The Enchanted Oasis

By Valerie Bowen

A missing man and a heinous murder is just the beginning of the mayhem that plagues this pristine getaway.

Frustrated with the lack of evidence, Sheriff Fred Rivera calls in a special unit. Officers Quincy, and Jameson along with their canine partner Sasha, joins the hunt for a vicious killer.

More gruesome murders and added frustration, equals carelessness. Will law enforcement lose one of their own during the hunt?

Can Sasha track down the killer before the ultimate price is paid?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Valerie Bowen
• Release date: Jul 9, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301585250

Valerie Bowen

About the author Valerie is originally from the beautiful state of Maine, where she lived until she was ten. Being young when she lived there she never appreciated the absolute beauty of the rocky coastline. Although she never live in Camden, she did have a very dear cousin that lived there and they would spend many hours in downtown Camden. When she decided to write For the Sake of Amelia she tried to imagine a great setting for the book. she thought of many places in Connecticut (where she reside now) but kept going back to her childhood and the many fond memories she held in her mind of Camden.

Book preview

Mary Simmons sat on her hospital bed with her husband Bob at her side. The young couple was anxiously awaiting the arrival of their first child. The pregnancy was normal, with no signs of complications. As her labor intensified, Bob grew more and more distressed. While standing helplessly at her bedside, Bob watched his wife suffer through immense pain. When their daughter finally burst into the world, Bob was immediately whisked out of the room. Confused, Bob stood in the center of a small waiting room. The nurse, who escorted him, said calmly, Someone will be in to get you in a few minutes. He stood in stunned silence wondering if this was the normal procedure after delivery.

Bob paced the small room while he waited for news concerning his wife and newborn daughter. Deep down inside, he knew without a doubt, something had gone horribly wrong. Tears welled in his eyes when he imagined losing the child he and Mary tried so long to create. He loved the idea of being a father nearly as much as he loved being a husband. His life would be complete, if only his daughter would survive the next few days.

The minutes felt like hours as Bob waited for news concerning his wife and child. A soft knock came on the door just before it was pushed open. Bob stared into the eyes of Mary’s doctor and knew the news, he was about to hear, would be devastating. His only hope was for Mary to somehow come to terms with their loss, and realize they could try again for the child she desperately wanted.

Bob’s eyes were red rimmed when he stared into the solemn eyes of her doctor. Mr. Simmons, I’m sorry to inform you…

Interrupting the doctor, Bob stammered, Is…is the baby…

The child is perfect in every way. I… The doctor watched as Bob’s face drained of color. Mr. Simmons, your wife hemorrhaged immediately following the birth. We tried to repair the torn arteries…well; the damage was far too extensive. Your wife lost her battle.

Feeling as if the air had been sucked out of the room, Bob said with confusion on his face, What? What do you mean she lost her battle? Are you telling me my wife is dead? He tossed his hands into the air and growled, You have to be mistaken. Mary was in perfect health when we arrived. Healthy women don’t die during childbirth. Bob’s emotions were in overload. He jabbed a finger toward the door. Go back into that room and save her! I can’t lose my wife! You have to sa… Heavy sobs escaped his throat.

I assure you Mr. Simmons; we did everything in our power to save her. There was far too much blood loss…I’m sorry Mr. Simmons. The doctor turned on his heels and approached the door. As he reached for the handle he said over his shoulder. I’ll have a nurse come to escort you to your daughter. He opened the door and stepped into the hallway.

As the door slowly slid shut, the doctor heard Bob growl, Don’t bother, I don’t want to see that little bitch.

Bob’s knees were weak and threatened to fold. He made his way to a blue vinyl chair and flopped down. Placing his elbows on his knees, he covered his face with his hands and sobbed. He couldn’t believe, the love of his life died and the child she had wanted so desperately had the gall to murder her. Something snapped, not only in his heart, but also in his head. He silently vowed he would never have anything to do with the child who heartlessly murdered his wife.

During Bob’s wallowing in self-pity, he was unaware his dearest friend and caretaker of his wife’s cherished inn, The Enchanted Oasis, walked into the small room. Walter Meadows and his wife Donna paused in the doorway of the small waiting room. Walter eyed his friend and knew it would take quite some time for the distraught man to overcome the overwhelming loss of his wife. Bob. He said softly, We came as soon as we heard the news.

Bob lifted his head. His pale face was wet from his acrid tears. He glanced at Walter, then Donna, before he dropped his stare to the floor. Tears slid down the face of the saddened man.

Donna glanced at her husband. Walt, I don’t think he’s going to be alright with this.

Nonsense! He just needs time to get his emotions in check. He’ll be fine.

Bob rose to his feet and stumbled weakly toward the large window. He placed his hands on the sill to brace himself. His eyes stared through the glass at nothing in particular. After a few long moments, Bob gritted his teeth, turned and stormed out of the room.

Donna stared wide-eyed as she watched the door slowly close.

Chapter 1

Twenty-four years later

Bob Simmons sat on his private deck staring at the dark blue water of the secluded lake. Tears welled in his eyes as memories of Mary continued to haunt his mind. Recollections of her pretty face and the smile he had fallen in love with, was of little comfort. A soft sob escaped his throat. Tears trickled down his cheeks when he turned his gaze toward Sara. She was tending the flowers in her mother’s favorite garden. A basket of blooms hung loosely from her left elbow. He continued to watch as his daughter, who looked identical to her mother, leaned over and inhaled the aroma of a purple hyacinth. He tried to force a smile, however the bitterness he continued to harbor, made it impossible.

Sara spied, out of the corner of her eye, the solemn man sitting alone on his deck. While cutting the aromatic bloom from the shrub, a smile crossed her lips. Holding the hyacinths in her right hand, she slowly approached the man she prayed one day could forgive her for taking his beloved wife from him. Standing at the base of the steps, she looked up at her father. Dad, I brought you something. The man returned his stare to the water. Walter told me these were one of mom’s favorite flowers. I thought you’d like to have some as a centerpiece for your table.

The man continued to stare blankly into the distance, not saying a word. Sara noticed his cheeks were wet from his spilled tears. She entered his cabin through the sliding glass doors. After grabbing a small vase, she prepared the blooms for display. Once the hyacinths were placed, she returned to the deck and set the vase, along with its contents, in the center of the patio table. I know how much you loved her. Staring down at her father she murmured, I just wish for once you would talk to me. I need to know you forgive me for taking her away… Tears seeped from her eyes and trickled down her cheeks. Daddy, if I could’ve traded my life for hers…Oh God, don’t you think twenty-four years is long enough to make me suffer? Don’t you think, your punishment outweighs the crime?

The older man turned his cold blue eyes toward the young woman. After a few long moments he rose to his feet, gently pushed in his chair and entered the cabin. He slid the door shut and closed the blinds. Sara stood in silence for a few long moments. While hanging her head in shame, she descended the three steps to the ground and proceeded to walk to the main building.

Pushing the large glass door open, Sara stepped into the main lobby of the resort. The sand colored walls displayed photos of the grounds and the picturesque lake from yesteryear. A flagstone fireplace stood on the right and had been prepared for the evening’s fire. On the left was a pair of French doors leading to the dining room. Large overstuffed furniture and small tables added to the charm of the large room. She stared at the woman sitting behind a dark cherry reception desk. The woman, Walter’s wife Donna, was small framed with long dark hair and eyes. She glanced up from her computer as soon as she heard Sara step into the room.

Donna knew by the look on Sara’s face, what had happened. Oh no, Sara, why do you do it to yourself? Why do you put yourself through all this pain?

She dried her eyes. I’m hoping one day he’ll realize, my mother’s death wasn’t my fault.

Donna pushed away from her desk, rose to her feet, and smoothed her white cotton blouse with the palms of her hands. She held her arms out while stepping away from the desk. Come here sweetheart. Sara approached the older woman and Donna embraced her. She whispered, Your father doesn’t blame you for your mother’s death.

Easing herself away from the woman, Sara walked to a small table and pulled a tissue from the box. Tears continued to stream down her pretty face. If it’s not me, then why in the hell doesn’t he talk to me? All my life he’s acted as if I’m the person responsible for her death. He never even noticed the pain I’ve suffered through all these years. All he does is, wallow in his own misery. I don’t even think he knows what he’s doing to me.

If it makes you feel any better, he hasn’t spoken to anyone since her passing.

Sara scoffed. Yeah, but at least you and Walter have heard his voice. You’ve seen him smile… She stared into the soft brown eyes of the only woman she had ever considered her mother. I have never heard him speak a word much less smile. I’ve tried my entire life to make up for her death. What do I get in return? A father who is cold and unforgiving. She tossed her hands in the air. From now on, I refuse to do anything for him. You and Walter can cater to his needs. I’ve spent enough of my life trying to get that man to notice me, let alone talk to me. Sara turned toward the front door and growled, I’m through with him!

Sara you can’t mean that. Please think about what you’re saying.

All I’m saying is I refuse to continue to try to talk to a man who blames me for all the bad things that have happened in his life. I’m not going out of my way to see him again. My life is this business…to carry on my mother’s memory. I’m sure I would’ve loved her if I had known her. She deserves to have her dream live on through me.

Donna smiled. Yes she does. Mary was a lovely woman and she loved you from the moment you were conceived…never doubt it.

Sara pushed open the entry door. Changing the subject she said, Our first guests should be arriving shortly. Is everything ready?

Yes, every room has fresh flowers. I’ll also make sure every guest knows, muffins and coffee will be available after seven and breakfast will be served promptly at ten o’clock daily…as you had requested. She returned to her desk. I can’t believe it’s only April and here we are booked to capacity until mid-July. Donna stared at Sara’s back and said, just before she stepped through the door. Did I tell you? We’ve booked a guest who will be staying here indefinitely. It seems he loves this area. Apparently, the man’s parents used to stay here when he was a boy.

Sara spun around. Did this man say he knew my mother?

He was five when your mother passed away. He said his parents were very upset when they heard about her death…and they were even more upset, when your father decided to close the resort.

She stared into Donna’s eyes while holding the door open. The bright sunshine illuminated the dust motes floating in the air. Please let me know when this very special guest arrives.

Donna nodded. His name is Seth Davis. From what I hear, he looks like a model from one of those men’s magazines. Maybe you and he can…

Sara smiled when she interrupted the older woman. Will you ever stop trying to fix me up with every available man around?

Nope, I’m determined to help you find the man of your dreams.

Sara turned, walked through the door and followed the gravel path leading to the gardens.

Chapter 2

Sara was in the kitchen, taking inventory, when Donna walked into the room. Hey Sara, I just wanted you to know, as of right now, all the guests scheduled to arrive, have checked in.

Sara looked up from the shelf where she was counting. She placed her pen behind her ear and rose to her feet. That’s great! All I have to do is get everything ready for breakfast.

Donna crossed her arms and leaned against the doorjamb. That guy, you remember, the one I told you about… Sara scowled. You know the one with the indefinite reservation. Well, he checked in. She pushed herself away from the doorframe and took a step forward. I just wanted you to know, the man is absolutely gorgeous. He has wavy dark hair and dreamy brown eyes. I swear he must be at least six-foot three and talk about muscles. He also has one of those…She held her finger in the center of her chin, cleft chins…damn that little feature alone makes my knees weak.

Sara laughed out loud. I thought you were happily married.

Oh I am happily married. That doesn’t mean I’m dead. I’m just saying, I wouldn’t mind having a picture of that man on my desk to look at it all day.

Sara was removing a twenty-five pound bag of flour from the shelf in front of her. She wrapped her arms around it and pulled the sack close. Lifting her knee to help guide the heavy burden, it began to slip. Donna rushed to assist the struggling woman. As they carried the flour out of the storage area, Donna backed into a patron. Sara wasn’t paying attention and continued to walk, not realizing the older woman had stopped. She lifted her head to glare at the woman. Donna why did… Her eyes met the dark stare of a handsome man.

Let me help you ladies with that. He removed the flour from Donna’s hands while he continued to stare into Sara’s crystal blue eyes.

Standing in stunned silence, the man removed the sack from Sara’s hands. He hefted the flour with one hand while extending the other to Sara. Hi, my name is Seth…ah, Seth Davis. He smiled brightly.

Sara brushed a lock of hair from her forehead with the back of her hand. While staring into the most amazing pair of brown eyes she’d ever had the pleasure to drown in. She stammered, I…ah… She gathered her composure and took his hand. Sorry. I’m Sara Simmons. She reluctantly pulled her eyes from his. Thank you for helping us with this. I didn’t realize just how heavy twenty-five pounds of flour would be.

Seth chuckled. Anytime you need help moving something, all you have to do is call. I love to help pretty women in distress. He winked and Sara blushed. Where would you like me to set this down?

Oh…ah… She gestured toward a stainless steel prep table with an outstretched hand. Over there would be perfect. He gently placed the flour on the designated table. Thank you Mr. Davis. I think Donna and I would’ve struggled with that for at least an hour or more.

Seth’s smile displayed a set of straight white teeth and a dimple on his left cheek. Well I wouldn’t want to see two women struggling for hours. While staring into Sara’s eyes he said softly, Just promise me you’ll ask for help next time. I figure, since I’m here indefinitely…well, I should help any way I can.

Nonsense. Sara snapped. You’re a guest. I can’t impose on a guest. Next time I’ll call one of the staff members to help. She approached the prep table. Don’t get me wrong Mr. Davis; I do appreciate your help. However, it just wouldn’t be right for me to ask a guest to help whenever I’m in a jamb.

He placed a gentle hand on Sara’s cheek. I don’t mind…please; promise you’ll call me if you need a hand. He stared into her eyes. He seemed almost lost for a few brief moments. Finally he snapped himself back to reality. Has anyone ever told you, you’re the exact replica of your mother? Sara stepped back and started fidgeting with the flour bag. I know I was young the last time I was here, but I remember your mother. She used to make the most amazing blueberry muffins.

You can’t possibly remember my mother…that must have been at least twenty-four years ago. How could you remember a woman you saw once, maybe twice a year?

We stayed here every summer, not just once or twice a year. My father worked in the area and he thought staying on this lake would be a good experience for mom and me. My mother always loved taking photos. She captured many images of your mother. Seth stepped in front of her. His tone saddened. I swear, after I heard about her death…I must have cried for weeks. My mother gave me a few of my favorite photos of your mother and me. To this day, I cherish those old photos. I have them with me, if you’d like to see them.

Sara had a stunned look on her face. You mean to tell me, you carry pictures of my mother around with you? Why?

He shrugged. I adored her. She always let me go into the gardens with her. We used to cut the flowers for the breakfast table… He sighed as he reminisced. Your mother loved her gardens. He lifted Sara’s face by placing a bent finger under her chin and gently guided it until she was staring into his eyes. You are the spitting image of her.

A tear slid down her cheek. She quickly turned away from him. While sweeping the tear away with the back of her hand, she said, If you don’t mind Mr. Davis, I have to get things ready for morning. He nodded, even though she couldn’t see him. Feeling a