“I like to fish,” he said proudly. “Jackson says he’ll teach me, but he gets busy sometimes and has to go away.” He looked toward the freezer. “Can I have some ice cream? Mom says I have to ask you now.”

  Kathy nodded and Amanda dug out an ice cream bar for each child.

  “You know the rules,” Kathy called after them as they ran out. “Stay away from the dock.”

  “Okay, Mom.” The children ran off.

  Amanda watched them disappear then turned to their mother. “So, how did the barbeque go?”

  “It was a hit.” Kathy was looking around the kitchen in amazement. “I’d forgotten that the kitchen was so bright.”

  Amanda glanced around. “I’m not finished yet, but we’ll be ready for breakfast.” She pointed to a list. “I took a break and checked the cooler. You have a lot of out-of-date items in there that have to be thrown out. Tran obviously never heard the old expression ‘When in doubt, throw it out’.”

  Kathy glanced at the list, put it down without reading. “I trust you. Do what you have to do.”

  Amanda pushed another piece of paper across the counter. “I checked your supplies against your menu and I’m starting a list of what needs to be purchased. Do you have a preferred wholesaler?”

  “Yes, I have a binder with all that information. Is it okay if we do that in the morning? We can’t call them until then anyway.” She looked around the kitchen again. “You’ve done an amazing job already, Amanda. Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.” Amanda got up and stretched. “Do you mind showing me the cabin? I’ll dump my stuff and then I’d like to clean for a couple more hours.”

  As they crossed the property Amanda could see why it was so popular. Located on a scenic bay, it curved around on itself, so that the cottages looked back toward the common area and the two boat docks that stuck out into the water. A sandy beach was clearly marked off from the boating area.

  Kathy stopped and looked out over the lake. A few clouds hugged the distant horizon, their undersides painted pink by the setting sun. “I like to walk along the lakefront at this time of day,” she said, almost to herself. “And I’m always thankful that Dave’s grandfather had the foresight to buy this piece of property.” A small sigh escaped her lips. “We love living here.”

  “I can see why. It’s a great place to raise kids.”

  “Do you think so?” Kathy frowned. “I sometimes worry that they aren’t getting much interaction with other children. Of course Logan starts school in a couple of weeks but it’s not the same as growing up in a neighbourhood full of kids.”

  “Logan did say something about getting tired of playing with Hannah. He seemed disappointed that Jackson didn’t have time to teach him to fish.”

  Kathy’s head came up and Amanda wondered if that was caution she saw in the other woman’s eyes. Kathy studied her for a moment before continuing. “Logan’s decided that Jackson is cool. I think it has something to do with the hair.”

  “He’s cool all right.” Amanda couldn’t believe she’d said that. She shot a frantic look at Kathy. “Tell me I didn’t say that out loud.”

  Kathy shrugged. “Don’t worry. I’ve thought the same thing myself.” A faraway smile softened her features. “There’s something about him, isn’t there? Whatever it is, he’s got it in spades.”

  Amanda laughed out loud; it felt good. “Kathy Keane, shame on you, and you a married woman.”

  Kathy nudged her with an arm. “Look who’s talking.”

  They walked companionably along the dirt road. At random intervals, trails wide enough for a car led to cottages nestled among the firs.

  There wouldn’t be a better time. Amanda turned to Kathy. “What do you know about Jackson? All he said is that he takes care of the boats for Dave.”

  They continued in silence for a few moments. Kathy appeared to be studying the ground. Then she raised her head. “I don’t know much about him, actually. He and his brother and Dave all grew up together but I hadn’t met Jackson until he showed up earlier this summer. He stays in the boathouse and seems content with the little bedroom Dave set up for him. As to anything personal, I know very little.” She grinned. “Maybe that’s what makes him so intriguing.”

  “It’s just...” Amanda searched for the right words. “It’s just that he seems to be over-qualified for the job.”

  Kathy sighed. “I thought so, too.” She shot a quick look at Amanda. “Please don’t let on I told you, but I think he’s getting over some emotional trauma. And no, I don’t know what that is.”

  Amanda nodded. “I shouldn’t even be asking about him.” She gave a little shudder. “If my husband knew...well...I don’t like to think what he would do.”

  “I’ve heard about those jealous types.” Kathy’s tone was sympathetic. “But fortunately, I’ve never experienced it firsthand.” Understanding flooded her face. “That’s why you’re up in this neck of the woods, isn’t it? You’ve come to be alone, to get away.”

  It felt good to talk about it; Vince had made sure she didn’t have any close friends. “Yes. Vince is away at a convention.” Tears flooded her eyes and she willed them back. “A week all on my own, with no one to criticize, or put me down.” She paused. “Well, I suppose it’s six days now. But I intend to enjoy every one of them.”

  Kathy looked crestfallen. “I never should have asked you. Here you are, trying to enjoy a few days on your own. I’ll understand if you’d rather not stay....”

  “No.” Amanda gave her a reassuring smile. “I’m actually looking forward to it, looking forward to being around people.”

  “In that case, here we are.” Kathy motioned to a trail leading to the last cottage along the waterfront. “Your cottage.”

  It was delightful. The compact kitchen contained a small cook top and a half-sized fridge. In the bedroom, a welcoming hand-made quilt covered the queen-sized bed. But the most appealing feature was the screened porch. It overlooked a private water access and Amanda could see a groove in the sand where a canoe had been pulled up. A pair of Adirondack chairs sat side by side at the water’s edge and she looked at them longingly.

  “You could sit out here in the evenings if you like, but you’d probably get eaten alive.” Kathy tapped the screen. “That’s why the porch is screened in. People around here love to tell stories about the mosquitoes. My brother works at the airport in Williams Lake and he says a mosquito landed on the runway when they were refuelling and they got ten gallons into him before they realized he wasn’t a Cessna.”

  Amanda laughed at the old joke. “Never mind, I love it.” She turned to the woman who had quickly become a confidant. “And now I’m going unpack before I head back to the kitchen. How do I lock up the kitchen when I leave?”

  “Don’t worry. Dave checks everything before we turn in. Goodnight.”

  Amanda stood in the doorway as the other woman walked down the path and disappeared from sight. Why hadn’t she told her about her own luxurious cottage just a few minutes away? Growing up she’d been a happy child thanks to the love of her grandmother but it struck her now how much she’d changed in the past few years. Since meeting Vince, her life had closed in on itself. Instead of helping her to expand her circle of friends, he’d insulated her. Theirs was an almost secretive existence. Why had she never thought about that before?

  Vince had assured her that she would soon find friends among the neighbourhood women when they’d first moved into the posh neighbourhood on the North Shore of Vancouver. She’d made several attempts, but doors remained closed to her. At social functions she got the impression that they were talking about her when she approached. Vince had dismissed her comments as nonsense, but looking back, he’d had that cold, predatory gleam in his eye. He’d been isolating her even then. Why hadn’t she recognized what he was doing? More importantly, what was she going to do about it now?

  * * *

  It was dark by the time the kitchen was usable. Amanda made a mental note of several things she’d continue working on during the week, but she was satisfied that it would pass inspection if they should happen to get a surprise visit from the Health Inspector. She stepped outside and blinked, adjusting slowly to the darkness. A few sodium vapour lights on poles stood at strategic spots on the property, but didn’t light the entire area.

  “Should have looked for a flashlight” she muttered to herself, feeling her way along cautiously. The trees around here were massive and sent roots in every direction; she didn’t want to trip and break a leg.

  “You are a sucker for punishment.” The hair on the back of her neck came erect at the sound of his voice. “When you say you’re going to do something, you’re not kidding, are you.” It was more of a statement than a question.

  He came from the direction of the boathouse, preceded by the glow from his flashlight.

  “Hi Jackson,” she said breathlessly. “I’m glad to see you.” He was close enough to touch.

  “Should I be flattered?”

  Was he teasing her? She couldn’t see his eyes properly in the muted light. “That depends.” She looked toward her cabin. “Can you tell me where I can find a flashlight? My cottage is right at the end.”

  “I know.” He waved the flashlight and beams of light bounced off trees and disappeared into the darkness. “I’ve come to walk you home.”

  Her pulse raced. “You don’t have to do that. I can find my way if I have a flashlight.”

  He lifted his shoulders. “Sorry, can’t help you.” He didn’t look sorry. “Come on, I don’t bite.” He started walking and she scurried to catch up.

  He slowed and waited for her. She had the most outrageous inclination to reach out and touch his face. What did that beard feel like? Was it hard and scratchy, or soft to the touch? She tore her eyes away and forced herself to concentrate on the road.

  “How did you make out?” His voice cut into her fantasy. “In the kitchen?”

  “Oh, fine. We’ll be ready for breakfast.”

  “That will be nice.” She caught the irony in his tone and raised her eyebrows.

  “Don’t get me wrong. Tran always showed up on time, but he was not a breakfast cook by any stretch of the imagination.”

  Amanda wanted to laugh. “I’ve never done breakfast in a restaurant. You might not be much better off with me.”

  He hesitated for a moment and something glittered in his eyes. “I doubt that.”

  Was he saying what she thought he was saying? She’d better change the subject.

  “Did you get something to eat tonight? Kathy said Carlos did a great job with the barbeque. He stepped right up and took over.”

  “No. After I dropped Tran off I had dinner with some friends in town.”

  “Oh.” Of course he would have a girlfriend. The idea was unsettling, but it had to be faced. With his looks and physique, he was probably beating women off with a stick. A big stick.

  “So will he be okay?”

  “Who, Tran? He’ll be fine. His wife came to pick him up from the hospital.”

  “Did he seem upset that he lost his job?”

  “Not a bit.” Jackson played the light over the ground, indicating the driveway leading to her cottage. “I got the impression it wasn’t the first time he’d been let go.”

  They walked in silence for a few moments.

  Amanda finally spoke. “I hope Kathy can find someone to replace him.”

  “I don’t.” They’d stopped by the rear door to the cottage. Amanda had left the outdoor light on. It was enough to see by without disturbing anyone in the neighbouring cottages. Insects drawn by the light batted their wings against the fixture. Their frantic motion echoed the beating of her heart.

  “Why not?” She knew what he was going to say but she had to ask.

  “Because then we’ll lose you.” His face was partly in shadows but she could feel the intensity in his gaze.

  She couldn’t form a coherent thought. “Yeah...well...”

  “But in the meantime...” his words trailed off. If he was waiting for her to say something, he was going to be disappointed.

  A faint smile lifted the corners of his mouth. “Good night, Amanda.” He stepped forward and for a moment she thought he was going to kiss her. Instead, he opened the screen door and held it for her. She nodded, slipped the key into the lock and went inside without looking back. It had to be that way; otherwise she would have thrown herself at him.

  She leaned back against the door, fighting to catch her breath. And then she remembered the small window in the door. She whirled around, looked out and caught a glimpse of him at the end of the trail. The light from the flashlight bobbed along and then disappeared as he turned right, headed back toward the boathouse.

  Chapter Three

  “Galloway, you’re an idiot.” Jackson muttered to himself as he made his way back to the boathouse. “You know better than to get involved while you’re on a job.” His foot caught on a tree root and he almost went flying. “Traynor will hang you out to dry if he even suspects you’re interested in that woman.” The main compound was coming into view and he turned off the flashlight. A flicker of movement caught his eye and he stepped off the road, blending into the trees. Moments later he realized what he’d seen, and exhaled. Bats were putting on an aerobatic show, jinking and swooping to catch the flying insects that were drawn to the sodium vapour lights.

  He couldn’t afford to lose focus. Not now. Not when his team was getting closer to their target. If all went well, they’d be celebrating in a few weeks and he’d be out of here. A member of the RCMP’s Green Team, Jackson Galloway was on the front line of Canada’s National Anti-Drug Strategy. He was team leader on this operation and they were close to nailing one of the largest marijuana grow-ops in BC history.

  He stepped onto the dock leading to the boathouse. He loved the sound of the boards slapping against the water and the sucking sound when he stepped off again. It reminded him of his childhood; days spent fishing with his younger brother on the lakes of northern British Columbia. He paused and watched the ripples from the dock break up the moon’s reflection on the surface of the water. Memories of his brother often ambushed him at times like this; times when he didn’t have his guard up. He pushed them down. They were memories best recalled in the light of day, when he could take them out and examine them clearly, objectively.

  He climbed the ladder to the loft. It was a pleasant space; he’d often occupied much worse when working on a case. He hoped he could sleep tonight. Tomorrow was going to be a long, physical day.

  * * *

  “You were amazing, Carlos!” Amanda’s compliment to the young cook was genuine. “That was quite a rush we had there, but you handled it like a pro.”

  “Thank you Senora.” He continued to clean the grill, but she could tell he was pleased. “Tran never really allowed me to do much of anything before.” He gave her a sideways glance. “I appreciate your confidence in me.”

  Amanda chuckled softly. “Don’t tell anyone, but I’ve never done breakfast before. I worked in a kitchen attached to an exclusive club, and they were only open for lunch and dinner.”

  “I’ll never tell.” His smile was even wider, if that was possible.

  Amanda looked at him curiously. “Carlos, don’t take this wrong, but why do you hide behind that accent when you can speak English as well as the rest of us?”

  “I doan’ know,” he drawled, mimicking a Mexican accent. He gave the spatula one last swipe and hung it up. “It’s just expected of me, I guess.” He paused to think. “Or perhaps it’s precisely the opposite. Maybe it’s because so little is expected of me. They look at me and all they ever see is a Mexican. Prejudices aren’t new to me; I accept them.”

  “But you’re not helping. You’re just perpetuating them.”

  “I’ve never thought of it like that before. Maybe I’m hiding behind my nationality.” He gave her a sharp look. “Why do you care?”

  His question took her by surprise. She thought for a moment. “Because I recently realized that I’ve been hiding, too. It’s something I’m trying to work through right now, and it’s personal.”

  “I understand.” He took off his apron and hung it up. “We’re ready for lunch. I prep’d the potatoes before you got here this morning.”

  Amanda nodded. “I saw that. We could order them ready to go, but fresh cut is so much better.”

  “I agree. See you at lunch.”

  Amanda poured herself a cup of coffee, walked out into the sunshine and glanced toward the boathouse. Jackson hadn’t come by for breakfast. She’d been telling herself that was just as well, but didn’t really believe it. She put the coffee down on the picnic table and was visiting with Rocky when the tow-truck came into the parking area. She put the pup back into his enclosure and walked around the truck, examining the damage. “Not too bad,” she said aloud, looking to the driver for confirmation. He stepped down, a clipboard in his hand.

  “It came out easily. I didn’t try, but I’ll bet it would start right off.” He pointed to the passenger side. “Where you went in there were no big obstacles. Most of the damage is right here.” He looked at his paper work. “This isn’t an insurance claim?”

  “No. It was my fault. I swung to avoid a deer.”

  “Happens a lot around here. Do you want to pay this with credit card?”

  They completed the paper work and the driver lowered the vehicle to the ground. He handed her the keys and she climbed in. “Might as well find out” she said and turned the key in the ignition.

  The Range Rover came to life and she waved to him. “Thanks a lot. I’ll drive this over to my cottage.”

  “See ya.” He watched her drive away, then climbed into his truck and left.

  * * *

  That evening Amanda lingered in the kitchen after the counter was closed; Jackson hadn’t appeared for any meals today. She didn’t think it was possible to miss someone she scarcely knew but every time the screen door opened she’d looked up, hoping to see him.

  “So how did it go?” Kathy wandered in. “Everyone looked happy when I was in earlier.”