CHAPTER ONE

I stood at my bay windows overlooking the narrows, a cup of hot Barry’s Irish tea cradled in my hands. I watched with focused fascination as the sea gulls careened through the building dark storm clouds. It was a beautiful sight. Cold fingers of fall chill caressed the back of my neck and sent me scurrying towards the fireplace. I cuddled up in front of the cheery fire, wrapping the soft gray blanket around me before reaching for my tea. I had barely made my editor’s deadline, submitting my romance manuscript just in time. and now, I just wanted to relax for the next few days and think of nothing but the sea and the coming storm. I would plan my next novel later, I told myself.  And set out to meet my best friend for breakfast.

I went into Mary’s Salty Dog where my friend of many years, Ellen James, waited for me. Mary’s Salty Dog enjoyed the advantage of having the best view of the harbor in Jenson Harbor—it’s right on the dock—as well as being the gathering place for the town’s officials. Ellen had been impatiently waiting for updates of the coming party, as she was beyond excited about attending a Goldberg party. Al Goldberg and his wife Linda always threw extraordinary parties that became somewhat legendary in Jenson Harbor. Ellen’s face lit up as I came through the door, and I joined her in our usual booth. “Enjoy the brief day off?” she asked. 

“Yes. I haven’t had one in quite a while. I had a wonderful nap on the couch, but it started to get cold. My house is lovely, but there’s always an extra chill in the fall time that just seems to creep into my bones.” 

Ellen laughed. “Time of year, Tilly. Jack Frost blowing cold breath on you, getting himself geared up for winter. Have you seen this yet?” She slid a copy of the Jenson Harbor Daily across the table to me. The headline on the front page immediately caught my eye.  LOCAL CRIME THRILLER NOVELIST TILLY BISHOP THROWING HER SUPPORT BEHIND MAYORAL CANIDATE AL GOLDBERG

“I hate to read things like that. It isn’t true. I haven’t even been interviewed for this story.” I said.

“You haven’t read the story yet,” she pointed out, pouring more sugar than she really needed into her coffee. 

“A little coffee with your sugar?” I teased her. She smiled good naturedly, waving her hand for me to read. I looked down at the glaring headline, then at a photo of my face that accompanied it.

 “I never,” I said.

 “You never what?” she shook her head at me. “You can’t buy that kind of publicity. Remember how long you struggled to be recognized for all your hard work?” Ellen reminded me.

“Yes, I know you’re right, but I wasn’t interviewed for this piece. I don’t even know this reporter, Mae Jones. They just assumed because I accepted Al’s party invitation that I am voting for him.” I grimaced at the article. “I haven’t even decided yet.” 

“Is that so?” Ellen set her cup down as Mary arrived at our table.  Mary was in her mid-fifties, and still a raving beauty with a youthful tomboy figure even in her pale rose pink uniform dress. She wore her chocolate brown hair cropped close.  Mary had owned the Salty Dog for as long as I could remember. I considered her to be a good friend.

 As I continued to read, I became increasingly dismayed. 

“This is so irresponsible,” I said.   Mary chuckled; her pen poised above her notepad.

“I don’t think people believe it, Tilly. We all know that you don’t exactly agree with most of Al’s wild ideas.”

Ellen nodded in agreement, tapping the newspaper with a slender pink polished nail.  “Come on now, Tilly, you know how the media, especially Jim Meyer, will do anything for a story. This piece of nonsense probably sold him lots of newspapers.” 

“But it isn’t true.” 

“I wouldn’t be fretting over it,” she said, before turning her attention to Mary. “I’m craving those chocolate croissants I had last week. And more coffee.”

 Mary smiled, writing fast, before turning her large brown eyes to me. I tossed the paper on the table and conjured up a cheery smile. “I’ll have the same. Can I get more cream for the coffee? Thank you, Mary.”

 Mary grinned and walked quickly towards the kitchen. We both love to eat; and Mary knew us well.

We fell silent, enjoying the croissants and coffee and each other’s company. Ellen sighed contentedly, sitting back, wiping her mouth with a napkin, “So did you invite Eddy to go with you to the party?” 

“No, yes. I don’t know,” I said, feeling a bit flustered. “Eddy is a good friend. I just don’t want to mess it up by complicating things between us.”

 “Tilly, you’ve made every excuse in the book to keep Eddy at arm’s length” Ellen took another sip of her coffee as she pinned me with her no nonsense look that I was remarkably familiar with. “One day you are going to regret it when you see him with some other gal on his arm.”

 “Maybe.” I said, unable to keep the annoyance from my voice. I knew she was probably right; she almost always was. But I wasn’t ready to be serious about anyone. I hadn’t for a long time, not since my last divorce. “Ellen, you know that I really like Eddy. It’s just… it’s just that I’m not ready, I think. My head says yes but my heart says not yet.” 

“I know, Tilly,” her voice soft and tinged with sadness. “I just want you to be happy and Eddy is the best of the best.”

I reached across the table and gripped my best friend’s hand. “I know. And I love you for it.” She grabbed a croissant from my plate, and slowly devoured it with a dainty groan. I laughed outright. No one enjoyed food more than Ellen James.

 Mary came to the table, a coffeepot in her hand. “How’s breakfast, ladies? More coffee, Tilly, Ellen?” 

“Delicious as usual,” Ellen said, pushing her cup in her direction. 

“No more for me, thanks,” I said, taking a deep breath to get my thoughts off Eddy Brown.  Mary leaned over the table and filled Ellen’s cup with regular coffee. She looked down the row of booths along the front window overlooking the harbor and lowered her voice. 

“He’s been coming in regular with her since she moved here,” Mary 

said, nodding at a table in a far corner where Al Goldberg sat with a young blonde who was not his wife.

 “Who is she?” I asked. 

“That woman who rented that little house down by the beach on the South End, you know the one old man Bascom had up for rent for absolutely ages. She’s real strange like, almost hostile to other women. She looks at you like she’s looking right through you.”

 “Where did she move from?” Ellen asked, always the curious one. 

“Somewhere down south. California, I think.”  Mary said. 

I laughed. “I’d hardly call that ‘down south,’ Mary.” 

“Well, you know what I mean it’s south of here in the lower forty-eight,” Mary said, chuckling. “Her name is Mae, and she is some sort of a reporter or secretary. I can’t remember which one.”  Mary said. “I just get the feeling that she isn’t what she claims to be.” pointing to the woman as she leaned in close to Al, smiling up into his face. At that moment Al’s wife Linda walked into the Salty Dog. She stood for a moment at the entrance, scanning the room with silvery gray eyes. Linda Goldberg was in her mid to late forties and had the graceful beauty of a model. Yet there was something distinctly cold and brittle about her that was undeniable. She saw them in the far booth and made a beeline for her husband.

 “Uh oh.”  Mary muttered under her breath. As always, we handed her the cash and tip and headed for the door. With one eye on the Goldberg table, she wandered off with her coffee-pot and stopped a few tables away where Mayor John Devlin and his wife were having breakfast with Bobby Minelli, Jenson Harbor’s DA. 

Mae Jones. The reporter who wrote the bogus article about me. I was tempted to go give her a piece of my mind, but decided it was not something I wanted to do in front of an audience. We moved to the doors and stepped outside. It was a beautiful April day. There’s no doubt about it, April is one of my favorite months of the year in the town I love. The sun shines brightly, but there’s a bracing chill in the sea air that I love that never fails to send me into   delicious anticipation for whatever the day brings. 

“All set for the party tonight?” I asked Ellen as we stood outside and breathed in the crisp, salty sea air. 

“Yes. I’m really getting quite excited, aren’t you?”

 “Actually, I am,” I laughed, surprised that I was feeling a little giddy about the upcoming festivity. We both turned at the door opening behind us, and Mae stepped out. She locked hostile eyes first with me, then Ellen, before lifting her small chin and jerking her head towards the sea. She wore a tight black dress beneath a silky shawl that looked inadequate in the sea’s chilling breeze. her white, blonde hair gleamed in the morning sun, but her face was surprisingly hard, not as youthful as I had expected. Her eyes gleamed with a startling hatred that she didn’t attempt to disguise. There was something about her nagging in my memory, but I couldn’t figure out why. She turned and walked slowly away.

 “I see what Mary meant. She does behave oddly to other women,” I said.

 “She has a bad case of inferiority complex. Jealousy of other women. How ridiculous!” Ellen shook her head at Mae’s retreating back. I pressed my lips together to silence the laughter that rose to my throat. I love my friend dearly, but she certainly never hesitates to speak her mind. 

We decided to walk instead of catching a cab and began walking through downtown Jensen Harbor. It was like many coastal towns with the salty shops and eateries that lined the streets.  The tourist season had begun at the end of March, and now the streets and shops were filled with people in colorful attire as they roamed about. Jensen Cove was nestled into a charming seaport cove with its combination of rocky sea cliffs and sandy beaches strewn with driftwood and bull kelp.

 It was only early afternoon, and we had decided to visit the harbor and check out Al Goldberg’s shiny new fishing fleet. As Ellen and I made our way down to the docks, it was hard not to revel in the sharp salty breeze that swept through the cove.  The sea was dancing in the wind, whitecaps moving in a mesmerizing rhythm. I could see why Al was so proud of his new fleet. They were beautiful and equipped with the latest technology.  We saw two men working the docks, and we approached them as they saw us and waved. The harbor master, Ted Franklin grinned broadly at us as he stepped down from his houseboat, reaching a grimy hand to shake Ellen’s hand then mine. He smiled with his eyes, the deep lines around his sky-blue eyes crinkled in his weathered, sunburned face. 

“What brings you ladies down here on this fine morning?” Ted asked, his voice deep and rumbling.

“Just wanting to get a look at Al’s new fleet.” I said, noticing that he only had eyes for Ellen.

“Uhhuh. And a nicer set of boats there have never been.” Ted waved an arm in the direction of the fishing boats, tied side by side to the dock that we now stood on. The five fishing boats stood out, sleek and gleaming in the afternoon sunlight. Next to them, the sleek yacht rose and fell in smooth rhyme as the wakes rolled across the water. Al had them all painted in two-toned teal blue and crisp white. They looked to me to be fully rigged and ready to hit the open sea in search of the elusive fish.

Ellen let out a low appreciative whistle. “They are beautiful. Won’t stay like that for long, though.”

Ted chuckled, still watching Ellen. Ellen noticed and suddenly became highly uncomfortable, moving to stand behind me. Ted circled me, to stand in front of Ellen again. I could see she was close to telling him something she might regret. I stepped in front of her and grabbed his calloused hand, shaking it firmly as Ellen walked quickly towards the dock’s stairs. It completely caught the poor man off guard.

“So nice to see you again, Ted! Be seeing you around!” I dropped his hand and hurried after my friend making her escape up the stairs. I glanced behind me as I mounted the metal stairs and saw him still standing there with a bewildered look on his craggy face.

“Well, I never!” Ellen came to a stop, breathing hard as she ventured a tentative look back at the docks over her shoulder, before shivering dramatically. “Whatever got into that old codger? He’s downright creepy.” She looked at me with her big green eyes, horrified.

I couldn’t help but laugh. “Be careful, he might just show up at the party tonight...” I warned her, only half serious. She blinked at me and grunted with disdain. We walked the rest of the way in silence, and I left Ellen at her front door before heading quickly for my own.

Chapter 2

I woke with a jolt as the logs shifted in the grate, causing me to knock my cell phone to the floor. I looked at my big gray and white tabby cat, Asher, lying on the back of the couch, looking back at me. I swear that he would have rolled his eyes if he could. Instead, he turned away with a disdainful meow and repositioned himself for maximum comfort and ignored me. Glancing at the clock on the mantle, I suddenly sat up in panic. I had completely forgotten Al Goldberg’s yacht launch voyage party! I hurried into the bath and quickly dressed, before sitting down to fix my hair and makeup.

 As I sat in front of my vanity table, staring at my reflection, my thoughts turned towards Eddy, our local sheriff. He was a devilishly handsome man for middle age. Eddy had a remarkably toned and fit physique. I found his superior intelligence and quick wit very entertaining. The man could carry on a conversation for hours without boring his listeners, and I always felt as though I had come away with a new learning experience. He was not a braggart nor arrogant. Eddy had a way of sharing his experiences that made them interesting. I had absolute trust in his investigative theories and successful solving of numerous cold cases, among others. He definitely kept me on my toes. I appreciated the fact that he showed me real respect and undeniable faith in my hunches and different approach in gathering clues to solve a mystery. He never doubted me or questioned my convictions. I know that he felt the same deep unspoken connection between us that I did, but I believe that he wasn’t ready for a serious relationship any more than I was. For now, our close friendship was enough for us both.

Ellen Came by in her car and picked me up at exactly 7pm. I was ready and if truth be told, a bit nervous. Ellen didn’t seem bothered at all. Actually, she glowed with excitement. She had chosen a beautiful red silk dress that came just below her knees. It had been tailored to fit her petite form perfectly. She wore her grandmother’s diamond and ruby brooch on her left should. Her strawberry blonde hair had been cut in a short feathered sweeping style that complimented her round face and pearl white skin. She noticed I was looking at her and she grinned at me. 

“After you dropped me off at home, I went down to Lulu’s and got a new hair style. What do you think?”

“I love it! It’s perfect on you.” I told her. She smiled happily. 

Ellen and I enjoyed a very long friendship, and over the years we had come to the unspoken agreement that we would never just say something to make the other feel good. All compliments and advice were truthful, without barbs. This included everything. Ellen was the one person who I trusted implicitly. 

“You look really sophisticated, Tilly.”  Ellen nodded at my outfit. I wore a pantsuit of flowing emerald green silk, a thick black belt and a short strand of simple cream-colored pearls. I had put my shoulder length blonde hair up in a simple chignon. 

“You know Al Goldberg is going to be campaigning for mayor all night.” Ellen spoke up as we slowly climbed the hillside towards the Goldberg’s mansion high on top Copper Mountain, the largest mountain on the Island.

“I know. I guess it will give me a chance to figure out which candidate is the lesser of the two evils.” I replied, only half joking. We shared a laugh. My thoughts turned to what we knew about the Goldbergs as Ellen concentrated on the steep road ahead as darkness shrouded the mountain.

I began to piece together everything that I knew so far about Jenson Harbor’s new candidate running for mayor.

Al Goldberg, a well-known local businessman and politician. He was considered the wealthiest man in Jensen Cove. Al was a difficult man to know, much less like. I wouldn’t say that he had a lot of friends, it seemed more like a lot of hangers on- people who flocked around him like mindless birds hoping to get something from him in one form or another. Strangely enough, he seemed content with that. At least it appeared that way to me.

There was his friend, Barton Perry, a state senate candidate, Pearl Perry, Barton's wife and Al's campaign manager. And then there was Al’s wife, Linda, who always seemed unhappy with life in general.

I didn’t know either of their wives very well, as they always seemed to be somewhat haughty and what Ellen referred to as snooty.

They were by no means elegant nor classy. There was something almost pretentious about their personalities. I had no time for such nonsense, so I never attempted to form any relationship with either woman, beyond an occasional hello on the street.

Barton Perry was not much different from Al Goldberg. They both wanted to pursue a career in politics and both men were plagued by persistent rumored allegations of shady dealings that were never confirmed. Some people in the town shrugged off these rumors as baseless, while others suspected that they were hiding something far more sinister. I was not sure what to think of them. Ellen believed that where there is smoke, there is fire. Sometimes it is best to heed gut instinct.

In a short time, we begin to see the growing darkness give way to the long, curved lighted driveway up to the Goldberg house. It was huge, and far grander than it needed to be. Perhaps that is just my personal taste, as I prefer simplicity. It seemed as though it was mostly on show. Ellen and I parked behind other cars on the circular drive, in front. I was a little surprised that Al didn’t have any parking valets for the party. 

Ellen turned off her headlights. 

“Maybe he didn’t have enough money for valets,” she said, glancing around. I raised my brows and chuckled, not surprised that she had read my mind.

I opened my door and stepped out and waited for Ellen to join me before walking up the half a dozen steps to the front door. 

A uniformed butler answered the door, escorting us inside and handed our coats over to a weary looking maid. We walked through the heavily decorated foyer and into the main room. It was brightly lit, and classical music swayed through the room, softly weaving through the conversations that sounded like chattering. I moved towards the buffet table as Ellen wove her way towards the bar. I stood next to Linda Goldberg who cut a gaudy figure in a bright yellow chiffon gown, with an oversized unruly extravagant bow on her left shoulder.  Her dark brown hair was swept up into a massive top bun that looked heavy and lacked any grace.  She pretended not to see me approach, turning her back to me as I took the China plate from the waiter and chose the fresh buttered shrimp. 

“Hello, Linda. What a striking gown! And that yellow is so cheerful!” I remarked to her back. Linda turned to face me, her face haughty as she attempted to look down her nose at me as her brown eyes coldly swept me from head to toe. 

“Thank you. And your…outfit is so...” she left her words hanging. 

I smiled brightly at her. “Why thank you, dear. That is so sweet of you. Thank you for inviting me and my friend Ellen James to Al’s launch party.”

She sniffed. “I didn’t invite you, Tilly. That was Al’s doing. Why he has to invite riffraff is beyond me.”

I chuckled as I took a fresh buttered roll and set it on my plate. “Well, my dear, if you didn’t then there would be no one to come to your parties.” 

She opened her mouth to speak but another voice called out from several feet away.

“Tilly!”

I turned to see Eddy Brown moving swiftly towards me, a brilliant smile on his handsomely rugged face. Ellen’s face was beaming, her arms linked with his as they approached.

“Look at what I brought you!” Ellen grinned at me. “Don’t be angry, Tilly. I called him and invited him to the party because I knew you wouldn’t.” 

I was shocked and extremely pleased to see my old friend, Jensen Cove’s sheriff Eddy Brown. I leaned towards him to receive the sweet kiss he planted on my cheek before following them to a table.

Eddy pulled out my chair as Ellen returned to the buffet. He sat down next to me, throwing me a mischievous smile as he raised his arm to hail a passing waiter. He deftly snagged two flutes of champagne from the tray and set one before me.

“I remember that you like champagne, Tilly.”

“Yes, as long as it isn’t dry. I prefer the sweeter taste.” I said. He laughed, lifting the delicate glass to mine in a mock toast.

“I’ve missed you, old friend.” he said, his green eye smiling into mine, referring to my month-long absence on a short book tour that I had just returned from last week.

“And I, you. I have just been so busy since I returned, with book deadlines and writing. I haven’t even had time for myself.” I told him before taking a sip of the champagne.

“I understand. I myself have been caught up in investigating a drug ring case that is one of the largest so far. Every time I thought of picking up a phone to call, I got distracted by some other drama.” Eddy said.

We both looked up as Ellen came bearing food and a bottle of pink champagne. She deposited it all on the table and sat down with a satisfied smile directed at both of us.

“See? I told you to invite him. And I knew that you wouldn’t want to bother him, so I did.” Ellen explained. “This is wonderful. Good food, good party, and good friends. Too bad Sam is in Anchorage.” She began to eat her crab legs with gusto. Eddy and I laughed, in full agreement with her. Ellen and Eddy began to chat as I watched my two best friends. 

Eddy was an exceptional man of integrity, kindness and incredible intelligence. I always enjoyed his company immensely. We were both aware of a deep emotional attraction between us, but neither of us felt it was something either of us were ready for.  So, we kept our friendship as it was, except for moments of spontaneous displays of affection and despite it all, our relationship remained strong, and somehow closer. There had been many times throughout the years that I had found myself leaning heavily on my dear friend Eddy for emotional support. Watching him now, I noticed that Eddy had let his black hair shot with silver grow a little longer than his old Marine cut. It was very attractive and with most of the women in the room now watching him, they must think so too. I smiled to myself.

“Tilly! Tilly Bishop!” a gruff male voice called my name. I looked up to see Al Goldberg striding towards our table, his round fleshy face wreathed in delight. Al shook hands around the table, introducing himself. I had to admit that the man had charm. He sat his large body in the chair next to mine and looked me directly in the eyes.

“Tilly, I am so excited to have your support in my run for Jensen Harbor mayor.” 

I was taken aback momentarily, completely at loss for words as I looked into his expectant light blue eyes. Silence engulfed the table as I searched my suddenly blank mind for an answer.

“Well, Al, I... I haven’t actually decided yet.” I tried to explain as nicely as I could.

“The Jensen Harbor Daily said that you were throwing your support behind me. What happened to change your mind?” Al asked, crestfallen.

“Al, I was never interviewed for that article. It was written without my permission, and I am certain it was to sell more papers.” I informed him. He sat back, drumming his thick fingers on the table beside him as a frown shadowed his face momentarily. He snapped his fingers and leaned towards me.

“Then you haven’t decided against me just yet! How about joining the small party taking a little cruise on my new yacht, the Forget Me Not on its first voyage down to Ketchikan tomorrow?” Al suggested excitedly. “We can get to know each other better and my wife is dying to meet you!”

I looked at Ellen and Eddy, who nodded enthusiastically. I found myself nodding in response.

“Of course. I would be thrilled to go. As long as I can bring my two friends along with me.” I didn’t mention that I had already met his wife and she was less than thrilled.

“Oh, Tilly. I couldn’t possibly go; I have a few houses to show.” Ellen said, elbowing Eddy.

“I would very much like to accompany Tilly on your yacht, Al. Thank you.” Eddy spoke up. “And Ellen will be going as well.”

Al nodded excitedly. “There! Meet me on the dock at eight am.” He got to his feet, his face flushed with pleasure. “I’ll see you all then! Good night, Tilly. Sheriff.”

“Good night, Al.”

“Good night, Ellen.” Al nodded towards my friend and left our table. I noticed his wife, Linda, staring at me over her glass of wine. Barton Perry lifted his glass in my direction before turning to his dour wife who stood glued by his side. The young platinum blonde, Mae Jones, we had seen at Mary’s Salty Dog moved quickly to stand beside Al as he moved closer to the huge wall spanning white marble fireplace, where a cozy blazing fire leaped and danced behind an ornate gold fire screen. I couldn’t help but wonder why a bogus reporter was clinging so obviously to a man with his wife only a few feet away.

Her eyes caught mine with a steely glare and I smiled politely before pointedly turned my attention back to my friends at my own table. Ellen had gotten up and was refilling her plate at the buffet table. 

Eddy looked at me with teasing eyes. “Still hungry?” he reached for my arm, “Let’s get something exotic. Strawberries?”

I laughed. Strawberries were a rare treat as they were seasonal and wild grown here on the Island. “Only if they are dipped in chocolate and served with pink champagne.” 

Eddy laughed, releasing my arm as he moved to pull a waiter aside and spoke to him in low tones, nodding towards our table. The waiter nodded with a grin and headed towards the bar as Eddy walked back to me, taking the plate from my hands. He moved quickly to the fruit section and began loading the plate with large, bright red strawberries double dipped in thick dark chocolate. He handed the plate back to me and began loading his up. I shook my head with a chuckle. The man always managed to amaze me. He seemed to be the dark, silent type, until he felt comfortable with you, and then his sense of fun and playfulness came out. He grinned wickedly at me as he passed me, leading the way back to the table. Ellen grinned as she saw our plates ladened with the fruit. She had opted for a delicious fruit salad.

“Chocolate strawberries...two plates full. Wow.” She winked at Eddy, “Now all you need is pink…” she broke off as the waiter placed an iced bottle of pink champagne on the table. “Never mind.”

“Ellen, you have no one to blame but yourself- you invited him.” I told her.

“I know. Isn’t it wonderful?” Ellen giggled, patting Eddy’s hand. He grinned back at her. The waiter was grinning broadly at the silly exchange as he uncorked the bottle and poured the bubbling liquid into our glasses. Ellen took an elegant sip and closed her eyes.

I couldn’t help but laugh. I pushed one of the plates towards her, “Have some- there is more than plenty to go around.”

All three of us savored the delicious fruit. We ate slowly, between bites, sipping the sweet champagne. I loved how the bubbles slid, dancing down my throat. I have always had a love for pink champagne.

Ellen was looking as tipsy as I felt. Only Eddy seemed okay.  We moved out to the veranda after finishing our pig out, hoping the fresh air would clear our heads. 

“I think I should call us a cab,” Eddy announced, pulling his cell phone out of his pocket. 

“What about my car?” Ellen asked, looking up at Eddy, who towered over her.

“Don’t you worry about that. We will take a cab back up here in the morning and drive it back down. Goldberg has top security here and your car will be fine.” Eddy told her. Ellen agreed, linking her arm in mine as we watched Eddy punch numbers into his cell.

The taxi dropped Ellen off at her house, then me at mine. Eddy stepped out to open my door and pulled my hand to his lips in a brief farewell. “Good night, Tilly. Until tomorrow.” He slid back into the cab.

“Good night, Eddy.” I said, giving him a small wave before moving up the walk to the door. The cab sat as I unlocked the door, leaving only after I had firmly shut the door behind me.

Early the next morning, Eddy, Ellen, and I boarded The Forget Me Not, the new yacht owned by Al Goldberg. We met the other passengers from last night, including Barton Perry, a state senate candidate; Mae Jones; Pearl Perry, Barton's wife and Al's campaign manager; and Wyatt Smith, a pastor and Al's friend. Both Eddy and I also noticed some tension between Al and his wife, Linda, who seems unhappy with his ambitions. 

Eddy’s cell phone rang. His eyes met mine as he fished it from his pocket, and he glanced with annoyance at the number on the screen. “Sorry. I need to take this. I’ll meet you two up here after I take care of this.” He leaned down and brushed his lips against my cheek before striding out of sight down the corridor. I turned back towards Al as he lifted two champagne flutes from a passing tray. Ellen accepted the glass he held out to her with a flamboyant flourish.

"Al, this boat is quite impressive," I complimented as the yacht slipped smoothly past the entrance of Jensen Harbor. The scent of salty sea and pine was heavy in my nostrils and my stomach fluttered at the open expanse of water.

“Thanks Tilly, glad you think so!” Al beamed as he extended an arm around his wife, Linda. His brows furrowed as she shrugged him off, crossing her arms across her chest instead. Al's easy smile faltered only slightly before returning full force. Changing subjects quickly, he gestured to Barton Perry and his wife Pearl, as they joined us on deck. "Barton here bet me that he would catch the biggest fish today. Care to join the wager?"

My eyes swiveled over to Barton who stood next to Mae Jones. His lips were pressed into a wry grin, but his gaze wasn't on Al or Linda, it was fixed unwaveringly on Mae.

"I'm not much for fishing Al; besides I don't want to put your ego through too much damage once you lose." My retort echoed half-seriously across the decking. A chorus of laughter erupted from everyone except Linda who shot us both a stony glare before retreating below the deck. I watched as Wyatt Smith moved quietly towards Linda's retreating figure with a soft expression filled with concern.

Catching the breathtaking scenes slipping past the railing, we subtly excused ourselves from the group and approached the railing. As we took in the casual chaos brewing amongst our companions against the calm tranquility of sea foam splashing against rocks and cotton-candy pink skies above us; both of us had one question etched deeply onto our faces - 'What exactly are we getting ourselves into?'

"Drama seems to be following these men like shadows,” Ellen rolled her eyes taking another sip from her champagne glass.

“All set for catching Barton’s reaction when Eddy walks in?” I quizzed her, knowing that Eddy was due to join us at any moment. He’d been delayed by a call and had left us to take it in his quarters.

Ellen’s eyes sparkled with mischief, “Now that is something I’m looking forward to.”

“Ah, and here he is.” I murmured. We watched Eddy stride towards us as Barton Perry turn abruptly, nearly colliding with the sheriff. Baton’s eyes widened and his face drained of color as he hastily stepped back. Eddy seemed not to notice the other man’s reaction as he stepped around him and continued on towards us.

Ellen and I glanced at each other, well aware that Eddy hadn’t missed, Barton’s over the top reaction to discovering that the sheriff was along for the trip.

The hum of conversation and clinking glasses filled the air as we all relaxed into our respective roles, silently observing and making mental notes of the brewing tension amongst our companions – A politician, a pastor, a scorned wife and an ambitious reporter tangled in a web so carefully unfurling itself on this sea-bound journey. I could sense an ominous foreboding that seemed to cling to yacht itself.