Wolf Cove

Chapter One

Ifirst moved to Wolf Cove almost ten years ago. I can’t imagine living anywhere else. That’s what I was thinking as I stood on the back deck of the antique florist’s shop. My thirtieth birthday was fast approaching, and even though my marriage had ended, I couldn’t imagine leaving this place. I stood there, breathing deeply, and appreciating that fabulous Florida sunset.

Liv!

And just like that the moment was ruined by the sound of my ex-husband’s voice. He looked so well put together. Nice hair, pretty eyes, great smile, and the suit went a long ways too. You’d never know he was actually a monster in disguise. Not the preternatural kind that you hear about on the news, the human kind that in my opinion are even more dangerous, especially the ones who look so nice. He reminded me of a very pretty snake.

Evan, I’ve told you before, you can’t keep showing up where I work. You’re going to get me fired.

His smirk clearly said he hoped that was true.

Sell the goddamn house and I won’t have to, he snapped.

It’s on the market, I said, trying to lower my voice in the hopes that Evan would lower his. I don’t know what else you want me to do.

He stepped up onto the deck, moving closer to me, and I didn’t like it. Evan was six-foot-one, nearly a foot taller than me. He’d always used his size to intimidate and I was sick of it.

Listen, I said, this bullying behavior of yours is one of the major reasons that I wanted a divorce.

You haven’t seen bullying, he snarled.

His response shocked me so that I couldn’t think of a comeback as he stormed away.

What the fuck is his problem?

Mary, my best friend since moving here, walked out on the deck behind me. She was the one who got me a job at the florist’s shop when Evan got me fired from my last job. I was a legal secretary with his firm and he was a partner, so fuck me and my need for income.

He was here to threaten me again about selling the damn house. Well, he didn’t quite make it to the threat of suing me today. That’s normally where the conversation goes.

The expression of disdain on her face as she looked in the direction Evan had left clearly said how she felt about my ex.

Oh, that was definitely a threat though. I still don’t get it. Sure, it’s a big, nice house on the beach. But he can’t possibly need the money, not with what he makes, she said.

I think he simply knows how much I love the house and wants to take it from me. It’s the very last joint asset we have to split. It’s not my fault the market is down. I’m already having to sell my dream home. I’m not going to do it at a rock bottom price.

"I know you’re not both taking a break," came Judy’s gruff voice from inside.

I really hate her, Mary said softly.

Yeah. You know she fired the stock boy, Travis.

Seriously? she said, as we walked back inside. He’s her nephew.

Well, he’s now her unemployed nephew. I think she’s trying to cut corners in order to turn up profits.

She’s got the only florist’s shop on this side of a tourist town, and she sells antiques in a historical landmark building. I’d say she gets plenty of business.

And she’s also a money grubbing bitch, I whispered.

Mary picked up a large box of candles. I’ll put these on the shelves, she said.

And I guess I’ll see what orders need to be filled.

Why don’t we go out tonight? There’s a new upscale pub and grill just a few blocks from here.

I don’t have pub and grill money.

Just a little something.

Maybe.

Chapter Two

Truthfully, Evan’s odd threat had upset me more than I let on. Did he really just bully me with the threat of being bullied? What the hell? So, when Mary asked me again about going to the new pub and grill, I didn’t fight it. Besides, I could have a glass of wine to relax and still drive home. And possibly some fried pickles. I always thought they were gross until Mary made me try one, now I tried them almost everywhere they were on the menu.

There I sat, sipping my wine and munching fried pickles while Mary wolfed down onion rings. And yes, fried pickles do go well with sweet red wine. The evening wasn’t turning out too badly.

Why do you let Evan talk that way to you? she asked.

What am I supposed to do, beat him over the head with something? He didn’t actually put his hands on me.

No, but he threatened you, and that’s not the first time. She gave me a sarcastic look.

What? I can see the wheels turning, I said, laughing.

"You could always wait until he shows up at work again and accidentally drop a vase on his head."

"I’m five-foot-two and he’s six-foot-one. How would I accidentally be that high up?"

Maybe as soon as you see him coming you could climb a ladder?

We both laughed at that. I wasn’t really going to assault anybody, even Evan, but joking about it was fun.

He’s a good lawyer and he keeps threatening to sue me because I haven’t sold the house yet. Maybe I haven’t beaten the shit out of him or threatened him back because I don’t want to get sued.

You should at least carry a weapon, she said.

I’ve got a knife in my bag, but I’ve been considering getting a permit to carry a handgun. Out there on the beach at night, there are times that I don’t feel safe being alone. There’s a good stretch of woods behind the house, and down the beach, the closest house is half a mile away. Oh, and it’s also vacant right now.

That does sound like a good idea. She took a deep breath and ate another onion ring. "So, Liv, it’s been a year since your divorce, why haven’t you sold the house?"

I told you, the market is down.

And is the price too high?

The price is fair for a beautiful home. I’m not about to lower it. Fuck Evan. But what I will do is get certified to carry a gun.

And maybe get some dick.

We both laughed and a deep voice said, Excuse me, from behind us.

Would you like to answer that request? Mary teased.

I turned to see one of the most handsome men I’d ever met. He had short dark hair, and a neatly trimmed beard. Have I mentioned my love of facial hair?

Stop, I said to my friend. You’ll have to excuse her.

He laughed and I loved the deep rumbling sound. It made me smile even wider in return.

I didn’t mean to eavesdrop. It’s just that I have excellent hearing and you mentioned getting a handgun.

Oh, I said quickly. I um—

You don’t have to explain your reasons to me, he said. I teach a handgun safety course, the one they require by the state to get your concealed carry permit.

He rose from the table and I realized he was freaking huge. If I had to guess I’d say he was about six-foot-five. Not only was he tall, but muscular, and as he moved closer I noticed he smelled amazing.

Here’s my card, he said, passing it to me. If you decide you’re interested, class is always the last weekend of the month, every month, year round. Give me a call.

Thank you. I looked at the card. Marion McArthur, I said somewhat questioningly.

He cringed at the name, then smiled. Please, call me Mac.

Thank you again, Mac. It says you’re a private investigator.

He smiled and his honey brown eyes lit up. I do that too. I won’t bother you ladies any more. Have a good night.

He left some money on his table and as soon as he was out of earshot Mary said, You should totally sleep with him.

He invited me to join his handgun safety class, not have sex.

He’s hot and he was giving you the look. Besides, how long has it been?

Too long. I’m not just looking for sex though.

What are you looking for? she asked.

Nothing. I’m so glad to be rid of Evan that I haven’t thought past what I’ll do once the house is sold.

"Well, maybe you should think about it and give it a call, she said, tapping his card with her index finger. Seriously."

A private eye, that makes your dick comment even funnier, I said, reading his card again.

Chapter Three

We were nearly done with our meal when I had a very uneasy feeling, as if someone was watching me. I looked around, but no one immediately caught my attention. People were engaged in their own conversations and I felt like an idiot for being so paranoid.

What is it? Mary asked, looking through her purse for her wallet.

I keep feeling like someone is watching me.

"Duh, hot