Night Waves (21 page)

The sliding glass door opened and shut before Cali dared let out the breath she had been holding. “That went well.” She placed the palm of her hand on her forehead, praying she would still find some tidbit of information that would help lead her to Serena.

When she opened her eyes, she looked around the shaded carport. Numerous stilts held the home far above the ground, designed to preserve the cottage in case of a high water storm surge. An outdoor shower claimed the corner near the downstairs entrance, and a water hose sat coiled up attached to a spigot. A few plastic buckets, shovels and other toys lay in a heap beside the cottage. A layer of sand covered the cement driveway, thicker in some areas where the wind had driven the dunes inland. Several sets of footprints led from the SUV to the cottage stairs, but the possibility of gaining evidence from the shoe imprints would have been destroyed with the new renter’s arrival. She only hoped the sheriff had found some sort of useful evidence in time.

Cali turned to head back to her car and spotted something lying partially submerged in the sand at the end of the driveway. She walked over to it and discovered the tip of a piece of paper. She carefully pinched the edge and lifted it. A picture of a black and white lighthouse appeared on the side of the rectangular paper. Cali read the lettering on the front, “Coral Isle Lighthouse admission. Wednesday, August 14th.” Her heart leapt. Serena had been here that day last week. She scanned the rest of the ticket, and her breath caught as she whispered, “Admission for two.” Serena had gone to the lighthouse, and she had not been alone.

With a pounding heart, Cali climbed into her car intending to head straight for the lighthouse, but soon realized she had no idea where to find it. At the corner of the beach road, she stopped and let the engine idle. She could tell Sheriff Justice about the ticket stub, but she was afraid he would try to keep her from going there and asking the staff questions. Deciding she would like to have a chance to check into the lighthouse personally, Cali made a right turn, heading back to the motel to check the phone book for the Coral Isle Lighthouse’s location.

Driving back, Cali’s thoughts ran through a maze of possibilities. Who could Serena have gone to the lighthouse with? As far as Cali knew, Serena didn’t have any friends coming to visit during her vacation. Had she met someone? Had that someone kidnapped her?

A horn blew, jerking Cali out of her thoughts. She looked up, barely in time to stop at a red light. Her hands shook, and she gripped the steering wheel tighter. “Stay focused, Cali, or you won’t be able to find Serena.” The rest of the drive back she stayed alert and forced herself to pay attention to the road.

When she arrived at her motel, she rushed in and found the phone book. Flipping through the pages with shaky hands, she found and circled the number to the lighthouse. She dialed and waited for someone to pick up, but a message came over the line. “We’re sorry; the Coral Isle Lighthouse is closed on Mondays. Please call back.” Cali hung up. Her heart sank at the unexpected delay. She flopped onto the bed as the initial rush of adrenaline from finding the ticket dissipated, leaving her completely drained.

She closed her eyes and took deep, calming breaths, promising herself she would check into it first thing in the morning. She explored the options of what she could do with the remainder of the day, but came up blank as exhaustion claimed her. She hadn’t eaten and her stomach rumbled in protest, but too tired to do anything about it, she curled on her side and drifted to sleep.

By the time Cali woke, the sun had set and faint moonlight seeped into the motel’s small window. She groped through the darkness and flipped on the bedside lamp. As her eyes adjusted, her mind kicked into high gear again, and thoughts of Serena’s whereabouts caused the tension in her muscles to come back in force.

Yawning and stretching, Cali climbed from the bed, stepped to the window, and spotted the calm water in the illuminated pool. It looked refreshing, and it only took a moment for her to decide a swim was what she needed.

Night Waves

Chapter Twelve

Cali woke to warm sunlight filtering through the thin, dusty curtains. She peeled her eyes open to check the time, but something shiny on the lamp above the clock caught her attention.

She recognized Serena’s silver necklace draped across the old, faded lampshade. Terror immobilized her, preventing her from moving a muscle. She tried to scream, but no sound erupted from her throat.

Nick.

Adrenaline shot into her veins, providing the strength to take action. She searched her purse and found the card with his number. She grabbed her phone and dialed his cell, but her hands trembled so violently she had to press end and re-dial the number.

“Sheriff Justice,” he answered on the second ring.

“N-Nick. He’s been here. Inside my room.” Her words shook as heavily as her hands.

After only a moment’s hesitation he answered, “Get out. Now. I’m on my way.” Rustling came across the line as if he were already in motion.

Her breath caught. Her gaze darted across the room. Lord, the intruder might still be inside!
Keep me safe! She tugged the sheet from the bed, wrapping it around her nightgown as she stood. Her cell phone landed on the carpet with a dull thud. Cali ignored it as she scrambled for the door. She yanked it open and fled outside with her heart pounding and blood rushing through her ears.

Outside, everything appeared normal, contrasting the chaos running through her mind. Cali searched for anyone or anything unusual. She appeared to be the only one out of place, standing on the walkway wrapped in a thin, white sheet. Another motel guest came out of a room a few doors down and gave her a curious glance before turning and walking in the opposite direction.

Cali started to head for the pool area to wait for Nick, but the sounds of children laughing and splashing inside the pool kept her from venturing toward it. In case the stalker had not left yet, she didn’t want to put anyone else in danger, especially not children, so she settled onto a bench seat and waited.

Her cell phone rang. Not daring to retrieve it, she let it continue to ring.

“Did you see anyone suspicious?”

Cali jumped and turned. Deputy Owen stood behind her, breathing heavily with his hand resting on top of his pistol.

“I didn’t see you drive up. Where did you come from?”

“I was across the street at Miller’s Restaurant having breakfast.” He gestured behind the motel. “The sheriff called, told me what happened. Did you see anyone?” he repeated the question as he crept to the opened door.

“No.”

“Stay here.” He drew his pistol and disappeared into the room.

Her heart beat as if she were running a marathon. She stood, preparing to flee if the stalker came barreling outside.

A moment later, Deputy Owen strolled out. “It’s clear.” He holstered his pistol, hitched up his belt and placed his hands on his hips.

Cali released a sigh and let the tension ease from her muscles.

“Are you OK?”

“I’m not hurt.” She wouldn’t be honest if she answered “yes.” She was too shaken to be OK.

Her cell phone rang again. She headed toward the room, but nearly ran into Deputy Owen’s outstretched arm as he blocked the doorway.

“Be careful not to touch anything but your phone.”

“OK.”

He dropped his arm, stepped to the side, and let her pass. Cali scooped her cell phone from the floor and sat on the edge of the bed to answer it, but the phone stopped ringing. The necklace caught her attention before she had a chance to check who had called. Tears gathered in her eyes and rolled down her cheeks. Lord, where is Serena? What has he done to her?

The bed shifted as Deputy Owen sat next to her. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders. His sleek gaze slid across the white sheet she wore, making her shiver.

“It’s all right. I’m here. You’re safe now.”

Obviously, he had misread the reason she trembled. The soft words sounded hollow and self-righteous coming from the arrogant man. She tried to pull away, not the least bit comforted by his presence, but he did not release her.

“I sure am glad I was close by. If you’d had to wait for the sheriff…” He glanced at his watch and shook his head.

Cali narrowed her gaze as irritation spiked her blood pressure, and spurred a sudden, driving need to defend Nick. “I’m sure he’ll get here as fast as he can.”

She was about to insist Deputy Owen let her go when tires squealed and then a vehicle door slammed. A moment later Nick ran in, gun drawn and ready.

Deputy Owen spoke up, “It’s all clear sir.” His arm remained around Cali.

Nick noticed.

The concern on his features switched to irritation as his gaze flicked from Deputy Owen to Cali. He tucked his gun into an ankle holster under his jeans, crossed his arms and waited.

Cali pulled away from the deputy. This time he let her go. She wanted to launch into Nick’s arms. She wanted to feel safe again. But, judging from the hard look on his face, she assumed he was in no mood to comfort her.

“Tell me what happened.”

She stood, dried her wet cheeks, and squared her shoulders. “The stalker broke in sometime during the night. I didn’t hear anything. I didn’t even know until this morning.” She turned and pointed to the lampshade. “He left Serena’s necklace hanging here.”

Deputy Owen stood and walked toward the door. “I have to go get my cruiser. I left it in the restaurant’s lot. I’ll be right back.”

Nick ignored Owen and walked over to peer at the necklace. “Are you sure it’s hers?”

Cali stepped behind him. “I’m positive.”

“Is anything missing?”

The question took her off guard. “I don’t know. I haven’t checked. Deputy Owen said not to touch anything.”

Nick walked past her and scanned the bathroom. When he came back he said, “Go ahead and check your belongings. Make sure nothing is missing or has been disturbed.”

His tone of voice sounded official, and she checked her duffle bag and suitcase without question. “It looks like it’s all here.” She looked up to find Nick inspecting the doorframe.

“He didn’t use force.”

“Then how did he get inside?”

“He either picked the locks,” Nick knelt in front of the doorknob and continued, “or he had two keys.”

“Two keys?”

“There’s one key for the doorknob, and another for the deadbolt, which is probably a master key.”

Cali shivered even though the day had already begun to warm, making the room stuffy and humid. The air-conditioner unit continued to rattle, unsuccessfully trying to cool the room with the door wide open. She sat on the bed and covered her face with her hands as her fears deepened. She prayed, Lord, thank you for protecting me last night. Please continue to watch over us.

“Cali.” Nick’s voice was close.

She felt his hand on her hair, sweeping to the nape of her neck. Then his hand slid to her shoulder as he sat next to her. She reacted to Nick’s touch completely different than she had to Deputy Owen. This time, she leaned into the embrace. This time she felt safe.

“Why would he break in here to leave the necklace and not take me, too?” Cali asked as she lifted her head, finding Nick’s features full of concern. “It doesn’t make any sense.”

He pulled his arm away and stood, shaking his head. “It’s hard to tell. It could be a way to threaten you. A warning for you to stay away from the investigation. Or, it could be his way of showing off. He’s gaining confidence with each woman he takes without being caught. No matter what the reason is, I’m glad you’re safe.”

Deputy Owen strode back into the room without warning. Nick addressed the deputy, his no-nonsense demeanor returning immediately. “I’ll take Cali outside while you take photographs of the room. Be careful when you collect the necklace. Make sure the lab checks for more than fingerprints. I want any and all possible evidence identified from it. I want to know if it’s really hers.”

Deputy Owen clenched his jaw as if he resented following Nick’s orders. But, he turned and went outside without a word.

“I told you it’s Serena’s necklace.”

Nick swung around. “I know you think it is, but I need verifiable proof.”

A pang of irritation hit her and she lifted her chin. “My word isn’t proof enough?”

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Serena was wearing the necklace in the picture released to the press. Anyone who saw it could have found a necklace resembling hers and decide to play a prank on you.”

She sucked in a breath. “Do you think that’s what happened?”

“No. I don’t. But I have to be sure. Come on. Let’s go outside and wait.”

“Can’t I get dressed first?”

“After the photos are taken.” Nick took her arm and led her out the door.

Curious guests had gathered around the area. Owen was talking to a young woman clad in a skimpy bikini when Nick called to him. “Deputy.”

Owen swung around and said, “Right. I’m on it.”

“There’s nothing interesting going on here folks. Move on.” Nick motioned for the small crowd to disperse. Most of them did, but one man walking toward them kept on coming.

Cali recognized the white-haired owner of the motel from five rooms away. He shuffled along the walkway with a clear purpose in mind. She wondered exactly what that purpose was until he walked right to Nick and said, “I don’t need no trouble here. What’s going on?”

Nick flashed his badge and addressed the aging man. “Are you the owner?”

“Yes sir, I am. Name’s Stoley. Tom Stoley.”

The men shook hands.

“Someone broke in to Ms. Stevens’s room last night.”

Tom Stoley’s eyes widened. “We haven’t had a break in for several years now.” His brow furrowed as he cast a suspicious glance at Cali. “What for?”

Cali’s defenses rose. “It wasn’t my fault.”

Nick stepped between them. “I have some questions for you, Mr. Stoley. Then we’ll be on our way.”

Nick led Mr. Stoley down a corridor housing the vending and ice machines. Cali couldn’t hear their words as they rounded the corner.

Obviously, Nick intended to cut her out of the conversation. Irritation spiked deep inside. “Oh, no you don’t.” She turned and ran to catch up. The cement walkway scuffed her bare feet and the sand felt like grit under her skin, but she ignored the minor annoyance.