candle on the table, which flickered as he spoke. His powerful, intensely guarded gaze recaptured hers and his blue eyes darkened with a veil of mystery. He drew a deep breath.

“A…long ride.”

“Stop worrying.” Despite his anger, Viktor Ivanov spoke quietly into the mouthpiece of his cell phone. Annoyed at having to assure Yuri again, he flicked the ashes from his cigar onto the old, wooden table in the tavern and casually glanced around the small lounge.

The man and woman seated in the corner paid him no attention. A second man at the bar was deep in conversation with the barmaid. Even so, he would take the long way home in case he was being followed. Glancing out the front window, Viktor cursed the steady rain.

“When I have the disc in my hands…then I’ll stop worrying,” Yuri answered. “Perhaps you should be more concerned. FBI operatives must be taken out before they get too close. The next few weeks are crucial to our plans.”

“I cover my tracks. No one suspects a thing.” Viktor downed the shot of vodka and placed the empty glass on the tabletop.

“Let’s hope you are correct,” Yuri responded. “For your sake, Viktor.”

Viktor recognized a threat when he heard one. He cursed under his breath. Their organization would be better off without the old dinosaur Yuri Kostoff running things. “I’ve got a woman helping me.”

“A woman? How much can you trust this female, old friend?” Yuri asked. “You were betrayed once before.”

“That was a long time ago.” Viktor’s thoughts touched on memories of the girl he had been in love with from childhood…until she betrayed him. Having to kill her wasn’t easy. But he’d proved himself worthy to the terrorist organization.

Still, seeing her die at his hands had nearly destroyed him. At first. Now, he would get rid of anyone who got in his way. He would never go back to his life of poverty in Russia. When this deal was over, he planned to buy an island someplace where there was plenty of sunshine. Unlike this dreary place. There he would have the kind of life he deserved. A life fit for a king. “We can trust this woman.” He chuckled lightly and took a long puff on the Cuban cigar. “Completely.” She didn’t even know she was helping him.

“I warn you again, Viktor. It will not be easy to keep them off our trail.”

“Just get the information to me. I’ll take care of smuggling the disc to our friends,” Viktor snapped.

But he did worry. She had almost caught him up in her attic. He would have to get rid of her, and soon.