“I knew her during my army days in Germany. She has some serious emotional issues. I’m hoping she gets tired of whatever game she’s playing and goes away.”
Greg rejoined them in time to hear the abbreviated explanation. “If it’s any consolation, I haven’t seen her all day.”
“She’s still in town, though.” And probably up to no good. “If she comes around again and I’m gone, I’d appreciate it if you’d let me know.”
“Sure. Sorry you have to deal with such a hassle.” Greg pulled out his keys. “If there’s anything else we can do to help, let us know.”
“I appreciate that. Marci, why don’t I walk you to your car?”
After another round of thanks, they exited.
All was quiet in the neighborhood as they followed the flagstone path to the street. Two seagulls soared overhead. A child’s laugh floated through the salty air. From the jetty, the muffled, measured blare of the foghorn echoed.
It appeared to be a normal evening in Hope Harbor.
He hoped appearances weren’t deceiving.
Marci hit the autolock button and paused next to the driver’s door, swiveling away from Rachel and Greg’s house to hide her face from their view.
“I’ve missed seeing you.” He rested his elbow on the roof of her car and angled toward her.
“How long are we going to keep this up?”
“I wish I knew.”
She sighed. “Maybe we’ll have to arrange another midnight rendezvous.”
“I don’t know. I’d hate to interfere with your beauty sleep—and I’m not certain I trust myself alone with you in the middle of the night again.”
“I trust you.”
“That makes one of us.” He hitched up one side of his mouth to let her know he was kidding.
Sort of.
She slanted a look toward the house. “Do you think they’re watching us?”
“Hard to say.”
A raindrop landed on her cheek, and she lifted her chin, smiling. “Thank you, God.” She bent down, retrieved an umbrella from the passenger seat, opened it—and tilted it toward the house. “A rudimentary cloaking device.”
He grinned. “A fellow Star Trek fan. I knew there was a reason I liked you.”
“Yeah?” She gave him a saucy shoulder prod. “Prove it.”
Adjusting the umbrella, he dipped his head and stole a quick kiss that only left him wanting more.
But it would have to do for tonight.
For a long moment after he straightened up, her eyelids remained closed.
“Mmm. Too short.” Her lashes finally fluttered open.
“Sorry. Best I can do under the circumstances.”
“I know. I’ll take what I can get for now—as long as I can look forward to more later.”
“Count on it.” He closed the umbrella and handed it back to her. “Call me after you get home from the meeting?”
“Yes.” She slid behind the wheel. “Expect to hear from me by ten, unless we run long.”
“Be careful.”
“Always. Talk to you soon.”
With a nod, he closed the door and moved back.
She started the engine and drove away, flashing her lights in farewell.
He lifted his hand in response, watching until she turned the corner.
Seconds later, Greg pulled out of his driveway and followed her down the street.
Once both cars disappeared, Ben strolled back to Skip’s house, giving the neighborhood one more inspection.
No sign of Nicole.
Where was she?
He wished to heaven he knew.
Because nervous as her presence had made him for the past five days, her absence was more disconcerting. At least while she was parked in front of his house or following him, he knew what she was up to.
Now?
It was anyone’s guess.
Unless Lexie or her crew had spotted her somewhere and were willing to give him an update.
It was worth a call, anyway.
23
“That should wrap up tonight’s meeting, unless anyone else has another item to discuss.” Marci surveyed the eight members of the lighthouse committee seated around the conference room table.
“I have nothing to add except to say I think this is moving along splendidly.” Father Murphy smiled at her. “On behalf of all of us, I want to thank you for taking on this project—and commend you for the tremendous results we’re already seeing from your crowdfunding appeal. This wired world we live in is astonishing.”
“I agree that the ability to reach huge numbers of people in our short window was a godsend.”
“A perfect word.” The priest’s smile broadened.
“But without everyone’s efforts, we’d never have gotten this far. I wouldn’t have tackled the project alone. BJ and Michael lined up the volunteer crew for the restoration work. Eric handled all the legal stuff at warp speed. Rose has gardeners far and wide chomping at the bit to dig into the dirt up there. The rest of you have been phenomenal too. If ever there was a group effort, this is it.”
“It’s gratifying to see so many people rally to save a town landmark. It would have been terrible to lose a structure that was a beacon of hope for decades.” Charley linked his fingers on the table.
“I think everyone realized that once it became a real possibility.” Marci tapped her papers into alignment. “I’ll keep you all informed of the donation tally by email. Other than that, why don’t we all continue with our various jobs and meet again next Wednesday?”
After a murmur of assent, everyone stood and began filing out.
“Marci, do you need me to stay for any further discussion tonight?” Greg joined her at the head of the table.
“No—but I’ll be in touch later in the week to talk more about the job, now that everyone has put their stamp of approval on you. And if donations keep coming in at this rate, we might be able to put you on the payroll sooner rather than later.”
“Don’t stretch the budget until there’s some cushion. Uncle Sam is taking care of me for now, thanks to this.” He indicated his leg. “Not that I want to rely on government assistance forever, but it’s okay for a while.”
“You earned whatever compensation you’re getting.”
He shrugged. “That’s what Rachel says—but I wasn’t raised to let someone else take care of
