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"I wasn't sure at the time." Phoebe stepped back from the window, but she didn't go far. She set the marker back down in the plastic tray. "I'm still not sure, because it could have just been a neighbor out for a walk."
Chloe wasn't going to ask who in their right mind would walk in this cold weather, but she was still searching the shadows in between some of the buildings across the street. She had never doubted Phoebe's belief that Jenna's death wasn't an accident. What neither one of them had counted on was someone willing to do whatever it took to keep their secret.
"Pact time," Chloe murmured as she stood on her tiptoes to reach for the blind. She pulled it down with one swipe. "We go nowhere without someone else with us."
"Deal."
"I guess there is a bright side to all this," Chloe said as she turned off the camcorder. She closed the distance to the coffee table, switching the video recorder out for what was left of her margarita. The sweet cocktail was no longer frozen, but that didn't stop Chloe from downing the rest of the contents. "We've ruffled a few feathers with our investigation, and that can only mean one thing—we're on the right track."
Chapter Ten
Phoebe
The biting wind whipped across the marina, causing the canvas covers on some of the boats to snap in response. Some of the slips were empty, most likely due to the vessels being stored for the winter. There were a handful of boats remaining, though the ones without covers were few and far between.
The bitter cold penetrated Phoebe's jacket as she and Chloe walked down the dock. Their boots thudded hollowly on the weathered planks as they passed some of the bare masts and winterized hulls. Instead of driving straight to the marina first thing this morning, Phoebe had wanted a real change of clothes. The two of them had driven to Phoebe's house before making their way back to town.
"Pheebs," Chloe called out, her voice muffled by the scarf around her face. "Look."
Phoebe had kept her gaze cast down to protect her eyes and keep them from watering, but she lifted her chin to search for what had captured Chloe's attention.
Ethan Turner had just stepped off his boat.
Phoebe was able to observe his reaction the second that he caught sight of them…or rather, non-reaction. She vaguely remembered him from high school. He was two years older than her, but it was obvious that he had changed dramatically in the past eleven years. He had put on weight, had a full-grown beard, and there was a slight limp to his gait.
One thing stood out to Phoebe—Derek Vance had given his friend a heads-up about their potential visit.
"Ethan Turner?" Phoebe had pulled down her scarf, and the sight of her seemed to stop him in his tracks.
"My God, you look just like her."
Phoebe and Chloe came to a stop in front of Ethan. His words cut through her heart, but she managed to lift one side of her lip in acknowledgment.
"You don't seem surprised to see me, Ethan. “I'm guessing that Derek called with a warning," Phoebe stated as she blinked rapidly to ease her eyes from the sting of the biting cold coming in off the water. "Whatever he told you, I want to assure you that I'm not here to accuse you of anything. I just want to ask you some questions about my sister. I honestly had no idea that the two of you were dating back then."
Ethan grimaced in reluctance, but he didn't turn them away.
"There's no need to stand around freezing our asses off," Ethan replied gruffly, nodding to a location somewhere behind them without taking his hands out of his pockets. "There's a coffee shop at the entrance of the marina. I was heading there, anyway. Might as well join me."
Phoebe lifted her scarf back over her face as she exchanged glances with Chloe. Neither one of them had noticed anyone following them. It begged the question of whether Ethan was the one Chloe had seen across the street from the yarn shop last night.
Phoebe could admit to being relieved at having a conversation with Ethan in a public place. She wouldn't have been comfortable on his boat, which was why she had a small can of pepper spray in her pocket. Both she and Chloe had made sure to be armed with protection before leaving her house. Chloe had opted for a stun gun since she carried a purse.
The three of them finally finished walking the length of the pier. They stepped onto the cobblestone street to cross over to the other side of the road where the entrance to the coffee shop faced the corner. Ethan pulled open the door and stepped back so that they could enter first.
Phoebe and Chloe stepped across the threshold, the rich aroma of roasted coffee beans enveloping them. Chloe pulled down her scarf and inhaled deeply, while Phoebe shifted to the side to make room for Ethan.
The interior of the café had a cozy, nautical vibe with its whitewashed plank walls. Anchors, ropes, and ship wheels were fastened securely to the planks. A few patrons sat scattered at tables nursing contents from steaming mugs. Behind the counter, one barista worked espresso machines that hissed and steamed, while the other employee flipped through a magazine. She glanced at them upon their arrival.
"Hey, Ethan. The usual?"
"Yeah," Ethan replied after he had blown into his hands. He hadn't worn gloves, and it didn't appear that he had any stuffed in his pockets. "Coffee for these two."
"Chai tea for me, actually," Phoebe said with a sheepish shrug as she unwrapped her scarf and removed her gloves. “Thanks.”
"Where are your hat and gloves?" the young woman asked Ethan as she started on their orders. "It's cold out there today."
"Left them at the bar last night," Ethan replied as if it was a usual thing. "I'll get them this afternoon."
