Dark Harbor

“That sounds pretty thorough.”

She frowned. “So what should I do? Should I listen to the man’s threat and go home?”

“I can’t make that decision for you.” Part of Zach thought that sounded like the best idea of all. But there was no guarantee someone wouldn’t follow her wherever she went. Plus, Zach never liked to give in to pressure caused by bullies.

He knew all about that.

He’d held his ground and ended up losing his job because of it.

Madelyn’s eyelids drooped, and she still hadn’t touched her coffee. She was exhausted, he realized. He stood, feeling like he’d done all he could do here.

“I should let you get some rest. Call me if you need me.”

“Will do. Thank you again.” She started to stand.

Zach held up a hand to stop her. “I can walk myself out. Really.”

He lumbered down the steps. At the bottom landing, he saw a piece of paper that had fallen against the wall. He picked it up and started to call for Madelyn when the words there caught his eye.

“Zach B. Davis

30 years old

Originally from Richmond, Virginia.”

Was this Madelyn’s? Why would the regional reporter have personal information written out about him? Wasn’t she here to do a travel piece on the town?

His back muscles suddenly went rigid. She may come off as being kind and sweet, but that didn’t mean she was.

He needed to keep an eye on Madelyn Sawyer, that was for sure. One wrong move, and she could ruin everything.

* * *

Madelyn had awakened the next morning with a new determination to investigate Zach Davis. When he’d shown up at her duplex last night, she’d found herself softening, opening up. She had to remember her mission—she needed to put professional distance between her and the subject of her article.

She glanced across the beach now. The sun set in the distance, streaking royal colors across the sky. She was a guest of honor at an oyster roast. The event was amazing. Mayor Alan was hosting it at his place, which was located on a long, private stretch of beach. A band played on a makeshift stage closer to the house, tables full of seafood had been laid out and people were readily engaging in the feast there. The smell of seafood, unappealing when she’d first arrived in town, now seemed alluring.

She’d spent the day with Eva Rogers, the town’s publicity manager, and had taken a tour of the retail area. They’d gone in various shops that featured items from local artists. They’d had coffee at The Java House. Then lunch at a seafood restaurant called Jim Buoy’s.

Later, a horse and carriage had eased them down the town’s streets and offered amazing views of some of the character-rich homes. A historian had joined them and had given Madelyn an account of the town from all the way back in the day when the area had been a bustling port and a playground for wealthy hunters and fishermen.

Despite herself, Madelyn was fascinated by everything she learned. She hadn’t thought she’d enjoy hearing about or seeing the town like she did. But the community was quaint and friendly and had something Madelyn had been seeking for her entire adult life: belonging. Her car had even been personally delivered back to her today with a note that the repair was “on the house.”

If she would allow herself to forget about the threats she’d encountered since leaving Maryland for the sleepy town, she might actually enjoy this place. Those things remained in the back of her mind, though. As did the real reason for her being here.

She glanced across the crowd again and spotted the one person she’d come to town to research. Zach Davis.

He was here at the oyster roast, talking with a group of people near the large grill. He’d dressed casually in jeans and a well-fitting T-shirt. He didn’t seem like the life-of-the-party type, but instead he stood back, engaging in the conversations around him in an easy-going manner. His back was never toward the crowd, and she’d caught him scanning his environment several times.

He seemed calm and steady, not the least bit impulsive or flighty, Madelyn mused. Maybe he hadn’t always been like this. Maybe he’d sobered after the fiasco in Baltimore. She couldn’t draw her conclusions too quickly, though. Even if she’d come into town with a different image of the man than the one he presented, that didn’t mean he was innocent.

As he glanced up, she quickly looked away.

“He’s quite handsome, isn’t he?” Eva suddenly appeared at her side. She carried a plate of oysters in one hand and a tall, dewy glass of a cheerful-looking drink in the other.

Eva was probably in her midfifties and had short brown hair that seemed to poof around her face. The woman had a quick smile and a bubbly personality that had made Madelyn feel right at home.

Madelyn shrugged, desperate not to give herself away, and took a sip of her lemon water. “I suppose.”

“We’re all so excited to have him here. He’s done an outstanding job so far.”

“Where’d he come from?”

Eva tapped her lips. “Hmm...you know, I can’t remember. But it was some other little town. Smuggler’s Cove, I believe. It’s a little island out in the bay.”

“I can’t imagine his job keeps him busy here.”

“Oh, I’m sure it’s boring, but that’s the way we like it. Boring equals safe so we’ll take it.”

Suddenly, Madelyn straightened as she peered in the distance beyond Eva. A white pickup truck disappeared down the road and out of sight. She sucked in a deep breath at the sight, that fear that was becoming all too familiar coursing through her until her arms shook.

“Is everything okay?” Eva examined Madelyn with motherly concern.

Madelyn rubbed her neck and nodded. “Yes, of course.”

Madelyn hadn’t mentioned anything to Eva about last night—either about the snatched oysters or the binoculars she’d seen someone using outside her apartment. It was better if she kept any attention off herself.

And Zach obviously ran a tight ship. In most small towns, it would be easy for word to spread and for everyone to know other people’s business. Zach seemed to have high standards. Had he encouraged those working under him to keep the incidents confidential?

“If it’s not our favorite reporter,” someone said.

Madelyn recognized the man as Mayor Alan. They’d been introduced briefly when she arrived at the oyster roast. The man had a thick blond mustache and matching hair that was graying on the edges. He had a solid build, a tanned complexion and a ready smile. His clothes screamed expensive and, based on everything she’d observed about him, he was wealthy. Maybe one of the wealthiest, most powerful people in town.

“Are you having a good time?” he asked.

“Yes, it seems like a great town you’ve got here.” She scanned her surroundings again, waiting to see a figure lurking.

She was being paranoid. Certainly there were other white trucks here in town. She had to get a grip.

The sun was setting over the bay, and the sky was lit in deep reds and purples. In other circumstances, this would have been an enjoyable day. A perfect day for that matter.

But Madelyn couldn’t relax. Not when so much was on the line.

She made chitchat with Eva and Mayor Alan, talking about the town and all of its charms and quirks. She tried to properly sell the idea that she was writing a travel article.

Just then, her phone buzzed. She pulled it out and looked down at the screen.

It’s Chief Davis. I have an update for you, but I’d like to tell you in person. Can you meet me by the shed on the edge of the property?