Refuge Cove (New Americana 2)

The detective sighed. “Fine. I’m not expecting a lot, but I guess I owe you that much.”

John thanked Traverton for his time and left. He’d hoped for a very different response from the cynical detective. But at least the door wasn’t closed all the way.

If nothing interfered, he could go tomorrow. Driving to the burned trailer wouldn’t be easy, but after flying over the spot, he had the position in his mind. All he had to do was find the logging road that cut off from the highway. For that, he could go to the library and use the Internet to look at satellite maps.

He could also ask Emma if she remembered anything about the road when Boone drove her to the trailer. But why force her to relive a bad memory when there were other ways of getting what he needed?

It might even be best not to tell Emma what he knew. Hearing that Boone had “married” another woman a few months earlier, and that his bride had disappeared would only upset her. He would save that story until he had more proof of what had happened. But at least he would need to let her know where he was going tomorrow. He would drop by the restaurant on his way home today and warn her to be extra cautious.

At the library, he spent the next half hour using Google Earth to pinpoint the road. From above, most of it was covered by trees. If it branched and forked, which was likely, he could use his compass to get the bearings for the right way to the trailer.

It would be deeply satisfying to find something that might incriminate Boone, he mused as he drove back to the hotel. The bastard had tormented Emma long enough. The experience would probably give her nightmares for the rest of her life.

John imagined being there to hold and comfort her in the night. He wanted it to happen—wanted her, more than any woman he’d ever known. But life could be unpredictable, and Emma had a long journey of healing ahead of her. Only time would tell whether he’d be there at the end of it.

He drove to the Gateway and parked outside. Through the restaurant window, he caught the flash of Emma’s pink uniform as she carried a tray full of beer mugs to a table. He was tempted to go in and order something, just so he could sit in a booth and watch her. But he’d already eaten lunch. He also needed to get back to Refuge Cove and finish servicing the Beaver’s vintage engine, which would run forever, but only if properly cared for.

Entering through the hotel lobby, he stood in the doorway, waiting to catch her eye. By now the height of the lunch hour had passed. Most of the late customers were getting ready to leave. Emma gave him a quick smile as she ran the bill to a table. He could wait a few minutes to speak to her. It was a pleasure, just watching her walk and interact with the people she served.

He was still waiting when the kitchen door swung open and a tall young man stepped through, wearing a uniform shirt and carrying a tray. John gave him a glance. Then the realization hit him.

It was David.

* * *

Emma saw them just before they saw each other. The feeling was like waiting for two trains to collide, with no power to stop them.

They would recognize one another, of course. Ketchikan was a small town. Beyond that, Emma had no idea what was going to happen. Since Pearl was out on break, there was no one to buffer the situation.

For a moment the two of them faced each other. Awkwardness hung in the air. John spoke first.

“Hello, David.”

David cleared his throat. “My mom says I’m not supposed to talk to you.”

“I know. I didn’t expect you to be here.”

“I’m working here, to earn money for my own car.”

“Good for you. You’re growing into a fine young man. I’m proud of you.”

David swallowed. “I’ve got to work.”

With that he turned toward a vacated booth and began scrambling to clear the dirty dishes off the table. Plates clattered. A fork fell to the floor. David bent to pick it up. Emma caught the glimmer of a tear in his eye.

“Outside, Emma.” John, looking like he’d been gut punched, had stepped back into the lobby. Emma followed him out onto the sidewalk. He turned back to face her, his expression troubled in a way she hadn’t seen before.

“Why didn’t you tell me David was here?” he demanded. “You certainly had your chance.”

“I was told not to—by his aunt Pearl.”

“Pearl.” He shook his head. “If she was afraid I’d show up and try to talk to the boy, she was wrong. You saw what it was like in there. It was awkward and painful for both of us. And it wouldn’t have happened if you’d let me know he was working here.”

“I’m sorry,” Emma said. “But I’m not a mind reader. How would I have known you’d walk in, or what would happen if you did?”

John’s scowl deepened. “Damn it, you should have told me. You should have trusted me enough to know I’d do the right thing and stay away.”