The Inn At Shadow Lake

Walking around her desk, Julie collapsed into the chair, still warm from Zach’s presence. This was just like him, catching her off guard, pulling her heart in too many directions at once. Even now, after all these years. She couldn’t allow history to repeat itself where Zach was concerned. He’d be leaving again. She had Emmie to think about this time. And the lodge.

Her parents would be thrilled to have Emmie over for the night, if they didn’t already have plans. What had she been thinking? They were already keeping Emmie tomorrow evening. Maybe two nights in a row would be too much for her parents to handle.

She dialed their phone number and made the babysitting arrangements only after her mom assured her they would love to have Emmie for the weekend.

A few hours later, Julie pulled her small white car into the private parking space at the resort. She adjusted the rearview mirror to check her image. At least she’d had time to freshen up and reapply a light touch of makeup. Even in the high humidity of the rain forest, she was having a good hair day.

Thunder rumbled overhead and Julie hurried up the gray slate steps of the lodge, slick from the daily afternoon rainfall. She checked her watch. Five after seven. She was late.

“Are you always in such a rush?”

Julie looked up to find Zach’s amused gaze. She laughed. “Only most of the time,” she admitted.

“Come on.” He opened the door and guided her inside to the dining room.

“We won’t have to place an order,” Julie said once they sat down. Zach had changed into beige slacks and a black golf shirt. She was acutely aware of his tall, athletic physique. Zach had a powerful maturity about him that hadn’t been there eight years ago. And she had a deep faith in God that hadn’t been there all those years ago, either. Zach looked good. Too good. She’d need God’s strength to keep from falling for him again. “It’s the chef’s choice tonight based on some of my favorites. I hope that’s okay.”

“Sure. I’m very impressed. Looks like you’re doing a great job running this place. It’s got to be a huge responsibility, both emotionally and financially.” Zach leaned forward in his chair and studied her. He seemed to be seeing her in a new light. Had she changed that much since they’d last seen each other? “Especially with a daughter to raise on your own,” he added.

“I guess I’m used to the busy schedule by now.” Julie turned as the new chef approached their table. She didn’t want to talk about the personal heartache after losing her husband, or how many long hours she’d worked trying to put the business in the black. The next three months would prove if her efforts were enough to keep the lodge open for good. To close the place or have to sell it would break her heart.

Julie didn’t want to think about that or the recent murder of their groundskeeper, a man in his sixties who had become a dear member of the Shadow Lake Inn family.

The police still had no motive for his brutal, untimely death. Shaking the grief from her heart, Julie set her mind to finding out about Zach. A trace of sorrow glimmered in his penetrating gaze. What had happened in his life to cause the well-masked sadness she detected?

“Good evening.” The man Julie recently hired as master chef held two leather-bound menus in his hand.

Straightening in his seat, Zach eyed the man and took the booklet from his outstretched hand.

“John Rockwell, I’d like you to meet Zach Marshall.” Julie liked the man she’d hired only a few days ago. His long list of qualifications was more than noteworthy. He had trained at the Culinary Institute of America in Napa Valley and his references were impeccable. Shadow Lake Inn was fortunate to have him.

His résumé had come via the fax machine at just the right moment, when she needed to hire someone in a hurry. Just like when she’d received Beatrice’s timely résumé.

John was a tall man like Zach. About six foot two, she guessed. About fifteen years older than Zach, and distinguished-looking with brown hair graying at the temples, he’d been divorced for several years. With two teenage children living in Seattle with their mom, he had just relocated from the East Coast to be closer to them.

“Nice to meet you.” John extended a hand to Zach. He smiled as they shook hands. “If there’s anything special you’d like prepared, just say the word.”

“Thanks.” Zach smiled. “I’m sure everything will be fine.”

“Wonderful.” John left them to their privacy.

“You know, of course,” Julie said smiling, “this meal is on the house.” She didn’t want Zach to think he had to pay for the costly dinner.

“What, don’t you think I can handle it?” Zach’s amused gaze met hers and a lazy grin eased its way across his face.

“Well, I hope to have the answer to that and more…by the time we get to dessert.”

Zach laughed. “Oh, you do, huh?”

“Don’t worry,” Julie teased. “You know you can tell me anything.”

“What about you, Julie?” His intense gaze caught her off guard. “Can you tell me anything?”

She was surprised at his sudden seriousness. “You already know everything.”

“Well, I know some things, but not everything. For example, just what is a ‘misty man’? And why does your daughter think I’m him?” Leaning back in his chair, Zach chuckled lightly and raised an eyebrow awaiting her response.

Julie recognized the mischievous twinkle in his eyes. “‘Misty man?’ It’s silly. Just kids’ stuff. Not even worth mentioning, believe me.” She cleared her throat. “Tell me, Zach, what brings you back to Washington State? Business?”

A tray-laden waiter brought an array of appetizers—baked Brie with sliced French bread and apple wedges, stuffed clams and oysters on the half shell.

“First things first.” Zach’s eyes narrowed in amusement. “I’m starving and this looks great.” He laughed lightly. “There are benefits to knowing the owner.” He held out his glass of sparkling water to hers in a toast. “To old friends.”

She gently touched her long-stemmed glass to his. The soft chime of fine crystal rang softly in the dimly lit, cozy dining room.

Old friends. Somehow, the thought disheartened her. Was that all they were? Julie sipped the water and lowered her glass to the elegantly set table. She placed a slice of French bread and a small helping of buttery Brie onto a plate.

A few minutes later, she realized that finding out what Zach had been doing since he’d driven away on his motorcycle was going to be more difficult than she’d thought. They were almost finished with the appetizers and she had no clue about his life at all. “Did you stay in California or go back to the ranch in Montana? You know, that day you left on your Harley. I often wondered about that,” Julie admitted.

Zach glanced at the water in his glass. Slowly, he lifted his gaze to meet hers. “I went for a ride.” His expression stilled and grew serious. His attention drifted to the flame of the red tapered candle on the table, which flickered as he spoke. His powerful, intensely guarded gaze recaptured hers and his blue eyes darkened with a veil of mystery. He drew a deep breath.

“A…long ride.”

“Stop worrying.” Despite his anger, Viktor Ivanov spoke quietly into the mouthpiece of his cell phone. Annoyed at having to assure Yuri again, he flicked the ashes from his cigar onto the old, wooden table in the tavern and casually glanced around the small lounge.

The man and woman seated in the corner paid him no attention. A second man at the bar was deep in conversation with the barmaid. Even so, he would take the long way home in case he was being followed. Glancing out the front window, Viktor cursed the steady rain.

“When I have the disc in my hands…then I’ll stop worrying,” Yuri answered. “Perhaps you should be more concerned. FBI operatives must be taken out before they get too close. The next few weeks are crucial to our plans.”

“I cover my tracks. No one suspects a thing.” Viktor downed the shot of vodka and placed the empty glass on the tabletop.

“Let’s hope you are correct,” Yuri responded. “For your sake, Viktor.”

Viktor recognized a threat when he heard one. He cursed under his breath. Their organization would be better off without the old dinosaur Yuri Kostoff running things. “I’ve got a woman helping me.”

“A woman? How much can you trust this female, old friend?” Yuri asked. “You were betrayed once before.”

“That was a long time ago.” Viktor’s thoughts touched on memories of the girl he had been in love with from childhood…until she betrayed him. Having to kill her wasn’t easy. But he’d proved himself worthy to the terrorist organization.

Still, seeing her die at his hands had nearly destroyed him. At first. Now, he would get rid of anyone who got in his way. He would never go back to his life of poverty in Russia. When this deal was over, he planned to buy an island someplace where there was plenty of sunshine. Unlike this dreary place. There he would have the kind of life he deserved. A life fit for a king. “We can trust this woman.” He chuckled lightly and took a long puff on the Cuban cigar. “Completely.” She didn’t even know she was helping him.

“I warn you again, Viktor. It will not be easy to keep them off our trail.”

“Just get the information to me. I’ll take care of smuggling the disc to our friends,” Viktor snapped.

But he did worry. She had almost caught him up in her attic. He would have to get rid of her, and soon.

THREE

“Have you stayed in contact with anyone from college?” Zach cut into another delicious piece of porterhouse steak. He wasn’t willing to answer any of Julie’s questions. Not yet. He enjoyed watching her struggle to get the truth out of him. Dessert wasn’t far off and he hadn’t told her a thing.

He forgot how much fun he had teasing her. Zach almost laughed aloud at her predicament. Only the seriousness of his assignment prevented it. He had to gather more information.

“I don’t know if you remember Tiffany Saccaro, my roommate from college?” Julie asked.

“Sure.” Zach gave a quick laugh. “Every guy probably remembers her. We all camped out at Olympic National Park.”

“Oh, stop that.” Julie straightened the dark green linen napkin in her lap and took a sip of water. She lifted her gaze to meet his. “Tiff and I are still good friends. She lives down in Seattle. We get together a few times a year.”

“Oh? How’s she doing? Still dating?”

“No.” Julie laughed lightly. “Tiff’s been happily married for seven years. She and her husband, Ken, adore each other. They have two kids, with another due in about a month.”

“Really?”

“Really.” She gently placed her glass on the table. “Zach Marshall, you have procrastinated long enough.” Resting her elbows on the white linen tablecloth, she clasped her hands together. “You know all about me. Now it’s your turn.” She lifted her chin.

This time Zach did laugh. He held up a hand in surrender. “Okay, okay. On one condition.” Leaning closer across the table, he took her hand in his and fought the temptation to bring her fingers to his lips. If he rushed things, she might get suspicious. “I’m planning a drive down the coast to Ruby Beach tomorrow. Come with me. I’ll tell you what you want to know then.”

He slowly rubbed her palm with the pad of his thumb. She always liked it when he touched her like this. His mind filled with memories of other touches. Groaning inwardly, he forced his wayward thoughts back to the investigation.

Julie wouldn’t be able to get a sitter for the whole day tomorrow, especially with her parents watching Emmie tonight. She’d never agree to go with him. She’d always hated adventures. He would use the time alone to scout out the area where the groundskeeper’s body had been found. “You’ll never know where we may end up. Oregon. California.” He flashed a slow smile of victory.

Her clear blue eyes sparkled in the flickering candlelight. “I’ll go around the loop with you tomorrow…if you answer all my questions.”

“Hey, I never said I’d answer all your questions.” He leaned back in his chair. She’d surprised him. “What about your daughter?” She wasn’t thinking of bringing her along, was she?

Memories of his own little girl hit with a staggering assault. How many agonizing nights had he spent going over all the scenarios that might have prevented her death and the death of his wife?

The paramedics told him that Lisa had died instantly. His sweet daughter, Ashley, still in the car seat, had been thrown from the vehicle. She was gone by the time the ambulance arrived.

Releasing Julie’s hand, Zach sucked in a quick breath. Would he ever get over the guilt he felt for not being there when they needed him the most? Or understand how God could let them die so tragically? He was the one who should’ve been gone by now, considering the line of work he’d chosen. Not them.

“Every so often my parents take Emmie for an overnight trip to Seattle. This is one of those weekends. Dad made the hotel reservations for tomorrow’s outing months ago. They’ll even take Emmie to Sunday school when they go to church on Sunday. I’m free as a bird.” Her playful gaze met his and she smiled.

More beautiful than ever, Julie’s long, blond hair cascaded to just below her shoulders. Mediterranean-blue eyes lit with a warm glow from somewhere deep inside.

Their past relationship would come in handy. He hated to use her, but he had no choice. He couldn’t allow old emotions to get in the way of his job.

His instincts were usually right, but with Julie as a major suspect, could he trust the gut intuition he had honed over the past few years?

“Free as a bird, huh?” His life and the lives of other agents depended on his skills. He wouldn’t let them down. “Okay, we’ll make a day of it. Everything’s on me tomorrow. We’ll leave early, about six.”

“Six! In the morning?” She laughed lightly.

“Sure. We’ll stop somewhere for a picnic.” His gaze met hers and for a moment, Julie’s blue eyes softened.

Did she remember their last picnic up on Hurricane Ridge?

Zach’s eyes searched hers. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and avoided his gaze. He always could read the expressions on her face. He gave a slow grin.

She remembered, all right.

How could she forget the magic of that one night they had spent together with friends at Olympic National Park? The fun evening they’d shared had been more than memorable. Much more. Zach wondered if he could find that secluded spot in the park again after all these years.

Knock it off, Marshall.

No more dwelling in the past. What he needed was hope for the future. He’d let the real Zach slip away as he pursued his career with the Bureau. Hard work had been a lifesaver from drowning in the pain and guilt he felt.

Once he solved this case, if he lived through it, he would spend more time at home. That meant Montana. A life back on the ranch was what he really wanted. He’d known that for the past couple of years. That was why he’d built the huge log house on the ten thousand acre spread. His folks had sold him the property he wanted so he could start a new life. Someday.

Zach straightened in his chair. He’d only spent a month at home over the past year, and had hired a housekeeper to keep things in order. He’d probably live out the rest of his life alone in that big empty house.

That was fine with him. A family was the last thing he wanted. Or needed. What he needed was to end this terrorist investigation. There was no room for faith or a family in those plans.

“Come on, Julie,” he coaxed, giving her his best smile. “What do you say?”

“Well, okay. Just don’t forget your promise. You’ll tell me what you’ve been doing all this time.”

“Right.” In reality, she’d be the one spilling her guts. “Pack an overnight bag just in case. You never know what the weather will be like up there this time of year. If there are heavy rains, we might have to spend the night.”

“Oh, Zach, I—I don’t know—”

“It might take a while to tell you everything.” He raised an eyebrow. Would she take the bait?

She sighed in determined resignation. “I’ll be ready.”

“Good. It’ll be an adventure.” Zach grinned and leaned forward in his seat.

“A little trip to the park is all I’m interested in. Just a relaxing little drive and finding out about your life for the past eight years. No adventures.” She laughed lightly and sampled a small mouthful of the chocolate mousse the waiter had just brought to their table. “Mmm. This is so good.”

“That was one of the finest meals I’ve ever had,” Zach agreed. “Your chef is great.” He chuckled lightly, enjoying a sip of coffee before leaning back comfortably in his chair. “You mentioned he was new?”

“Yes. I just hired him.” Julie took another small mouthful of the chocolate dessert. “After a meal like this, I think it’s safe to say I chose the right man for the job.”

“You can say that again.” If Julie only knew how right she was. Agent Castlerock had expressed an interest in gourmet foods, but a chef? That was, obviously, the new circumstance John had mentioned on the phone. The Senior Agent in Charge had established his cover as master chef at the inn. Good. It made sense. But he wanted answers, no more surprises from the SAC.

Zach took in the welcoming sight of Julie sitting across from him. Could she really be the missing link in this case? The evidence connected her directly to one of America’s most wanted terrorists. He’d seen with his own eyes the incriminating surveillance photos of Julie with prime suspect Viktor Ivanov. How intimately did Julie know him? Inwardly he cursed.

Time to make a move. “How about going for a walk around the lake?”

“Sure, it’s on my way home.” Julie smiled. “I have a little cottage overlooking the water.”

I know. Zach knew more about Julie than she could ever imagine. But the information he’d received from the Bureau had nothing to do with her as a woman.

That’s what really interested him.

For the investigation, of course.

Would she moan softly, like she used to…when he kissed her again?

The reflection of the moon lit the lake with an eerie, iridescent glow. Shadows from innumerable, two-hundred-foot-tall evergreen trees cast a disturbing darkness along the misty perimeter of the lake. Julie shook off the sudden chill that crept along her spine. The recent murder was making her imagination work overtime. She had never feared the lakeside before.

“How long have you owned this place?” Zach bent to pick up a pebble along the rain-soaked, gray slate path. Tossing the small stone into the lake, he watched it bounce several times, sending wave after wave of ripples across the water’s smooth surface.

“When we first bought the inn, we lived in the main building.” She glanced at the everlasting display of tall trees standing regally across the large lake. Julie loved the lush green scenery, the dampness of the earth, the way the air filled with the pleasant scent of cedar. “About a year later, we decided to move into one of the inn’s private homes.” She lifted her gaze to meet his. “I’ve lived here for about six years, I guess.” It didn’t seem possible it had been that long. At a bend in the path, the house came into view. “There it is.” Her cottage home reminded him of a popular artist’s painting. Cozy and simple. Warm and inviting.

“Your lights are on,” Zach observed.

“I had timers installed so when I got home, the place wouldn’t be in total darkness.” But no one was there to greet her, lights or not.

“Do you always work late, Julie? Is it this dark every night when you walk home?” He turned to her, a hint of concern in his eyes.

“No, not always.” It had been a long time since a man had been concerned about her well-being. The knowledge that someone cared touched her. But there was Nick, of course. He’d helped her out several times with repairs on the inn. “There’s nothing to worry about out here in the country…even in the dark,” she said, lowering her gaze and thinking about the brutal killing of the dear old man.

Julie couldn’t bring herself to discuss the unsolved murder of the employee who had taken such good care of the grounds around the lodge the past five years. The sadness she carried over his untimely and gruesome death remained buried deep inside and she found it impossible to discuss without breaking into tears. It had only been a couple of weeks since his body had been discovered.

There was so much grief in the world, in her life. Now an innocent man, a friend, was dead. The overwhelming mourning she felt threatened to creep up to the surface. She sighed and cleared her mind. Alone in her house at night, she could let herself give in to sorrow. But never in front of anyone. She had to be strong for everyone at the inn and especially for Emmie.

Before she realized it, they were at her front door. Zach’s ruggedly handsome features, illuminated by the soft glow of the light from her front porch, caused Julie’s heart to skip a beat. She drew in a quick breath. She was starting to remember the depth of the feelings she felt for Zach. She couldn’t allow that to happen. She retrieved the key from her coat pocket. It didn’t make sense that her hands trembled at the thought of asking Zach inside. What was wrong with her?

“Let me get that.” Zach gently took the key from her hand and unlocked the door. He opened it and moved over to allow her to enter ahead of him.

“Come on in. I’ll give you a quick tour.” She smiled and shook off thoughts of the murder. “It’ll take all of two minutes,” Julie teased even as warning bells sounded in her mind. It would be too easy to move into Zach’s comforting embrace.

“Sure.” Zach followed her in and shut the door behind them. “Hmm…”

“What?” Julie asked, her gaze meeting his.

“It’s really nice. Bigger than I thought.”

“I know. It doesn’t look that way from the outside, does it?” She removed her jacket and placed it on the coatrack in the small foyer. “Come on, I’ll show you around.”

Zach shrugged off his black leather jacket and placed it alongside hers. “Lead the way.” He smiled a slow, lazy grin and in a split second Julie’s heartbeat tripled. Was he remembering the spark of electricity that had always been there between them? Did he feel the attraction that was there even now?

She cleared her throat. “Um, we’ll start with…the kitchen.”

Zach scanned what he could see of the first floor. The FBI photos didn’t do the place justice. Julie had decorated her kitchen in white with honey oak cabinets. Fresh tulips in different shades of yellow, pink and red filled a crystal vase on a round oak table.

A bay area for the table and four chairs faced the view of the inn through lacy white curtains. She had made this cottage into a happy place to live.

In spite of her loss.

Zach’s thoughts raced to his large, empty house in Montana. Would he ever find a woman who would bring him happiness and a home filled with warmth, as this one obviously was?

Face it, Marshall, you ’re not cut out to be a family man.

You never were.

“Zach?” Julie’s gentle voice broke into his thoughts.

“What were you saying?” He ran a hand through his hair and silently reminded himself why he was there.

After all he’d seen the past couple of years, Zach had become jaded, skeptical of anyone’s innocence. There was no future in his wayward impulse to kiss Julie and hold her in his arms again. He gazed into her eyes and fought to control the undeniable affection he felt for her. It was nothing more than old memories, he reasoned.

He wanted to kiss her for the deed’s sake and not for the coldhearted job he had to do. But if Julie’s kisses would get him to the bottom of the investigation, so be it. He’d take all she had to offer.

Maybe I should take myself off this case.

But there was no chance of that happening. Not now. He’d been involved in the assignment from the very beginning when he was called up as a special agent in the attack on New York and the Pentagon. He’d known all the details, including the fact that the woman they would be investigating was one he deeply loved long ago, when life was innocent and full of hope.