Page 14 of Deadly Past

Declan grabbed a buggy. Together, they started down the first of five aisles.

“This place is quaint,” Wynona whispered.

“Yeah. It’s been in the Edward family since the place opened in the 1800s.”

“You’re kidding?” Wynona couldn’t believe it. “Talk about putting down roots.”

Declan laughed which drew her in. She loved the sound of his laughter. How she wished she’d heard it more during their brief marriage.

“There are a lot of families on the island who go back generations. It’s one of the reasons why I love it here so much. I feel as if I’m living in a simpler time.”

She could certainly understand.

“I figure we’ll purchase enough food to last for several days just in case,” he said when her brows arched. “You never know about these storms when they blow in off the ocean. Most of the time they’re in and out in a day, but sometimes they leave behind a lot of snow and ice that can damage the power lines.”

A shiver sped down her spine. It felt as if everything were closing in, including the weather.

Declan must have seen her reaction. “You’ll be safe there. The only way onto the island is by boat. I doubt that he brought a boat here, and everyone on the island keeps their boats safeguarded, especially with a storm moving in.”

She slowly smiled. “You’re right.”

He returned her smile before saying, “I have plenty of candles and flashlights, but I’ll grab some extra batteries while you pick out some things for your favorite meals. I have a freezer that is stocked with meat, so we should be covered there.”

Wynona started down the aisle with the buggy. She was an okay chef and enjoyed being in the kitchen. As she summoned up some of her favorite meals, she grabbed the ingredients necessary to prepare them. She stopped at the small section of fresh vegetables and selected some potatoes and the rest of the necessary vegetables to make one of Declan’s favorite dishes—beef stew.

He found her on the next aisle over and placed an assortment of batteries in the buggy. “Did you find everything you need?”

“I think so.” She told him her plans for several meals. “How about we grab some eggs and bacon for breakfast, and I can make pancakes.”

He closed his eyes. “That all sounds wonderful. I’m not much of a cook with the exception of breakfast.”

She remembered. Remembering those special breakfasts in bed he’d surprised her with brought back all the pain, and she peered away from his handsome face.

“The eggs and milk are over here,” he said, unaware of her mood change. Declan wheeled the buggy over to the dairy section and placed several containers of eggs and milk inside. “I almost forgot the maple syrup.” He left to grab the syrup while she tried to collect herself. She’d thought she’d dealt with these feelings after the divorce. They weren’t good together. That was all there was to it. So, why was she wishing their marriage hadn’t ended the way it had?

“Got it.”

She jumped when he appeared nearby.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you.”

Wynona gathered a couple of breaths. “No, it’s okay. I guess I’m just a little on edge,” she said to cover up the truth.

“Ready to check out?” Declan asked as he guided the buggy toward the cash register.

“I don’t think we can fit anything else into our buggy, so yes.”

He laughed and piled their choices up on the counter while Mr. Edwards rang them up.

Declan refused to allow her to help pay for the food. He loaded the bags into the buggy. “Thank you, Mr. Edwards. Stay warm.”

“You, too.” The older man eyed Wynona curiously. “Take care of your young lady now, you hear?”

“Yes, sir.” Declan winked at Wynona before they stepped outside. He wheeled the buggy over to the truck and loaded the bags inside. “Why don’t you get in where it’s warm? I’ll return the buggy.” He unlocked the truck and held the door open while she climbed inside. “I won’t be a minute.”

Wynona gathered her jacket around her and watched as Declan entered the store. She hit the lock button, suddenly feeling exposed even though she could see Declan was close enough to spot anything out of the ordinary as he spoke to Mr. Edwards.

Somewhere nearby a noise grabbed her attention. A car door shutting. She jerked around in her seat. A vehicle with a man inside was parked across the street. He was staring right at her. Just for a second, their eyes met, and her throat threatened to close. She recognized him immediately. The man who broke into her house. The man who took Lacey.

---