Coleville Marcus Cole: Book 1

By Mary Simmons

Marcus Cole returns to his hometown to look for his sister, Karen, who left their estate without notice. Memories of the past deluge his mind. The sweetest part of his life was the time he spent with the only woman he has ever loved-Jenna. He remembers when he was twenty-one and she was sixteen. He was ready to marry her, but Jenna's grandmother thought she was to young. Jenna needed time to explore the world, soar, and fly. And he gave her that. Upon learning that Jenna's life is in peril, Marc immediately comes to her rescue. Jenna's roommate is murdered, and she believes someone is after her, but the whole town thinks she is losing her mind. With other people trying to scare her, Marc has become more protective, and Jenna has never felt safer. Their love deepens as they face great danger together.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jun 5, 2014
• ISBN: 9781496910530

Mary Simmons

I love to read romance, suspense, thrillers. I read constantly. I have been writing since I was a little girl. My sister ask why I'd never published a book so I decided I would. I am a Great Grand mother and I love all my kids grand kids and great grand kids dearly. I grew up in a town in the country in a little town called Hanford in California. There's nothing spacial about me except I love to write.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Coming home

It had been ten years since Marcus Cole had been to Coleville. He pulled off the freeway and headed down the road to the town that he loved so much. He was surprised at the sight. The streets were full of trash. The lamp posts that lined the sidewalks were out. The town was dark. He couldn’t believe his eyes. He had hired a property management and they had let the town go. He noticed a lot of the windows in the shops around town were broken. The owners had them taped with duct tape. He drove past Jenna’s Grandmother Shop to see if Jenna might be there. Jenna was not on the property.

His sister, Karen had run off and Marc was hoping to find her before she got herself into trouble. She’d been dating a man he considered to be trouble. He hadn’t heard from her since she’d left the house, but she had left him a note to tell him she was going home.

He hoped she’d be at the bed and breakfast. His concern was that she hadn’t touched the bank account he had set up for her.

Marc knew Jenna had kept the shop. She paid the rent to him. He wasn’t sure she even knew he owned the place; lately her rent hadn’t been paid. He wondered why. He thought about driving to the house that his dad had given her Grandmother but decided it could wait till morning. It was late, he was tired, and he didn’t even know if Jenna wanted anything to do with him.

Marc drove to the back of the shop and parked in the parking lot. He noted the parking lot needed some attention. It appalled him that the parking lot was in such bad shape. It looked like it hadn’t been touched since he had left the town. He would go see the property management in the morning. He would fire them.

He walked around the building and came around the block. He looked through the windows that lined the front of the shop. The place didn’t have much in it. It was almost bare. It concerned him. The little hairs on the back of neck stood up. He felt like something was wrong. It was clean and neat from what he could see. He didn’t like the dark in the town. It was hard for him to make things out. The surrounding pines were thick enough to block out the light and it was cloudy. There wasn’t even the moonlit to illuminate. He wished he’d come home a long time ago.

Marc walked back to his car and drove to Coles Landing. It struck him strange to see the lighting on and the place looking so nice. The grounds keeper he had hired to take care of the yard had done an excellent job. The place looked as nice as it had when he left. He pulled into the circle drive and closed the gate behind him. He parked in front of the house and went inside.

The house was spotless. The cleaning crew he hired had done an excellent job. The furniture his mother had chosen for the home was still in place. He was pleased with the way things looked.

Marc went to bed and slept till about six the following morning. He went into the kitchen to make a pot of coffee. He opened the front door to see if the paper had been delivered. It had. It was Sunday morning. He poured himself a cup of coffee and sat down. He opened the paper. On the front page was an article about Jenna. He read it. He stood up and threw the paper across the room. Jenna had been arrested for drunk driving again! It angered him every time he read something about her drinking. It seemed to him she was drunk more than she was sober.

Marc stomped upstairs showered, dressed, and stomped out to his car. He drove back into town. The first place he went was to Jenna’s shop. It was closed. It worried him that he might find out she was with a man. He thought the shop would be a safe spot to talk to her.

Marc looked around the town and stepped into the local home town café for breakfast. He noted that the people in the town all watched him carefully. He realized they didn’t know who he was.

The waitress approached his table. She froze and looked into his face. Marc? Marcus Cole?

He stood up and hugged her. She hugged him back.

It’s good to see you Mrs. Henderson. Glad to see your still here. he let go of her and sat back down.

I wouldn’t let this place go. I think I have the best breakfast place in town. I get all the early morning crew. She smiled.

He looked into her face. She was about sixty now but she had aged gracefully. She was still heavy set but she was still attractive. Her hair had grayed and she had cut it short. You look really good. His voice was soft.

She blushed, It’s the mountain air. Speaking of looking good! What have you been doing? Lifting weights for the past ten years? You’ve got some really nice looking biceps there. She reached over and squeezed his bicep.

He watched her and smiled, No, it’s just the training I’ve been doing.

She smiled, Must have been some good training. What’d you weigh when you left here about a hundred and fifty? You must weigh two hundred and thirty now. If I hadn’t looked into your beautiful blue eyes I wouldn’t have recognized you.

He laughed. My eyes gave me away?

She let out a heavy sigh, Yeah, even when you were little your blue eyes were gorgeous. I want you to know I was saddened by what happened to your parents. She poured his coffee. What’ll you have this morning, pancakes?

Marc laughed; he’d had pancakes every time they’d come to eat when he was a kid. No, I’ll have bacon, eggs and toast this morning.

She wrote on her pad and walked away from his table.

A heavy set woman from the table next to him spoke loudly. Have you seen Miss Jenna since you got here? She sounded downright snobby.

He glanced at her and smiled.

She swooned at the sight of his perfectly straight, white teeth. She looked him over from head to toe. His hair was jet black and cut short. His form looked perfect to her. He sat up straight with his shoulders back. It was obvious to him and everyone else she found him attractive.

He ignored her.

So have you seen Miss Jenna or not? she snarled without trying to keep her low.

He faced her trying to be polite, No, I haven’t seen her yet.

Yet, so you intend to see her? She growled.

As a matter of fact I do. He told her boldly.

An elderly woman sitting on the other side of him spoke in a voice so loud everyone in the Café heard her, Why would you want to see Jenna? She cried for a year after you left! It broke her Grandmothers heart!

It didn’t do my heart any good either. His voice was still soft.

You should just leave her alone! Another woman across the Café shouted.

Excuse me?

You need to just leave her alone! she repeated sounding snippety. It’s your fault she’s such a mess.

Father Thomas was in the restaurant. He got up from his seat and spoke loud and clear. She is a mess. Maybe she needs to see Marcus. I think it’s a good idea for him to go talk to her. He approached Marc. You don’t mind if I sit with you a spell you do?

Not at all Father, let me buy your breakfast.

I’ll take you up on that. Do you mind if we go to a more private table. I’d like to talk to you for a few minutes without everyone in this place hearing me.

Marc stood and took his coffee to the back of the restaurant. He noticed the entire café became silent.

Father Thomas always had a way of hushing an angry crowd. Of course the whole town knew, if they didn’t leave it alone, they would hear about it at his service this morning. And from the looks of the way everyone was dressed they were on their way to Church.

The waitress brought breakfast to both men and walked away.

Did you come into town because you heard about what happened to Jenna? The Father asked politely.

Marcus looked into his face as he sipped his coffee. I read in the paper about a year ago that her Grandmother had passed away. I’m sorry it took me this long to get home.

The Father let out a sigh.

Marcus could see his concern. What is it Father?

I’m sorry it took you this long to. Right after her Grandmother died she got herself a roommate. The young lady only owned what she had on her back. She was trying to get a job anyplace she could. She went into Jenna’s shop and Jenna hired her. She also gave her a place to stay until she could get on her feet. They got to be pretty good friends…I was surprised one day with a visit from Karen.

The mention of his sister made the little hairs on the back of his neck stood up. He got the feeling his sister was in trouble. What did…?

The Father raised his hand. Let me finish.

Marc sat back and listened patiently.

"Karen was real friendly with Jenna. She really liked Jenna and Jenna really liked her. Of course Jenna didn’t realize she was your sister at first. The Father began.

Karen had some trouble with a boyfriend. She came in to see me and told me you had put your foot down. She said you told her she couldn’t see him anymore. He continued.

Anyway Jenna’s roommate came into work every day at one. She worked until closing and then went back to Jenna’s. Jenna was lonely after her Grandmother died so everyone was glad to see her with friends.

I’m assuming you know about the problem with Jenna’s drinking. I can’t imagine you not keeping track of her. You loved her so much it was obvious. It surprised me when you didn’t come back into town."

Marc nodded his head, and looked down at his plate.

You’re here now and that’s all that matters… Her roommate, who said her name was Jane, was supposed to go pick up an order for her. Jenna wasn’t supposed to be driving because she’d had her license suspended, but she ended up going to get it. Jenna took it to the shop. She was a little upset when she got there because Jane wasn’t at work and she hadn’t called her. When Jenna couldn’t reach Jane on the phone she got worried. She got in the car and drove to the house. When she got there she had to call an ambulance. Her roommate had been…well let’s just say you need to talk to Jenna about this.

Marc brow wrinkled. He wondered why this was the first time he was hearing this, I didn’t see a word about it in the paper.

Neither did any of us. Sheriff Gray put a gag order on it.

Why would he do that?

I couldn’t tell you, but I believe Jenna is being stalked.

What makes you think that?

Jenna came in and talked to me about it.

Marc looked into his face with narrowed eyes. What’s the sheriff doing about this?

Nothing, he thinks she’s being paranoid. So does most of the town. This place has never had this kind of problem. About the only thing that ever happens around here happens from outsiders coming into town. Last summer we had a group of kids come through that broke all the windows downtown and robbed everyone blind.

Marc watched him. He could see his concern. What do you think?

I think if Jenna thinks someone’s stalking her, she’s being stalked. I’ve never known her to be paranoid.

Marc let out a sigh. Is the Sheriff checking into this at all?

I’ve been told they tapped her phone and they can’t find any evidence at all that she’s being stalked. I don’t believe it. Jenna insists she’s getting calls and someone is watching her. The towns treating her like they think she’s crazy. It’s starting to take a toll on her. I think Jenna needs a stern hand to help her along the way. No one is this town can talk to her without getting there head bit off. She’ll listen to you.

Marc looked down at his plate, that he hadn’t touched, Did Jenna ever get married?

The Father smiled, No. Did you?

No, I dated a little but I never found anyone that could take the place of Jenna. I’ve always loved her, even if she was a little brat.

The Father laughed. She needs you Marc, more than you know.

Marc laughed. Does she still live at the place my father let her grandmother live in.

Sure, she thinks it’s her house now; of course you still own the property. You could still have it torn down if you wanted to.

Marc frowned, Why would I want to do that?

The Father laughed. It was just a thought. Here’s another thought. Have you been out to the Eagle Eye yet? The Father added.

No, I just got into town last night. Why?

You just might want to take a look at the place. I don’t know who the woman is out there managing it, but nobody likes her and that place really needs some help.

Anything else you’ve noticed? Marc asked him smiling knowing the Father knew just about everything that went on in town.

The Father picked up his fork and shook his head, I imagine you’ve already seen the town. I saw you riding around looking things over last night.

Marc picked up his fork and sort of played with his food while the father ate. He didn’t have much of an appetite. When the Father finished his breakfast Marc took out his wallet and paid for both meals, and left a generous tip for the waitress. The two of them stepped out into the mountain air. There was a little chill this morning.

Marc watched the Father pull his coat closed, Would you like a ride to the Church?

No, I like to take this walk in the morning. It gives me a chance to talk to people. There’s something else I’d like to talk to you about. Do you think you could find the time to come see sometime tomorrow? The Father turned without waiting for an answer and walked off.

Marc watched him. He had a sick feeling in his stomach. He didn’t even know if Karen was still in town, but he suddenly had a feeling she needed him. The little hairs on the back of his neck stood up and he felt a chill. When he got like this his team always told him his e.s.p. was working. He didn’t think he had e.s.p., but he knew when he had this feeling something was wrong. He was also worried about Jenna. If she did have a stalker it needed to be looked at seriously. If she didn’t she needed help. He got into his car and drove to the Sheriff’s department.

Deputy Nicks was sitting at the desk when he stepped in. Marc recognized him and extended his hand, Deputy Nicks, how have you been doing?

He reached up and took his hand and shook it heartily. Pretty good, I’ve heard a lot about you. I understand you’re with law enforcement. Have you come in to help us out?

Nope, I’ve moved back home.

Is that right? Are you going to be staying out at Coles Landing?

Yeah, that’s my home.

That’s a big place for a home.

Well, I’m not goanna to be using the whole place.

The deputy shook his head, So what is it you need this morning?

I want to talk to you about Jenna.

The deputy looked into his face and frowned, Jenna Cambridge?

Yes.

What about her? He sighed.

I ran into Father Thomas at Jenny’s Cafe. He told me Jenna was being stalked.

Deputy Nicks shook his head, You’ll have to talk with Sheriff Gray about that. He can’t find any sign of anyone stalking her.

Do you have any reports you can show me?

No, Sheriff Gray keeps it under lock and key. He’s taking care of that personally.

Why would the Sheriff take care of it personally, if he doesn’t think anything was going on?

He likes Jenna.

Marc watched him as he sat back in his chair and looked up at him. Does she like him?

It doesn’t seem that way to me.

Marc nodded his head. When can I talk to the Sheriff?

Not today. He had to go into Clark County. He won’t be back until this evening. I can leave him a message if you’d like to meet with him.

Marc nodded. Did he have to escort a prisoner?

No, I think it was personal.

Marc let out a sigh, Let him know I stopped by. I’ll be back to talk to him.

The Deputy nodded his head and watched him as he went out the door.

When he stepped out he flipped open his cell phone and called his brother, Jack.

This is Jack. What you need Marc?

I want you to do me a favor.

Ok what is it?

Run a check on Sheriff Gray for me. Something isn’t kosher here.

You got it. What seems to be the problem?

I’m not sure. Did you know Karen was in Coleville?

No, she didn’t tell me where she was going, but why would she. It’s you she always had to answer to.

She left me a note when she left the house and told me she was coming here. You haven’t heard from her?

No, I haven’t seen her anyplace.

Do you remember Billy?

How could I forget?

He’s from this town. If she followed him here there’s goanna be hell to pay.

Marc, she’s nineteen years old. She has the right to see who she wants to.

I don’t care how old she is. She’s not going to hang around with this guy!

Jack took a deep breath.

Marc flipped his phone shut. He got into his Mercedes and drove out to Jenna’s.

Marc got out of his car and knocked on the door. No one answered. He walked around and looked at the place. He wondered why the Father had told him he could have it torn down. He knew the Father would say little things like that to make you pay attention. Jenna’s house was small. The screen door was falling off. Most of the screens were missing, and the ones in place were rusted.

He got back into his car and drove to the hardware store. He bought some new screens and a new security screen door. He took them back to her house and hung them. He thought it looked better but the house needed to be painted. It looked bad on the outside. It made him wonder what it looked like on the inside. He had the key. He could let himself in. He decided not to enter until Jenna was at the house. He still needed to talk to her. He guessed she was still in jail. He drove back into town and talked with several people.

Several times during the day he drove to Jenna’s and he wasn’t able to find her home. He finally went grocery shopping and drove back out to Cole’s Landing. He fixed him some dinner. He walked to the gym at the back of his house and worked out for an hour and then went upstairs showered dressed and drove back to Jenna’s.

If she wasn’t home he would check with the Sheriff’s department again. It disturbed him because she’d been arrested in Clark County and that’s where the sheriff had gone. Now that he knew the sheriff liked her he felt a little jealous. He didn’t like that feeling. He wanted her, but only if she still wanted him.

Her light was on. He knew she was home. He pulled into her dirt driveway. He looked at the trees that surrounded her house. He didn’t like the fact that there was no outside lighting and the place was so dark. He parked and took a deep breath. He didn’t know how Jenna would react to him. He didn’t even know if she would be interested in getting to know him again. He hoped and prayed she would. His heart pounded and his stomach turned.

As he got out of his car a sound from the side of her house that caught his attention. He slowly walked in the direction of the sound. It was dark but his eyes had started to adjust. Jenna’s bedroom light was on and he could make out a small man looking into her window.

He quickly and quietly approached him, grabbed him by the neck of his jacket, and spun him around. When he did he was looking into the face of a young man. He guessed him to be about sixteen or seventeen years old.

His voice was stern as he spoke to him through clinched teeth. You see something in there you like?

The boy looked into his face and tried to jerk away from him. Get off me!

Marc didn’t loosen his grip.

The boy couldn’t break his grip. He scooted backwards trying to move away from him. It surprised him when Marc scooted with him. He grabbed him by the front of his coat and forced him to face him. It obviously scared the young man.

What are you doing here son?

I’m not your son! he said to him sounding snobbish.

No, you’re not. If you were I’d blister your ass right where you stand. You’re a Peeping Tom.

The boy reached out to hit him. Marc grabbed his wrist and pulled it down in front of him. A moment later he had him penned face down on the ground.

Look man I don’t want any trouble! the boy shouted out to him.

You’ve got it whether you want it or not! You can’t go around looking into people’s windows!

I just wanted to see what she was doing!

It’s none of your business what she’s doing! You need to go home and stay away from this house! I don’t like it when someone messes around with my girl!

If you don’t let me go, I’ll tell my dad!

Good you need to be disciplined for this. I’m goanna let you go but if I catch you here again I’m not goanna be nice! Do you understand me?

Yes sir. He was no match for Marc and he knew it.

It struck Marc odd that the young man would call him sir. He let him go. He stood and watched him run down her driveway, jump in his car, and throw dirt behind him as he left.

Marc brushed himself off. He walked to Jenna’s front door and knocked.

Get away from my house you little pervert! She shouted from inside the house.

He took a deep breath and stepped back. It’s Marc.

There was a pause and then the door flung open quickly. She stood silent for a few moments. Jenna looked him over from head to toe. He was so much bigger, and he was so handsome. He took up practically her whole doorway. He looked physically powerful, and yet she could still see the tenderness in his eyes.

Marc was taking her in. She was dressed in a tight pair of jeans that fit her perfect. She still had the same figure she had the last time he had seen her. He thought she looked perfect. She was exactly like he thought she would be. She had aged into a real beauty. He loved everything about her.

All of a sudden she jumped on him. She wrapped her legs around his waist and her arms around his neck. She held onto him tight. He grabbed her around the waist and held onto her tight. When she drew her head back he searched for her lips and kissed her, easy at first but it became powerful and passionate.

She was kissing him back and accepting his kiss. She felt so good. She was thrilled and she had the feeling she never wanted to let him go. But she drew back and wiggled so he would put her down.

He put her down gently, but he kept his hand on her shoulder.

She stepped back with tears in her eyes. I’m sorry I grabbed you like that. I’ve dreamed of this day for the past ten years. I just assumed you were here to see me, but I realize now it was you that put the new door and the screens on the house. Did you come to check out the house? Well go ahead! It’s yours anyway!

He looked into her face and smiled, No, you were right the first time. I came to see you.

She opened the screen and stepped inside. Then come on in, and take a good look! she told him in a snippety tone.

He followed her inside and closed the door and let out a sigh.

She crossed her arms and faced him. So do you see me?

He looked into her face. He could see the smug little teen ager he had seen ten years ago. He laughed at the sight.

She looked into his face and turned her back to him so he wouldn’t see her start to cry. She felt like such an idiot. She loved him so much.

He came up behind her and tenderly put his arms around her. She felt like she was going to melt. He took in the scent of her hair.

You still love me Jenna?

She turned and faced him shouting. This isn’t the least bit funny Marcus Cole! How dare you come and ask me that after all these years?

He looks into her face and he bites back, It’s like this Jenna Lynn Cambridge! I’ve dreamed of you for the last ten years! I love you! I’ve always loved you! You want to have a relationship with me or not? If you don’t, say so! I won’t ever bother you again!

Her mouth dropped open. She wanted a relationship with him more than she wanted anything in the world. She always had.

He reached up and put a finger to her chin and closed her mouth. He took her by the arm and jerked her to him. He kissed her with passion and opened her mouth with his as he held her tight against him.

Jenna accepted his kiss. She surprised him. She kissed him hard and long. Marc could taste the salt from her tears as they ran down her cheek and seeped into his mouth. She could taste the salt from her tears. When he let her go she felt weak kneed. He grabbed her when he saw her sway.

She took a deep breath and looked up into his face. Marc, I don’t understand. If you want me why did you leave me?

I had to leave. My mother had a stroke. My dad let everything go to hell. Then my parents were both killed and I had to raise Karen. You were only fifteen. I wanted to marry you. You Grandmother didn’t want you to get married. I couldn’t marry you without her permission. She wouldn’t give it. I just did what I had to do, but I love you Jenna. I’ll always love you. Do you still love me? I’ll understand and there won’t be any hard feeling if you don’t. I’ve been gone for a long time. If there’s someone else in your life I’ll step out Jen. I just….

Jenna put her finger on his lips softly to hush him. She looked into his face with tears streaming down her cheeks. Did you say you talked to my Grammy before you left?

He looked at