Breaking Barriers (Love Is Book 8) Page 7

  “Wow! He had some pent up bitterness, all right. Then what?” James turned off Highway 98, onto a side road leading to the sea.

  “I helped him find a scholarship and he enrolled at Florida College.” Ann sniffled. “I thought he was happy.”

  James pulled into a parking lot at the shore. The moon shimmered on the sand blown up from the sea. He cut the engine and turned to face Ann. If he could tell how upset she was, he didn’t let on. “If it was Beau, it would seem odd. You were there for him as soon as you knew he needed you. And, he’s busy doing what he wanted to do all along. How could he be two hours away, keep up with his classwork, and stalk you?”

  Ann wiped her eyes. “I don’t know. I’ve asked myself that question, but there’s no one else.”

  “Yes, there is, and you won’t acknowledge it. Someone with an anti-Christian group wants to stop True Light Guardians. Obviously, they think that means getting you out of the way. Each time you tell me about a scary incident my nerves go into a tailspin.”

  Warmth shot through Ann, and she touched James’s hand. “Ahh, I’m sorry. Don’t worry about me.”

  “Now that you mention it, I’d like you to step down as president of True Light Guardians. Then neither of us will have to worry.”

  “That’s ridiculous. No one except Christians know True Light Guardians exists.” Shock and aggravation caused the veins in Ann’s neck to throb.

  James sighed as his shoulders slumped. “Obviously, they do, but we don’t want to argue in front of the baby turtles. You’re the turtle hatching expert. What do we do next? I brought an infrared video camera. I heard that a flash messes up their internal compasses.”

  Ann swallowed her irritation, focused her thoughts on the awe-inspiring moment awaiting them, and nodded. “That’s true. It can confuse them because they head toward the light of the horizon. I used to hear about them crawling into campfires.” A twinge of nausea hit her in the stomach. “Can you imagine such a horrible way to start and end life?”

  James stiffened. “No. That’s awful. I hope no one has a campfire out here tonight.”

  “They won’t. They’re not allowed near the nests any more. Look at this deserted area completely free of manmade items. The babies are well protected. There are fines for throwing out trash, especially plastic bags. The young sea turtles often see those as jellyfish, a food staple for them. They can choke and die trying to ingest the synthetic material.”

  “Thank goodness for the regulations.” James stepped out of the car and let the door close slowly, making almost no noise when he shut it. Then he helped Ann out.

  He pointed to a large sand hill barely visible underneath the moon’s glow and starlight. “The post I read said we could find the hatchlings behind that dune,” he whispered.

  “Okay.” Ann made a point of speaking softly.

  They stepped to the huge twenty-foot-high mound. James laid a beach towel on the sand in front of it, and Ann plopped down. He slipped his camera out of a small case then joined her, pulled up his knees, and clasped them with his long hands. She ran her fingers in the powdery earth, doodling mindless images while the soft lapping of the waves soothed her. The moon cast a silver streak across the dark, calm sea, and peace Ann hadn’t known in a long time seeped into her pores.

  The sand to the right moved. A little brown head popped out. Suddenly, nine more emerged, their small flippers clawing at the grained earth, pulling their brownish shells toward the ocean. James took her hand, squeezed it, and curled his long fingers around hers. She snuggled against him. As relaxed as a much-loved rag doll, she could sit on the shore all night underneath the moon with James and watch the tiny turtles.

  He stood, tip-toed toward the action, and focused his camera on the babies swimming frantically into the water until they disappeared. He turned around, and a big smile spread across his face as he returned to Ann, sand spraying from his flip-flops. “I have some good shots. Should we leave now?”

  She hopped up. “Yes, I think the show has ended.”

  They strolled hand in hand to the car and slid in. The call of the sea, the joy of new life surging into it still held Ann in its spell as James started the engine and drove up the side road.

  He pulled onto Highway 98, the radiance from neon lights advertising sales in the beach shops washing across the road. “I enjoyed that. I used to watch the turtles hatch with my mom. I hadn’t done it in so many years I’d forgotten the tranquility of the beach at night. While we were there, I didn’t think about any problems at work or those facing Christianity. For a little while life put me in a better place,” Ann said.

  “Why don’t we take a vacation and relax for several days? Things are slow at Crawford Rentals, actually settled for October. Many who visit Florida in the fall book ahead for at least a month. Could you get away?”

  That was the furthest thing from Ann’s mind, but her heart danced at the thought. “I think I could if we went the first of next week. Harold’s niece, who used to work in the shop, is coming to town. She’s dependable and would probably enjoy filling in for me. I’ll call Harold and set it up. If you don’t already have a plan, I know just the spot too. I’d love to see my Aunt Sally who lives in South Florida near the Everglades.”

  * * *

  James’s spirits soared like a kite caught in the wind on the beach. If he could take Ann away from the constant problems and reminders of the fragile state of Christianity, he could convince her he was right. She’d step down as president of True Light Guardians and maybe he wouldn’t develop ulcers. He’d assure her she’d done her part. She’d always be the founder. No one could ever take that from her. Surely, that would be enough.

  “Perfect. I’ve never been to the Everglades.” James pulled up in front of Ann’s condo and parked. “As soon as you have the trip organized, let me know. I’ll take care of our airline tickets. If you provide a place to stay, that’s the least I can do.”

  Ann’s face beamed. “I’ll make arrangements to leave on Tuesday and stay until Thursday. I best return for the weekend. The shop’s so busy then.” Excitement rang in Ann’s voice.

  James couldn’t have stopped his big grin if he’d wanted to. “Sounds great.” He sprang out of the car and escorted her inside her condo.

  She switched on the hall light. Should he offer to check for an intruder lurking in the unit? His stomach tied in knots. He couldn’t bear it if something happened to her, but at the same time, he didn’t want to frighten her. She’d never appeared concerned about staying alone in her own home, but should she be? “Why don’t you stroll through and make sure all is well.”

  “What do you mean? Do you think someone’s in here?” Her face paled.

  The way the color drained from her cheeks, he’d done the very thing he’d wanted to avoid. “No, no. It’s an old habit of mine. I’ve always asked people I care about to do it if I know they’re alone. I used to take Mom out to eat when Dad was out of town. I always insisted she check everything before I left.”

  A pink tint returned to Ann’s cheeks. “Oh, okay. I’ll be right back.”

  She disappeared up the steps, and James took a deep breath of relief each time a light shone into the upstairs hall. She had to agree to step down from her position at True Light Guardians. He couldn’t keep living with constant fear for her safety. Each time he called her, his heart beat fast from worrying she’d tell him she’d been attacked again. Every time he left her alone, his insides swirled like a tornado until he could see her and know she was safe.

  She bounded downstairs, threw her arms around his neck, and hugged him. “You’re so dear to be concerned about me, but see...” She spread her arms. “Everything’s fine.”

  James pressed her against him so tight he could hardly breathe. Warmth shot through his veins, emotions going off inside him like firecrackers. He nibbled her cheek until his lips found hers. He kissed her deep as though this was the last time he’d see her, and he never wanted to let go. He must keep her safe
, but how could he if she insisted on remaining a target?

  CHAPTER NINE

  Ann pressed her nose against the passenger window of the rental car as James drove down a flat street lined with bungalows. “It’s been so long since I made this trip, and it’s dark. Even with the streetlights it’s hard to see. Oh wait, slow down. There it is. She left a spotlight on for us.” Ann’s skin tingled at the sight of Aunt Sally’s pale gray stucco home—just like she remembered it.

  “Way to go, Aunt Sally.” James pulled into the driveway and parked. Then he hopped out and opened Ann’s door. They grabbed their luggage and headed to the house. Ann was as free as the soft breeze hitting her cheeks for the first time in months. No training a new employee. No construction workers. No difficult customers. No anti-Christians. She reached up to ring the bell, but the door flew open.

  Aunt Sally stood with her arms open. Ann fell into them, savored Aunt Sally’s hug, and remembered the ones just like it she’d gotten from Mom. For the first time since Mom died, she seemed nearby. Aunt Sally was a little shorter than Mom had been, but looking into her kind blue eyes, Ann sensed Mom’s presence as well as Aunt Sally’s. “This is my friend, James Crawford. We met at a Christian group called True Light Guardians. James, Aunt Sally.”

  The two of them shook hands, and Aunt Sally took Ann’s make-up case. “Come in. You must be exhausted. Would you like anything to eat or drink? I have snacks, sodas, and coffee.”

  James’s face drooped as though his cheeks were rubber and someone had pulled them down as far as they would go. “No, thank you. It was a long trip. I believe I’ll turn in if you don’t mind.”

  “Oh no, of course not. I’ll show you to your room.” Kindness rang in Aunt Sally’s voice as though she understood and wanted James to rest.

  Ann and James followed her through a living room overlooking a small, grassy yard and entered the kitchen. Exiting down a short hall, she led them to a bedroom with white wicker furniture. “This is for you. It’s feminine with pink flowered wallpaper, but it’s private.”

  James stared at the bed. “It looks heavenly to me.”

  “I’m glad you like it. I’ll see you in the morning.” Aunt Sally left, and James wrapped his arms around Ann.

  He pushed a tendril of hair from her face and pressed his soft lips against hers in a sweet kiss. Ann’s heart fluttered as he gazed into her eyes. “Sleep tight. You’re safe.”

  James’s tender embrace soothed Ann’s nerves, still jangled from fear and the hatred directed at her. She’d been so driven by her cause she hadn’t seen that she also needed to take care of herself. The fact that James did nearly took away her breath. “I know. Thank you for suggesting a vacation and coming with me. See you in the morning.”

  She stepped away and joined Aunt Sally in the kitchen with a peace she hadn’t known in weeks rippling over her skin. Aunt Sally led her to a bedroom on the other side of the house. The mound of soft pillows on the wicker double bed beckoned to her, and she couldn’t wait to fall onto them.

  Aunt Sally squeezed her in a hug. “Here you are, sweetie. I know you’re tired. We’ll talk tomorrow. Make yourself at home. I’m so glad to see you.” She shuffled out and shut the door. Aunt Sally’s easy-going, laid-back attitude caressed Ann’s soul, calming her even more.

  She unpacked then took a shower, letting it steam like a sauna. She stepped out, her eyelids so heavy she had to force them to stay open until she could change into her pajamas and slide under the covers. Sleep overtook her in an instant.

  The alarm sounded at six thirty, and she jumped.

  Within ten minutes she dressed in blue jeans and a long sleeved white shirt and padded to the kitchen.

  James and Aunt Sally sat at the bar in front of a window overlooking an orange tree. James resembled a safari hunter in his khaki shirt and pants. Ann plopped down beside him, and his aftershave mixed with the aroma of breakfast. She snatched a blueberry muffin, broke off a bite, and popped it in her mouth.

  Aunt Sally leaned back in the bar chair. “James tells me you started True Light Guardians.”

  Ann stiffened. “I did, but I figured we’d talk about the Everglades.”

  “I hate to hear you’ve had trouble. We haven’t received ugly notes or had incidences in churches here to my knowledge, but look where we are. Of course, those haters will probably target us eventually. They are nasty people.” Her eyes met Ann’s with a steady gaze. “Don’t take them lightly.”

  Heat climbed up Ann’s neck, and she glared at James.

  “Having those close encounters like you have, you should step down as the leader of True Light Guardians. You must stop taking risks.” Worry clouded Aunt Sally’s tone.

  Ann’s blood boiled. “James has misspoken.” How dare he drag Aunt Sally into their disagreement. “Someone’s harassed me, but only Christians know about True Light Guardians, so it has nothing to do with the group or my position in it.” If Ann had been the teapot hissing on Aunt Sally’s stove, she would have exploded with steam. She put the angriest look she could on her face and directed it at James. “I thought we came down here to escape our worries for a few days and relax.” Her tone sounded harsh, but she wanted to scream.

  He slumped in his seat as Aunt Sally rose and removed the hot water from the burner. “We did. I’m sorry. I’m just concerned, and I thought your aunt might help you see the danger. Apparently, I can’t.”

  Aunt Sally swung her hand in the air as though she wanted to swish away the argument. “Ann’s right about one thing. You’re here to enjoy yourselves. For now, forget everything except the Everglades. You’re going to see awe-inspiring wildlife and have a wonderful time. I need to coat you with mosquito repellent before you go. Hold on a sec.”

  Aunt Sally left the kitchen and returned with a spray can. “Out to the front yard.” She marched that way with Ann and James following.

  They strolled to the black rental they’d picked up at the airport, and she commenced squirting Ann’s clothes. “It’s all natural.” She started on James. “I’ll drench both of you.”

  Ann detected a foul odor underneath a perfume fragrance. She studied James. He didn’t seem to mind.

  “Believe me, those pesky insects won’t come anywhere near the two of you.” Aunt Sally took her finger off the can’s trigger. “You can leave now. You’re protected.”

  “Thanks.” Ann embraced Aunt Sally.

  She and James hopped in the front seat of the car and pulled out. They drove past beige, pale pink, and tan stucco houses with low roofs and small front yards, which looked similar to Aunt Sally’s. On Main Street men and women with graying or white hair filled the bicycle lanes and sidewalks.

  Cyclists standing on corners with their bikes beside them signaled hello with their hands. Ann spread her lips into a big smile and waved back. Their warmth stayed with her as James turned onto a two-lane road and drove into the marshland. Aunt Sally was right. She’d not cheat herself out of this peaceful day by continuing the disagreeable discussion about True Light Guardians.

  Within an hour James pulled into a gravel parking lot.

  A slim, blond-haired fellow wearing khaki clothes and a safari hat stepped out of a small wooden structure. His face was tan with deep wrinkles, the kind that come from too much sun.

  “Hi folks, you must be James and Ann. I’m Leo, your guide.”

  James and Ann scooted out of the car and shook hands with him.

  “You’re in luck. You’re the only two customers I have this morning. You’ll enjoy a private tour.”

  James paid Leo, and Leo clapped his hands. “Let’s explore the Glades.” Excitement rang in his voice as though he anticipated a great adventure.

  Leo led them behind the building and motioned to a flat-bottomed vessel with high seats with curved metal backs. They boarded it and sat down.

  Ann touched the metal and giggled. “Leo, I guess this shields us from flying squirrels and pieces of snake the propeller catches and kicks out.”


  James turned pale. “Snakes.”

  James probably hadn’t given much thought to the ecosystem of the Everglades. She gazed at him but spoke loud so Leo would hear her. “You won’t need to worry about the wildlife. Leo’s been taking people through here for years, and they’ve all come back in one piece.”

  “Uh, all except for one salesman from Tallahassee, Florida.” Leo laughed as he positioned himself in the seat behind Ann and James. He winked. “Nah, I bring everyone back alive with all their limbs.” He pulled into the head of the river, and several white birds skimmed the surface of the greenish-brown water, swishing it with their large, unfurled wings, creating water sprays. “I see the pelicans that spend their winters here have arrived.”

  Ann put her hand over her mouth. “Oh my, they’re beautiful.”

  “Here we go.” Leo started the engine, and the birds scattered, soaring upward like gliders into the bright, blue sky.

  James pivoted and pointed his camera. “That picture alone is worth the trip. I may add this place to my vacation rentals business.”

  Leo guided the airboat through high, matted grass, and a large island ahead of them shifted. Didn’t it? Ann blinked and leaned forward.

  “Notice the mangrove trees. From a distance the rippling water makes them appear to move.” Leo’s voice wafted from behind her. “But now we’re closer. See. Their thin brown trunks are well rooted in the riverbed.”