“You’re going to tell me everything tomorrow, remember?” Julie said with a teasing smile at Zach.

“Right.”

After making their way down the stairs, Zach mentally confirmed there were no dead bolts on her door. No alarm system, either. The team of agents would have no problem installing the electronic bugs and audio equipment, the pinhole cameras and microphones.

Zach and his unit would be able to hear every word and see every move inside her home once he had a federal judge approve the surveillance equipment. His gut knotted with worry, realizing that Julie would be here alone tonight in her unsecured house.

“Lock the door behind me.”

“I will. See you in the morning,” she whispered softly.

The door clicked as she shut and locked it behind him. Zach scanned the area along the lake. There were too many hiding places in this remote part of the grounds. Too many places for snipers to focus their scopes on unsuspecting souls and the special agents who were onto them.

JANET EDGAR

Her love for writing started in elementary school, when Janet saw her book report published in the school newsletter. The experience of seeing her written words in print made a powerful impact on her life. She is thankful to God that even when she was a child, He was directing her paths.

The Inn at Shadow Lake is Janet’s debut book. She is thrilled to be a member of the Steeple Hill family.

Married for over thirty years to her high school sweetheart, Janet has two grown children. Prior to working full time on her writing career, she worked as a marketing coordinator, radio talk show host, “extra” on a popular daytime television series (soap opera) and elementary school teacher.

Janet served as secretary of Faith, Hope and Love, the inspirational chapter of Romance Writers of America. She has also served as newsletter editor of a local RWA chapter and is a member of several more RWA chapters throughout the United States. She is also a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers.

Janet and her husband, Richard, live in a Southern-style house in Central Ohio with two adorable little dogs, Buddy and Molly.

Janet Edgar
The Inn at Shadow Lake

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.

—Proverbs 3:5–6

To Richard,

I dedicate this book to you for all the incredible

adventures you have taken me on and for all the

adventures we have traveled together. I love you and

thank God for our life together.

Acknowledgments

Thank you to my husband, Richard, for encouraging me to pursue my dream of writing women’s fiction. Your unwavering support has and always will mean so much to me. To our children, Sandi and Scott, thank you for always believing in your mom. I love you. And thanks to Mom and Dad and family in New York for your love and encouragement along the way.

To all my writing sisters—what a blessing you have been! There are so many names that come to mind, I can’t possibly list you all. You are members of ACFW, FHL, RWA, CRW, HODRW, KOD, NWHRWA, OVRWA, COFW, the AOL Boards, eHarlequin, the Love Inspired Authors loop and the Heart and Soul loop, where we have the best cyberwriting retreats ever. You know who you are. You’ve critiqued my chapters, prayed with and encouraged me when I was about to give up, cheered with me even when we finaled in the same writing contests. I thank God every day for you and for the road He’s allowing me to travel as I work toward establishing my writing career.

Thank you to Executive Editor Joan Marlow Golan, who almost made me fall off my chair at an editor appointment in Houston, Texas, when you asked for everything I’d ever written and then told me I should give a workshop on how to pitch a book!

Thanks also to my editor, Diane Dietz, whose voice I heard when I received The Call, and who always encourages me to ask any questions I may have as I learn the process of how a book is published.

A special thank-you also to my agent, Danielle Egan-Miller and everyone at Browne & Miller Literary Associates in Chicago, for believing in me and my works, and cheering me on.

CONTENTS

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

ONE

Zach Marshall instinctively ducked and yanked the steering wheel to the right after a sudden blast of gunfire rippled across his back window. The eerie sound of the bulletproof glass taking the impact of the shots rang through his ears.

In his peripheral vision, he noted a man and woman with guns blazing from the black van coming up fast alongside him. Muttering under his breath, Zach expertly maneuvered his vehicle as another barrage of bullets flew past his 4x4.

His cover was blown.

He aimed the truck into the thick cover of tall western red cedars typical of the Pacific Northwest, cut the lights and did a three-sixty. Zach reached for the subcompact .40 Glock he kept tucked in his shoulder holster. He steered the truck back onto the narrow logging road and positioned it so he was now on the bumper of the black van.

Memorizing the license plate number, he floored the gas pedal and lowered the driver’s window. Gun in hand, he took quick aim and fired off a few shots, hitting one wheel. Despite the flat tire he caused, the van shot forward with a sudden burst of energy and disappeared into the damp, dark night.

The engine of Zach’s 4x4 sputtered, the result of a couple of hits to the gas tank. Thankful it didn’t explode, Zach turned the engine off with a twist of the key, and allowed the car to coast.

At least one objective had gone according to plan. He’d finally drawn a remnant of the enemy out of their hiding place.

Someone was onto him.

But who?

Three days later

“I’m en route to the inn now.” Zach glanced out the driver’s window, scanning the dark blur of trees that obscured the edges of the interstate.

Was another shooter hunkered down in the trees, training his scopes on the car? On him? He adjusted the speaker volume of the cell phone mounted to his dashboard. “Any leads on that license plate number I gave you?”

“Just that the van was stolen,” Senior Agent in Charge John Castlerock answered. “No surprise there.”

“What about prints? Did we find anything?” Zach asked.

“Sorry, Marshall. Clean as a whistle. Wish I had better news for you, buddy.”

“Yeah, I figured as much. Those two knew what they were doing.” Zach ran a hand through his hair and studied the county road in front of him. “At least the plan is working. I’m drawing them out in the open.”

“Right. But a lot sooner than we thought. You want Agent Robbins to meet you at the inn?”

“Not yet.” His gaze moved back and forth from the road to the tall trees typical of Washington State. “Let me get a feel for the place first. I’ll let you know.”

Adrenaline rushed through Zach like wildfire in a wind gust when he thought about the attempt on his life. The protection of the special glass and his quick maneuvering of the unmarked FBI vehicle on the empty logging road had saved his life the other night. That and luck. Or divine intervention. It had been a long time since Zach talked to God. Yet even he recognized God’s saving hand.

He didn’t want it. Or deserve it.

Placing his life on the line was a daily drill on this assignment. Especially the past couple of years. Drawing all factions of the enemy into one location was exactly what the Bureau had intended. The opposition would be on his tail for the duration. But time was running out. The agency’s most recent intelligence reports indicated something big was going down. And soon.

“We’re close, John. I can feel it. Let the team know I’ll initiate an encounter with Julie before the night is over.” With a sense of numb disbelief, Zach’s thoughts raced back to the young woman he’d fallen in love with during his last semester of grad school. Disappointment sat heavily in his gut.

Could Julie Anderson, his old college flame, really be one of their prime suspects—a spy, selling national security secrets to terrorist organizations? Hard to believe the girl he’d fallen in love with and the criminal they sought were one and the same person. Maybe it was time they met again, under entirely different circumstances and with a whole new set of rules.

He’d seen the damning evidence of numerous calls placed from an unlisted number somewhere inside Shadow Lake Inn to several internationally known Russian terrorist supporters. “Once I check in, running into Julie will be a snap.”

“Good. Your history with her might be just what we need to crack this case. I don’t think she’ll suspect you, but don’t take any chances.”

“Yep.” Zach understood why the Bureau wanted to take advantage of their past relationship. But he didn’t have to like it. “When we split eight years ago, it wasn’t exactly on the best of terms.”

“You were going to marry her, right?”

“Affirmative.” Zach’s heart filled with bittersweet memories of the deep love he’d had for Julie. And how she’d refused his proposal. He’d sped away on his Harley so quickly, he’d never heard her explanation. “It didn’t work out.” He kept an air of indifference in the tone of his voice. No need for the Bureau to figure out how devastated he’d been by her reaction. They already knew too much.

“Don’t let any old emotions influence what you have to do. Sweet-talk her, Marshall.” John chuckled. “I’ve seen you in action.”

“Right.” Zach drew a quick breath. He would take extraordinary measures to protect the lives and freedoms of the American people. All the agents he worked so closely with the past few years would, too. “You know I’ll do whatever it takes.”

“I’m counting on it. We can’t afford slipups. Not with this bunch.”

“You don’t have to convince me.” Zach’s resolve hardened. His cover was blown. He needed to be more focused than ever. At their last meeting, John had hinted that Special Agent Richard “Tommy” Tomasino might have gone over to the other side. The last thing the unit needed was having a member turn. Muttering under his breath, Zach recalled the image of the woman firing her semiautomatic weapon from the passenger side of the black van. “Do we have any leads on the identity of the female shooter?”

“Negative. Our sources indicate that Yuri’s wife, Katya, was just seen in Moscow the day of your encounter.” John drew a quick breath. “She’d be our first guess. We’re still checking our sources on that one. I find it hard to believe she wouldn’t join her husband here in the States for what they’re planning. Too bad you didn’t get a better look.”

“Not much to see with their faces covered in black ski masks. Except for that piece of gray hair sticking out from her knitted cap.”

“Don’t sweat it. I’m looking over a list of other suspects now,” John replied. “We’ll handle it from our end.”

“Yeah well, keep me posted. I like to know who’s trying to kill me.”

“Don’t blame you. I’ll update Robbins. What do you need from her?”

“Detailed background checks on Julie’s friends and associates, everything within the past eight years.” Zach paused for a moment, his eyes scanning the heavily wooded area along the road. “Check the file we have on her late husband, see if he was a part of this before his death.”

“Got it.”

Zach blew out a long, deep breath. “I also want a full report on the British woman Julie hired six months ago. She could be the international connection we’ve been looking for. Maybe even our shooter.”

“She’s on our short list. I’ll get the ball rolling and make contact with you at the resort.”

“Where are you, John? What’s your cover? When is your ETA?”

“You’ll see me soon enough.” John’s words were followed by an ominous silence. “I need to fill you in on some new circumstances.”

“What new circumstances?”

No response. John had already hung up. Great. Just what they needed. More surprises. As if the recent attempt on his life and sudden disappearance of Agent Tomasino weren’t enough. Steeling his resolve, Zach let it go for now. He had his own problems. Winning Julie’s trust was just one of them.

He planned to use their shared grief—Julie’s loss of a husband, his loss of a wife and daughter—to bring them close again. Opening up to her, revealing his sorrow, his unspoken guilt, would be difficult. He hadn’t shared that deep inner part of himself with anyone.

Zach muttered a series of curses under his breath and slammed a hand against the wheel. What kind of man had he become to even consider using such coldhearted tactics against a woman he’d once cared for so deeply?

But someone had almost killed him a few days ago and that changed things. He would do anything to gain Julie’s confidence, to pump her for as much information as possible, to keep the bad guys from going for the kill again and from pulling off another horrendous crime against innocent Americans.

The truck’s powerful engine rumbled loudly as he continued the drive north to Shadow Lake Inn. Windshield wipers slid vigorously across the waterlogged glass of his replacement vehicle as the heavy rain continued its deluge.

Rain.

Like the sound of a metronome, the rhythmic resonance of the wipers pulled his memory into the past. Zach’s mind drifted back four years, to the last time he saw his late wife and daughter. His little girl would be in kindergarten this year if not for that horrible accident.

Images of Ashley’s empty crib the night he’d flown back from an intense Special Ops assignment flooded his memory. Visions forever embedded in his mind resurfaced from that stormy, rainy night. Stuffed animals lying on the mattress where she played with them hours before, the tiny pair of bloodstained sneakers she wore when she died.

If only he’d been home instead of on a mission with the SEALs. Maybe he could’ve persuaded his wife Lisa to stay put, instead of driving in the torrential rainstorm she’d driven in that day. If only he’d been there for them. His gut tightened.

If only God had been there for them.

Zach adjusted the rearview mirror and checked the roadway behind him. Dark gray clouds loomed low on the horizon. In the distance, lightning flashed. A deep sense of loss burned in his heart. No more looking back.

He needed to keep a cool edge to solve the international case of espionage and terrorism he’d been assigned. If he didn’t focus, he wouldn’t live to see the results of his hard work. If he were a praying man as he used to be, now would be a good time to start talking to the Man Upstairs.

But it was too late for him and God.

There was no room in Zach’s heart for faith.

No place in his life for memories.

Julie Anderson dragged the cardboard box along the dusty floor of the old attic. Ignoring the stuffy surroundings of the dimly lit room, she pulled the carton toward her. Thunder rolled and heavy rain pounded the roof, charging the confined area with electric tension.

Julie set the box down in the muted glare of the small bulb and rubbed her arms in an attempt to warm herself. The image of the dead body she’d stumbled on during her morning walk two weeks ago still burned deeply in her mind’s eye. Paul, the groundskeeper of the inn, dead, his body cold, his blood pooling on the grassy spot under the tall spruce trees. Julie shook her head and whispered a prayer she’d uttered many times over the past week.

God, please. Take that memory from my heart and mind.

Angry over the still-unsolved murder, Julie vowed to overcome her dislike of small spaces to find the photographs in the attic. Maybe they held a clue to the identity of the killer.

The homicide detectives had come up with nothing on the brutal slaying. The police, hinting she was a possible suspect, seemed to be at a standstill in their investigation. How could they even think of her as the murderer? Using her cell phone, she had reported the crime to them herself.

Once she’d stopped screaming.

Taking a deep breath, Julie opened the dusty flaps of the old box that held all her photo albums. She peered inside. Would five-month-old photos from the inn’s employee day provide her with a clue to the murder?

Suddenly heart palpitations squeezed inside her chest. She wasn’t sure if the storm, the spooky attic, or the homicide at her beloved lodge caused her trembling. An old board creaked and she turned to look behind her. Why did she feel as if someone was watching her? Another wave of chills ran through her body and she shivered. The musty odor reminded her of the old shed at her grandparent’s farm.

Were childhood memories haunting her again?

Julie prayed for God’s presence to encircle her. Lord, help me not to give in to old fears. Heavy rain beat a relentless rhythm against the roof and a fierce wind whistled through the old wallboards. Wanting to run from the small space, Julie forced herself to stay. She took a deep, calming breath and then pulled an album from the box.

As soon as her fingers touched the soft velveteen cover, she knew the navy blue album in her hands was not the one for which she’d been searching. This one was older. How long had it been since she went through the old college scrapbook?

A brilliant flash of lightning cast eerie shadows on the wooden plank ceiling, revealing clusters of creepy cobwebs. An explosive clap of thunder echoed behind the flash of light, shaking the very floor on which she sat.

Not willing to stay in the confining space any longer, Julie decided to take the carton with her and look for the employee album in the safety of her office.

Making her way toward the ladder, she shut off the light, wondering for the hundredth time why she felt as if someone was watching her. She turned toward the tiny window and the sound of the howling wind, and swallowed hard. Did she really think she could solve a murder investigation on her own? But the detectives had been more secretive than ever the past few days. She couldn’t wait any longer.

The next few months would make or break the future of Shadow Lake Inn. She’d worked nonstop to keep the inn running the past few years. Julie wouldn’t let anything get in the way of its success. Not even a murder.

Saying a quick, silent prayer and shaking the uneasiness from her heart, Julie stood and promised herself she would solve the investigation on her own.

The floor creaked under her boots when she walked and another loud crash of thunder rumbled against the roof. Luminescent lightning cast a sinister glow across the attic revealing a small, ancient-looking little doorway she had never noticed before. Funny. Why hadn’t she seen that tiny entry way until now?

Maybe she’d call Nick and ask him to look at it the next time he paid a visit, or surprised her again with an impromptu trip up from Seattle. He’d been so sweet, helping to fix things around the lodge since Paul’s death.

Julie gripped the box in one arm and made her way down the tall ladder that led to and from the old tower room. Another crash of thunder shook the inn. The heel of her designer boot caught on one of the lower wooden rungs. Losing her balance, Julie dropped the box and held on to the wobbly ladder. The cardboard container flipped over and fell, scattering several photos along the old oak flooring of the corridor beneath her. Holding on for dear life, Julie prayed she wouldn’t meet the same fate.

“Whoa!” Strong, muscular arms settled around her waist and guided her down the ladder. “You okay? You almost took a nasty tumble.” A man’s deep voice rumbled gently against the back of her neck, his breath warm on her cheek. Gently turning her around in his arms, his gaze connected with hers. Familiar steel-blue eyes widened in surprised recognition. “Julie?”

Swallowing hard, her gaze flew to the familiar face of her college sweetheart, Zach Marshall. She forgot about the storm thundering overhead, the murder at the inn and the narrow escape of falling from the ladder. Her heart reeled with a sudden rush of sweet memories.

Zach’s good looks, tall lean body and mischievous grin had attracted her initially all those years ago. But his honesty and charm had won her heart. One slow smile from Zach and she was over the moon. And when he kissed her…

“Julie!” Chuckling lightly, a slow grin lit his face. “Is it really you?”

Julie swallowed and fought to still the dizziness as the passageway began to swirl around her. She blinked and cleared her mind, yet there he was standing before her. “Z-Zach?”

“Yeah,” he answered, chuckling again. “I never thought I’d run into anyone I knew…way out here.” His intense gaze held hers. “Hey, you sure you’re all right?” he asked, his voice deep and low. “You’re shaking.”

“Yes.” He stood merely inches away, his strong arms still lightly placed around her waist. Her hands rested on his cotton shirt. His steady heartbeat pulsed against her fingers. “I’m fine,” she managed, gazing into his eyes.

He let her down until she stood on solid ground. Slowly lowering her hands from Zach’s hard, muscular chest, she pulled her gaze from his and turned toward the loud, clattering sound of approaching footsteps.

“What on earth?” Beatrice, Julie’s British lodge manager, stood in the hallway. Placing both hands on her ample hips, she glanced up toward the attic door. “What were you doing up there?” she asked with a nod of her head. “You know it’s haunted,” she added, fixing a stern look at Julie.

“Don’t be ridiculous, Beatrice.” Yet Julie wondered. She stole a glance at Zach, half-tempted to touch him again and make sure he wasn’t an illusion from her past. She pressed a hand to her lips. He really was here. But why?

Beatrice hurried to collect the loose photographs that lay scattered across the floor. “Are you sure you’re all right?” she asked over her shoulder.

“Yes, I’m fine. Really,” Julie insisted, though she felt as if she might keel over when she noticed the subject of the pictures lying faceup on the floor.

Zach. On his Harley.

“What madness sent you up that ancient ladder anyway dressed up the way you are? And during a storm, no less.” Beatrice clucked her tongue in disapproval and placed the pencil she’d been holding into her curly, gray hair.

“I…had some things to take care of.” Julie smoothed her long, black skirt. She couldn’t blurt out she was looking for clues to the murder. Not in front of Zach. Or anyone.

“You should have asked for help,” Beatrice admonished. “You could’ve fallen. We’ve had enough accidents around here lately.” As she spoke, she flipped through the photographs in her hand. Eyes wide, she looked back and forth from the old pictures to Zach, then stood, transfixed.

For the first time Julie could remember, Beatrice appeared speechless. Julie’s gaze focused on the photographs in Beatrice’s hand. She remembered with vivid accuracy the day she took those pictures—Zach on his bike moments before he proposed and then sped away.

Out of her life. Forever.

Until today.

Glancing at Beatrice and placing a finger to her lips, Julie realized that her friend recognized him as the man in the photos. Would she at least have the common sense and decency to keep her mouth shut?

“Let me grab that for you,” Zach offered. He reached for the overturned carton on the floor. “It looks heavy.”

“No!” Julie and Beatrice exclaimed in unison, exchanging frantic glances.

Zach’s eyes narrowed. “You sure?”

“Yes.” Julie cleared her throat. “I can manage it.” Brushing remnants of cobwebs from her ice-pink cashmere sweater set, Julie gave her friend and coworker a warning look.

Beatrice raised an eyebrow in response. “You should take some time off.” She stole another glance at Zach and the pictures she held in her hand. “After all, you are the owner. You certainly deserve a break. Especially after everything that’s happened around here the past few weeks.” She eyeballed Zach again.

“I’m fine…really,” Julie croaked. She bit her lower lip. “No need to take the day off.” Surely, Beatrice knew not to utter a word about the murder or that Zach was the man in the photos. How embarrassing. Didn’t she have any sense of privacy?

Though the lodge couldn’t afford the extra cost, Julie had insisted on paying a security guard for the safety of the guests. Besides the police, she and Beatrice were the only ones who knew about the crime.

Beatrice just happened to be there when Julie came stumbling into the office in her bloodstained sweats early on that awful morning. Blood on her hands, too, from when she tried to awaken Paul, in vain.

Soon after, the police had discreetly arrived, not wanting to alarm the guests, yet questioning several of them. The detectives said that maintaining a low profile was vital to the ongoing investigation. But keeping the brutal slaying quiet weighed heavily on Julie’s nerves. She didn’t like it.

Still holding the snapshots in a death grip, Beatrice placed both hands on her hips again. “I shall speak with you later,” she added in her very proper British accent. She turned and started down the long corridor.

“Wait!” Catching up with her, Julie gently took the photos of Zach from Beatrice’s hands. “I’ll take those.” Whispering lightly she added, “Not a word!” and marched back to the troublesome box before Zach could get a look at its contents.

“Well then,” Beatrice said after a moment. “I guess I’ll leave you to your…guest.” She gave Zach a fleeting glance, turned on her heel and stalked away.

Julie and Zach faced each other. A silent moment that seemed to stretch into eternity. The storm and the murder weren’t the only mystifying elements causing her pulse to race. His tall, powerful physique, black leather jacket and well-fitted jeans added several extra beats to her already fluttering heart.

Her mind drifted back eight years. She saw herself riding with him on his motorcycle, her arms tightly wrapped around his waist. Memories of his clean, masculine scent—flashbacks of Zach wearing the very same leather jacket he wore today—filled her senses. Julie felt the distinct memory of his lips against hers. Images of their private picnic spot at Hurricane Ridge filled her mind with thoughts she should have forgotten, even as a chill of awareness prickled her spine.

She’d been so young. Only twenty-one. Yet she’d loved Zach with all her heart. Julie forced herself to breathe. The deserted hallway suddenly seemed much too small, too narrow. Chestnut-brown hair fell across his eyes. His slow, crooked grin released a stream of remembrances to flood her mind—the way his eyes darkened with emotion when he kissed her, his tender touch.

Did he end up in California on his impromptu adventure, the one he had asked her to go on with him the day he proposed? Surely he couldn’t have expected her to leave her family and friends on a moment’s notice and ride off with him into the sunset. She’d never even had the chance to tell him about her grandmother’s death the night before. He’d always been too adventurous for her. Too impulsive.

She told him “no,” yet watching him speed away on his Harley without her left an ache, an emptiness deep in her heart. There had been many sleepless nights when she relied on God’s strength, wondering if she’d made a mistake in not going with him.

But she couldn’t leave her family. Julie needed time to grieve over the passing of the beloved grandmother who had always made life fun for her and her brother. If only she’d had the chance to tell Zach. She drew a shaky breath. She’d never heard from him again. Until now.

“What were you doing up there alone?” Zach asked, nodding toward the attic. Slowly his gaze drifted down the length of her body. His hands fisted inside the pockets of his leather jacket. His intense gaze returned to meet hers.

“Nothing, really.” Zach was the only person she ever told about her claustrophobia. Had he remembered? “What are you doing in this section of the inn, Zach? This corridor isn’t open to guests. It needs to be renovated. Didn’t you see the sign?”

“Sign?” Zach glanced down the hallway. “Must’ve missed it.”

“I guess so.” Taking a quick breath, she reached for the box and slowly turned it upright being careful not to let the albums or any other photos slip out for Zach to see. She lifted it from the wooden floor. “I’ll just put this away.” Far away.

“I can’t let you do that,” Zach said grabbing the carton.

“What? Wait, I—”

“It’s way too heavy. Good thing I happened to wander by.” He easily lifted the cardboard container from her arms. “You might’ve fallen off that ladder if I hadn’t been here.” He raised an eyebrow and nodded toward the stairs at the other end of the hall. “Lead the way.”

“Fine.” Several minutes later, they reached the main floor and Julie opened the door to her private office. I should’ve duct-taped that box shut. Permanently.

“Where do you want this?” he asked, hovering in the doorway.

“Thanks, I can handle it from here.” Julie took the box from his arms, walked to the far corner of her office and then lowered it onto the carpet. She turned to face him. “See, it wasn’t that heavy.”

“If you say so.” Zach leaned against the doorjamb, arms crossed over his broad chest. His blue-gray eyes filled with a familiar longing and a lazy smile eased its way across his face. “So, how are you, Julie?”

“I’m fine.” She took in a much-needed breath. Zach’s sudden presence in her life was taking its toll on her already frazzled nerves. The pleasant aroma of vanilla almond coffee brewing in the Capresso machine in the corner of the room gave her the sense of normalcy she so desperately needed. Beatrice always made her a fresh pot of coffee at this time of day. At least something was going according to plan. Julie curled a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “It’s been a while, Zach,” she said, leaning one hip against the top of her desk.

“Yeah.” Zach scanned the office before his penetrating gaze returned to meet hers. “About eight years, Jewels.”

He called her by his old nickname for her. The one she hated. Yet, hearing it now brought forth a rush of precious memories. She forced the sweet thoughts from her heart and mind. “Has it been that long?” Though she knew all too well exactly how long ago it had been.

“Yeah. So, what have you been up to?” he asked.

Julie smiled. “Running the lodge, for one thing.”

His gaze locked on hers. “You really own this resort?”

“Yes.” She nodded and took in another quick breath. It was good to see him. Zach had meant the world to her once. “My husband and I bought it and—”

“Right.” His sudden, cool gaze confused her. “You look great. You haven’t aged a day.” He pushed off the doorway and backed up a step.

“Thanks.” Why was he deliberately making her uncomfortable? It wasn’t like him. At least not like the Zach she used to know. She lowered her gaze so he wouldn’t notice the moisture in her eyes. “I’d…better let you go,” she said once she composed herself. She lifted her gaze to meet his.

“Yeah, I’m off to do some exploring.” He ran a hand through his hair. “You know. Take a drive around the lake, find a couple of places to fish.”

Julie ached to do a little exploring of her own and run her fingers across the roughness of his jaw. It was good to hear his deep, familiar voice. She had to get a grip on the overpowering emotions coursing through her. Seeing him again, old feelings resurfaced, stronger than ever.

A strand of hair fell across his forehead and she fought the overwhelming impulse to smooth it back, as she used to. “How long are you staying, Zach?” Surely, he couldn’t be their “mystery man,” the one who had insisted on main level accommodations with a view of the lake. But the way her day was going…

Julie wished she’d made more time to be involved with the lone guest who had mysteriously booked a room for an extended stay. If she’d seen his name, she would’ve had some warning. “Are you with your family?” she asked, hoping he would say yes.

“No. It’s just me.” He smiled, but it wasn’t real.

Julie studied his face. Something was wrong. He was their “mystery man,” all right, in more ways than one. “Is your room okay? We wanted to make sure that you’d be comfortable. You know, for such a long…vacation.”

“Yeah. It’s great.” His distant gaze held hers. “You and your husband must love it here.”

Julie walked to stand at the open door with him. Through the floor-to-ceiling windows at the far end of the lobby, she surveyed the silvery lake and the tall evergreens of the densely treed property.

Her heart felt as heavy as the thick morning mist that rose from Shadow Lake. The steely gray presence curled up the vast, manicured lawn near the back of the lodge, lingering at the tall windows until it enveloped the building in a translucent cocoon.

Eerie, yet beautiful. Peaceful, but lonely.

Just like her heart.

Dragging in a deep breath, and wondering about her sudden case of melancholy, she turned to face Zach. “My husband…Tim—” she blinked and cleared her throat “—he…he died suddenly. Three years ago.” She still found it hard to discuss Tim’s death and the virus that had weakened his heart in a matter of weeks.

Zach reached out and gently lifted her chin so her gaze would meet his. “I’m sorry, Julie.” His words, so sincerely spoken, revealed the tender man she remembered. The gentle touch of his long fingers brushing her cheek stirred emotions she’d tried to bury along with their past.

He took her hands in his. His gaze connected to her soul this time and a glimmer of sunshine filtered into the fogginess of her heart. His strong, warm hands felt so good around hers. They stood only inches apart. “You sure you’re all right?”

Thoughts of their past raced through her mind and she wondered what it would be like to kiss him again. Clearing her head, she pushed the thought away. “I’m fine.” In Zach’s strong arms, she felt like a college girl all over again. Could he feel how her hands trembled in his?

“Okay. I’m off to do some sightseeing.” Gently, he released her hands from his.

“Thanks for saving me from an embarrassing fall.”

“Yes. Catch you later.” Zach chuckled. He winked and for a split second, his teasing gaze held hers.

She’d always loved his sense of humor. In seconds, he was out the door with no plans and probably no map. He hadn’t changed at all. But something in his life had left the emptiness she saw in his eyes. After all these years, why would God bring Zach back into her life now? Circumstances at the lodge couldn’t be worse.

Zach would never admit it, she knew, but he looked as if he could use a friend.

Placing a hand to her heart and reeling from the deep emotions swirling inside, Julie suddenly realized, so could she.

Especially since…the murder.

TWO

Zach pulled his vehicle into the small parking lot across from Shadow Lake Inn after having spent the last four hours mapping out the perimeter around the lake and meeting with team members on the case.

Senior Agent John Castlerock hadn’t been at the rendezvous point as planned, and none of the other agents knew his whereabouts. Zach didn’t like the troubling thoughts running through his mind.

Was John keeping something from the team? From him?

He’d never worried about John’s loyalty before. So why was there a sudden feeling of apprehension creeping its way through his gut? Why wasn’t John here yet?

He crossed the narrow road to the inn and his thoughts turned to Julie. Zach hadn’t expected the sudden rush of affection he felt when he held her in his arms again. He thought he had braced himself for the impact of seeing her when he studied the pictures the Bureau had shown him. Blue eyes, silky blond hair, her killer smile—it was enough to bring a man down. Her slim, well-toned body and feminine curves didn’t help matters, either.

Muttering a curse, he mentally repaired the protective wall he’d built around his heart and forced his concentration back where it belonged.

On his assignment.

Julie—the suspect.

He made his way along the hallway leading to the business section of the inn. The door to her office was slightly open giving him a perfect opportunity to sneak a quick look at her books and gather more information on the nosy Brit. Checking to make sure no one saw him, he quietly slipped into the room.

The suspicious box still sat in the corner. Obviously there was something inside that Julie didn’t want him to see. Heading toward it, he came to an abrupt halt when he noticed a small figure sitting in the brown leather chair. He could hardly see her over the top of the desk.

“Hello.” She jumped from the seat and scooted around the desk to face him. “Are you the misty man?”

Zach swallowed. “Uh, the what?”

“You sure look like the misty man to me.” The little girl tilted her head, placed her hands on her hips and gave him a quick once-over.

What in the world was a misty man?

Light blond hair, combed into a neat ponytail, bounced with every move she made. One strap of the denim jumper she wore slipped over her shoulder and the white turtleneck underneath the dress. Tennis shoes, laced in red, had matching frilly things centered in the bows. One of the laces was untied. She could trip and fall.

Without warning, she grabbed Zach by the hand and led him to the leather chair behind the desk. Her warm, small hand wrapped around his fingers as she tugged him toward the desk. “Want to see my picture?”

His heart stopped at her innocent touch. Who was this kid and what was she doing in Julie’s office? Inwardly, he muttered an unspoken oath. It was too late to hightail it out of there. “Yeah, sure.”

“You sit here,” she instructed. Smiling up at him, a familiar blue-eyed gaze met his.

His heart almost stopped. There was no denying the uncanny resemblance. Julie had a daughter, a little girl about the same age as Ashley would’ve been.

Zach almost stopped breathing. Why hadn’t this minor detail been in the report he’d studied?

Suddenly she was sitting on his knee, showing him the drawing. “See? This is Mommy. And this…is Prince Charming.” She turned to gaze at him again and her sweet face touched Zach’s heart in a way he’d known only once before.

The kid squirmed on his lap. Instinctively, he placed an arm around her so she wouldn’t fall. He waited for the heartache, the pain to grip his soul.

“Do you like it?” she asked hopefully. “Hey. He looks just like you!” She turned to study his face. “See?” She touched the image of the man she had drawn then pressed her fingers to Zach’s cheek.

Zach sucked in a breath and glanced at the stick figure. “It does kind of look like me, huh.” Maybe this kid had the answers he needed.

“And this—” she pointed to the stick figure woman in the picture “—is Mommy. Isn’t she pretty?”

“Hmm.” Zach lifted the drawing from the desk and held it close so they could both examine it together. He whistled. “She sure is.”

She giggled and rested her head on his shoulder. The top of her ponytail brushed his cheek and Zach’s eyes grew moist. But this time he didn’t feel the usual anguish. This time, his heart filled with something good.

Pure. Sweet.

Was it possible, after all he’d been through and seen, there was anyone truly virtuous still left in the world? He steadied the little girl on his knee. “Uh, your shoelace is undone. Let me tie it for you.”

“Okay.” She stretched out her leg and lifted her foot.

Fingers trembling with memories of other little shoes, Zach fumbled with the red laces and tied a double bow. “Here you go,” he said, his voice breaking.

“Thank you.” Her sweet round-eyed gaze reached into the depths of his soul with her little girl innocence and trust.

“You’re welcome,” he managed, his voice barely above a whisper.

“Emmie,” Julie said quietly, standing in the doorway. “Honey, what are you doing?”

The little girl jumped from Zach’s knee and ran to her mother. “Mommy, it’s the misty man. He’s here! See?” She nodded in his direction and smiled.

“Emmie, sweetheart, I don’t think that—”

“Yep. Here I am. In the flesh.” Zach leaned back in the chair and grinned. “Misty Man.”

Julie’s gaze met his and she smiled. Kneeling, she hugged her daughter. The tender sight, mother and daughter quietly laughing together, overwhelmed Zach. He didn’t welcome the unexpected current of emotions he felt charging through his body. He didn’t want to think about families and little girls.

Not now. Not ever.

Julie sighed inwardly and rose to her feet. Seeing her daughter sitting so comfortably on Zach’s knee had touched her deeply, reminding her how much Emmie needed a father in her life. And how much Julie longed to fall asleep every night in the arms of a man who loved her. Hand in hand, she led Emmie to where Zach sat at her desk. “Zach, this is my daughter, Emmie.” She turned to her little girl. “Sweetheart, this is…Mr. Marshall.”

“I showed him my drawing.” She smiled up at Julie, a proud look of accomplishment in her sweet eyes.

“Oh, you did?” Julie glanced at the picture on her desk and turned to Zach. He smiled and Julie’s heartbeat quickened. Did she still have feelings for him? That was ridiculous. He was just an old friend. That’s all.

“Mommy,” Emmie whispered turning to Julie. “He’s the misty man.”

She really needed to watch what she said around her daughter. Julie turned to Zach and offered a rueful smile. He raised an eyebrow and flashed a slow, crooked grin.

“You of all people should know that, Julie.”

She blushed at the hint of intimacy in his words. “Zach, I—”

“Oh, there you are. I’ve been trying to warn you all day. The myst—” Beatrice marched through the open door into the already crowded office and stopped abruptly to stare at Zach. Placing a hand to her heart, she stammered, “Oh, h-hello, Mr. Marshall. Hmm, quite nice to see you again. Was there something you needed?” A pink blush flooded her cheeks and she drew in a quick, shaky breath. “I…trust the room is to your liking?”

“Yeah. It’s fine.” Zach’s eyes narrowed. He rose to his feet. “I’d better get going.”

“No need to leave on my account. I only came to ask if Emmie wants to taste test our new chef’s chocolate chip cookies,” Beatrice added, lifting her chin.

Julie detected the slightest twinkle in her friend’s eyes. She was probably trying to warn her that Zach was their “mystery man.” It was what they’d come to call him from the time he made his rather mysterious reservations. Apparently, they’d referred to him by that name in front of Emmie too many times.

She knelt down, eye level with her daughter. “Cookies sound good. What do you say, sweetheart?” Julie smiled and affectionately caressed Emmie’s pretty face.

“Yummy. Chocolate chip’s my favorite.” She gave Julie a kiss on the cheek and a quick hug. Running back to the desk, Emmie grabbed the drawing and skipped over to Zach. “You can keep this,” she said, proudly smiling up at him.

Zach crouched down beside her and accepted the drawing from her outstretched hand. “Thanks. It’s a great drawing, Emmie.” He winked and gave her a quick smile.

Slowly, Julie stood. Having witnessed Zach’s tenderness with her daughter, her heart unexpectedly filled with longing. If only Emmie could have a good family man to be the father she so desperately needed. A man who would be home every night to tuck her in and read her a bedtime story. Who would share in the wonderful joy of raising her daughter. But now was not the time for silly sentiments. She had a crime to solve. A business to run.

Emmie skipped over to Beatrice and then reached for her outstretched hand. Beatrice gave Julie a knowing glance then closed the door after them. An endless moment ticked by.

“You have a daughter.” Zach’s eyes filled with tenderness. “She…looks just like you.”

“Thanks. She’s a real blessing, especially after losing my husband.”

In an instant, Zach closed the distance between them until he stood only a breath away. Curling his fingers under her chin, he lifted her gaze to meet his. “Can you get a sitter? I’d like you to have dinner with me.”

Julie smiled despite how her heart danced recklessly inside her chest. It would be fun to share a meal with someone. With Zach. She would have the chance to ask him all the questions that had her mind spinning. Why was he here?

“Tonight,” he whispered, pulling her into a light embrace. “We’ll catch up on all the years.”

His deep voice and tender touch awakened feelings in her heart from long ago. A wave of awareness pulsed along her spine. The feel of his warm breath against her cheek, the pulse of his strong, steady heartbeat beneath her fingertips—it was all too familiar.

Gazing into his steel-blue eyes, Julie swallowed hard and opened her mouth to say something.

Anything.

Zach dropped his hands from her arms and took a step back. “You already have plans,” he stated.

“No, it’s all right,” Julie managed. “My parents live only a few minutes away. Emmie will love staying over. Tomorrow’s Saturday. No school.”

One corner of his mouth lifted in a smile. “You want to eat here or go somewhere else?”

“Well, I need to sample the cuisine my new chef has prepared. Do you want to join me, Zach? We’ll have a taste testing of our own.”

“What time?” he asked, reaching for her hand as if a lifetime hadn’t passed since they’d seen each other.

“Seven?”

“Okay, seven it is.” Zach gently pulled her to him and encircled her in his arms. “It’s good to see you after all this time,” he whispered, his breath warm against her cheek. After a moment, he released her and held her at arm’s length. “I’ll meet you in the lobby.”

“Okay.” Her knees felt as if they would give out on her. Why was she reacting to him as if they’d never been apart? It didn’t make any sense. Julie ran a hand along the spot on her arm still charged with electricity from Zach’s tender touch. At twenty-nine, she had no right responding to him like some love-crazed teen. But her body seemed to have a mind of its own where he was concerned.

“See you later.” He started to close the door behind him.

“No, wait.” Julie curled a strand of hair behind her ear. “Keep it open. I love these late-October afternoons with the sound of the fire popping.”

The pleasant aroma of Yule logs burning in the large, brick fireplace made her think of Christmas. That time of year always brought happy childhood memories to mind, chasing away any sign of loneliness.

“Sure thing.” He winked.

“Thanks.” Julie glanced through the office door into the massive lobby, and smiled at the clerk at the reception desk. The flames in the brick fireplace crackled, providing welcome warmth to another chilly, overcast day in Washington State.

The mantel, a large western red cedar beam placed across the curved top of the brick firebox, highlighted wooden sculptures and candleholders crafted by various Native American tribes of the Olympic rain forest. Several guests brought their coffee with them and sat on the comfortable forest-green sofas grouped near the massive fireplace.

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.

Zach’s heart told him that Julie was unaware of the goings-on from her lodge. His mind told him he needed facts to prove his instincts. Zach could not assume Julie was innocent. He had seen too much in his life to be that naive.

Someone had killed the inn’s groundskeeper, an ex-KGB agent trying to make a fresh start. His death had led the Bureau to Shadow Lake Inn. When was Julie planning to tell him about that? Why was she deliberately keeping the cold-blooded murder a secret, covering it up?

Julie turned to him. “I enjoyed having dinner with you tonight, Zach.” She sighed softly and smiled.

“Yeah, me, too. It’s…good to see you again, Julie,” he whispered, gently pulling her to him. His fingers automatically intertwined with hers. It was as if his body was reacting on autopilot. Zach’s heart filled with happy memories of the two of them together. She felt so right in his arms. It had been a long time since he held a woman this way—and too long since he’d held Julie.

His gaze rested on her moist, parted lips. He wanted to kiss her. He slowly pulled her closer. She felt so warm and soft. He rested his chin on her head. Against his better judgment, he drank in the clean fragrance of her long hair, letting its softness run through his fingers. He would kiss her during this assignment, no doubt about it, but not yet. It was all part of his job—getting close and then zeroing in for the takedown.

Swallowing a groan, he emotionally placed some distance between them, silently cursing the investigation and all it entailed. He could not let himself trust her. No matter what he felt. He needed to seize control of the intense physical and emotional reaction he had to her. Now, before he got lost in her arms, in her kisses.

Julie gently squeezed his hand. “Come on, I’ll show you the rest of the house.”

Taking his arm in hers, she walked him through a wide archway leading directly into the dining room. Antique mahogany furniture came into view as she flipped a wall switch allowing the crystal chandelier to light the room. Zach whistled. The deep dark tones and lines of the furniture were beautiful and classy. Elegant. It suited her.

Just as the photos had indicated, the furniture was expensive. The background check they did showed there was no way she could afford the cost, and there were no records of the purchase. Had she paid for everything in cash? Money earned by selling out her country? “This must have set you back a few bucks,” he managed, his voice more gruff than he intended.

“It was my grandmother’s. She left it to me when she passed away. The furniture and all the fine crystal and china she loved to use. I never could have afforded all this on my own.” She turned to him and smiled. Julie’s eyes filled with fondness as she spoke about her grandmother. “After all these years, I still miss her. She used to make me tea and honey.” Her gaze met and locked with his. “And homemade lemon cookies.”

How could this sweet woman be a spy?

Zach realized there was a lot he didn’t know about Julie. He vowed to change that, to solve the case, of course. He would verify the grandmother’s inheritance by morning.

“Are you bored yet?” Julie asked after she had shown him the family room. “We can stop anytime.” She laughed lightly.

“Upstairs, Jewels.” Zach smiled in spite of thoughts of her involvement in the grueling investigation. He wanted to know more about the home she had made for herself—before he locked her up in federal prison.

She led him up the stairway and Zach admired her slim, feminine body. He forced his gaze away in order to memorize every detail about her home that hadn’t shown up in the surveillance photos he’d studied. The fourth step creaked under his foot. He made a mental note of it. The information he gathered might prove useful in saving precious seconds that could save lives. Too many agents had already died or disappeared on this assignment.

“This is my room. I recently redecorated and bought new furniture.” Julie flipped another wall switch to light the room and walked inside. “I couldn’t resist a sale I found at a shop in Seattle. The furniture was just delivered a few days ago.”

The bed was new, all right. It hadn’t been in the photographs he’d seen. The rich dark wood of the four-poster bed contrasted with the pale green comforter and floral dust ruffle. Several matching overstuffed pillows leaned against the large hand-carved mahogany headboard.

Zach imagined Julie there, her blond hair draped across the pillows. He drew in a quick breath.

He’d never forgotten her. Even after all the years. Even though he’d married and fathered a child.

Zach cleared his throat and forced the unsettling thoughts from his mind. Glancing around the room, memorizing every detail, he noticed a thick pillar candle inside an attractive heavy glass holder. Arranged with green ivy trailing around its base, the candle arrangement complimented the dark wood of her night table. That was why the room held the light, pleasant scent of vanilla. Zach wondered why Julie felt the need for a fancy, scented candle. And such an intimate atmosphere.

Did she entertain up here?

He crossed to the huge bay window and brushed the lacy white curtains aside. Through the open blinds, he could see the distant lights in the windows of the lodge, even with the numerous tall trees on the property. He turned to face her. “Nice view.”

Nodding, she stood in the doorway and smiled. The pale pink Victorian lamp on the dresser gently lit her face. Zach’s heart filled with memories of the tender love they once shared. It felt unnatural not to pull her close and kiss her as he used to.

“It is a pretty view, isn’t it?” She crossed to where he stood at the window.

“That it is,” Zach whispered, his voice suddenly giving out.

Did she enjoy sleeping in such a huge bed alone?

Had any men slept there with her, held her close afterward? Julie had never been one to sleep around. Maybe she’d changed. Zach realized he would be disappointed if she had. He’d loved her innocence, her sweetness. Was she still the same woman he knew back then?

The Bureau expected him to use his past with Julie to bring closure to this international assignment. His mission was to stick close until she inadvertently led them to leaders of the terrorist group.

For the first time in his professional career, Zach wondered if he was in over his head. Because of his emotional involvement with Julie, was he in danger of losing his edge? If that were true, he was as good as dead.

“Come on, I’ll show you Emmie’s room,” Julie said, interrupting his thoughts. “It’s just across the hall.”

Emmie’s room.

Zach felt as if he’d been kicked in the gut. He should’ve thought of that possibility before now. Would he be able to face a little girl’s bedroom without feeling the heartache of what could have been? Drawing a deep breath, he raked a hand through his hair and swallowed hard. “I’m…right behind you.”

Julie flipped on the light switch and Emmie’s room came alive. No matter how hard Zach braced himself for the impact, a wave of painful emotions washed over him as he stood frozen in place.

He’d dealt with apprehending vicious criminals before with no problem. He’d worked through the horrors at Ground Zero, but all it took was the sight of a little girl’s bedroom to freeze him in his tracks.

An oak bed with a matching dresser and mirror filled the small room. Julie had decorated the twin bed with a pastel pink-and-white gingham comforter that matched the dust ruffle and canopy. A pink floral wallpaper border made its way across the top of the cream-colored walls. A vast array of stuffed animals lay peacefully arranged across the pillows.

Stuffed animals.

Zach recalled his daughter’s crib. Picturing it clearly in his mind, he could almost reach out and touch the cherrywood railings…and Ashley. Taking her little bed apart, saving some toys and giving away the rest, had been the hardest thing he’d ever had to do. No mission had ever compared to the heartache of that task. No mission ever could.

“I did Emmie’s room over, also.” Julie smiled up at him, a tender look in her eyes when she talked about her little girl. “I asked her to help me choose the fabric and furniture. I was surprised that she had so many opinions on the subject.” She laughed lightly. “This is what we agreed on.”

“It’s nice,” Zach managed. Surprised that his feet weren’t glued to the floor, he made his way over to a child-sized table under one of the windows. A small, crayon-filled wicker basket rested on a chair. Several of Emmie’s drawings lay scattered across the top. Zach stopped to touch one of them. It showed a house, several trees and an animal that appeared to be a horse, but maybe it was a dog. “I see Emmie likes to draw,” he said, turning to her.

Julie nodded. Love and obvious pride in her daughter reflected in her eyes. “She doesn’t usually give her pictures away. You must have made quite an impression.”

Forgetting his job for a brief moment, Zach’s heart filled with happiness for Julie. He was glad she had her little girl to love after the loss of her husband. “Has it been hard for you, raising her on your own?” He pulled out one of the little chairs. Sitting as best as he could on the tiny piece of furniture, he flipped through the rest of the drawings.

Julie sat on another small chair next to him. “Yes, at times it has been difficult, of course.” She sighed. “But my family has been so helpful. My mom and dad are always there, never in an overbearing way, but just when I needed them the most.” Taking a quick breath, she wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. “Tim…was twelve years older than me and had no family to speak of. He was an only child. His parents passed away before we met.”

Zach couldn’t bear to see her eyes filling with tears. He had to do something to lighten the moment. “What is this? A horse? A dog? A…dinosaur?” He smiled and tapped a finger on the animal in the drawing.

Julie laughed. “Oh, that.” She sighed. “That’s Emmie’s dream house, as she calls it.” Leaning closer Julie touched the image of the animal her daughter had drawn. “This…is a horse.” Her eyes lit in amusement. “You were right the first time.”

The pleasant, light floral fragrance she wore filled his senses. Zach resisted the powerful temptation to reach out and pull her into his arms. He wanted to comfort her, protect her. Tell her everything would be all right.

But how was a guy supposed to comfort a possible spy?

“A horse, huh? She hasn’t seen any real horses, has she?” Raising an eyebrow, he smiled.

“No, she hasn’t. Not yet. Maybe I should do something about that.” Julie’s gaze met his and she smiled.

“Yeah.” And maybe he should do something about the undeniable feelings he had to hold Julie close. Keep her safe from the evil forces surrounding her and the inn.

Clearing the all-too-vivid intimate scenario lingering in his mind, Zach leaned back in the tiny seat. “If you’re ever in Montana, I can show her plenty of horses. We breed them.”

“Oh! So you went back to the ranch you loved,” Julie said, smiling as if she’d won a prize.

Zach laughed. “Well, that’s part of the story. Happy now?”

“Not until I know the rest,” Julie teased.

How could he share his grief without the pain that always gripped his heart? Somehow, he would have to allow the anguish he’d been hiding to resurface in order to solve the case.

Yet here he was talking with Julie in her daughter’s room. Instead of sadness overcoming his soul, he was sitting at a little girl’s table, laughing. In place of the usual heaviness settling in his heart, there was a spark of joy.

Zach cleared his head. He had a case to solve. Suspects to track and bring to justice. The Bureau depended on him. If one more agent went down, they were all in danger. He could not let that happen. He needed a keen eye and an analytical mind to apprehend the spies.

Even if one of them was…Julie.

They sat so close that their knees touched beneath the small table. If he leaned in a few inches he’d be able to steal a kiss. Slowly, his gaze drifted to her mouth. Soft, full lips like Julie’s were meant to be kissed.

Often. By him. Just as he used to.

Abruptly, Zach rose to his feet. “I’d…better go. You sure you want to get up so early on a Saturday?”

“No problem. Besides, you’re not getting out of this.” Smiling, she reached for his hand and led him out of the room. “You’re going to tell me everything tomorrow, remember?”

“Right.” Nothing could be further from the truth.

After making their way down the stairway, Zach grabbed his jacket from the coatrack. He confirmed no dead bolts on her door. No alarm system, either. The team of agents would have no problem installing the electronic bugs, the pinhole cameras and microphones.

Zach and his unit would be able to hear every word and see every move inside her home once he had a Federal judge approve the wiretap. On an emergency level, he could get the authorization he needed in six hours, maybe even four. His gut knotted with worry realizing that Julie would be here alone tonight in her unsecured house.

Or would she?

Maybe she was seeing someone with Emmie conveniently tucked away at her folks’ house, thanks to him. Whoever her date was, he’d investigate the guy from the day he was born.

Zach pulled on his jacket and opened the door. Turning to Julie, he gently ran a finger along her jaw. “Lock the door behind me.”

“I will,” she whispered softly. Smiling, she surprised him with a quick hug. “See you in the morning.”

The door clicked as she shut and locked it behind him. A lot of good that lock would do. He could slide a credit card through and let himself back inside in a heartbeat, or kick the door in just as quickly.

Zach scanned the area along the lake. He took in the pleasant scent of tall Douglas fir trees that cast dark shadows along the narrow pathway that led back to the inn. The wind picked up and the sounds of waves breaking along the shore spread through the otherwise quiet night.

There were too many hiding places in this remote part of the grounds. Too many places for snipers to focus their scopes on unsuspecting souls and special agents who were onto them.

A steady rain fell as Zach jogged back to his room. Senior Agent in Charge John Castlerock, aka John Rockwell the chef, would be waiting for him with the newest evidence concerning this case.

They would be up all night going over the details on several unanswered mysteries—finding Agent Tomasino, who hadn’t been heard from in months, determining who could have taken shots at Zach, and figuring out who had killed the groundskeeper.

An uneasy feeling that he was missing something settled in his gut. While Zach was pleased that John had established his cover at the inn, he had the distinct feeling that his boss was holding something back. Besides the fact that Julie had a daughter, what other details had the Bureau hidden from him?

Zach’s intuitive nature overwhelmed him with two unshakable conclusions.

Julie was in grave danger.

And so was he.

He could be falling for her…all over again.

FOUR

“What kind of evidence?” Zach sank into a molded steel chair in the industrial-sized kitchen. Glancing around the huge room, he noted the various copper pots and pans hanging from a ceiling fixture and confirmed that he and Agent Castlerock were alone.

“More surveillance photos,” John answered scanning the entrance to the room.

“Hand them over.”

John unlocked the briefcase he’d secretly stowed inside a cabinet underneath the granite countertop and offered the large manila envelope to Zach. “Take a look for yourself.”

Zach slid its contents onto the counter. Several newer incriminating pictures stared back at him. Julie sitting comfortably next to their number one suspect, Viktor Ivanov, laughing and sharing dinner at some fancy dining establishment in Seattle. Another photograph revealed them kissing on her front porch. Inwardly Zach cursed.

“Satisfied?” John slapped him on the back in a gesture of camaraderie.

“For all we know, she was just dating the jerk,” Zach answered. But he knew better. The evidence against Julie was piling up.

“I suppose there’s a remote chance Julie is only dating him.” John frowned. “I’ll give you that.” He ran a hand over his brow. “There’s more news. Agent Robbins spotted Viktor’s boss, Yuri, in Seattle last night.”

“Yuri?” Zach stood. “So we’re close.”

John nodded. “She’ll work her way into his life. Once we know where he’s headquartered, we’ll tap the place. Getting to him is just a matter of time. When it’s all said and done, we’ll see where Julie fits into all of this.”

“Right. But we’ll have to move fast.” At the sound of approaching footsteps, Zach pushed the photos back into the envelope and handed the folder to Agent Castlerock. John slid the evidence into the attaché case, locking and stowing it back in its hiding place seconds before Beatrice entered the kitchen.

“Oh. You’re here early, John.” She cleared her throat. “So, what kind of breakfast pastries are you baking today?”

“Anything you want, Trixie.” Smiling and pouring on the charm, John gave Beatrice a wink.

“That’s Beatrice, if you please. No American nicknames for me.” She turned to Zach. “What are you doing here so early?”

Zach rested a hand on the dark granite counter. “Julie and I are taking a day trip into Olympic National Park. I was wondering if the lodge could prepare a lunch. I was just asking John what he could rustle up.” He flashed his best smile.

“Yeah, he wants to know what kind of baked treats Julie would like,” John said, turning to Beatrice. “What’s her favorite? You should know, having been here in the States for what, six months now?”

“Seven months, remember? I already told you.” She shook her head in mock annoyance and turned to Zach. “Cranberry-orange muffins. Julie loves them.”

“I think I can arrange that,” John answered.

“I’ll prepare the lunch. Picnic basket, too.” Beatrice pushed up the sleeves of her dark green sweater. She grabbed a white apron from one of the drawers. “She can certainly use some time off. When are you leaving?” she asked, turning back to Zach.

“I’m picking her up at six.”

“What?” She glanced at the clock on the wall. “It’s a good thing I got up early. I’ll have just enough time.”

Time. Did they have the time they needed to solve this case? Turning to glance out the small window, Zach watched the dawn of another drizzly day. Maybe it was time he came to his senses about Julie and realize she was not the sweet, young woman he once loved. She might be nothing more than a coldhearted spy.

“I’m being ridiculous.” Julie paced the kitchen as she spoke to her best friend, Tiffany, on the phone. Knowing she was usually awake at dawn, Julie had called to fill her in on Zach’s unexpected arrival at Shadow Lake Inn.

“Your feelings for Zach run deep.” Tiff sighed. “I remember you two back in college. You were so much in love. I was envious, you know.”

“You were?”

“Sure. Who wouldn’t be? The special way Zach always looked at you, the tender way he treated you? He was so obviously in love, it made me really think about my life. Then, thank goodness, I met Kenny. Oh, hold on a sec.” Julie heard the phone being placed onto a countertop. “AJ,” Tiff called to her four-year-old son, “don’t push your sister.” There was a commotion and then Tiff returned to the phone. “You still there?”

“Yes.” Julie smiled and checked her watch. It was just a few minutes before six. Zach would be at her door in a few minutes and Julie needed her best friend’s practical advice. “Talk some sense into me before I make a fool of myself and…kiss him.”

“Here’s my take on Zach, Julie, whether you want it or not.” Tiff laughed. “Kiss him already.”

“Not a good idea.” Julie paced the room and tucked a strand of hair behind an ear. “Zach and I have nothing in common. He’s like a tornado…and I’m more like the immovable tree firmly planted in the ground.”

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