Witch Out of Water Read online

  “Do you think I don’t know that?” Galen flashed a rueful smile. “I know it. I can’t always help it. I was jealous when I saw you together, and something inside just snapped.”

  The admission caused me to squirm in my chair. “You were jealous? But … we weren’t doing anything.”

  “I know. I’m not blaming you. I’m blaming Booker.”

  “Because he knows how to get under your skin?”

  “Because he’s always had a way with women that makes them go weak in the knees. I swear, if the women on this island were cartoon characters little hearts would pop out of their eyes whenever they see him. It’s frustrating … and demoralizing at times.”

  I couldn’t help but laugh at the cartoon heart visual. “Nice.” I remembered the way the teenagers at the festival the other night looked at Galen. “I don’t get the feeling you did all that bad in the dating department, and I’m referring to before we started going out. You don’t have any reason to be jealous of Booker. You know that, right?”

  “I’m not jealous because Booker gets around,” Galen clarified. “I was jealous earlier because … you’re the one person I’m interested in. I mean … the only one. I don’t see why he can’t focus on the other five hundred women in town who would fall all over themselves to hang with him and leave you alone. And, yes, I know that sounds petty and proprietary. I can’t help it.”

  Surprisingly, I understood where he was coming from. “You don’t have to worry about Booker. We really did run into each other outside the cemetery. He was only walking me back.”

  “I know. I trust you. I just … it’s Booker.”

  The face Galen made was adorable. “Well, he should clearly be flogged.” I snickered when Galen’s expression twisted to agitation. “What is in this bag?” I leaned forward, hoping to change the subject. “Whatever it is, it smells good.”

  “Fried green tomato sandwiches and elephant ears.”

  My eyebrows flew up. “Wow! I’m impressed. You went all out.”

  “I just wanted you to know that I was really sorry … because I am. I don’t think of you as a possession or anything, however you phrased it in town. I am grateful to have you around, but I don’t want to control you. What happened earlier was simply a timing issue.”

  “The prosecutor irritated you, Booker irritated you more, and I didn’t help matters by taking off. I get it.”

  “You did the smart thing by taking off,” Galen corrected. “That forced me to look at how I was acting and adjust my attitude.”

  “And Booker is still alive? You guys didn’t start throwing punches after I left, did you?”

  “No. He’s fine. Unfortunately.”

  I snickered as I dug in the bag and came out with a container. “Well, it’s fine now. Booker is off doing Booker things and we have a quiet night to ourselves. What could be better than that?”

  Galen rested his hand on my knee and gave it a good squeeze. “Nothing could be better than that right now.” He was earnest. “Absolutely nothing.”

  I found myself nodding in agreement, all my earlier anger disappearing. “Then let’s eat, huh?”

  “Definitely. I’m starving.”

  “That makes two of us.”

  14

  Fourteen

  We walked on the beach after dinner. Given our proximity to the downtown area, I could hear the revelry but was happy to be away from it … at least for tonight. Galen seemed content to leave his shoes close to the lighthouse and slosh around in the water, which never seemed to drop below a balmy seventy-five degrees from what I could tell. That was probably why Moonstone Bay was such a popular tourist destination.

  “Did you always know you would stay here?” I asked as I slid into my flip-flops and watched Galen retrieve his shoes shortly before ten. “I mean … it’s beautiful here. I don’t know why you’d ever want to leave. It’s a tropical paradise. Still, it’s an island. It’s a bit like being trapped at times.”

  Galen chuckled as he sat on the sand and tugged on a shoe. “I think everyone wonders what life would be like somewhere else. Of course I thought about fleeing to the mainland at some point, maybe setting up shop in Miami or St. Petersburg so I could remain close to the water, but when the time came to make that decision I realized I didn’t want to leave.”

  “Do you ever regret that decision?”

  Galen shook his head. “No. Are you regretting your decision to move here?”

  “Absolutely not.” I meant it. “This is the sort of place I dreamed about living when I was younger and suffering through brutal winters in Michigan. I understand that you’ve got a magical utopia here – in more ways than one – because I grew up somewhere else. I’ve already seen what the mainland has to offer and it’s lacking. I like it here. I was simply asking if you have wanderlust.”

  Galen’s grin was impish. “Since you got here, I’m afflicted with various forms of lust. Wander is not amongst them.”

  “Ha, ha.” I flicked the ridge of his ear. “I guess I was just wondering because of what you said earlier. You grew up here and had occasion to fight with Booker quite often … mostly about girls, apparently. Despite that, you volunteered him to help when I was attacked. It seems weird.”

  “Booker is a good handyman.”

  “And yet you still don’t like him.”

  “I didn’t say I didn’t like him. I said he drove me crazy. That’s true. He drives me crazy on a regular basis … like eat my hair and try to bite my own nose crazy. That doesn’t mean I don’t like him. Er, well, at least occasionally.”

  I snickered as I extended a hand to help him to his feet. “I don’t think I’ll ever understand the way men interact with one another. It’s nutty.”

  “Kind of like your buddy Madame Selena. How did things go with her, by the way?”

  Oh, right. I should’ve expected that question. He was obviously eager to change the topic and Madame Selena was an easy option. “It was fine.”

  Galen waited for me to expand.

  “She was a little manic,” I conceded, rolling my eyes when Galen smirked. “Okay, she was totally obnoxious and seemed more interested in getting a look at May’s books than anything else. She acted like that library was the holy grail of magic information. She didn’t explain anything about being a witch or what I can do. She didn’t offer to help me cast a spell or anything … not that I want to as of yet. Essentially I’m exactly where I was twenty-four hours ago.”

  “That’s not such a bad thing,” Galen pointed out. “I know this is hard for you. I know it’s not what you expected. But you’re strong. You’ll figure this out on your own.”

  “I hope you’re right.”

  “I am right. I have faith in you. I wish you would have faith in yourself.”

  “It’s not that easy when you have no idea where to start or what you’re supposed to be doing.”

  “I guess that’s fair.”

  We lapsed into amiable silence as we walked along the side of the lighthouse and headed toward the front door. I had every intention of kissing him goodnight and sending him on his way rather than inviting him to stay over. I was going to be strong tonight. I was determined. The open door at the front of the lighthouse threw me for a loop.

  “Did you go inside first? I mean … when you came looking for me. Did you come through the front door?”

  Galen shook his head as he tilted his head back and scanned the imposing lighthouse façade. I had no idea what he was looking for, but I imagined it was lights or a hint of movement on the other side of the windows. “No. I knew you were around back.”

  “How?”

  “I scented you.”

  That was a disturbing thought. I wondered what I smelled like. I imagined anise and cloves – two of my favorite scents – but figured it was far more likely I smelled like sweat and frustration. “That’s a wolf thing, right?”

  Galen nodded, all traces of mirth missing from his features. “That’s definitely a wolf thing. I nee
d you to stay here.” He released my hand and reached for the door. “I’ll be right back.”

  He had to be kidding. I gripped his arm so he couldn’t race inside. “You’re not leaving me out here, are you?”

  “I … you’re safer out here.”

  “How do you know that?” I opted to be practical even though I wanted to shake him. “How do you know that someone didn’t break into the lighthouse, realize we were outside, and hide in a bush so he or she can attack me later? If you leave me out here, whoever it is might take the opportunity and jump me while you’re inside.”

  Galen made a face. “If you thought that you’d be hiding in my truck.”

  “Not really.”

  Galen growled. “Fine.” He linked his fingers with mine and tugged me toward the open door. “You stay close and quiet. If I tell you to run, you run.”

  “You don’t have to tell me twice. I’m keen to stay alive.”

  “Good to know.”

  Galen was intent as he quietly slipped through the open door. He kept me close, practically pinned to his side, and cocked his head as he surveyed the room. “Does anything look out of place?” he whispered.

  I shook my head as I glanced around. The living room looked exactly as I’d left it, including the trashy magazine I’d flipped through earlier to take my mind off Booker and Galen’s potential fight. “No. It looks the same.”

  “Okay. This way.” Galen headed toward the stairs. “If someone is inside, it’s obvious he or she is on the second or third floor. No one is down here. I’d be able to scent a third person on this floor.”

  “What are you going to do if you find someone?”

  “Rip off a head.”

  I wanted to believe he was joking, but he looked so serious all I could do was swallow hard. “Okay. That sounds … delightful.”

  Galen flashed a quick smile. “It will be okay. I … .” Whatever he was about to say died on his lips as May flashed into existence in front of him, causing him to jolt back. “Hello!” He used his free hand to clutch at his chest. “You just about gave me a heart attack.”

  “Make a noise next time,” I suggested, looking her up and down. She didn’t appear flustered or upset, so I took that as a good sign. “Did the door blow open or something?”

  May shook her head. “Someone was inside the lighthouse. I tried to get your attention on the beach but either you couldn’t hear me or didn’t want to be interrupted. Given the way you were looking at each other, I believe it was the latter. I didn’t feel comfortable leaving the lighthouse, so I stuck close to make sure whoever it was didn’t steal anything.”

  Galen slid his arm around my waist as he regarded my grandmother’s ghostly countenance. “Well … who was it?”

  May shrugged. “I have no idea. I couldn’t see a face. He wore one of those hoodie things.”

  “Are you sure it was even a man?” I queried. “Women wear hoodies, too.”

  “Oh, well … .” May looked uncertain. “I didn’t look that close. I didn’t see breasts or anything. If it was a man, it wasn’t a big man. If it was a woman, it was a decent-sized woman.”

  “Lovely,” Galen muttered, shaking his head. “Let’s go with the assumption that it was a man for now. Which rooms was he most interested in?”

  “I have no idea. He barely made it inside before I knocked the broom over in the kitchen and frightened him to the point he rabbited. He ran so fast he left the door open. You two showed up a few minutes after that.”

  Galen flicked his eyes to the staircase. “You’re sure no one is here, right? You’re absolutely positive?”

  May nodded, solemn. “Whoever it was ran as soon as I knocked over the broom. He obviously thought it was you two returning.”

  “What about a vehicle?” I asked. “Did he have a vehicle?”

  “Not that I saw.”

  “We would’ve heard a vehicle,” Galen reminded me. “Your driveway isn’t that far from the patio. We would’ve heard if someone drove up.”

  “I didn’t hear you drive up.”

  “Fine. I would’ve heard someone else drive up.” Galen absently rubbed his hand over my back. “I don’t understand why someone would try to break in when it was obvious we were here. I mean … my truck is in the driveway. Anyone approaching would’ve heard us on the back porch.”

  “Unless we were already on the beach,” I pointed out.

  “Still … we weren’t quiet.”

  “Not everyone has your supersonic hearing.”

  “I guess.” Galen exhaled heavily and searched the living room a second time. It looked completely normal. “I guess we can consider ourselves lucky. You need to lock your front door even when you’re home. That’s the safe thing to do and you should be practical.”

  Oh, that was rich. “Two nights ago you said I didn’t have to lock my doors in Moonstone Bay.”

  “I said nothing of the sort.”

  I narrowed my eyes. “You did so. I remember because I pointed out that someone had already broken in and you said not to remind you.”

  “Yes, well … .” Galen’s lips twitched. “Fine. I was wrong. Is that what you want to hear?”

  I grinned, triumphant. “Twice in one day. That has to be some sort of record.”

  “Whatever.” Galen rolled his eyes. “I’m not comfortable with you spending the night here alone even though May clearly chased off whoever was trying to break in. That doesn’t mean he or she won’t return.”

  I knew where this was going. “You’re going to suggest spending the night, aren’t you?”

  Galen snickered. “Only so I can be your bodyguard and make sure you’re safe. That’s what a good sheriff would do, and I am nothing if not diligent when it comes to my job.”

  Ugh. Whatever. “You’re only suggesting this so you can make fun of me tomorrow morning. I don’t want a repeat of that. I felt like an idiot.”

  “I know. I found it funny.”

  “Well, you won’t find it funny tomorrow morning when you’re the one in that position. I’m over that whole thing. You’ll be the one whining.”

  “I have no doubt I will be whining.” Galen strode to the door and shut it, engaging the locks before sliding the security chain into place. “I need to check the other door and all the windows before we head up to bed.”

  “I don’t remember inviting you to stay.”

  “Oh, who are you kidding?” Galen puffed out his chest. “You’ll cry if I leave and we both know it.”

  He was so full of himself it was almost painful. That didn’t change the fact that I would sleep better knowing he was in the house. “I could make you sleep on the couch.”

  “You could, but you won’t.”

  He was so smug. “You don’t know that. I could change my mind.”

  “You won’t.” Galen moved toward the kitchen. “Don’t make threats you can’t keep.”

  “What makes you so sure I can’t keep them?”

  “I just told you. I’m exceedingly good at my job.”

  “We’ll see.”

  “We certainly will.”

  IT TURNED OUT I COULDN’T maintain the threat. I barely put up a token fight. Also, once I told Galen about what happened at the cemetery – the part where I was convinced I was being watched but kind of forgot about it when I ran into Booker – he was practically glued to my side. He didn’t seem to think I was imagining things. We were both thankful to share a bed … and wake next to one another in the morning.

  “Good morning, Sunshine.” Galen’s smile was slow and lazy as he stretched next to me. “How did you sleep?”

  That was a dangerous question. In truth, I had no business sleeping as hard as I did. I couldn’t remember sleeping that well. It was a bitter pill to swallow. “I slept like crap because you snore.”

  Galen chuckled. “Oh, sweetheart, don’t kid yourself. You’re the one who snores.”

  “I do not!”

  “You sound like a table saw hacking through rock,�
� Galen countered. “Luckily, it only happens when you sleep on your back. I can quiet you if I shove you over to your side.”

  I was officially mortified. “No. That is … no.”

  “I’ll record it for you next time.”

  “Don’t even think about it.”

  Galen tickled me into submission as I tried to claw my way out of bed, laughing as he kissed my cheek and smoothed my flyaway hair. He seemed to be in a good mood despite everything that had happened the previous day. I couldn’t fully understand his lazy attitude.

  “What’s the deal with you?” I asked after a beat, staring hard into a set of eyes that reminded me of a rolling surf. “I thought you’d be all business this morning.”

  “I thought so, too.” Galen sobered, but only marginally. “It turns out all I needed was a good night’s sleep to rebound. I feel better than I have since Trish Doyle turned up dead.”

  “That was three days ago.”

  “I still feel better.”

  “Well, good.” I didn’t know what else to say. “What’s your plan moving forward?”

  “Well, I’ve given it some thought.” Galen rolled to his back and grabbed my hand so he could study my palm, his mind clearly busy. “I’ve decided that I don’t care what the prosecutor’s office has to say. Something doesn’t feel right about this entire thing. I’m not done investigating even if they want me to be done.”

  I was impressed … and unbelievably relieved. “So, you’re not letting it go. That’s … good.”

  “I thought you would think so.”

  “I definitely think so.” I licked my lips and gathered my thoughts. “Where will you start?”

  “I’m not sure. I have a few ideas. Why do you care?”

  “Because you care.”

  “Uh-huh. Are you sure that’s the only reason?”

  “Fine. I might be a little curious,” I conceded. “It doesn’t feel right to me either. I saw the look on Ashley’s face at the festival. She was surprised … and a little bit devastated. If that was an act, it was the best act I’ve ever seen.”