Page 4 of Island Holiday

Sonya never cared for winter weather. Growing up, her cold-weather gear was always second hand. Threadbare and worn out, the hand-me-downs didn’t make her feel cozy at all. She’d chosen a school further south mainly to get away from her dysfunctional family and discovered she preferred Christmas inplaces with balmy weather where she could wear shorts and flip-flops and wade through a cool ocean foam if the mood struck.

Besides, the current gorgeous conditions made following her target much easier.

Zimmer, currently half a block ahead of her, did an excellent casual-tourist impersonation with his khaki slacks, deck shoes, and a dark blue zip-up jacket open over a golf shirt.

If her field skills had been better, she would have used this time to search his room. Unfortunately, Hargrave Hideaway, the bed and breakfast where he was staying, was a bit too small. She’d inquired online about a reservation. From the resulting email exchange, she’d realized the three sisters who ran it were hospitable and friendly, and attentive enough that they wouldn’t overlook a stranger snooping around.

Sonya had to find another way to learn why Zimmer was here. As far as she could tell, it was his first visit to the island. Most recently, he’d visited Myrtle Beach, the Outer Banks, and Savannah, Georgia, sites that matched up with his recent suitcase testers.

The historic Inn on Brookwell had plenty of rooms, a luxury spa, room service, and a fine-dining restaurant. Based on his previous travels, that’s where he should be staying.

Instead, he’d chosen the B&B.

Yesterday she had rented a bike and taken herself on a tour of the island, driving by the B&B for any clues explaining his decision. Of course, she came up empty.

If she could just figure out what he was up to she could give her bosses a head start and feel good about her upcoming time off over Christmas.

Her financial investigation had stalled out in the tangle of shell companies. Not a dead end, but not giving up any new information or insight right now. She was missing something important. Something a protector in the field would probablysee right away. But it was just her out here, for now. Determination and perseverance could make the difference, so she kept searching.

She trailed Zimmer as he walked down toward the waterfront area, bustling with activity this morning. The locals just referred to it as the marina, but it was far more than docks and boats. From her research, she’d learned the island ran quite a few deep-sea fishing charters, so it was no surprise to find that nearly a third of the slips were vacant. Proof that most of those boats were still out on the water at this hour. Personally owned vessels of various sizes seemed to be moored in a different section, closer to the marina office. And at the far end, several smaller sailboats were tethered.

Back from the water, a long row of shops with a covered boardwalk invited locals and tourists alike to linger and enjoy the expansive, mesmerizing view. She wasn’t sure how any of the locals ever got anything done. She had a difficult time keeping her mind on her task when the beach beckoned under a cloudless sky and fresh breeze.

Coming across a coffee stand, Sonya placed her order. She’d find a seat and pretend to be a tourist while keeping tabs on Zimmer. He seemed to be meandering, but she didn’t believe he did anything without a purpose.

On the counter near the register, she noticed a basket of individually wrapped pastries and holiday cookies elaborately decorated as sand dollars with holiday motifs. Clever. And smart cross-promotion, too. According to the label, the treats were provided by the Bread Basket bakery on Central. She added a cookie with a red stocking on it to her order.

Although this was her first visit, she was already convinced the Bread Basket was the prime reason visitors flocked to the island. Just one taste of the bakery’s signature strudel and she was already addicted.

Sonya decided to place an order for Girl Christmas. That’s what she and Hannah and Harper called the mini-vacation they squeezed in at some point during the holiday season. Time for the three of them to hang out and relax. Harper never mentioned Brookwell, though as attuned as she was to the local hospitality industry, she must know about all its charms. The strudel would be an easy and delicious breakfast for the three of them.

She’d barely settled at a little bistro table when a stranger approached. “Pardon me. I think you dropped this.” She held out a business card.

Sonya pulled her gaze away from Zimmer to the woman who’d spoken. “You must be mistaken.”

“I’m not.” The blonde smiled and stuck out her hand. “Jess Billings. Though you probably know my maiden name, Jess Keller.”

Sonya managed not to groan, but it was a near thing. She’d forgotten the announcement welcoming a regional coordinator to the agency. A woman with offices in South Carolina. “Nice to meet you.”

Jess grinned, taking a seat across from Sonya. “For the record, that wasn’t very believable.”

“Sorry.”

“No worries.” Jess sipped her coffee as if they were a couple of old friends catching up. “Want to tell me what you’re doing out here?”

Not really. Sonya kept that thought inside. “Scoping out vacation spots?”

“Try again,” Jess prompted in a friendly voice.

“You already know, don’t you?” She sounded defensive, but that was better than guilty.

Jess nodded.

“I was about to clear it with Gamble.”

Jess studied her for a long moment. “I believe you.” She traced the edge of the sleeve around her coffee cup. “But you’re taking a big risk.” She leaned forward. “Why not use the resources at your disposal?”

Sonya frowned.

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