Treacherous Waters

By Lynette S. Jones

Investigator Elise Lapier is in trouble. The man she has been investigating has turned the tables and is stalking her. Running away from the man chasing her, she flees to her supervisor's cottage in Gull Cove, a secluded cove on the rugged Washington coast, where she meets Adam Wayne. The reclusive caretaker of the cottages is obsessed with avenging the death of his fiancé. With Elise’s arrival, he believes he will finally have his chance for revenge. He is convinced that Elise came to him for help and he will help her, but only if she tells him the identity of the man who killed his fiance. The only problem, Elise doesn't know who the man is. All she'd discovered about him was that he was a ghost. Running out of time and options, she has to discover the true identity of the man who is stalking her and who murdered Adam’s fiance, or die.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lynette S. Jones
• Release date: Aug 29, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301655403

Lynette S. Jones

I was born in Tucson Arizona, but never really lived there. We moved to Washington State and stayed there until I was five. We then moved to Simi Valley, California where I stayed until I was 19. I was encouraged to pursue writing by a few of my English teachers in high school. I took their advice and began to write. I took creative writing and literature classes throughout my college years and after. I have been writing for many years for pleasure and have just recently released my novels as e-books. The Saga of Preterlandis series is now available in paperback. See my website for details. I hope that my readers enjoy reading my offerings as much as I enjoyed writing them. I live with my husband, and family in Eastern Washington, where the Yakima and Columbia Rivers merge. When I'm not writing I make my living by writing computer applications, designing small customized databases or working as a designer on industrial construction projects. I am looking for people to review my books and submit the reviews to Smashwords.com or to Amazon.com. If you are interested contact me at [e-mail]

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Treacherous Waters

Lynette S. Jones

Copyright © 2013 by Lynette Jones

All rights reserved.

This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form without prior permission.

Dedication

To my family, who allow me to indulge my dream.

Chapter 1

Unfolding herself out of her metallic-blue sedan, Elise pushed her thick, black hair away from her face and stretched her long legs. The drive from Alona to Grayson had been longer than she'd expected and she was ready to be out from behind the wheel for the few minutes this stop would require. Hands on her hips, Elise swiveled to get the kinks out as she glanced at the two dozen buildings lining the highway that made up the small town.

Despite all the reasoning she'd heard to the contrary, she questioned the wisdom of coming to Grayson to hide. It was too remote, too small. She would stand out simply because she didn't belong. It would only take a few minutes of asking around to uncover where she was staying.

But whether it was a good idea or not didn't matter at this point. Andrea had been insistent, she was fresh out of alternatives and she was already here. It was too late for second thoughts.

Stiffening her spine resolutely, Elise looked over Grayson's small General Store. It was a squat, slate blue box, trimmed in white, with a hand-carved sign in front of the door. A wooden porch covered the entrance to the two-story building and held three metal tables, which were empty on this cold and rainy day.

No one in their right mind would be staying here this time of year. Elise let the doubts creep in again. How could Andrea possibly expect anyone to believe her cover story about coming here for a vacation? Perhaps Andrea didn't care what the people in Grayson thought, or maybe she was counting on Elise to find Gull Cove and stay there until she contacted her. If the people in Grayson didn't see her, they couldn't tell anyone she was there. Stuffing her hands in the pockets of her black, deerskin jacket, Elise fervently hoped the latter proved to be true.

Movement off to her left caught her attention and Elise swung around to face a man who was limping out to meet her car. Adjusting a well-worn, tan, fishing hat onto his head as he approached, he was also giving her the once over. Elise was used to men staring at her, although she had to admit this man was a bit older than she was used to confronting. Her mother hadn't done her any favors by donating an oval face, almond-shaped, blue eyes, an expressive mouth, and a tall, shapely body to her makeup. For a woman who had been on her own since she was twelve, they'd almost always been a detriment. Pulling her jacket around her protectively, Elise waited for the man to reach her.

You must be Elise Lapier, the elderly man remarked as he slowly descended the stairs and came over to where she stood.

That's right, Elise extended her hand in greeting. You must be Roddy. Taking in the white hair and thick eyebrows that shrouded his milky blue eyes, she readjusted her mental picture to match the reality. He was twenty years older than she'd imagined from Andrea's description. Close to eighty if she was any judge and she was a pretty good judge. Her job at International Confidential Investigations dictated that she be good. They only kept the best.

I'm sorry I'm a bit late. The rain slowed me down and Grayson is definitely off the beaten track. I had to stop and check the map twice. Elise glanced around again. But it's as beautiful as Andrea said. Elise couldn't help but be impressed by the glimpse she'd had of the ocean to the rear of the store and the quaint storefronts lining the highway. It was a startling contrast to the modern town and desert she'd left behind in Alona.

We are pretty isolated up here, agreed Roddy, especially this time of year. He looked up at the threatening sky which had stopped its downpour for the moment. Most people are packing up and heading home, not coming to stay.

Elise could hear the question in his statement. She couldn't blame him for wondering, but she wasn't going to satisfy his curiosity. I don't usually have the chance to get away in the summer, what with everyone else out on vacation. Besides, I like the rain.

The last part wasn't exactly true, but it was easier to invent a liking for rain than it was to explain the real reason she was here in this abysmal weather. The rain had begun to fall as soon as she’d entered the Columbia Gorge and hadn't let up yet. It probably wouldn't let up for days.

Roddy raised his shaggy eyebrows in disbelief at her comment, although he kept his opinion to himself. Elise didn't know how much Andrea had told him, the less the better as far as she was concerned. The less anyone knew about her, the less inclined they would be to let the fact that she was here in Grayson slip.

Worry tugged at her again and Elise forced it to the back of her mind. There would be plenty of time to worry when she arrived at her final destination, Andrea's beach cottage at Gull Cove. Right now, she needed to concern herself with getting there.

Andrea said I was supposed to get the key to the cottage from you. Elise brought up the reason for her stop in Grayson quickly.

It's back in the office. Roddy jerked his thumb toward the store. He left Elise to follow as he retraced his steps toward the rear of the store, favoring his right leg as he walked. It's a good thing you like the rain, he returned to the conversation where they'd left off as he led her around the side of the building to a converted storage room he used as an office. We're in for a big storm this week, according to my hip. He patted his right leg. It's never wrong."

Smiling indulgently behind his back, Elise discounted his weather forecast. She'd never put much faith in old wives tales, or divining, or telling the weather by the ache in someone's bones. She'd checked with the Weather Bureau before she came. They weren't expecting any large weather fronts this week, only the normal precipitation for this time of year.

When I heard you were coming, said Roddy over his shoulder, I had Adam open up the cottage and air it out. I also had him supply some wood. The cottage doesn't have any heat, except for the fireplace, never needed any, until now. Nobody ever stayed there during the off-season.

Elise ignored the gentle probing. She wouldn't have stopped in Grayson at all if Andrea kept the keys to her summer vacation house with her. Anyone with whom she had more than casual contact could end up being in danger and she didn't want any innocent people hurt. Who is Adam?

Roddy's blue eyes opened wide in surprise. I would have thought any friend of Andrea's would know about Adam.

Elise racked her memory for some recollection of an Adam, none came to mind. Andrea and I aren't especially close friends, she improvised quickly. We work together and get along pretty well. When she said she had a cottage over here, I jumped at the chance to come. I love the ocean.

I see, said Roddy, clearly not believing her explanation.

Elise's trepidation about coming to Grayson grew into dread. Andrea said she did this sort of thing all the time. It was bad enough she would stick out like a sore thumb, she didn't need everyone speculating about Andrea acting out of character by lending her the use of the cottage as well. She'd been desperate enough that when Andrea had suggested her cottage she'd agreed even though she didn’t know her superior especially well. Maybe trusting Andrea hadn't been such a smart idea. It was obvious Andrea had failed to tell her everything she needed to know about Grayson.

Adam is the caretaker at the cove, Roddy informed her. Also, the only other person out there right now.

Elise wondered if that last bit of information was added to make her feel better about being in such a secluded spot. If it was, it was a wasted effort. I thought I was going to be alone out there. The last thing she needed was some beach bum getting in the way.

Might as well be, as friendly as Adam is, Roddy replied conversationally. He only helped out because I asked him. He generally keeps to himself.

That's okay, then. Elise let out a sigh of relief and stepped into the brightly-lit office.

Old fishing nets, garnished with starfish and shells, covered the walls and one end of a battered metal desk held an exquisite lamp made of Myrtlewood and shells. Elise exclaimed delightedly, as she let the lamp draw her to the desk. This is beautiful. Her long tapered fingers stroked the burled wood as her eyes came to rest on the photographs Roddy had displayed. Three pictures of fishing boats and fishermen told her Roddy hadn't always been a shopkeeper. There was a time when he made his living from the sea. Picking up the center frame, Elise studied a picture of Roddy and three other men, on a small fishing boat christened the Sharon B, taken not too long ago.

That's Adam's boat, said Roddy, when he turned from a pegboard with keys hanging on it to see her with the picture in her hand. He sold it about, let me see, he scratched his chin in thought, about five years ago, if I remember correctly. Right after the accident.

What accident was that? asked Elise, tucking the keys he offered into her jacket after checking the name on the tag.

Andrea never told you about Adam and she never told you about the accident, but she sent you here to stay at the cottage? Roddy's shaggy eyebrows pulled together to form a straight line, his mouth pulling into a frown.

Elise's dread turned into a sinking in her stomach. Something was going on here she should have been told about. She didn't need any more surprises. She had enough to deal with already. Like I said, we aren't all that close. Was she involved in the accident?

In a way, said Roddy enigmatically.

What happened? Elise tried to make it sound as if it didn't really matter to her what had happened in Andrea's past.

Roddy wasn't fooled. Sharon, the gal the boat's named after, he pointed to the boat in the picture Elise still held in her hand, went out alone on the boat one afternoon and never came back. A few days later, they found her body washed up on the beach. It was pretty bad, he grimaced in distaste at the memory, his hands clenching. Hit Adam hard. He couldn't force himself to get back on board the boat after that. Eventually, he sold it at a loss just to get rid of it.

What's that have to do with Andrea? Elise took another look at the boat that caused this Adam so much pain in his life idly wondering which one of the three men in the picture was Adam.

Well now, I'm not exactly sure. All I know is Adam blames her for Sharon's death and he don't take kindly to any of her friends, either.

So I shouldn't expect a friendly welcome when I arrive. Elise shrugged, hoping that was all Roddy was implying. I don't mind. I was looking forward to some solitude. I'll do my best to stay out of Adam's way.

Handing the picture to Roddy, she looked over his shoulder. Which one is Adam, so I'll know who to avoid?

The big one standing by the piling. Roddy pointed at a dark man with hair down past his collar, piercing eyes and a dazzling smile, holding a massive flounder up for the camera. He wasn't handsome, not by a long shot, but there was something about his looks that caught her attention, that had caught her attention even before Roddy had pointed him out. A stirring of interest in him as a man teased at her, but she relegated it to the recesses where she put all such feelings since she and Ted had broken off their relationship. Still, she didn't want this man to be an enemy. Not that it mattered what she wanted. According to Roddy, Adam was clearly an unfriendly neighbor.

Elise took one last look at the picture before Roddy set it back on the desk. He doesn't look that unfriendly.

He's changed a lot since that picture was taken. He's hardly the same man anymore.

He must have loved this Sharon B very much, remarked Elise, her eyes coming to rest on the old man.

He did that, the old man replied, putting an end to the fleeting idea Elise had about getting to know this man who had piqued her interest. Sinking down into the chair behind the desk, Roddy stared at the picture. Just a word to the wise, huh? He looked up at Elise and gave her a knowing wink. I'm not one to interfere in other people's business, but it never hurts to know what you're up against.

Picking up his pipe and clenching it between his teeth, he began the tricky process of lighting it. Although, if Adam gives you half a chance, I don't think you'll have a problem. His milky, blue eyes sparkled as he delivered his off-handed compliment.

Thank-you. Elise smiled at him, realizing his warning was a gesture of friendship.

Hesitating at the door as she prepared to leave, she turned to him. I'd appreciate it, if anyone asks about me, if you'd tell them you haven't seen me.

Roddy's eyebrows went up at this request and Elise could feel him reassessing her. She wouldn't have mentioned the possibility someone might come after her if she thought he would forget she was around. But Elise was quickly coming to the conclusion that Roddy didn't forget much.

Not many folks come through Grayson this time of year, replied Roddy quietly, his eyes seeking hers to reassure her. Oddly, Elise felt comforted. It was a good feeling after months of doubt and worry. I doubt you have anything to worry about."

Let's hope not, said Elise. But just in case, you haven't seen me. It's important, she added when she saw the question in his eyes.

You got someone looking for you that you'd rather not see? Roddy dragged on the pipe causing waves of aromatic cherry-flavored smoke to rise into the air.

Something like that. A grimace hinted at the corners of Elise's mouth.

I figured you weren't here to enjoy the beach this time of year. Concern still etched Roddy's face, but he didn't press her for any further information. You don't have to worry. He won't find you through me. Go on and get to Gull Cove. I'll make sure no one knows you're there.

Thank you, replied Elise simply. What else could she say? Roddy didn't have any idea why she was here or what she was running from, and yet he was willing to accept her and help. Even though she hadn't admitted it, she was sorely in need of exactly that kind of care.

Chapter 2

Elise's eyes darted anxiously up and down the road before she slipped behind the wheel and pointed the car in the direction of Gull Cove. She soon left the almost abandoned town of Grayson behind as she followed the narrow, winding road up the coast. Fir trees lined the pavement, limiting her view to the road ahead and the blacktop behind. She knew the ocean was less than a quarter of a mile away beyond the trees, but the only evidence that this was true was the occasional seagull flying overhead. The rain, which had been content to drizzle off and on for the last hour, began to fall in earnest and she switched on her lights to dispel the gloom caused by the dense growth of trees and rain. Shivering, Elise kicked the heater up a notch and searched her rear view mirror for any sign that she was being followed.

This had to work, she told herself again, the fear she'd put behind her for a few minutes in Grayson reasserting itself as she drove on in solitude. She couldn't live like this much longer, looking over her shoulder at every turn, afraid to make friends with anyone for fear they were associated with Mitchner. Afraid to get too close to anyone for fear they would end up innocently involved in her nightmare. This was her best chance to save the life she’d known before this nightmare began. If it didn't work, her only choice would be to disappear and start over again. Even then, there were no guarantees Mitchner wouldn't find her.

It all began so innocently. The Mitchner case seemed about as routine as they came. She hadn't anticipated any problems at all. It was funny how people weren't always what they seemed.

The sign, indicating Gull Cove was to the left, loomed in front of her and she slowed, searching for the road. As soon as she turned on to it, Elise knew she was in for trouble. Unlike the main road, this lane was graveled and the rain had turned it into a quagmire. She'd be lucky if she made it to the cottage without foundering her car in the muck. There would be no going back until the rain stopped and the road had a chance to dry out. Taking it slow, she geared down the engine and wrestled the steering wheel, attempting to keep the car in the narrow lane as it sloughed through the mire. Wheels slipping and pushing her in a serpentine fashion down the road, Elise breathed a sigh of relief when she felt the shelf of bedrock the cottages were built on beneath her tires. At least she wasn't going to have to trudge through ankle deep mud to get to the cottage.

According to Andrea, the beach house was ideal for their plan. Elise had never been there and it was difficult to find. No one would know she was there, not even Ted. While Elise was relaxing at the beach in secrecy, Andrea, with Ted's help, would be taking care of Mitchner. The plan was in place and with any luck Mitchner would be in custody by tomorrow. She was to dig in and stay at the cottage until Mitchner was charged, bail was set and the no-contact order was in place. Even then, Andrea wanted her to stay well away until they knew for certain that Mitchner wouldn't have the opportunity to threaten her again. Elise sighed. She could be staying at Gull Cove for a long while. It was the first time since she'd started working for ICI that she'd taken any time off. She preferred working to spending her days idly. At least at work she could see Ted, even if they no longer shared the close relationship they once had. Without Ted, work was all that was left. There was no one else who had any claim on her time. Enforced vacation was going to seem like a prison sentence. With another sigh, Elise raced the two hundred yards to the cottage, unlocked the door and stepped inside.

She looked around as she shook off the rainwater. The cottage was spacious and welcoming, but still, she would rather be back in Alona where she belonged. Pushing her wet hair away from her face, Elise wondered if she would ever be able to go back to her home and if Andrea and Ted would be able to stop Mitchner. She wondered if the courts would really do anything to keep him away from her. As much as she wished it would work out the way Andrea predicted it would, she had her doubts. Going home and picking up her life where she'd left it, before Mitchner became the focus of her existence, seemed to be an elusive dream right now.

Peeling off her jacket, Elise crossed the chilly room and made quick work of lighting a fire in the grate. Then she helped herself