Tide Will Tell (Islands of Intrigue: San Juans) (2 page)

As she leaned closer to the window and pictured the shrubbery crying out ‘Feed me, Seymour!’, a dark form emerged from the foliage and lurched at the limo. She jerked back, her mind freezing as she caught a fleeting glimpse of a face, or rather the place where a face should be, inside the hood of an oversized black sweat jacket.

In the split second it took her to choke down a scream, the figure retreated back into the dense stand of trees.
Gone
.

Chapter 2

Settling into a cushioned deck chair, Josh took a sip of root beer and tried to relax. Shaw Island was every bit as inviting as Jessica had promised, but if he had realized he was going to feel so out of place at her home this weekend, he wouldn’t have accepted the invitation.

Jessica’s twelve or so other friends who had come to the island to unwind after finals were a pretty rowdy bunch, especially—as Josh had noted upon his own arrival that afternoon—when they’d had one or two Mojitos to kick off the celebration. He’d instantly regretted his decision to come, but had figured if it got too bad he could always leave. He had never, even in his days before accepting the Lord, understood the appeal of getting drunk.

Still, he had to admit that the opportunity to see this house eased his apprehension. From everything he’d read and heard, Jess’ family had more money than they knew what to do with, and it was fun to see how the other half lived. While Josh felt content with his own starving-student status for the time being, he’d admired the soaring architecture, expensive artwork, and the impressive collection of Native American artifacts. He had to wonder what it would feel like to not have to worry about money. To just fix the car radio when it broke, or get a new battery. Or a whole new car, for that matter.

Jess had given him the grand tour before bringing him out to join the others. Even though it was a warm June afternoon, he’d been drawn to the built-in stone fire pit. Could be it felt safer than either of the deck’s other focal points—the hot tub or the bar. Unless he went for a second root beer, he wouldn’t be enjoying either of those features, but he appreciated the opulence and the view of the bay.

The guy sitting to his left—a business major whom Josh had seen around campus but had never officially met—handed him a piece of accordion pleated paper. Taking it, Josh did his best to get into the spirit of Jessica’s idea of an ice breaker—a rousing game of
Consequences
.

“Okay, everybody.” Settling on a stool with her back to the bar, Jessica flicked her long honey colored hair over her shoulder. Her oversized t-shirt and super-short cut-off jeans were a far cry from her usual high fashion sorority girl garb, and only served to intensify Josh’s discomfort. “The next thing you write is ‘the consequence was…’”

He thought for a second, then wrote ‘
the consequence was…the planet exploded
’ on his paper and folded it over to cover what he had just written. He then passed the paper to Kim on his right. Taking it, she twirled a strand of her ginger-colored hair and smiled coyly.

The smile he returned was more polite than promising. Like the game, Kim’s attempt at flirtation was harmless enough. If he managed to lighten up a little, he might even manage to enjoy himself this weekend.

“Okay, the last thing you write…” Jessica paused to sip from an icy lime-slice-and-mint-sprig-embellished glass. “…is ‘and the world said…’.”

As instructed, Josh wrote the first thing that came to mind, which was of course a movie reference. ‘
and the world said…slow fade to black.
’ A roller coaster feeling in the pit of his gut accompanied the reminder of how much money still stood between him and film school in the fall. So much for lightening up.

“Hey, Josh.” Jessica called over to him. “You’re up. Read what you’ve got.”

He unfolded the paper and obliged. “The mysterious and fetching Dolores Del Marco met the charismatic Simon Fritz at the zoo. He bought her an alabaster statue and said to her ‘what’s your shoe size?’. She said to him ‘I live in Canada’, and the consequence was they honeymooned in the South of France, and the world said ‘slow fade to black’.”

Everyone laughed harder than the story or this game warranted, but Josh smiled along at the innocent fun.

“You really should act in those films you make, you know.” Kim gave him a wink as she unfolded her own paper. Leaning over, she spoke through the soft scent of rum and lime. “You’ve got all the right stuff to make the ladies swoon.”

The realization that people were looking their way jarred him. “I think it’s your turn.”

Giggling, Kim flattened her paper to read.

Josh had always managed to ignore Kim’s flirting, although he had noticed it escalating since she’d broken up with her boyfriend several months ago. It didn’t matter. They’d both graduated from the U and they’d be going their separate ways soon. While he didn’t want to encourage her, neither did he feel the need to dissuade her, as long as her advances remained benign. As far as he was concerned, she was just another nice girl who’d had too many things handed to her. Like most of Jessica’s crowd, she could use the dose of reality that would probably hit once they were no longer being bankrolled by their parents.

Josh said a silent prayer of thanks that his own parents, who were by no means wealthy, had instilled morals and a healthy work ethic in him. How he’d wound up on the fringes of Jessica’s elite crowd, he still wasn’t quite sure.

Kim had the group in stitches over her reading. “…and the consequence was that the planet exploded.” She reached over and rumpled Josh’s hair. “Good one, sci-fi boy.” She continued. “And the world said ‘what else would you expect from a Neanderthal?’”

Reaching up to smooth his hair back into place, Josh smiled good-naturedly. This game might actually be fun without the alcoholic augmentation.

“Stu!” Jessica tossed an irritated look at Stuart, who had separated himself from the group and was engaged in a gleeful conversation on his phone. “It’s your turn.”

Stuart responded with an annoyed sneer and continued what appeared to be a playful conversation with some female on the other end of the line.

Being a connoisseur of character, Josh had put some effort into figuring this guy out. He had to be in his late twenties, but from the sound of things, he fully intended to keep doing nothing with his life but party, collect female admirers, and enjoy the occasional ski trip. Watching him now, Josh wondered what would happen if the guy got the rug pulled out from under him.

Never one to tolerate an obvious affront, Jessica took a sheet of paper from the bar, scrawled something on it, and walked over to Stuart. She waved it in his face until he grabbed it out of her hand. Jessica turned on her heel and marched back to where she’d been perched. She missed seeing Stuart fold up the paper and defiantly toss it in her direction.

“When is your other guest arriving?” Staci, a no-nonsense theatre major who had assisted Josh on a couple of his student films, slipped onto the barstool next to Jessica’s.

Jessica rolled her eyes. “Don’t ask me. All of
my
friends are already here.”

Josh looked out at the water. He had no idea who they were talking about, and he really didn’t care. He enjoyed getting to know people, but the thought of slipping away from the group to have some time alone suddenly seemed really appealing. With the alcohol flowing freely and so many guests to keep her occupied, Jessica probably wouldn’t even notice.

Having ended his call, Stuart rejoined the group with his customary swagger. He opened up the paper on which he’d written the ending of a story like he was the town crier unfurling a scroll.

He cleared his throat, then read. “The doting and onerous Petunia met the smelly Conrad at the Sundance Film Festival.”

He stopped, giving Josh a knowing glance. Who else would have come up with a film reference?

Stuart went on. “He gave her a diploma and said to her ‘ever race at NASCAR?’. She said to him ‘There’s no oxygen on the moon’, and the consequence was they ate chocolate macaroons, and the world said ‘God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.’.”

“Gee, Stu.” Jessica folded her reed-like arms. “Can’t tell you’ve been through rehab.”

“Good.” He lifted his glass in her direction. “Then I’ve achieved my goal.”

Staci grabbed the pad of paper from the bar. “Are we playing another round?”

“Maybe later.” Standing, Jessica started to pull off her shirt. “I’m getting in the tub.”

Alarmed at the unveiling of a hot pink bikini top under the shirt, Josh stood and wandered over to the deck rail.

“Hey, Josh.” Sitting on the edge of the sizeable hot tub, Jessica dipped her hand in. “Are you tubbing? The water’s perfect.”

Affecting a polite smile, and taking care to keep his gaze focused no lower than her chin, he shook his head. “I’m really not big on hot tubs.”

“Oh, right.” She flicked her hair again, nearly whipping the guy sitting next to her across the face. “It’s that
water
thing.” She swung her legs over the edge. “Well, we’ll leave you a spot in case you change your mind.”

Trying to overlook the subtle jab masquerading as sympathy, Josh turned to gaze out at the water between the islands. The day was clear and beautiful but, typical of the Pacific Northwest in June, a heavy storm front would be moving in tomorrow. Best to enjoy the outdoors here while the weather held.

“Is this is your first time at Jessica’s house?”

Josh jolted a little at the proximity of Kim’s voice. He hadn’t noticed that she’d gotten up and followed him.

“Yep. First time.” Not wanting to be rude, he leaned on the railing and observed a ferry pulling into the terminal on Orcas Island. “I’ve never accepted an invitation before because I’ve always had to study or work on the weekends.”

“Too bad.” She leaned on the railing next to him, not quite close enough to touch his arm. “We’ve had some amazing times here. Like the best Halloween party ever.” Kim shifted to subtly face him as she drew her arm over the expanse of wooded area below them, which led down to the water. “They created a whole haunted forest.”

“I’m sure that was something.” Josh forced a smile, but he was glad he’d missed it. A forest full of spooks held no appeal.

“And of course, her New Year’s Eve parties are legendary. Gallons of champagne and enough food to feed an army. Last year, a bunch of us got to go out on the yacht with Sam.” She pointed to the dock which was partially visible through the trees, a ways down the shoreline. “You have to take one of the dinghies out to where it’s deep enough to drop anchor in the bay. See?”

Turning his head slightly to take in the sight of a gleaming white vessel sitting regally offshore, Josh grunted an affirmation.

“They did a fireworks display out there in the channel.” She tipped her head away from the dock, out toward the stretch of water between Shaw and Orcas. “We were practically underneath it. Maybe you’ll accept her invite this year. Ring in the New Year with style.”

Josh wasn’t sure at the moment which part held less appeal—being out on the water, witnessing the effect of the ‘gallons of champagne’ on the other guests, or the obvious safety hazard of parking a boat so close to the launching pad of the fireworks. He’d always preferred to ring in the new year with a few close friends and a couple of pizzas.

“Hey, guys.” Jessica waved an arm to get everyone’s attention. “I have a great idea. Let’s go out on the kayaks. It’s a perfect day for it.”

“Sounds like fun.” Kim turned to Josh. “Want to go?”

Josh glanced down at a rack of brightly colored boats next to the dock. The thought of being out on the water in one of those made his palms sweat. Taking some time to himself held far more appeal. “No, I think I’ll go get settled in my room.”

She nodded. “Maybe a bike ride around the island later?”

“Maybe. That sounds like fun.”

Kim smiled, apparently encouraged.

Josh drew in a long breath. He’d been so conscientious about guarding his heart.
Lord, let me navigate this minefield in a way that glorifies You.

As everyone else prepared to go down to the water, Josh made his own plan. He’d stay out here for a little bit, then take the opportunity to get a closer look at some of the artwork inside the house. After that, he’d see about reconnecting with the group.

No point in acting like a complete loner this weekend.

Chapter 3

As the car picked up speed again, Kate twisted around. There was no sign of anyone near the road.

She whirled back to question the driver. Surely he had seen the man lunge at the car from out of the roadside bramble, and would offer some explanation. But his eyes in the mirror focused on the road ahead. She swallowed her concern. If the driver didn’t seem alarmed, it must have been nothing. Just a kid from the island, maybe. Or another reporter hoping to get her attention. That would explain the hood. But the lack of a face?

A cold shiver ran up her arms.
Ridiculous
. Maybe it was a mask she had seen, or the face was too shadowed by the hood to disclose its features. Or, more likely, she had just imagined the whole thing. Exhaustion ruled and reigned, not only from the long trip up from California but from the ordeal she’d been through over the past few months. Could be she was seeing things.

Shaking off her uneasiness, she looked ahead and her heart raced for a different reason. The driver slowed in approach to an ornate metal gate. He stopped and reached up to the visor to touch a tiny remote. As the gate slid open and the car glided through, Kate wrung her hands. Why was she so nervous?

Excited-nervous
. That was it.
Not scared-nervous.
Her emotions had always been so scrambled that she had a hard time identifying them. Time to start getting a handle on that.

She pulled in a deep breath and looked through the windshield at the tree-lined drive ahead. As the car leisurely rounded a curve, the flora thinned like a curtain parting.