Dark Harbor. Christy Barritt

      “We’re all so excited to have him here. He’s done an outstanding job so far.”

      “Where’d he come from?”

      Eva tapped her lips. “Hmm...you know, I can’t remember. But it was some other little town. Smuggler’s Cove, I believe. It’s a little island out in the bay.”

      “I can’t imagine his job keeps him busy here.”

      “Oh, I’m sure it’s boring, but that’s the way we like it. Boring equals safe so we’ll take it.”

      Suddenly, Madelyn straightened as she peered in the distance beyond Eva. A white pickup truck disappeared down the road and out of sight. She sucked in a deep breath at the sight, that fear that was becoming all too familiar coursing through her until her arms shook.

      “Is everything okay?” Eva examined Madelyn with motherly concern.

      Madelyn rubbed her neck and nodded. “Yes, of course.”

      Madelyn hadn’t mentioned anything to Eva about last night—either about the snatched oysters or the binoculars she’d seen someone using outside her apartment. It was better if she kept any attention off herself.

      And Zach obviously ran a tight ship. In most small towns, it would be easy for word to spread and for everyone to know other people’s business. Zach seemed to have high standards. Had he encouraged those working under him to keep the incidents confidential?

      “If it’s not our favorite reporter,” someone said.

      Madelyn recognized the man as Mayor Alan. They’d been introduced briefly when she arrived at the oyster roast. The man had a thick blond mustache and matching hair that was graying on the edges. He had a solid build, a tanned complexion and a ready smile. His clothes screamed expensive and, based on everything she’d observed about him, he was wealthy. Maybe one of the wealthiest, most powerful people in town.

      “Are you having a good time?” he asked.

      “Yes, it seems like a great town you’ve got here.” She scanned her surroundings again, waiting to see a figure lurking.

      She was being paranoid. Certainly there were other white trucks here in town. She had to get a grip.

      The sun was setting over the bay, and the sky was lit in deep reds and purples. In other circumstances, this would have been an enjoyable day. A perfect day for that matter.

      But Madelyn couldn’t relax. Not when so much was on the line.

      She made chitchat with Eva and Mayor Alan, talking about the town and all of its charms and quirks. She tried to properly sell the idea that she was writing a travel article.

      Just then, her phone buzzed. She pulled it out and looked down at the screen.

      It’s Chief Davis. I have an update for you, but I’d like to tell you in person. Can you meet me by the shed on the edge of the property?

      The chief was texting her? She had given him her contact information yesterday in case he had any more questions. But this seemed almost unprofessional.

      She glanced around, looking for the chief, but she didn’t see him anywhere. Interesting.

      “Could you excuse me a minute?” she asked Eva and Mayor Alan.

      “Well of course!” the mayor said. “You’re the guest of honor here. I know you have a lot of people you want to speak with while you’re in town. Go right ahead.”

      With a touch of trepidation, she started toward the shed. She supposed there weren’t many landmarks they could meet at besides on the beach. But unease continued to grow in her stomach with each step.

      Did Zach Davis know why she was really here? Would he confront her? If he was as dangerous as Paula seemed to think, would he do more than confront her? Did he have the potential to...harm her?

      She rubbed her hands on her linen pants as she reached the door. The sun sank below the horizon and sent another shiver down her spine.

      In other circumstances, this would be romantic. Instead, she was alone. Was she always destined to be single? The question seemed both morbid and inconsequential. Paula always told her it was better to be alone. Having no plus-one meant freedom.

      But Madelyn had seen what a good relationship her mother and father had, and she wanted that for her own life. She didn’t want to see the world by herself. She wanted a partner by her side to share her struggles and to celebrate her victories.

      She let out a sigh and continued trudging through the sand. She was probably wishing for too much, and that made her seem weak. She needed to be strong right now, especially if she was meeting the chief. Zach Davis was the type who could easily see through facades. His gaze made it clear that he was always analyzing things around them. That would include Madelyn. The thought made her nervous. What if he could see through her? What would she do then?

      She reached the shed, but no one was there. She glanced around. The crowds from the oyster roast were on the other side of the beach, far away from this building, which was set back on the grassy banks, away from the sand.

      Where was Chief Davis? She searched the crowds in the distance again but didn’t spot him.

      Impatient, she peered around the back side of the building. When she did, a masked man lunged at her from the shadows.

      In an instant, her life flashed before her eyes.