Page 57 of Walking the Bird

29

“It looks worse than it is,” Logan assured Eleni. “While I agree with your husband about needing stitches, my bigger concern is the date of your last tetanus shot.”

Darting her gaze to Alex, Eleni took a deep breath to settle herself. “Two years ago,” she admitted reluctantly. During my physical for infertility, she finished inside her head.

Squeezing his wife’s hand, Alex placed a kiss on her temple. “Has it really been two years?”

Nodding, “Time flies especially when you’re not paying attention.” Her words sounded more clipped than she’d intended.

“It also gives you an opportunity to reflect on your mistakes.” Shifting his position, Alex wrapped his arms around Eleni, as Logan began the task of cleaning her wound.

“Which reminds me, you never did answer my question.”

Turning her head, Eleni looked at Alex through confused eyes, “Which one?”

“Do you want a divorce?”

As a SEAL, Alex had faced his fair share of dangerous situations. He’d waited for days on end for the perfect opportunity to take out his target. Yet, as he sat with Eleni, a lump in his throat and fear like he’d never felt blanketed him, a part of him wished he could face those individuals instead.

“No, Alex, I don’t.”

Relief like he’d never known washed over Alex. “Thank god,” he sighed, palming her face. “I love you so fucking much,” he vowed before claiming her lips with his.

***

“Excuse me, are you Ms. Stuart?” Melinda drifted her gaze from the haze of smoke coming out of the side of the hotel to the man dressed in a suit standing before her.

“Y-yes.” Swallowing thick, Melinda shook her head in an attempt to gain clarity. “How can I help you?”

Melinda watched as the suited man reached into his jacket, pulling out a folded wallet and flashing a shiny badge.

“My name is Special Agent Jace Atwood. I understand you are the manager of Magnolia Cove?”

“Not exactly, Mr. Atwood. I’m the event coordinator for the resort,” she corrected with a smile. She and Derek had spoken about one day promoting her, but he’d failed to follow through.

“Ah, my mistake.” Atwood apologized, his mouth dry with the news he had to deliver. “In any event, I was given your information as a representative for the hotel.”

Melinda’s brow bent in half, confused as to who would give such false information.

“I’m sorry to be the one to tell you, but we are seizing this property effective immediately.”

“Who exactly is we?” Cade cut in, wedging his body in front of Melinda’s.

“And you are?” Atwood shot back.

“Ms. Stuart’s boyfriend, Cade Biggs.”

Melinda caught the smirk on Atwood’s face as he gave Cade a once over. While she had to admit Jace was a handsome man, he wasn’t nearly as appealing as Cade.

Turning to the man behind him, Atwood held out his hand. “The family of Derek Silvers filed a missing person’s report some time ago, which had grown cold due to Mrs. Silvers passing and no other living relatives to prod authorities. Recently a man who was scuba diving in waters not far from here, came upon skeletal remains. DNA confirmed they belonged to Derek Silvers.”

Passing the official paperwork, “I’m sorry, Ms. Stuart. You will need to assist your guests in finding other accommodations as the government is seizing this property until a forensic investigation can be performed.”

“An investigation?” Melinda echoed. “Do I need an attorney?”

Reaching into his pocket, the handsome man handed her a business card, “No ma’am. Our initial investigation revealed you came to work at the resort more than a year after Mr. Silvers met his untimely death. You’re free to leave anytime.”

Melinda stood rooted in shock, her mouth open like an eager fish.

---