In the Blink of An Eye by Jerry Baggett (ebook reader for surface pro TXT) 📕

was back; that strong willed, fascinating woman he had met after ejecting from his damaged aircraft. He had fallen for her immediately and still couldn’t get enough of her companionship.

Another damn meeting with Hunt and the sheriff. More statements given. Hunt was emphatic. “Dick, she’s your responsibility now. If you can’t assume the responsibility, Samantha will have to spend some of that new-found wealth and hire a personal body guard.”

Dick bristled. “Damn it, Hunt! Don’t insinuate there’s anything less than my total commitment to Sam. She knows that and so should you by now.”

“Don’t get your hackles up. I’m only pointing out the obvious. We cannot assume responsibility for the personal safety of every individual needing our help. I feel terrible enough about Maria Estrada.”

Hunt switched his attention to Samantha. “I’m sorry about the loss of your cottage. Attempting to leave the area would be futile. These people have the means to locate you wherever you run. I suggest you prepare for the worst and stand your ground. Turn your abode into a fortress. Put cameras in every critical area. Install motion sensors inside every room. Oh yes; arm yourself.”

He faced Dick again. “You should be able to provide training to Samantha for handgun safety purposes. After all, you were a combat marine.”

Dick nodded. “That won’t be a problem. I have no illusions about our adversaries. They’re stone-cold deadly.”

Samantha said, “I’ve decided to go with the law firm my aunt used for so many years. The firm assigned John Becket to handle my affairs. He has suggested we meet with Grant Davis, in their office, before I assume control of this newly discovered trust. Becket feels a meeting with Davis and his trust attorney would also be helpful.”

“Dutifully noted, Samantha. We know Grant’s eager to meet you at that storage unit. A meeting with the trust attorneys would probably be required at some point. However, we have Grant tucked away safely until we solve the problem of his missing informant.”

Dick caught a whiff of her perfume as she attempted to rise. “I’m very proud of Samantha. She’s standing tall in the face of these attempts on her life, and she’s more than a little concerned about Grant.”

Hunt smiled. “We’ll look after him for you, Samantha.”

Dick had stayed awake for hours, thinking about security around Sam’s cottage before it burned. There was a lot to be done while she was away from her job. Her week of vacation would be over long before the threats on her life ended. He dressed casually, transferred his wallet to clean, tan shorts, and a Tommy Bahama shirt. He wanted to check out the grounds around the two rental properties on each side of where Samantha’s smaller cottage stood. He didn’t like leaving her alone, even for the short time he would be gone. We will never allow ourselves to become victims through our own carelessness.

He returned to where Sam was dressing. She too had dressed with the beach weather in mind. She leaned against her pillow, with her eyes closed, her journal opened across her breasts.

Dick realized she was dozing and smiled inwardly. “I hope you’re not writing a tell-all about our love life, to be discovered by our children.” He leaned down and kissed her forehead. “We need to check out the two rental properties. I can’t leave you here alone. Will you put that aside and come with me for the tour?”

She opened one eye. “My kingdom and I are all yours, kind sir.”

“Watch out for sand spurs,” she said. “They’re everywhere in between the houses.”

He gave her hand an extra tug as they neared the top of the hill. “Looks like a gaggle of people leaving the large two-story rental. Aren’t they rented weekly from Saturday through Thursday, with Friday being a cleanup day?”

“Mid-summer is normally that way. Off season, it’s sometimes longer, they’re often rented for as much as three months at a time.”

He said, “Let’s go over and talk to one of those people leaving for the shuttle boat. It never hurts to know your neighbors.

“Good morning, I’m Dick and this is Sam. How did you like your visit to our little island community?”

“We love Catalina Island. I’m Tina and this is my cousin, Caroline. Nice meeting you two. Our family organizes a reunion here every third year.” She placed her bags in the golf cart. “We love this place so much we book ahead. We’re already booked again for our next get-together. This old home has six bedrooms. It’s one of the few places large enough for our big family.”

Sam said, “We’re happy to hear that. Do you know if the house is rented immediately after you leave?”

“I don’t know. My parents will be here until Friday morning. Everybody else has to get back to work, or have other obligations. I really do hate to leave.”

“Thank you for your time, Tina. Have a safe trip home. We may have an opportunity to meet your parents before they leave,” Samantha said.

Dick looked back at the large home. We only have to rent part of this place until the trouble’s over.

He turned toward the other house. It was smaller, built into the hillside. “What do you know about the owners of these properties?”

“Very little,” she said. “The two-story was built shortly after I moved into the cottage. The owners are from Phoenix. I understand it was an investment rental. They have only been here one time since the home was finished. It’s considered an upscale rental and stays occupied most of the time.” She had a puzzled look on her face. “I don’t understand your concern with these houses, Dick.”

He hesitated, then answered. “We need a place to hide out, a place we can turn into a fortress. We know they’re coming. Careless oversight is often the pathway to failure against a determined