Free The Unrelenting Tide (Islands of Intrigue: San Juans - Christian Romantic Suspense) by Lynnette Bonner Page B

admired.
    She would have gone immediately to the police station after picking up Marissa, but when she arrived at her in-laws Carcen was there.
    “Hi,” he said the minute she walked through the door.
    “Carcen there’s something I need to—”
    “Mommy!” Rissa launched herself into her mother’s arms. “Uncle Cawce is taking us to a movie!”
    “He is, huh?” She eyed Carcen over the top of her daughter’s head and he had the grace to look sheepish.
    “‘Membew, you pwomised me at the bwekfast we could go.”
    Carcen folded his arms and arched his brows at her. “Just helping you keep your word,” he said with a grin.
    The truth was, she needed to talk to him and maybe she could find the time to do it this afternoon. Sighing, she gave in. “What are we going to see?”
    “Cinderella is playing for the matinee at the theater in town. I thought that might be a hit.”
    Devynne nodded. “She’ll love it. It’s one of her favorites and I don’t think she’s ever seen it on the big screen.” She turned to her daughter. “Rissa honey, go say thank you to Grandma for letting you stay this afternoon.”
    “OK.” Brown curls bouncing, Rissa dashed off.
    Rubbing the back of her neck she frowned down at the hardwood floor. Was she just being paranoid? They’d caught the guy hadn’t they? He’d been whispering words only her stalker would know. And Carcen had said the prints matched. Yes, he’d asked her to let him know if anything was of concern to her, but…she didn’t want to burden him with her petty paranoia.
    Carcen studied her for a long moment and finally asked, “Everything okay?” Concern edged his tone.
    She sighed. It might be petty, but he should know just in case. “I need to talk to you about some—”
    “Weady!” Marissa bounced back into the entry, bobbing like a float on a hooked line.
    Devynne settled one hand on her curls and met Carcen’s concerned gaze over her daughter’s head. She would be with him all afternoon and would find a time to tell him. For now she mouthed, “Later.”
    He frowned, but his gaze darted to the little tyke and he nodded.
    Marissa was so excited when they got to the theater that she could hardly stand still. Her purse was slung over her shoulder in grown-up mimickery of Devynne but she literally jumped up and down in excitement as Carcen paid for their tickets.
    The attendant behind the counter laughed. “Thank you, Coach— uh, Sheriff—Lang.”
    Carcen chuckled. “You can call me Coach anytime, Alex.”
    The boy grinned. “Yes, sir. You and your family enjoy the movie.”
    Devynne blushed at the curious look he bounced between them, but if Carcen noticed he didn’t make comment. Taking Marissa’s hand in one of his own and placing his other hand to the small of Devynne’s back, he ushered them into the movie house.
    The delicious smell of popcorn reminded Devynne that she had not yet eaten dinner and she started to pull out her wallet.
    “Hey, this is my treat. I’m the one that shanghaied you into being here, remember?”
    Devynne smiled. “The least I can do is buy the popcorn. Would you like some?”
    He eyed her momentarily, as though debating whether or not to argue with her, but when she arched a stubborn brow he acquiesced. “Extra butter.”
    “And Duds and Twizzews and M’s, Mama.”
    Devynne and Carcen chuckled. “One,” Devynne said adamantly holding up a finger. “Do you want Milk Duds? Twizzlers? Or M ‘n’ M’s?”
    Lip protruding, the little negotiator asked, “Two?”
    “One.” Devynne had to force out the firm reply.
    Marissa sighed in resignation, shoulders slumping and head hanging dramatically, as though Devynne’s denial may have scarred her for life. Finally, she mumbled, “Duds.” Her purse slid off her shoulder and landed on the floor with a thump, but she took no notice.
    Devynne didn’t dare glance at Carcen. She could tell even without looking at him that he was having as hard a time keeping a