Tangerine Morning: Jezzica's Story (Serenity Cove Series) by Rita Garcia Read Free Book Online

that Samantha left behind.” The orange tabby jumped into her lap and she massaged behind his ears, he stretched and purred in appreciation.
    “I see he’s made himself at home.” Zack chuckled and then turned serious again. “I don’t want to overreact to what happened. But it warrants upping the security here and at your cottage.” He leaned forward with his arms resting on the table.
    “I want to argue with you, but I’d rather take every precaution than end up—” Speaking the possible was seemingly too much to even contemplate.
    “I need a key to the shop and the cottage, and I’ll handle everything for you. I want to go over the details with the security company before they install the necessary equipment.”
    “Catylen’s daughters will be arriving next week. I’d like to have everything finished before then, if possible.” Her eyes clouded with a tinge of worry. “Should we have them cancel their plans and not come?”
    He inhaled deeply. “Let’s get everything secured and go from there.”
    Jezzica walked him to the front of the shop. He stepped outside and listened for the click of the lock. With his sunglasses in place, he turned in the direction of Serenity Blooms.
    A man ducked between two of the shops. Zack sprinted in pursuit. But no one was in sight. He investigated behind the buildings and found nothing. Why did he disappear so quickly? He hated distressing Jezzica even more—but there was no other choice. He made his way back to the bookshop.
    Jezzica opened the door with a smile. “Forget something?”
    “I need you and Catylen to stay at the inn until the security equipment is installed.” He explained about seeing someone duck between the shops. “We can’t take any risks.”
    “What choice do we have? Staying at the cottage isn’t an option.” No longer smiling, she went to the stairway and called her sister.
    “I’ll follow you home, and after you pack a bag, I’ll drive you to the inn. We’ll leave your sister’s car at the cottage, to give the appearance someone is home. If the criminals show up, our surveillance team will be ready.”
     
     

Chapter Ten

 
     
    Jezzica and Catylen lounged on the balcony of the oceanfront suite, the one Abby had insisted they stay in, and according to the inn’s owner, the same one Samantha had used as she prepared to wed the town’s chief of police. The rooms spoke of a bygone era of unhurried, gracious living. Adorned with flowing silk and lace, the décor gave the ambiance of an age with charm and romance.
    Catylen sipped her mocha cappuccino. “I could become accustomed to living in the luxury of this suite. Makes me want to dress in long soft gowns, with a three-ruffle crinoline petticoat underneath.”
    “The caffeine in that drink has gone to your head. Imagine trying to maneuver the stairway in such a gown.” She smiled at Rusty stretched out on his back, enjoying the sun.
    “Just imagine it. Dancing with the man of my dreams in the ballroom.” The sparkle in Catylen’s eyes suddenly dimmed as a veil of sadness settled on her face. Apparently, all images of silk and lace had slipped right out of her mind. “I wonder how Mike is doing?” She blotted the corners of her eyes.
    Jezzica wanted to smack Mike for hurting her sister, but obviously Caty still loved the scoundrel. “Shouldn’t the two of you talk?”
    Catylen went into a full-blown cry. Besides being heartbreaking, it wasn’t a pretty sight. It was so unlike Catylen to lose control. “Wha…what could h..he pos..sibly say?”
    “You’ve been married to the man for twenty-five years—doesn’t that at least warrant a conversation?”
    Catylen took a swallow of her coffee and composed herself. “He didn’t consult me before his little fling. I’m not interested in what he has to say now. How could his words make the pain go away? How could his words heal my broken heart? How could his words turn the world right side up again?”
    “I’m going to