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Beaumont lets out a low rumbling groan. “You idiot! She’s wearing a wire.”
Rourke’s face goes deathly pale. “I’ll call you back,” he says to Beaumont and ends the call.
I shoot Rourke with my finger gun. “Gotcha.”
Rourke’s face turns beet red. “Why you little bitch!” He comes after me, clawing at my clothes. “Where’s the device?” He wrestles me to the ground and straddles me. His hands are all over my body. Buttons fly as he tears open my shirt. He’s tugging at my jeans when Marlowe appears in my line of sight.
With pistol aimed at Rourke’s head, Marlowe yells, “Freeze! Get off her, you punk.” With his left hand, Marlowe hauls Rourke to his feet and shoves him face-first against the wall. “You’re under arrest.”
I’m scrambling to my feet when the front door bangs open, and the room fills with officers.
A female officer shields me from the others while I pull my blouse tight around me. “Are you okay? Do you need medical attention?”
“No. I’m fine. I just need a minute.” Over her shoulder, I spot Cody Porter, the baby-faced officer who accompanied Rourke the two times he interrogated me. When Cody winks at me, I pretend not to see him. I want to believe he’s one of the good guys. But the list of people I currently trust is short.
As soon as Marlowe turns his new prisoner over to Riley who handcuffs Rourke, he comes to check on me. “Excellent job. You deserve an Academy Award for that performance. Did he hurt you?”
“No. But I’m glad you came when you did.”
Feeling weak-kneed and overcome with relief, I’m grateful when Will shows up.
Engulfing me in a hug, he says, “You did it, Julia. You were brilliant.”
I rest my head against his chest. “I’m just glad it’s over. What happens now? Can I go home?”
Marlowe shakes his head. “Not yet. There may be fallout. The next couple of days will be crucial.”
“Will Beaumont be arrested?” I ask.
“I certainly hope so,” Marlowe says. “Although maybe not until tomorrow. We’re working with law enforcement in Savannah. They’ll keep us informed as events happen.”
“Delilah just left town,” Will says. “She’s headed down there now. After working on this case for over a decade, she wants to be present for the action.” He kisses the top of my head. “She said to tell you, bravo, Julia. You did an excellent job.”
Marlow pats my back. “You certainly did. You have nothing to worry about. The hard part is over. I’ll make certain you have round-the-clock security until we’re sure you’re out of danger.”
Will tightens his arms around me. “Can she stay with me at Marsh Point?”
Marlowe’s face softens. “I don’t see why not.”
My eyes well with tears, and I bury my face in Will’s shirt, so the others don’t see me cry. It’s over. I’ll soon be getting back my freedom.
FORTY
WILL
I straighten up the sitting room while I wait for Julia to gather her belongings. I fold blankets, brush crumbs off the coffee table, and raise the blackout shades. When I jiggle the computer’s mouse, the screen lights up and a Word document appears. Upon closer inspection, I realize the document is a chapter from the novel Julia is working on.
When I hear the shower turn on across the hall, I sit down at the computer and begin to read. I’m immediately engrossed in a love scene. I’m pretty sure the couple isn’t married. I can’t tell how long they’ve been together, but it appears they are breaking up. I’m not an avid reader, but I know enough about fiction to assess Julia’s writing. Her words flow smoothly, the dialogue is realistic, and the plot holds me captive. Something about Anna’s heartfelt sentiments as she expresses her undying love to Jason touches me deeply. Is it because the emotions feel so familiar?
Julia clears her throat from the doorway, bringing me to my feet. “I’m sorry. I was being nosy. But I couldn’t help myself. You’re very talented.” I point at the computer. “Are you writing about us?”
Dropping her backpack on the floor, Julia enters the room, closes the document, and powers off the computer. “I admit our relationship has provided inspiration for these particular characters.” She turns to face me. “Are you upset?”
Julia’s creamy skin glows, and her hair is still damp from the shower. I want to take her in my arms and have my way with her right there on the sitting room floor. “Upset? No way. I’m enormously flattered. Do you feel about me the way Anna feels about Jason?”
“After what happened here today, I’m not in the mood to play games. Yes, Will, I’m crazy about you. I was devastated when we broke up. We’ve only known each other for a few weeks, but it feels like a lifetime. I’m throwing caution to the wind by saying I’m falling in love with you. I’ll survive if you don’t feel the same way. But please don’t lie to me.”
“Oh, I feel it all right.” I pull her into my arms. “I fell in love with you the first time we met. I think it’s soon for both of us. But that doesn’t deter me.” I kiss her lightly on the lips. “With Ashton and the kids in Charleston, we’ll have the Marsh Point house to ourselves. Would you be okay with me seducing you later?”
