Kiss Her Goodnight (Detectives Kane and Alton)

TEN

“Wind gusts of 85 to 110 miles per hour, north to northeast. If Hurricane Zorba maintains its current heading, it is expected to cross the coast in the next thirty-six to forty-eight hours. Prepare your homes and complete your plans for evacuation. The next update will be in two hours. If evacuation is necessary, follow the advice of the local officials.”

Kane sat on the edge of the bed and listened intently to the small radio. He looked up as Jenna came out of the bathroom wrapped in a towel followed by a cloud of honeysuckle fragrance. “It looks like we have twenty-four hours to enjoy Florida before we must leave to be safe. I’m not going to risk our lives hanging around to meet Hurricane Zorba. It looks like the beach walk is off.”

“I’m not sure I’d want to hit the beach anyway with a major storm whipping up the ocean. It looks like a horror movie set out there.” Jenna stared out the window and let out a long sigh. “I was so looking forward to a swim and the feel of sand between my toes, rather than finding it in my hair and stuck between my teeth. The wind is brutal. In that glimpse of the beach, we had walking from the parking lot, my legs feel as if they’ve been sandblasted.”

“Mine too.” Kane stood and wrapped his arms around her, peering at the waves pounding the beach. He frowned as the wind gusts bent the palm trees all in the same direction. “It’s getting pretty wild out there. Do you feel like going out to grab a meal before it gets any worse? The restaurant downstairs had a we’re open sign painted on the boards covering the windows.”

“Maybe later. I think I should call Rio and see how the case is progressing.” Jenna picked up her phone.

Kane plucked it from her hand. “Oh, no you don’t.” He shook his head. “We agreed. No shoptalk. In any case, if you call, they’ll think you’re checking up on them, and they’re more than capable of handling a homicide. This is our alone time together, Jenna. Relax and enjoy it while we can.”

“Okay, but it doesn’t feel right.” Jenna slipped from his arms and looked around the floor. “Where are my things?”

“Here.” Kane grabbed Jenna’s bag and dropped it onto the bed. “I’ve been through a hurricane and I’m concerned about the weather. It’s getting worse and it doesn’t take a genius to see the wind is dangerous. I figure if the storm keeps tracking this way, we should head back to the airport first thing in the morning. We can’t risk leaving it to the last moment. If everyone starts to evacuate at once, it will take the entire day to get through the traffic. I’ve seen people panic and it’s not nice.” He wrapped his arms around her. “I know you’re disappointed, but I’ll make it up to you. I’ll find a nice safe beach for us to visit the next time we take a break, I promise.”

“The weather isn’t your fault.” Jenna turned and placed her hands on his shoulders. “I just wanted a weekend to remember and have stories to tell our grandkids and now look what’s happened. I jinxed our honeymoon.”

“No, you didn’t.” Kane shook his head and smiled at her. “I figure you wanted a little excitement too, and wishes don’t always work out the way you plan them. We had a luxurious flight, and a wonderful afternoon together.”

“We sure did.” Jenna’s mouth curled into a satisfied smile. “Although I didn’t know I’d married a US Marshal.” She giggled. “You certainly are full of surprises.”

“That’s a first for me too. Wolfe is a genius.” Kane thought for a beat. “I’ll drop by the 7-Eleven and make up a survival kit, just in case we have to leave in a hurry. They were open when we came by. They have shutters on the storefront windows. I figure they’re used to the weather by now.”

“Yeah, we should make that a priority. I feel strange without my sheriff’s jacket.” Jenna stared out at the darkening sky and shuddered. “My pockets are already full with emergency supplies but it’s not enough,”

A clap of thunder rolled across the sky, and under his palms Jenna trembled. He pulled her closer, kissed her, and then leaned back to look at her—his beautiful wife. He still couldn’t believe it. A lump formed in his throat and he swallowed it, pushing his wedding to Annie far into the recesses of his mind. He loved Jenna with all his heart, but Annie would always be with him as if watching from afar. He forced his expression to remain calm, although the weather warning had concerned him. As Jenna picked up on his moods, he wanted to keep it light and happy, even with a hurricane threatening to spoil everything.

“You really are hungry.” Jenna inclined her head and looked into his eyes as if trying to see his thoughts. “I can hear your stomach growling. I’ll get dressed. We’ll drop by the 7-Eleven and then find someplace to eat.”

“Wolfe recommended the restaurant downstairs. He said it is second to none. We’ll have a nice meal and a good bottle of wine. I’ll make it an evening to remember.”

“That sounds perfect.” Jenna yawned and stretched. “If we can’t go to the beach, let’s get an early night. I hate storms and all this traveling is wearing me out.”

Amused, Kane nodded. “Yeah, I’d like that too.”