The taxi sputtered as it pulled away. Jones lightly set his hand on her leg. “You have been so quiet.”
Gwen came out of her daze, sporting a nervous smile. “I just have a fear of flying. I feel better now that we’re safely on the ground.”
“It’s completely safe, Gwen. I used to fly with people shooting at me … now that’s when someone should have a fear of flying,” he said with a cocky grin.
Gwen went into reporter mode. “I guess you were like one of those guys in
He appeared annoyed by the question. “We were Air Force-
Jones could spot a drunk driver three counties away, but couldn’t notice a sense of humor if it smacked him across his skull.
“Did you still get to have one of those cool pilot nicknames like Maverick or Ice Man?”
“I was Batman.”
“Did you have one of those co-pilots like Goose?”
“It’s a wingman-not a co-pilot. He was Robin … we were Batman and Robin.”
“I’m glad we had a couple superheroes keeping us free and safe. That must be an amazing bond, I can’t even imagine the connection.”
“What do you mean?”
“Wingmen. You put your lives on the line for each other every time you went up in that plane. It must connect you for life. Do you and Robin stay in touch?”
“I haven’t seen him since I left Arizona. We had a falling out-a girl came between us.”
“I’m sorry. Maybe I can arrange a reunion.” She smiled. “Your new girlfriend wouldn’t make you choose. If you give me his name…”
He put his arm around her. “I’m just concentrating on who I’m with right now. I’m very happy.” He kissed her on the cheek and she fought against her natural squirm.
“Then I’m going to concentrate on getting to know my brave pilot even better. Did you get the name because you were a big Batman fan? I used to religiously watch the TV show when I was a kid.”
He seemed to travel down memory lane. Gwen wondered what skeletons he passed on his trip.
“I got it because just when it looked like the bad guys would get away, I’d spring out of the darkness to save the day. Just like Batman. Plus, I flew in a swooping style like a bat.”
“For what it’s worth, Kyle, I think you are a lot like Batman. Always taking the law into your own hands to get the bad guys, so that Rockfield is a safer place. When I was a little girl I always dreamed of marrying a cowboy. You are a modern day cowboy.”
Jones’ mood switched on the dime. “I never take the law into my own hands! I’m a police officer. I took an oath to follow the law and that is what I do.”
Gwen took it as a sign to back off the conversation. As he brooded, she gazed out her window, taking in the view of Ocracoke. It was a quaint island with pristine beaches. It looked like it came straight out of a travel brochure.
A few miles later they entered the most populated section of the island that surrounded Silver Lake-motels, grocery stores, and gift shops seemed to appear out of nowhere. People filled the streets, walking and biking like they were in a fitness infomercial. Jones noticed that the Ocracoke Lighthouse, which stood over the village as if it were guarding it from intrusion, had grabbed her attention.
“The lighthouse was built in 1823 and can be seen as far as twenty miles out at sea. If you’d like, we can take a tour during your visit.”
She forced a smile. “I’d love to Kyle.”
Chapter 50
Gwen reached into her overnight bag and pulled out a camera. As the taxi stopped at a sandy intersection, she snapped photos of the lighthouse. “This place is wonderful, Kyle. What inspired you to move here?”
“My family came here on vacation a few times when my parents were stationed in North Carolina. When I left Arizona, I was at a crossroads-unsure what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. Ocracoke had always provided me with peace, so I figured it would be a good place to sort things out. I fell in love so much with the homey atmosphere that I bought a house on the beach and vowed I’d only leave if I could find a place that matched the small town feel. That’s why, when I decided to return to police work, I chose Rockfield over other offers. You should see the small store that’s docked in the harbor. It’s practically the floating version of the Rockfield Village Store.”
“What made you return to police work?”
“I enjoyed my life here, but I had always felt a calling to stopping the bad guys, so to speak.”
His answers sounded like cover stories to Gwen. His preparedness didn’t surprise her, and his intelligence wasn’t to be underestimated.
The cab driver pulled into the small parking lot of The Back Porch and dropped them off. The wait was short, and they were soon seated at a patio table-a light breeze blew, filling Gwen’s senses with the aroma of the ocean. She thought that this really would be a fantastic vacation spot under different circumstances. Jones took control, ordering for her-a fillet of flounder dredged in nuts, and an iced tea.
When the waiter left, Gwen instinctively rolled up her sleeve to scratch her itching arm.
He reached across the table and grabbed her hand.
“What are you doing?” she asked, nervously.
“You shouldn’t itch that-it will only make it worse.”
Gwen stared back, thinking there was no way he could ever have known how she got it. But there was something about the look in his eyes that scared her.
“You’re right, Kyle. But sometimes it itches so much it’s hard not to.”
“Life is all about self discipline, Gwen.”
She nodded subserviently.
“So where did you get poison ivy?” he asked.
The question caught her off guard. “Um … I’m really not sure. I must have gone somewhere I shouldn’t have.” She fixated on the oozing red bubbles spread across her forearm.
“I guess there are always consequences for going where we shouldn’t go.”
Gwen needed to regain control of the conversation. She reached into her bag and pulled out her camera. She focused it on Jones, and took a photo of him as he sipped his drink.
“What are you doing?” he asked with annoyance.
“I think I’m going to do a story on you for the
His face angered. “I thought you came here to be with me. But obviously you only care about your career.”
“All I want to do is get to know the real you-as would Rockfield. You never talk about your past … your family … your hopes and dreams. I’m your girlfriend, but you treat me like a reporter,” she said loud enough to purposefully make a scene. She hoped the patrons staring in their direction would remember this moment when she went missing.
Jones got his emotions under control. “I’m sorry, Gwen. It just takes me a long time to trust someone.”
“I’m sorry too. I guess the journalist in me gets the best of me sometimes. I know it can be a little overbearing.”
The waiter arrived with their food, interrupting the tense moment. They ate in silence, allowing Gwen to gather her thoughts. Since he’d brought up the topic of trust, she thought she would continue with the theme.
“You know how you said you don’t trust people easily, Kyle?”
“Yes.”
