“Sometimes love isn’t enough.”
“It’s always enough,” Ziggy said.
Callie took her hands. “Your brother and I spent a year using and lying to each other all while falling madly in love. That has Greek tragedy written all over it. We’re lucky one of us isn’t dead.”
“That’s a cop-out. Do you want to know what I think?”
“Does it matter? Because I think you’re going to tell me anyway.” Callie turned and headed back toward the dock and the best fried clam roll on the West Coast.
“The two of you got together during a high-profile case where he couldn’t give you, the press, the information you wanted, and you had to sneak around to get it. That made you adversaries.”
“Why don’t you tell me something I don’t know,” Callie said. There were times it took Ziggy way too long to get to a point. Normally, it was an endearing quality but not this afternoon.
“The two of you always supported each other. You bent over backwards not to step on each other’s toes. And damn it, Callie, you love my stupid brother, and don’t tell me you don’t.”
“Okay, I won’t. But that’s not the point. Our ship has sailed.” The wind kicked up as she hiked the steps. She’d put in their order for the clam rolls when she’d gotten there, and they should be ready by now.
Along with hot cider.
Life didn’t get any better than that.
Unless she was eating half naked in bed with Jag.
“I disagree. I just think your sails are all tangled up and just need some straightening out. I wish you would stay a few months and give him a shot. He’s a changed man. He’s lost that chip on his shoulder, and he’s mellowed a lot. He’s certainly not half as cocky as he used to be. I really think losing you fundamentally changed him and on some levels for the best. But he’s a broken man without you.”
“I think he’s a better man since I left.” Callie approached the take-out window. “I have an order for Dixon.”
The girl in the seaside restaurant handed Callie a big bag along with a credit card slip to sign. Callie tucked a five-dollar bill into the tip jar. She found a picnic table and pulled out what smelled like a little piece of salty heaven.
“That’s bullshit. And I know it because I’ve been here for the last year. You haven’t.” Ziggy lifted her roll into the air and took a huge bite before her eyes rolled to the back of her head. “Damn. These are the fucking best.”
“Better than even in Boston,” Callie said.
“I’ll take your word for it.” Ziggy lifted a clam strip that had fallen from her sandwich and plopped it into her mouth. “But in all seriousness. I know he was really glad to see you.”
“Yeah. Did he say that? Because when he first saw me, he couldn’t get away from me fast enough.”
“Because his heart is still raw.”
“Not raw enough. He freaking took out Bailey on a date.”
Ziggy burst out laughing. “He was trying to replace you, only that chick is a bitch. He hasn’t dated anyone since.”
“I’m sure he’s had a booty call or two.”
Ziggy arched a brow as she wiped her fingers with a napkin. “He’ll never get over you, and I can see it in your eyes. You’re never getting over him, so just give up, cave to your desires, and get back together with my brother.” She pointed toward the parking lot. “Looks like Jackie and her cameraman are here. I’ll see you back at Jag’s place.”
“What?”
“He didn’t tell you? I’m spending the night on the island. He said I could have the guest room since you’re staying with him.”
Callie narrowed her eyes. “He didn’t say that.”
“You know, my brother might not be as arrogant as he used to be when it comes to work, but he’s still a cocky son of bitch when it comes to you, so yeah, that’s exactly what he said. See you in a bit.” With that, Ziggy stood and practically skipped down the dock toward the parking lot.
Wonderful.
Jackie Cash smiled and waved as she sashayed her way down the wood planks with her cameraman one step behind. Her wavy brown hair bounced like a shampoo commercial against her shoulders. She had to be a good five foot eleven in flat shoes. She had a natural beauty and carried herself with an air of confidence that couldn’t be mistaken for ego.
Something Callie had to admit she was a little bit jealous of.
“Callie Dixon,” Jackie said. “It’s good to see you.”
“It’s good to see you too.” Callie leaned in and kissed her cheek before easing over to the bench that overlooked the beach. “I appreciate you coming out here to do this.”
“Never in a million years did I think you would ever suggest I interview you.”
“You should know that Bailey is going to run a piece about me tonight as well. I spoke to her, but it was off the record, and nothing like what I’m willing to tell you.”
“She called me to tell me she had a piece about you.” Jackie went about hooking up a mic to Callie’s jacket. It felt strange to be on the other side of an interview. “I wouldn’t be surprised if she took a negative approach.”
“I know exactly the approach she’s taking, and it’s to make me look bad. She’s more concerned that I’m going to ask for my job back.”
“Are you?” Jackie asked. She took a step back and glanced down at her own microphone, making a minor adjustment.
“I have no desire to go back to that life.”
“Too bad. You always kept me on my toes,” Jackie said. “So basically I’ve been doing a series on unsolved crime in Seattle, so it’s perfect timing. I want to focus on why you felt the need to write the book. I just want the personal angle. You got the questions I sent over, correct?”
“I did.”
“Was there anything you want me to stay clear
