“Huh? No,” Connor replied. “Although that guy’s a conviction waiting to happen,” he added.
“Sooner the better,” Trent agreed. “Connect the dots for me?”
“Sure.” Connor paused, the soft tap of his keyboard the only sound for a moment. “Cameras down at the marina aren’t the most reliable. Some of that is gear aging out and some—more recently—seems to be on purpose. I’ve searched as far back as I can get to find a baseline for Corey’s general day-to-day activity. There’s the typical work schedule, and then I find him walking around, dropping things around the marina.”
“Making it easier on Natalie when she ventures down to gather supplies.”
“If you say so.” More tapping on Connor’s end of the call. “Our research shows he used to stop and chat with her, but a couple weeks ago, the pattern changed. He planted more items further away from his shop.”
“Interesting.” And incriminating too, especially in light of that encounter Natalie described when she’d spotted the kayak near the sailing school. “Any location on Royer’s new hideout?”
“Not so far.”
Trent wasn’t surprised. It wasn’t as if there were loads of cameras off-shore, aimed at the Brookwell coastline. Still, thelack of information sucked. “Guess I’d better get out there and find him.”
“As soon as we have more info, I’ll be in touch.”
“Thanks, Connor.” He ended the call just as Natalie returned to the kitchen.
“I’m all set.”
Barefoot, she was dressed in quick-dry shorts, revealing her strong, slender legs and a rashguard to protect her from the sun. In her hands, she carried a plastic bag with sunscreen, a small box of bandages, and her cell phone. And she had him rethinking everything about his plans. He just couldn’t put her at risk.
Royer was a wild card. He didn’t know what kind of supplies or support the man had. If they went out for a cruise and Royer spotted her first, it could be a disaster.
“Don’t be mad, but there’s been a change of plans.” Trent wanted to speak with Corey, to figure out what leverage Royer was using. “Are you willing to hang out here while I deal with a couple of things?”
“Things you can’t discuss?”
“Not yet anyway.” He pulled her close, enjoying the feel of her hands in his. “I’m still renting the boat, but we’ll have a sunset cruise instead.” He pointed to the boat he had in mind, ready to book the rental.
After inspecting his choice, she tipped her head up, eyes dancing. “Sounds like a good time. I’ll call my sisters and they’ll help me get a picnic dinner ready.”
“You’re the best, Natalie.”
She grinned and gave him a swift kiss. “Thanks for noticing.”
He reviewed the security protocol with her, called Jess to clear it and get someone over here to keep watch, and then he headed to the marina to speak with a mechanic about a killer.
CHAPTER 14
By noon, Natalie was struggling to focus. Jess had come by the Hideaway shortly after Trent left to check in and share photos of the men assigned to keep watch while Trent was out. Naturally, she refused to share any details about his work plans.
Annoying, yes. And also the right thing. Natalie had to respect her friend’s professional boundaries. After confirming there hadn’t been new problems from her ex-husband’s endeavors, she’d stopped stalling and ordered the foundations and pipe cleaners for the kids’ art booth at the music festival. If she outgrew her space at the gallery, her sisters would let her stash boxes in their garage. It was only a couple of months away.
Without a project to occupy her hands, she was at a loss. She’d washed sheets and towels, changed her mind three times about what to wear tonight, and now she was desperate for some personal interaction.
She’d promised Trent a picnic dinner. A bold move, considering her cooking limitations. After a quick inventory, she called Celeste and got some meal planning advice. Online, she placed the grocery order, requesting priority delivery so she would have time to bake her favorite apple pie cake.
Maybe it was silly, but she wanted to impress Trent. Something more than breakfast items most kids mastered with ease. S’mores were way too simple. The apple pie cake was an all-around winner. Super easy to make, with flavors and perfect texture that made folks think she’d slaved all day. In some ways, it had become her signature dish. The item she always brought to pitch-ins and community events.
More importantly, the cake was the one recipe her mother had taught her that she’d actually memorized and baked with confidence.
She could hardly believe she was going on a secondofficialdate with Trent in as many days. Being with him was amazing and she wasn’t just thinking of how well she’d slept in his arms. Yes, part of their timing was due to the threat against her. Well, nothing was perfect.
Except a little romance out on the water.
They would have the best time tonight. She just knew it would be a memory to carry with her for the rest of her days. The idea of him being so thoughtful and thorough—for her—was delightful. She wanted him tofeeljust how much she appreciated his effort.
