“Showtime,” he whispered.
Finn flexed his fingers and got ready. The SUV rounded the corner and came into view. Same make, same color as Bridget’s. There wasn’t room to pull up next to Bridget’s car because of the way the agent had deliberately parked it. They could either cut over to the side, which would put them closer to Hutton, or park behind.
Albertson was at the wheel. He left the motor running, honked once, and then got out. The agent in Bridget’s car figured that was a signal and pushed the button to open the tailgate.
Christmas came early, Finn thought, because not only was Parsons with him but Eileen had also ridden along. All of them got out of the vehicle, and Eileen yelled to the person she thought was Bridget as she walked toward the driver’s side.
“Is it true, Bridget? Is that bitch Peyton Lockhart going to sue Drew and me? I heard that this morning, and I couldn’t believe it.” She stopped at the tailgate.
Drew opened the cargo lid. “Where the hell are my rifles? Did you move . . .”
Parsons saw Hutton coming and ran. Instantly realizing what was happening, he reached for the gun in the waistband of his jeans, but Hutton tackled him before he could shoot.
The Albertsons were immediately surrounded. Eileen was screaming profanities while she was being handcuffed, and Drew stood perfectly still. He was enraged, but he didn’t try to run. The second Finn walked up to him to cuff him, he attacked. Finn couldn’t have been happier because he finally got to punch the son of a bitch. It felt good, too. He wanted to hit him again and then go after Parsons, but instead he read them their rights.
“Went off without a wrinkle,” Hutton said.
“That gun isn’t mine,” Parsons blustered when he saw Hutton pick it up off the ground. “I’m innocent.”
Incredulous, Finn asked, “It just happened to drop into your pants?”
Hutton shook his head as he pushed Parsons toward the car.
The blow from Finn’s fist left Drew bent over and gasping for air. “You can’t get away with this. I know my rights,” he panted. “I haven’t done anything wrong.”
“Oh yeah?” Finn said. “Tell that to the women you molested. Better yet, tell it to the new buddies you’re gonna make in prison. They’ll get a kick out of it while they’re showing you what it feels like to be helpless and trapped.”
Eileen was crying now. “This is all because of her, that Peyton woman. She ruined everything. It’s all her fault. You should have killed her, Drew.”
Yes, Peyton had ruined their lives.
Yet another reason to be proud of her, Finn thought.
______
The following morning Peyton and Finn walked into Randolph Swift’s office. He stood when they entered and rushed around his desk to shake their hands. Erik was with him.
“I’m so glad to finally meet you,” Randolph told Peyton. “It’s been quite a week. We heard all about the arrests. I don’t think we need worry about Drew filing a lawsuit anytime soon.”
The door opened, and two young women came in. They were smiling but hesitant. Randolph motioned them forward. “These are two new employees,” he began. “Actually, they worked here a short time under Drew’s supervision and left, but now they’re back.”
Peyton knew what that meant.
“It was a terrible time for them,” he continued. “I’m going to try to make it up to them if that’s possible, and they’re going to help write new guidelines for the company. April will be working in HR, replacing an employee who had been taking orders from my daughter, and Maria will be a coordinator in production.”
“This is going to be a good company again,” Erik promised. “I’ll begin working here in June.”
“Graduate school?” Finn asked.
“One more paper and I’m finished.”
Peyton was humbled and a bit embarrassed when the two women thanked her for all she had done for them.
“I didn’t really do all that much,” she protested.
“Oh, but you did,” April said. “You exposed Drew Albertson for what he was. If you hadn’t done that, we wouldn’t be here now.”
Erik stepped forward. “If you’ll excuse us, I’d like to show these two young ladies their offices.”
After they were gone, Randolph asked Finn and Peyton to take a seat.
“If you don’t mind, I’d like to talk to you about my daughter and her husband.” A look of profound sadness came into his eyes as he continued. “I can’t begin to tell you how sorry I am for the misery they’ve caused. And I know I have to accept some of the blame.” He saw that Peyton was about to protest, and he raised his hand to stop her. “No, no, it’s true. If I weren’t so distracted after the death of my dear Miriam, I could have seen what was going on. I knew that Eileen could be selfish, but I had no idea her ambition or her obsession with Drew Albertson would take her to such extremes.” He turned to Finn. “What will become of them?”
“I’m certain Drew is going to be doing some prison time, and so is Parsons. The lab has found their fingerprints on the weapons and it’s just a matter of time before the ballistics report shows at least one of them was used in an attempted murder. We’re already getting cooperation from Bridget Dawson and Don Cosgrove. Their testimony will help get a conviction.”
“Cosgrove?” Randolph asked. “What did he have to do with this?”
“He was Drew’s and Parsons’s alibi. When the three of them were supposed to be on a fishing trip, he went alone and left a trail to prove that they were with him when, in fact, they had secretly made their way to Florida.”
“And what will happen to my daughter?” he asked with a hint of worry.
“I can’t say,” Finn answered. “She might serve time for her part in all of it, or the court might go easy on her if she agrees to cooperate.”
“I’m afraid Eileen has never been a very agreeable person,” he admitted. “Maybe this will make her change.”
The image of Eileen in the park, screaming that Drew should have killed Peyton, flashed through Finn’s mind. He knew there was little chance of her becoming the person Randolph wanted her to be, but he couldn’t bring himself to dash a father’s hopes.
“It could happen,” he said.
THIRTY-FIVE
Peyton and Finn were happy to be back in Bishop’s Cove. They arrived late at night, fell into bed exhausted, and yet found enough energy to make love.
The next day the Cove was bustling. It seemed wherever Peyton looked there were men working. The walkways had already been jackhammered, and the concrete trucks were expected to start pouring that afternoon. On their way to the business office, she and Finn met an architect and two engineers who were busy with plans for the new swimming complex. When Len wanted something done, he wanted it done right away. Christopher had told Peyton he expected to get the permits and be ready to begin digging in no time at all. Curious, Finn went with them to see exactly where the pool would be.
Lucy was in the conference room surrounded by fabric samples. She had all the furniture ordered for the bungalows and was busy selecting odds and ends. She hoped to have at least three newly wired units ready for guests in two weeks if everything arrived on time. In the history of Lucy ordering anything, nothing ever arrived on time, but she was determined to stay optimistic.
After Peyton filled her in on what had happened in Dalton, Lucy was so stunned she dropped into a chair, unaware that she was landing on a pile of fabric books.
“It’s really all over then?” she asked.
“Yes,” Peyton assured her.
The next order of business was telling Lars and Mimi. She called Lars into Mimi’s office so that both could hear the news. They had a hundred questions, and all of them had to be answered before they were satisfied she hadn’t inadvertently left anything out.
Mimi was reeling from the news that he
r ex-husband was involved. “Stupid men do stupid things,” she remarked. “If he knew they were coming here to hurt you, he should go to prison for a long time. I’m so glad to be rid of him.”
Lars stood. “I’d better get back to the restaurant. I’m already on Chef Geller’s last nerve. He told me if I mention sardines to him one more time, he’s going to hit me with a pot.” He laughed as he added, “He’ll do it, too.” He surprised Peyton by kissing her on the cheek. “I love it here.”
“I should see if Christopher wants to go over my numbers for the week,” Mimi said.
Peyton walked out with her. She said something funny, and Mimi was laughing as she rounded the corner and bumped into Len. He grabbed her by the shoulders to steady her, then stepped back.
“Hello there,” he said in a rich southern drawl.
Peyton quickly made the introductions. With his most charming smile, he said, “How do you do?”
One hand on her hip, Mimi looked up at him and responded, “I do just fine.”
Len blocked the doorway as he stood there grinning at Mimi. She kept waiting for him to get out of her way, but he didn’t seem inclined to move, so she edged around him. As Len turned to watch her walk away, Peyton tapped his arm to get his attention.
“I’m happy to see you,” she began. “We didn’t expect you for another two weeks.”
“My schedule changed.” He straightened and said, “And I talked to Christopher about Debi. Come on, Peyton. Let’s go chat with Lucy.”
As he crossed the office, he whispered, “Is Mimi married?”
“No, she’s available,” Peyton told him.
“She’s a little spitfire.”
She agreed. “Yes, she is.”
He let Peyton go in the conference room, then he pulled the door closed behind him. Lucy pushed aside some catalogs so they could sit.
“Now then, about Debi,” he began.
Lucy and Peyton shared a look. Another chance? Peyton wondered. Was Len going to ask them to take her back again? She honestly didn’t think she had the stamina to go another round.
“I spoke with Christopher and I had a long, long talk with Scott Cassady. He admitted he’d made a deal with Debi to pay her a percent if she helped him get Bishop’s Cove. But he insisted she came to him with the idea. He also insisted he wasn’t aware of any vandalism. I’m not going to pursue legal action, but he’s on notice, and I don’t think you’ll be having any more trouble from him.”
“What are you going to do about Debi?” Lucy asked. “If you want her to come back here, I guess we could . . .” She stopped talking when she saw the daggers in Peyton’s eyes.
“No, I talked to her father. Brian has used every excuse in the book for his daughter’s behavior.” He smiled then. “I told him he should let Debi move back home. I said that Bishop’s Cove wasn’t a good fit for her, and she should stay with him until I find the right project.” After a slightly wicked chuckle, he said, “There isn’t going to be another project. I just wanted to get my brother off my back. Wonder how he’ll do with Debi living with him.”
“Did you tell him about the damage she’s done here?” Lucy asked.
“No, and I’m not going to. I don’t want you girls mentioning it, either.”
No more Debi. Peyton was giddy with joy.
“I have one more announcement,” he said. “It’s about the deal I made with you for this resort. I’ve changed my mind.”
Peyton’s heart sank. She looked at Lucy and could tell she was feeling the same. They’d been at the resort only three months, but it was obvious they weren’t going to be able to make a twenty percent profit within the year. There had been too many setbacks that delayed the opening. They might as well face the facts and admit their failure.
Len continued. “I’ve decided the resort is yours.”
“I’m really sorry, Uncle Len,” Peyton said. “I know you . . . Wait. What did you say?”
“I said the resort is yours at the end of the year, and you don’t have to show the twenty percent profit. There have been too many things that have been out of your control. Plus, I’d really like to add the swimming center, and that will take some time. I’ve looked around at what you’ve accomplished so far, and I have to say, despite all the obstacles, you’ve done an amazing job. I think I’ll be leaving Bishop’s Cove in very capable hands.” He looked at Lucy when he added, “Especially if Christopher is around to help you manage things.” Clasping his hands together to finalize his offer, he said, “So, what do you say? Are you up for it?”
Peyton and Lucy answered at the same time with an enthusiastic “Yes!”
Peyton waited until evening to tell Finn the news. He was getting ready to leave and would be back next weekend so they could go shopping for an engagement ring.
They called his parents to make their announcement, and then they phoned her parents and spoke to Peyton’s father. He was thrilled.
“I’ll let Peyton tell her mother,” he said and shouted to his wife.
She came on the line a minute later. Her greeting was predictable. “Have you met anyone?”
Wow, Peyton thought. Once she was married, she’d never have to hear that question again. “I’m getting married—”
“Stop teasing me.”
“Mom, it’s true. Finn MacBain asked me to marry him, and I said yes.”
“Finn? Our Finn?”
“Yes, our Finn.”
“And you’re getting married?”
Peyton put her hand over the phone. “I think she’s in shock.”
Her mother sounded as though the weight of the world had just been lifted from her shoulders. “Oh, thank God. Finally.”
“Mom . . .”
“It finally happened.” There was that word again.
“Mother . . .”
“I’m just beside myself with happiness. We have to plan a wedding.”
“If Finn agrees, I’d like to be married here in Bishop’s Cove.”
“Finally. I just can’t believe it.”
“Mom, do you talk this way to Lucy and Ivy?”
“I’m just reeling.”
“I’ll talk to you soon. Love you.”
She disconnected the call, turned to Finn, and said, “She’s happy.”
And that was the understatement of the year.
Peyton sat on the bed, watching Finn pack. “What do you think about a small wedding in a church in Port James and the reception here at the Cove? We could be married next year.”
He shook his head, dropped the shirt he was folding, and sat down next to her. “I’m not waiting a year. Yeah, we can get married here, but not next year. How about next month?”
She scooted onto his lap and put her arms around him. “Six months.”
“No, next month.”
“This summer then.” She kissed the side of his neck to distract him.
He finally agreed. It would be a summer wedding.
“Remember how you were so opposed to marriage?”
He hugged her and said, “Yeah, I remember. But marriage to you . . . I can’t wait to make it legal. You’re going to be mine then.”
Going to be? Didn’t he know? She had always been his.
EPILOGUE
ONE YEAR LATER
The grand opening of the Bishop’s Cove Aquatic Center turned into one hell of a party. The hotel and every bungalow were filled to capacity with family and friends who had booked months before. Olympic hopefuls were also there, as well as several top coaches. They all knew who Finn was.
By a unanimous vote it was decided that Uncle Len would officially open the center. The chrome-and-white dome hid the beautiful pool. A huge crowd gathered to watch as Len walked forward. Most of the men and women were in swimming attire and were anxiously waiting to jump into the cool water. Len wasn??
?t much on speeches. After welcoming everyone, he pushed a button and the dome came to life. The sides spread wide, then disappeared into thin trenches that closed seamlessly.
There was a good deal of cheering and laughing. Finn stood watching the festivities.
The terrace adjacent to the pool was adorned with colorful bouquets on tall pedestals, and two lavish buffet tables sat on opposite ends. Beyond, scattered on the manicured lawn that the gardeners had nurtured, round tables with chairs, all covered in white linen, waited for the guests to sit. Most of them were in the pool now.
The newlyweds, Christopher and Lucy, couldn’t seem to let go of each other. Finn understood. He and Peyton had been married nine months, and he still wanted to throw his arms around her whenever she was near.
At the buffet table Lars inspected his delectable creations—all with an aquatic theme—and beamed with pride.
Peyton was on the other side of the pool talking to a couple of Beck’s Navy SEAL friends.
Finn’s brothers, Tristan and Beck, saw him frowning and came to stand beside him. “What’s the problem?” Beck asked in a low voice.
Finn nodded toward Peyton and then toward the two men a few feet away from her. “Those guys are ogling my wife.”
“Hey, you’ve got a hot wife. You gotta expect guys will notice,” Beck said.
“Yeah? They ought to notice she’s wearing a wedding ring and leave her the hell alone.”
Tristan laughed. “I don’t think you have to worry. Peyton’s pretty stuck on you, though God only knows why.” He scanned the crowd. “Has anyone seen my wife?”
“Over by the fountain,” Beck said right before he spotted Ivy and took off.
Finn heard a burst of laughter behind him and turned. Len and Mimi were also having fun. Mimi had just said something funny, and Len looked like a besotted schoolboy.
Was it something in the water down here? Finn wondered. He could see the advertisement now: Come to Bishop’s Cove and fall in love. He sure as certain had. No, that wasn’t exactly true. It was when he was standing in front of the church at Tristan’s wedding. She’d walked up to him and looked into his eyes, and he was a goner.