Everyone was talking over her head and around her as if she couldn’t make decisions for herself. She cleared her throat to get their attention.
The sheriff shifted his gaze to her. “If you need me to put you in protective custody, we can do that.”
“I trust Cole and Hawk. I’m in good hands with them. Thank you for your offer.”
Without waiting for the sheriff to dismiss them, she stood from the chair and shoved through the door, practically running down the short hall of the county offices. Then she exited into the cool night air and the expected wind and rain.
God,I want togo home.
But she wasn’t even sure where that was anymore.
15
Cole rose early and checked the perimeter of the large house that had the outward appearance of a rustic cabin but inside was well equipped with all the necessary modern equipment. Hawk and Remi had spoken with Evelyn Monroe, who’d been able to secure the place from one of her many connections in the region. The house rested on the opposite end of Hidden Bay from Cedar Trails Lodge and sat on a ledge overlooking the ocean, so he only had to worry about three sides. The place was isolated, and the long drive could only be entered via a coded gate a quarter of a mile through the woods. Security cameras were strategically located. He hadn’t been told any details about the owner who’d lent the house for use as a safe house.
As for their videoconference with the cold case unit detective in Michigan, he’d had to reschedule with Detective Wilson for ten o’clock this morning. In the end, to solve the mystery behind her mother’s death, Cole and Jo might have to travel to Michigan. He couldn’t leave her here alone while he was in protection mode, and definitely not until the danger her father had brought ended. Colewas juggling two investigations and a protective detail. All good. He loved a challenge.
But this was all so much more than a job. This was personal to him.
I won’t fail you,Jo.
He wasalivebecause of her.
Cole stepped onto the west-facing deck that jutted out over the water, fully exposing him to the wind and rain. He took in the view of the waves crashing on the jagged rocks below. To the left, looking south, the crescent-shaped Hidden Bay stretched before him, sheltering the calmer waters within the inlet. At the far end of the bay, he spotted the cliff’s edge where the Cedar Trails Lodge stood, but he couldn’t see the lodge itself or the steps down to the beach. But it was the view to the right that drew his attention. Here, at the very edge of the north side of the bay, the force of the raw, untamed power of the ocean was on full display as towering waves crashed into the rocks and white spray shot high into the air.
A glance at his watch told him it was time to make sure Jo was up so she would have time to wake up and get her required coffee.
They’d arrived at the home well after midnight. Remi and Hawk had gone out of their way to prepare the place, stocking it with food and making sure Jo had a few clothes to replace those she’d lost in the explosion—at least for now—a mix of items Jo kept at the lodge and things left behind by guests. After learning that Jo’s sketches had been lost in the explosion, Remi had even thought to bring the set of sketch pads and art pencils Jo kept at Cedar Trails. While he appreciated her thoughtfulness, Cole almost wished Remi hadn’t because Jo refused to go to bed until she’d redrawn some of what she’d lost. Maybe the art was therapeutic for her.
The eyes from the ferry.
Faces from her time in Michigan.
The decommissioned bridge in the woods.
He opened the sliding glass door and headed to the kitchen to grab the poppy seed bagels from the cabinet and the strawberry cream cheese from the fridge and set them out. An alarm sounded from down the hall. A few minutes passed, and then Jo emerged from the hallway. Wearing a T-shirt and sweats, she stretched and yawned.
“Sleeping Beauty’s finally awake.” Ack. Could he sound cornier?
But he wasn’t sure she’d even heard him as she shuffled toward the coffee with a sleep-dazed expression. Last night had been grueling for them both, but especially for Jo. If it weren’t for the teleconference call with the detective, Cole would have insisted she slept in. He poured her a mug before she got to it because, despite Jo being a mechanical genius artist, she was the clumsiest person he’d ever met.
Wrapping both hands around the tall sixteen-ounce mug, she guzzled with her eyes closed, not even flinching from the heat. Her long brown hair fell in tangles around her shoulders. He tried to ignore the way his heart was swinging back and forth.
Finally, she opened her golden-brown eyes and blinked up at him. “Thank you.”
“You went to bed late. Are you sure you’re up for the videoconference call with the detective at ten? Do you need me to reschedule?”
“No. I’ll be ready.” Her eyes brightened as she moved to the counter. “What have we here?” She grabbed a bagel and started spreading the cream cheese all over. “How do you do it, Cole?”
“Do what?”
“You stayed up late too, watching me sketch. How are you up and making coffee and breakfast, I’m guessing, hours before me?” She bit into the bagel and chewed.
Instead of answering, he just watched her. She didn’t seem to mind. Cole averted his gaze.
“Oh, that’s right. You’re a highly skilled military man.” Jo moved to the sofa with her plate and coffee. He moved in behind her and caught the bagel before it slid off.
“Oops. Sorry.” She gave him a bashful look. “I mean, thanks for catching that.”
