Body of Evidence (Marcus Douglas 2)

“Hey, you did say call you at any hour. That’s what you said.”

After hanging up the phone with Panthea, a smile found its way to his face. A week ago, if you’d told him he’d be spending the day with a beautiful woman like Panthea Daniels, he might’ve called you a fool for playing games. But on this day as he made his way to the bathroom whistling, he was actually excited about the day ahead—their day.

Four hours later, Marcus and Panthea pulled into a Super Wal-Mart on Highway 80 in Savannah. “We’ll go in here and pick up everything we need for this picnic. And I want you to find an actual picnic basket,” he said.

“That’s something I’m sure I can do. After all, Walmart has everything, right?”

“Now, we’re not here to spend hours shopping. In and out like a robbery is what we want,” Marcus told her.

“No, you didn’t just quote 2Pac?”

“Anyway.” Marcus smiled at Panthea and looked at her eyes and her smiled. “The more time we’re in here, the less time we’re on the beach. We’re here to find what we need and get to Tybee Island as quickly as possible.”

Marcus would’ve given millions for the smile that stretched across Panthea’s beautiful face. He vowed at that moment to do whatever it took to keep her smiling or to bring it back when it disappeared.

“Thirty minutes, that’s the max,” he pressed, using an index finger to emphasize his words.

“Thirty,” Panthea repeated, proving she understood. She sat and waited for him to come and open her car door. She could hardly contain her giddy excitement.

Once they walked into the massive store, Marcus decided to share the game plan. “You go to the left, I’m going to the right, and we meet at register fourteen in thirty minutes or less agreed?”

“Agreed.”

Twenty minutes later, they met at the register and moved through the checkout quickly.

“Got everything, Panthea?” Marcus asked as the salesclerk scanned their last item. When they agreed they had everything they needed, he paid, grabbed the bags and they headed off on their adventure.

Marcus drove the twenty minutes from Savannah to Tybee Island.

“There are five miles of beaches backed by sand dunes that are perfect for people-watching and frolicking in the sand and surf of the grand Atlantic Ocean,” Marcus read from the guidebook he had picked up at Walmart.

“I can’t wait,” Panthea said excitedly.

She was so glad he was looking forward to their day as much as she was. Each time he heard the excitement in her voice, it thrilled him. Marcus felt good knowing he was able to brighten her day.

They began their adventure with an hour-long boat cruise. Everywhere Panthea looked, beach-goers were taking advantage of the glorious day. Some were fishing, kayaking, and even bike riding. She took a deep breath, inhaling as much of the salt-water aroma her lungs could hold, and once again gave thanks for her time with Marcus. When they got off the boat, they set up their picnic and enjoyed a meal of fried chicken and potato salad, and then ventured over to the Tybee Marine Science Center.

By the end of their day, as Marcus was gathering their belongings, something caught his eye. He looked toward the ocean and said, “Is that what I think it is?”

Panthea turned to see dolphins swimming a short distance from the shore. “This has been an absolutely perfect day,” she declared.

“Oh, it’s not even near over yet, Mrs. Daniels.”

Panthea’s eyes grew wide with excitement. “You mean there’s more?”

As they walked to the car, Panthea could hardly control her heart rate. Marcus had done enough to make her day perfect, but here he was going above and beyond. As he held the door open for her to climb inside, Panthea eased back in his bucket leather seat and gave herself permission to enjoy whatever might be next on their agenda.

“The Olde Pink House is one of the most romantic restaurants in

Savannah,” Marcus said as he pulled into a parking space. “I think you’ll really enjoy the food here.”

“More food?” she joked, feigning disappointment.

“Oh, I thought dinner would be the perfect end to a perfect day,” Marcus said as he slid behind the wheel and looked at Panthea. It had been nearly four hours since they had lunch, and he was a bit hungry, but didn’t want to force her to eat if she wasn’t.

“I’m only kidding with you, Marcus. Of course we can cap this perfect day with a romantic meal and excellent dinner conversation,” she suggested.

About an hour later, they were enjoying dessert at a table on the second floor overlooking Reynolds Square. Panthea sat marveling at the outstanding service and even better company. “I’ve been thinking about your case, and here’s what we need to do—”