5

 

The summer morning dawned early. Bright sunshine poured though the windows as Freddie dressed in denim shorts and a white vest. She tied a favorite sleeveless red-check shirt over it and grabbed her bag, ready to face the day. Hair, damp from her shower, rested on her shoulders as she opened the door to find Jason standing there, his hand raised ready to knock. “Good morning.”

“Good morning to you. You weren’t kidding when you said dress like a tourist.” He smiled at her, his eyes twinkling as they gave her a quick once over.

“Blend in is the key. And speaking of blending, you need to lose this.” She swiftly undid his tie and pulled it off. “You look like a cadet.”

Jason shoved it into his jeans pocket. He undid the top two shirt buttons and shrugged. “It’s force of habit to wear a tie with a shirt.”

“Oh, I meant to tell you last night, that I met the couple at the next table—Nick and Hannah Steele. I gave my name as Frederica Price, the one I booked the rooms under.”

“What’s wrong with your real name?”

“I’m undercover.”

“And you use an alias because…”

Freddie stopped dead and spun to face him. Is he testing me or being deliberately facetious? “Because I’m undercover and I’d rather not use my real name in case they use the Internet and Google as much as I do. Have you ever tried googling yourself?”

Jason shook his head. “No.”

Surely he used the ‘Net as a tool for work? She did so much research that way she just assumed everyone else did. “It’s scary how much information there is about you out there.”

Jason did a double take. “Me, personally?”

She pulled the door to her room closed. “You, me, everyone. A few clicks and you can find someone’s life story.”

Jason nodded sharply. “Then I shall Google myself at the first opportunity.”

“I booked you in as Jason North, just like you told me to. Did you expect me to mess up something as basic as this? I’m not a rookie.”

“I didn’t say you were. And you can leave that attitude right here. We had this discussion last night. If I have to repeat it, you know what will happen.”

Freddie nodded. “Yes—sorry.” She paused, not liking the fact he was upset with her again. “You know, you can always shoot me.” The old banter was out before she could stop it.

“Don’t tempt me.” Jason rolled his eyes and took a deep breath. “I wouldn’t be doing my job if I wasn’t making sure you were doing yours. Let’s just go and eat.”

“All right.” He wanted professional, he could have professional. Freddie tossed her hair back. “I also want to talk to Mrs. Bowman this morning before we go out. See if she remembers Gerald Rafferty.”

“Sounds like a good place to start.”

 

****

 

In the dining room, Jason watched, amused, as Freddie tucked into her bacon and eggs as if famished. “Slow down, you’ll get indigestion. Anyone would think you hadn’t eaten for years.”

“Indigestion would be worth it. I haven’t had cooked breakfast in ages and this is wonderful. It always tastes so much better when you don’t cook it yourself.”

He shook his head. Her sense of humor hadn’t changed one iota. “So, where do you want to go first?”

“I want to check out the harbor. It has this cobbled street leading down to it.”

“Sounds like Clovelly. It’s so steep the only way to get goods up or down to the harbor is by sled or donkey. It’s beautiful there, always meant to take you one day.”

From her hurt look, he realized he’d put his foot in it. A surge of guilt flooded him. They would have spent their honeymoon in that area. Did she think he was deliberately trying to provoke her? “Freddie, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean...I spoke without thinking.”

She took another mouthful and nodded slightly. “Anyway, I figured go to the harbor, take some photos, walk on the beach, and paddle in the sea. Get a feel for the area and see what could have brought him here in the first place. If that’s all right with you? I don’t want to step on your toes, here.”

Jason picked up his glass of juice. “Sounds good. This is all about teamwork. By the way, the man at the next table is smiling inanely at you.”

Freddie glanced over and smiled and nodded to him. “That’s the man I was telling you about.” She looked down at her plate, cutting off another piece of bacon and dunking it into the egg yolk. “There’s something about him that makes the back of my neck prickle. I want to run a check on him.”

“You’re a suspicious woman. Why can’t you just assume he’s here for the same reason we are?” He broke off and pointed his fork at her. “You’ve got a point. Forget I questioned your intuition. You’re good at this, aren’t you?”

“That’s why they pay me the big bucks.”

“Actually, Edwin pays you in pounds and your salary isn’t that big.” Jason tilted his head, a wry smile touching his lips.

“He said he’s down here on business.” Freddie sipped her juice. “It will probably be nothing, but don’t business men normally stay in big hotels, not tiny guest houses? And how often do their wives come along for the ride instead of staying home doing the school run?”

“None that I know of. As cozy as this place is, it does seem a little strange. Maybe he has an aversion to big hotels.” Jason nodded in agreement, mopping up the egg yolk with a slice of toast. “Or maybe he just likes Mrs. Bowman’s cooking. It’s second to none.”

“Strange isn’t the word I’d use for it.” She looked at her empty plate. “But you’re right about the food. If that was breakfast, roll on lunch.”

“You always were fond of your food.” He finished and then drained his juice. “Want me to bring my camera as well?”

“Yes, please. I need to go back to my room and pick up my cardigan before we leave, too.” Freddie lowered her voice. “Let’s make a quick exit before he starts up a conversation. I really don’t want to be told we make a lovely couple again.”

“He said that?” Jason pushed his chair back and stood.

“Not in so many words, but he did refer to you as my boyfriend. Don’t worry. I set him right on that score. You’re an old friend I haven’t seen for years, and we’re on holiday catching up with each other.”

She pushed back from the table, taking care not to hit Nick Steele this time—a little too late, as Nick got to his feet at the same time.

“Miss Price. How are you this morning?”

Jason watched as Freddie shot the man a charming smile and shook the outstretched hand. She really was good at this. Just wish she’d smile at me like that, but I guess I blew any chance of that fifteen years ago. If only things were different...

“Mr. Steele, I’m good. Let me introduce my friend, Jason North.”

The man’s dark gaze sent a surge of revulsion and apprehension through Jason. His skin crawled and the hair rose on the back of his neck as well. “Pleased to make your acquaintance, Mr. Steele.”

“And yours. Are you staying here long?” There was a hint of an accent.

“A few days, we’re not sure, yet.” He let go of the hand, resisting the urge to wipe it on his jeans.

“Are you here for work or pleasure?”

“All pleasure.” Jason smiled over at Freddie. “Just two good friends, enjoying a well earned break from work. If you’ll excuse us, we’ve got a long day planned.” He turned, hoping Freddie would take the hint and follow him. The longer he was in the company of Mr. Steele, the more uncomfortable he felt. Lord, is this just my imagination working overtime or is this feeling from You?

“Have a good day.”

“You, too.” Freddie picked up her bag and set it on her shoulder. She headed from the room, Jason following.

“So on the creepiness scale of one to ten...” she started.

“Are you reading my mind again?”

“No, I just know you too well, Jace. But yeah, like I said, I want to run a background check. There’s something about him that doesn’t ring true.”

“Having met him, I totally agree. I want a full check run, not just a cursory one.”

“Sure.” She moved away from him. “Mrs. Bowman, can I have a quick word?”

Mrs. Bowman stopped in the doorway to her part of the house. “Of course, Miss Price. What can I do you for?”

“A friend of my parents stayed here a few months ago and recommended we stay here. Gerald Rafferty, his name was. I don’t know if you remember him, but...”

“Of course I remember Mr. Rafferty. He stayed here until the sale of the cottage went through, and he could move in to it. He was a charming man. I remember he bought up one of the local businesses as well.”

“Can you remember which one? Or where he moved to? My parents lost his address and it would be good to catch up with him again if I can.”

“No, I can’t, I’m sorry. Tell you who might know, though. Mr. Steele. Those two were very friendly. They spent a lot of time together while Mr. Rafferty was here.”

Jason looked at Freddie then turned to Mrs. Bowman. Surely he’d misheard her. “I thought the Steeles are here on holiday?”

“No, they’ve been here six or seven months, now. I do very reasonable long term business rates. I can’t tell you anymore about Mr. Rafferty though, I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine, you’ve been very helpful. Thank you.” Freddie turned away and headed up the stairs. “We need to start making a list of things to look into. Rafferty bought a cottage and a business? That’s definitely not the actions of a man who was planning on going home.”

 

****

 

The drive down the twisty single track tarmac road to the harbor was hardly worth it, Freddie decided. It took a while to find somewhere to park. She got out of the car and put a hand over her eyes to shield them until her glasses darkened.

“I’ll go and get the parking ticket.” Jason headed across the parking lot.

“All right, I’ll stay here.” She put his camera and her cardigan into the rucksack and slung the bag sideways across her body.

Seagulls soared and wheeled above, crying mournfully to each other. Waves lapped against the harbor wall, and the smell of the ocean, fish and seaweed assailed her nostrils. The sun was warm, and she eased her shoulders enjoying the peace and beauty of the moment.

Jason came back and put the ticket on the dashboard, and then locked the car. He pulled his shades out of his jacket pocket and slipped them on. He held his hand out for the rucksack. “I’ll take that. Where do you want to go first?”

She shoved her glasses up and gave him the rucksack. “Thank you. I need to find an optician at some point. These are driving me nuts.”

“Sure.” He smiled as he shouldered the rucksack and shoved his hands into his pockets. “So which way?”

Freddie looked around then pointed to the exit sign. “That way.”

“No, really?” A wry smile crossed his face.

“Yes, really.” She set off towards the exit, Jason close behind her.

“I was thinking about that stuff in the box.” Jason spoke thoughtfully. “It could almost be mining equipment.”

“Mining equipment? Why would you say that?”

“Think about it. Paraffin and matches for the lamps, rope, and a pick axe.”

“That makes sense. But what about the black paint?”

“Marking the boxes maybe, I don’t know.” He glanced at her, a wry smile on his lips. “Maybe he was just into graffiti in a big way.”

“Like you were? Painting ’Freddie, will you marry me?’ all over the garage door.”

Jason laughed. “Your Dad was so not happy. Even after I offered to repaint the entire garage for him, I don’t think he ever forgave me.”

“He did forgive you. He just thought there was a more romantic way to propose than daubing black paint over someone else’s property. Like on one knee with a rose between his teeth, the way he did to Mum.”

“I can see the attraction in that. A mouthful of thorns aside.” They paused outside a souvenir shop and looked in the window. Jason gazed at her reflection. “Having theorized that it’s all mining equipment, we should take a look at a map. See if there are any mines along the shore line. The tape said he could hear the sea.”

Freddie picked up a huge conch shell and put it to her ear. “So can I. Maybe he had a shell against his ear when he said that.”

Jason shook his head. “I don’t think so somehow. Here, let me.”

“Sure.” She held out the shell. His fingers brushed against hers and she shivered.

“Are you all right? Not cold?”

“I’m fine. Just...memories, you know?”

“I know.” His voice softened. It was a long moment before Freddie tore her gaze away.

“Can you hear the sea, or am I just being silly?”

He listened and then smiled. “Yes, I can.” He turned the shell over, his long, slender fingers caressing its smooth, shiny surface. “It’s beautiful. Not a mark on it.”

“It’d look good on my mantelpiece. Unless you want it?”

“No, you saw it first.” He handed her the shell. “I’ll wait out here in the sunshine.”

“Sure, I won’t be long.”

Freddie headed inside the shop. Fishing nets hung from the ceiling, giving it a rustic look, enhancing the stale seaweed smell. More shells hung in strings on the walls. A whole shelf full of Cornish pixies drew her gaze, and she crossed over to it.

Each pixie had its own name and expression. Some sat cross legged on toadstools, some reclined next to them. Some were fishing, some mining and some just sat in the middle of a pixie ring. She smiled as she found one called Jason. Sitting cross legged on a toadstool, it had a huge grin on its face and a very cheeky wink, its green cap pulled down over one ear. On impulse she picked it up and moved down the shelf a little. She’d give it to him later.

Wishing she’d picked up a basket, Freddie kept walking down the aisle. She added a box of fudge and a bag of gem stones to her growing pile, before heading to the cashier. She put the things on the counter and smiled at the old man standing behind it.

He smiled back. “Myttin da.”

Guessing that was Cornish for hello or something similar, Freddie responded. “Hello.” She looked at the stand next to the till. The sign read ‘locally made’ and several pendants hung off of it. She reached out and touched one.

“Pretty ain’t they? An’ each one unique.” The old man’s broad Cornish accent was so thick she could barely understand what he said.

“Really? They are beautiful. Are the stones local, too?”

“Aye. From Baldhu mine ‘bout five mile from ‘ere. Agate an’ topaz mainly, but a few others. Was tin once upon a time, but t’new owner found all sorts down there.”

“I see. How long has he been finding these?” Freddie twisted the stand, unable to choose, trying not to appear too interested in what he was saying.

“Five year. Turn a tidy profit, too, I’d say. No’ tha’ local folk saw none o’ it.”

A red stone, encased in a silver swirl, caught her gaze. She picked it up and ran her fingers over it. “What’s this? I don’t think it’s ruby.”

“Firestone. Them’s real rare. On the expensive side, too.”

“It’s beautiful. I’ll take it.” She pulled out her wallet as the man wrapped her goods and rang them up.

“Might be the last. He’s no’ bin aroun’ in a while.”

“Oh?” She slid her card into the slot on the card reader.

“Him or his associate. Mebbe they moved on, selling elsewhere.”

“Perhaps. Was he local?” Freddie typed in her PIN number, her mind working furiously. Surely it wasn’t going to be that easy?

“Nay, bought out the family. Kept them on, mind, but an outlander nonetheless.”

Taking a deep breath, Freddie decided to try fishing. “My father’s uncle worked in a mine around here somewhere. It was owned by the same family for generations. Maybe it was the same one.”

“Aye, the only one aroun’ ‘ere were owned by Garran Tirrel. Nowt but tin ‘til the outlander took over.”

“That was the one.”

“Aye…small world, ain’t it?”

“It is. Thank you. Bye.” Freddie put her card away and picked up her shopping. On impulse, she took one of the cards from the top of the pendant display.

“Dyw genes.”

Freddie headed to the door, glancing at the card in her hand, not believing what it was saying.

 

Gerald Rafferty, Baldhu Mines, Inc.

 

****

 

Jason checked his watch again. He took one step toward the door when Freddie came out clutching a bag. “I thought you got lost in there. I was about to send out a search party.”

“Not quite.” She smiled at him. “Got chatting to the shop owner and found out some things. And I bought you something.”

“Bought me something?” Surprise filled him with a touch of guilt. “What is it?”

Freddie rummaged in the bag and smiled as she handed him the pixie. “He shares your name and smile.”

“Thank you.” Jason ran his fingers across it. “He’s cute.” He slid the pixie into his pocket. “It’s the nicest thing anyone’s bought me in a long time.” Actually it was the only thing anyone had bought him in a long time that wasn’t specifically birthday or Christmas. “How about I buy you an ice cream, and you can tell me what you found out?”

“Sounds good.”

He led her along the cobbled street to the small ice cream shop. He ordered two Cornish ice cream cones with a chocolate flake. She smiled as he handed her both while he paid. “They’re not both yours.”

“Ohhhhh.” Freddie pretended to pout, and then smiled. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” The sunshine was too warm, and he slid out of his jacket before holding out a hand for the cone. He looked around. “Let’s go sit down and admire the view.” He tilted his head and led her across the street to perch on the wall. He set his jacket on the wall beside him and the rucksack by his feet. “So spill.”

Freddie sat beside him and swung her legs. She licked the ice cream before answering. “First off, I spent a small fortune in there. The shop is amazing. It’s chock full of the tiniest knick-knacks.” She licked the cone again. “Then, by the till, I found this stand of jewelry. Pendants, earrings and stuff. All mined locally, apparently. The shopkeeper was at pains to point out each one was unique.”

Jason watched her body language. Had her mind made the same connection? Or was he reading too much into this? They talked about a mine and mining equipment and then stones from a local one turn up. Surely it wasn’t going to be that easy.

“I couldn’t resist buying one.” She reached into the bag and pulled out the pendant, unwrapping the tissue paper with her free hand. “Look. It’s exquisite.”

“That is lovely. Must have cost you a pretty penny.” He took it and examined it closely. “This is mined locally?”

“Yeah, Baldhu mine, five miles down the road. And it wasn’t that expensive.”

“Here, let me put it on for you. Hold this a sec.” He handed her his ice cream and reached to fasten the pendant around her slim neck. His fingertips brushed against the silky skin. He saw goose bumps rise and grinned. “Did I just make you shiver, Flynster?”

Freddie screwed her nose up and shifted slightly. “Yes, you did. For that I get to eat your flake.”

He grabbed his ice cream and licked the chocolate before offering it to her. “Fine, here you go.”

“Ewww,” she groaned. “And there I was hoping you’d improved with age. Where’d you learn that one?”

“My nephew. Davy’s coming up on three, now.”

“Wow. Uncle Jason, huh?” Freddie’s smile lit her eyes.

“Yeah. Spoil him rotten, much to my brother’s disgust. Mike’s a great dad, dotes on him.”

“Sounds like his uncle does, too.”

“Yeah. I like kids. And Debs is a mum, too. The baby’s a couple of weeks old. Often wish...” Jason broke off. This wasn’t fair for her or him. He was content being an uncle. He turned his attention to the view, desperate to contain the surge of emotion. “I’d forgotten how pretty it is here.”

“Have you been here before?”

“I’ve been in this general area a few times for work. I also came here on holiday once or twice. What about you?”

“Never been here.” Freddie turned back to her ice cream, and they ate in silence for a while, something else Jason was grateful for. She finished the cone and wiped her hands on a tissue. “That was lovely. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” He finished his ice cream and pulled the camera from the rucksack. He snapped the view and on the spur of the moment took several of Freddie as the breeze blew her hair in all directions. She pushed a hand through it, realizing what he was doing.

“Give it here.” She laughed, snatching the camera from him.

“No, you’ll break it if you take pictures of me,” he protested, trying to get the camera back.

“So, you can buy a new one. On your salary you can afford it.” Freddie took a couple pictures of him and held the camera up in the air.

“Give.” He reached for it.

“No.” She climbed on the wall, holding it out of his reach.

“Brat.” Jason took a step towards her.

“I beg your pardon?”

“Brat.”

Freddie waved the camera at him. “Come here and say that.”

Jason shook his head, laughing hard.

“Then catch.” She tossed the camera at him.

He caught it. Then he watched in horror as Freddie lost her footing and started to fall. Reacting quickly, he dropped the camera and taking two rapid steps, he grabbed her waist, pulling her forwards to safety. “I got you.” He cradled her soft body in his arms as she found her feet again. His heart pounded in his chest as he looked at her. “You all right?”

She looked at him, cheeks flushed, breathing hard and fast.

“Freddie? Are you all right?”

“Yes, thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Just don’t do that to me again, I don’t think my heart could stand it.” He let go.

“I promise.”

She leaned in and for a moment he wondered if she was going to kiss him. Instead her soft hand touched his cheek in a gesture of thanks. A quiver of almost seismic proportions shot though him.

“Thank you. So where next?”

Freddie looked at him, not dropping her gaze. “Well, I think I ought to tell you who the mine—”

“Well, hello. Fancy running into the two of you here.”

Jason groaned and shivered inwardly as Nick Steele’s voice broke into the conversation. He managed a smile as he turned to look at Nick. “Hello.”

“How are you?” The beaming smile widened, if that were possible.

“We’re good, enjoying the view.” Jason had the image of a crocodile about to swallow him whole. His hackles rose. Lord, keep me calm here.

Nick ran his gaze over Freddie. “That’s a lovely pendant you have there.”

“Thank you.” Freddie took a step closer to Jason. “It’s new, I bought it this morning. The stone is mined locally, apparently.”

“May I?” Nick reached for it.

She looked at Jason then nodded, not moving as Nick examined the pendant.

Jealousy and a sudden desire to deck Nick flooded Jason. Please, Lord, I can’t keep my cool here unless You help me.

“What sort of stone is it?”

“Firestone. One of the rarest.”

Nick let go. “It is lovely.”

“Thank you.”

The immediate danger over, Jason bent down and picked up the camera from where he’d let it fall. He turned it on. It worked.

“Why don’t I take one of the both of you?” Nick held out his hand.

Jason looked at Freddie. He wasn’t sure if he was glad or not when she nodded. He gave Nick the camera and put his arm around Freddie, pulling her close, wanting in some way to protect her.

The sounds dulled around him as they posed. Aware of her perfume, nothing else mattered. Oh, man, this is a mistake. His whole body resonated in a way he’d long since put aside. She fitted so perfectly against him, as soft and warm as he remembered. I was a fool ever to have left her, Lord. Not that I regret working on the mission field, but I should have given her a chance to explain her actions before I left. I see that now.

Slowly the sounds returned. Seagulls swooped and called above him, boat sirens filled the air, crates of fish clattered as they were unloaded and he heard Freddie thanking Nick as she took the camera back.

“You’re welcome. Did you want to join us for lunch? We’ve got a table at the pub across the way. They specialize in locally caught fish.”

“No, thank you, we have plans. Maybe another day.” Jason shook his head. Eating with Nick was the last thing he wanted to do.

“Sure. See you later.”

Jason watched as Nick and Hannah headed down the quay hand in hand. He turned to Freddie to find her, hands on hips, giving him the raised eyebrow look. “What?”

“We have plans?”

“You’d rather go eat with them?” He winked at her. “I can call them back.” He got up and made as if he were going to, laughing when she grabbed his arm and shook her head at him.

“No, thanks. What “plans” have we made, then?”

“How does a picnic grab you?”

“Very tightly around the throat.” She looked at him straight-faced.

He rolled his eyes and laughed. Freddie laughed with him, the tension the Steeles had caused dissipating.

“I’ll go and get the sandwiches while you go to the optician over there and get your glasses fixed.”

“Sounds like a good plan.” Freddie pushed them back up her nose.

“Ham or tuna?”

“Cheese.”

“Trust you to go for the third option,” he teased. “All right, cheese it is.”

“If we find some place quiet to sit, then I can finish telling you what I found out. It’s stuff you need to know.”

“Sure.” Jason shouldered the rucksack. “Meet you outside there in a few.”

“Sounds good to me.” Freddie headed across the road.

Jason sat on the wall for a minute watching her. Being with her, it was so effortless to fall back into the easy routine of flirting. She gave a little back, but then the shutters came down and she closed off again. The old feelings assailed him full force. He didn’t want them, any of them. She betrayed him once, how could he be sure she wouldn’t do it again?