Page 21 of Betrayal In Calusa Cove
“I believe Dawson is secretly hoping that’s exactly what will happen. If anyone can handle another Audra in this world, it’s him.”
“No truer words,” Fletcher said. “But I don’t think Keaton could handle another Trinity.”
“Trinity couldn’t handle another Trinity,” she said. “When do you think Hayes and Chloe will get married and start pumping out babies?”
“Oh, that’s a tough one.” Fletcher sipped his drink before setting it aside. “Their timeline for all that might be a little longer. I’m not sure they’re in a rush, but I’m guessing they may get married sometime next year. I couldn’t even take a stab at the baby question. I know they both want a family, which is strange when it comes to Hayes. That’s something he never wanted. Said he wasn’t cut out for it. So, there might be some trepidation there.”
“I bet once their house gets built, it’ll happen at lightning speed. They just need to be grounded and have a little distance from everything that happened.”
“Yeah. That was a lot, and I know Chloe is still grappling with the idea that her biological dad was a serial killer.”
Baily shivered. “I can’t imagine. But biology doesn’t make the person, and Chloe knows that. And she got Fedora out of it. The silver lining.”
“I like that girl,” Fletcher said.
Baily exhaled and let her head fall onto his shoulder, the peace of the moment wrapping around her like a warm breeze.
But the peace didn’t last, and other thoughts crept into her mind. “I haven’t called Julie back yet,” she whispered.
Fletcher’s arm tightened around her. “You don’t have to if you’re not ready.”
“I know.” She sat up straighter, brushing her hair out of her face. “But maybe I need to. Maybe hearing her voice will help me figure out what the hell is going on.”
He nodded. “I’ll be right here. Whatever happens.”
“No time like the present.” She pulled out her phone, thumb hovering over the voicemail screen. Then, with a deep breath, she tapped Julie’s number and hit call.
It rang twice.
“Baily?” Julie’s voice chirped through the speaker, unnervingly bright. “Oh, my goodness, I wasn’t expecting you to call so quickly.”
“Hi, Julie.” Baily’s tone was guarded but polite. “I didn’t want any more time to pass before returning your call.”
“I’m so glad.” Julie’s voice overflowed with sugar and sunshine. “I’ve just been thinking about you so much lately. What with everything on the news—oh, Baily, I can’t imagine how scary things must be down there. A serial killer? Calusa Cove’s always been a quirky, strange town, but that’s just awful.”
“We’re doing okay,” Baily said, glancing at Fletcher. He gave her a slight nod and squeezed her hand. “It’s been…a lot. But the community’s rallying.”
“I just hate that this is going to hurt your business. I know it’s always been a struggle, hanging on by a thread. I’m honestly surprised you’re still open. But with something like this… Well, people talk, word spreads. It’s like cancer, and next thing you know, you can’t crawl out from under it.”
“Ask her why she’s really calling now,” Fletcher whispered.
Baily pressed her lips together. “Julie, what is this about? You and I haven’t talked in years. You cut me out after Ken died. Told me I wasn’t welcome in the boys’ lives anymore. Why now?”
Julie’s tone didn’t falter. “I’ve just been thinking a lot. Ken wouldn’t have wanted us to be so divided. And the boys—they miss you. They ask about you.”
Baily’s throat tightened. “I’d love to talk to them.”
“Oh, they’re…busy right now. Bedtime. You know how it is. But maybe another time,” Julie said, still upbeat but a touch more clipped.
Baily’s heart thudded as it crashed into her gut. “Just for a minute. I won’t keep them. I promise.”
“I don’t want to upset their routine. You know how important that is. If I break it, well, it will be hard to settle them back down. They’re at a tough age, and I'm a single mom with just my parents to help. Sorry. I hope you’ll think about coming here. About giving up that hard life in Calusa Cove. It’s not what Ken wanted for you, you know. He wanted something a little easier.” And then, before Baily could respond, Julie said, “I’ve got to tend to the boys. Take care.” And ended the call.
Baily sat frozen, the phone shaking in her hand.
“That was weird,” Fletcher said quietly.
“Yeah.” She set the phone on the dock. “Weird doesn’t even begin to cover it.”
