Isabel took a sip of champagne. The bubbles tickled her nose. “I haven’t heard from William in three days. Do you think Dave Winters is in Sapphire Bay?”
Lynda unwrapped a sandwich. “I don’t know, but no news is good news, right?”
“I suppose,” Isabel agreed. The trial was drawing closer and Isabel was getting more nervous.
“Have you decided how you’ll decorate your new home?” Lynda asked, thankfully changing the subject.
Isabel looked at the walls. “I’m bringing some furniture from Portland. But I’d like to find some new things too. A fresh start deserves fresh furnishings.”
“We should hit that antique market in Polson next weekend,” Lynda suggested, popping a fry into her mouth. “I saw some gorgeous bookcases there last month.”
“That sounds perfect,” Isabel said, then hesitated. “Assuming it’s safe to go.”
Lynda reached over to squeeze her hand. “We’ll make it safe. William can send one of his agents with us if necessary. You can’t put your life on hold indefinitely, Izzy.”
“I know,” Isabel sighed. “I just keep thinking about Frank and Tommy, hidden somewhere while I’m living my life. It doesn’t seem fair.”
“It’s not fair,” Lynda agreed. “But it’s temporary. And when they come back, you’ll be here. With a bookstore and this beautiful house.”
Isabel nodded, taking another sip of champagne. The sun had shifted, casting longer shadows across the wooden floor. Soon it would be evening, and time to head back to Kathleen’s for another night. She’d promised William and her friends that she wouldn’t move into her new house until the situation with Dave Winters was resolved.
“I can’t wait to see Tommy’s face when he sees this room,” Isabel said quietly. “He’ll probably say it’s the perfect spot for reading adventure stories.”
Lynda smiled. “You really care about him, don’t you?”
“I do,” Isabel admitted. “He’s remarkable, just like his grandfather.”
“At least you’re willing to admit that much,” Lynda said with a smile. “What you and Frank have is real, Izzy. That’s more than a lot of people ever find.”
Isabel nodded just as her phone buzzed. Checking the screen, she saw a message from Kathleen:“Have you heard the news? I’m calling you now.”
Before Isabel could wonder what news her friend meant, the phone rang. “Kathleen? What’s happening?” She put the call on speaker so Lynda could hear.
“I just got off the phone with Pastor John,” Kathleen said, her voice tight with excitement. “They’ve arrested Dave Winters!The FBI caught him trying to break into Frank’s house last night.”
Isabel sat up straighter, her heart racing. “Are you sure?”
“Positive. It’s all over the news. Apparently, they expected him to show up, so they had the place under surveillance. William called Pastor John to let him know what had happened. Frank will call you as soon as he can. I imagine they’re still questioning Dave as we speak.”
Isabel and Lynda exchanged wide-eyed looks. “That’s incredible news,” Isabel said. “Does this mean the danger is over?”
“Not completely,” Kathleen cautioned. “William told Pastor John there could still be other people working for this Sterling company. But with Dave in custody, there’s less of a threat.”
Isabel’s mind raced ahead. “And Frank and Tommy? Does this change anything for them?”
“I don’t know,” Kathleen admitted. “But I imagine they’ll stay in the safe house until after the trial. It’s so close now, anyway.”
After they ended the call, Isabel sat in stunned silence, the half-eaten sandwich forgotten in her lap. Dave Winters was in custody. The man who’d terrified Tommy, who had likely hired someone to shoot at them, was no longer a threat.
“Well,” Lynda said, lifting her paper cup in the air. “I think this calls for a refill.”
Isabel held out her cup, unable to stop the smile from spreading across her face. “It’s not over yet,” she warned, trying to temper her own optimism.
“No,” Lynda agreed, pouring the champagne. “But it’s a step closer. A big step.”
As they finished their impromptu celebration, Isabel allowed herself to truly imagine what might come next: Frank and Tommy returning to Sapphire Bay, dinners together in this veryhouse, Tommy exploring the garden, and Frank sitting beside her on the swing she planned to install.
The future that had seemed so uncertain just hours ago now felt almost within reach. Nine days until the trial began. Perhaps three weeks until Frank and Tommy could come home.
