Page 45 of Island Homecoming

“Now I know y’all don’t want to be here indefinitely. To that end,” Caldwell continued. “We’re about to set our trap. With the help of our outside consultants, law enforcement at the state level, and the Coast Guard, we’ve circulated the rumor that we’re going to move this seizure to a Coast Guard vessel for transport to another facility for disposal.

“This crew has made two attempts to reclaim their product, including an attempt to park a spy in a local business.”

Jess kept her expression neutral rather than give in to the cringe. He was referring to that night at Billings Nursery. A close call she still fretted over. Maybe if she’d been more aggressive her first night on duty and pulled her gun, this would be over already. Too bad life didn’t have a rewind option.

“So we’re confident this rumor and the necessary activity around the warehouse will draw some action.” He paused, his gaze scanning the room. “This operation has been reviewed with the primary purpose of protecting the island. This community will not get labeled as a relay point for these smugglers. No way anyone will tolerate that. And I’m not about to start taking chances on intercepting trucks or shipments on a regular basis.”

A murmur of agreement rolled through the task force. Jess agreed with Caldwell one hundred percent. The last thing Brookwell needed was a problem on the bridge or the ferries that linked them to Charleston proper. She’d seen enough of those instances and the problems they created back in Key West.

Frasier stepped up beside Caldwell. “The Coast Guard will be moving this way over the next few hours. Our marina can’t support their cutter, but they have a launch to send in. Their focus will be on the waterways closest to the warehouse.”

“Will that rickety dock be strong enough to tie off their launch?” Steve Powell, from the Guardian Agency, earned a few laughs with his query.

“It’ll hold,” Frasier said. Excitement softened his usually stern demeanor. “If not, they are experts at water rescue,” he joked.

“We expect action by tomorrow night at the latest,” Caldwell said. “I appreciate everyone’s willingness and cooperation to stay on station until we’re done. Frasier will coordinate assignments and shift changes. And after some debate,” Caldwell glanced toward his sergeants, “we’re parking someone in that boat as well. Not the most comfortable option.”

Jess raised her hand. “I can take the boat.”

Frasier’s pointed look was loaded with skepticism. She arched an eyebrow in return. She was up to the challenge. She wouldn’t hesitate to draw her weapon. Not knowing that the smugglers would be coming in determined and likely armed to the teeth. She’d proven her reliability to the team, even if she and Burrell had failed to contain the smuggler hiding in the nursery.

“Hey now,” Sergeant Maggie Kinney piped up, “if Keller takes the boat, Scott and I can provide backup at the dock.”

Jess gave her a small nod. Maggie enjoyed island life, but having never overcome her tendency for motion sickness, she avoided being out on the water whenever she could.

Frasier was making notes and once he had everyone in their preferred locations, he lifted the paper. “I’ll get this formalized and emailed around.”

Caldwell stepped forward again. “Any questions?”

Jess raised her hand again. “Has there been any progress on a local connection to the smugglers?”

Caldwell’s face clouded over. “I continue to pass all our intel up the chain. The state officials have another team working on that.”

She started to ask a follow-up question when the chief cut her off. “We understand the potential problem, Keller. The investigation will continue, no matter the success of this particular focus.”

“Thank you, sir.” No one in this room wanted to doubt their neighbors, but they didn’t want anyone to get away with assisting the smuggling operation either. Jess reminded herself that good police work required patience. Whoever the local contact was, they’d eventually make a mistake and Caldwell or the state police would bring them in.

With luck, that local contact would get rolled up in this trap and no one would need to wonder or look over their shoulder anymore.

Time would tell.

Once the meeting broke up, Jess sent Nash a text. She let him know she was on duty until further notice and that she’d call him as soon as she was allowed. Then she sent another text to Gamble and Swann, accepting the job offer. After this, she was done being a cop. She wanted something less exciting, something more positive. Hopefully, being a regional coordinator would fit the bill.

Then she turned off her phone and prepared herself, mentally and physically, for the task ahead.

Chapter 14

Nasharrivedatthenursery an hour earlier than usual. Why stay in bed when sleep wasn’t happening? He’d tossed and turned all night, hoping Jess would show up. She hadn’t. Of course she hadn’t. Her text had been clear that she’d call as soon as the operation at the warehouse wrapped up.

Whenever that might be.

He glanced that way now and paused to listen for any commotion and only heard the typical pre-dawn quiet. A soft glow hovered at the horizon, not nearly enough light to sweep away the shadows in the trees. The air was cool and heavy with dew. Normally, he appreciated this time of day when the world was still. Today, not so much.

It was impossible not to be impatient. He wanted to see her, to know she was safe and well. He wanted to hold her and never let go.

He was addicted to her. Though there were probably better ways to phrase it. Love. He was in love with her. If he’d learned anything since she’d returned to the island it was that. She was it for him. Love was the cause of the chaos beating in his chest and the questions swirling through his mind on an endless loop.

Question one: when could he tell her he loved her?

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