Page 5 of Island Homecoming

“You’ve helped our team in Ellington Cove on numerous occasions and we’re happy to show our appreciation.”

“You’re welcome?” She posed it as a question. She’d done her job, that was all. She was a cop, committed to the community.

Swann continued, “I do have one favor to ask. Whether or not you agree, nothing changes about the way we handle your situation here.”

“Okay.” Jess glanced toward Miller, wondering how closely he was listening. It would be hardnotto hear her side of the conversation in a station this small, especially when it was deserted.

“Gabby tells me you’re headed to South Carolina. Back home for a little bit.”

“That’s right.”

“We just picked up a request from the local police department in your hometown. They made a large, unexpected drug seizure and need help with the security on site.”

The island police department had always been small and never a big hub for drug trafficking. Not like Key West. “The state hasn’t taken control?”

“Not yet. The authorities want to keep the contraband where it is. Hoping to draw out the smugglers on the route so they can work their way up the food chain.”

“I see.” Despite her passion for criminal justice and law enforcement, it had never been her goal to be a cop in her hometown. Brookwell Island was too small and there were too many personal ties. Not unlike the small Georgia town she was stuck in right now. Everyone thought they knew all the details about each other.

Most of the time they did.

And what they didn’t know, they were willing to fabricate. She’d fallen into that trap herself, inadvertently bringing trouble down hard on a friend she cared for deeply. She’d considered it an invaluable experience and had learned to do better. Although refusing to jump to conclusions now didn’t rectify the damage she’d done. A lingering pain she carried with her.

“What do you need?” She’d agree to just about any request because Swann was getting her out of a sticky situation much faster than she could do it on her own.

“Once you reach Brookwell, please check in with Chief Caldwell. He’ll have instructions for you.”

“All right.” She smiled to herself. Reed Caldwell had been the police chief as far back as she could remember. Down-to-earth and soft-spoken, his commitment to the community and his practical insistence on hearing out both parties in every conflict had inspired her love of police work. “Does this make me a Guardian Agency protector?”

“Gamble and I think we’ll probably settle on something along the lines of ‘temporary consultant’ if that works for you.”

This conversation made it clear why her friends at the Cove were so proud of their ties to this agency. Gamble and Swann ran an efficient group, one rooted in compassion and anchored by good leadership. “Yes, that works for me. Thank you, Mr. Swann.”

When she was cut loose from the sheriff station about an hour later, Jess got on the road and didn’t stop until she crossed the state line into South Carolina. At the first rest area, she found parking and hunkered down for a good nap. Her parents were expecting her and she wouldn’t let them down. As she reclined her seat and confirmed her doors were locked, she promised herself that on her way back to Key West she’d spend at least one night at the renowned Ellington hotel in downtown Charleston.

Chapter 2

NashBillingsdrovedownthe shady, tree-lined street toward the house where he grew up. Sunday dinner was one of those things that wasn’t technically required, but highly encouraged in his family.

Beside him, his younger sister Nina chattered about the latest contract she’d secured with the newest bed and breakfast in town. “Hargrave House is the only B&B on the island with a private cove.” She bounced in her seat. “The ocean views are stunning. They’ll be packed every day of the year.”

Nash frowned. “That’s a big change.” The place had been a summer vacation home for the Hargraves for as long as he could remember. “I’ve been doing the landscaping over there for years.”

“I’m sure they’ll keep you on,” Nina said. “None of the daughters have the expertise or equipment. Plus, they’ll be busy with guests. The oldest, Celeste, she loves flowers and plants and gardening. Come to think of it—”

“Stop right there,” he warned. “If you say anything remotely close to a matchmaking remark I’m going to tell Mom about your last trip to Charleston.”

She gasped. “You wouldn’t dare.”

He smirked. “When have I ever avoided a dare?”

She huffed. “How do you even know about that?” she demanded in a whisper, though they were alone in the truck.

He didn’t, not the details anyway. He knew she’d gone into town for a girls’ weekend but according to the island gossip grapevine, she’d met a guy. Spent some time with him.On a girls’ weekend. He’d assumed there was some kind of pinky-swear law against that.

“It’s smart,” he admitted.

“What is?”

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