Island Holiday (Brookwell Island #4)

Chapter 15

From the bow of the chartered boat, Sonya kept an eye on the young women. The three of them had been briefed and then moved to the fire rescue boat. There, they’d each called their families. Her stomach was still queasy due to the situation, not the rocking boat. It hadn’t been easy watching the young women come to terms with the danger they’d unwittingly been in.

This situation would leave its mark on them in indelible ways. Being duped was a shock in and of itself. Whatever Zimmer had specifically planned for them on the deep-sea charter, it went beyond an influencer training class. The three of them were safe now. Wiser too, she hoped. Trust was a good thing, but it should be earned, not given away carelessly.

“We’ll take good care of them, ma’am.”

Sonya wanted to hug the police officer, but managed to hold back. The cold fist gripping her heart loosened a bit more. “Thank you.”

Tears stung the back of her throat. Happy tears. Relief that these young women would be reunited with their families in time to celebrate the holidays.

She waved as the fire department’s water rescue team motored upriver, the boat leaving a gentle wake on the smooth surface.

It was over.

At least on her part.

She looked toward the stern where Zimmer was handcuffed and flanked by two people in FBI windbreakers.

“How are you holding up?” Jess asked, drawing her down beside her on the bench seat in front of the helm.

The water taxi had headed back to its normal route, leaving Sonya to wonder what was next.

“I’m fine.” It wasn’t really a lie, though it was hardly the full truth. “When will we hear anything about the boat they were scheduled to meet? Or what Zimmer intended?”

Jess smoothed her hair back from her face. “The FBI grabbed the lead on that, so I’m not sure. Once we have news, I’ll share it. Are you thinking Mertens will be at the exchange?”

“No.” Sonya was frustrated, but she couldn’t change it. She wanted answers that weren't immediately available. The authorities would take their time unraveling Zimmer's plans. All she could do was hope the news would trickle down to her eventually. “Physically, she hasn’t been anywhere close to the actual crimes.”

“Financially?”

“Financially, her fingerprints are all over this. The shell companies that specialize in the rentals should be a trove of good intel. I’m hoping the investigators find her before she can hide,” she said.

The sunset painted the sky with pinks and oranges and the grasses along the shore swayed in the breeze. They’d be back to the hotel dock within minutes. She should relax. Pull herself together. But she was still edgy.

“Thanks for everything, Jess.” Her gaze drifted back to Connor. He hardly looked winded, yet she’d seen him give his all to the fight with Zimmer. She’d been in awe as he swiftly protected her. He was her hero. It was all she could do to stand here when she wanted to throw herself into his arms. “Especially for bringing the backup,” she added.

Connor was awesome, but having seen it play out, she was even more grateful for the support.

“You’re welcome.” Jess smiled at her. “Logan and Knox were happy to help. They love this stuff. You know how it is.”

Sonya nodded along, pretending. In theory, sure, she understood the team effort. In reality, this was a first for her.

No. No.

That wasn’t true. Hannah had raised the alarm when Sonya had tried to solve her problems with her criminal boss by herself. Hannah had spent Christmas with an undercover fiancé, lying to Harper, just to save Sonya. Harper had bravely gone the extra mile for her too. Later, Connor had persisted in his search for her, bringing Sonya back into the real world when she’d been so damn scared to come out of hiding.

These past days, he’d worked with her, trusted her intuition, and saved her from herself when that desperate, clawing fear had pushed her into mistakes.

Jess squeezed her arm. “More good news!”

“Paramedics on the dock?” Sonya asked. Connor had a cut over his eye, a busted lip, his knuckles were bloody, and his jaw was puffing up.

“That too. Relax, Connor will be fine.”

“Hm.” But Jess’s excitement earned Sonya’s full attention. “What am I missing?”

“Police found diamonds in the condo.”

“Seriously?”

Jess turned the phone for Sonya to read the message and see the photos. “Merry Christmas to the Guardian Agency.” She nudged Sonya. “Good work, you.”

“Connor did the heavy lifting.” More than once.

“You recognized Mertens in the money trail.”

That was true.

“Without that teamwork,” Jess continued, “I wouldn’t have asked them to search the condo.” She tapped her phone against her knee. “We’ll have someone comb through the security cameras in the immediate area for a possible lead.”

It didn’t surprise her that Mertens might be multitasking with the property. “Someone should definitely question whoever rents that condo next.”

“I’m sure the authorities will follow that same logic. They’ll watch activity on this condo, the condo in Myrtle Beach, and any other rentals or properties we can tie to her. The Coast Guard is also watching the tour area Zimmer requested when he booked the charter.”

“Not the Hargrave B&B,” Sonya said, thinking it through. “The sisters who own that one aren’t involved. Hosting Zimmer was basically a coincidence. He must’ve visited to check out the marina.”

“I know the sisters.” Jess arched an eyebrow. “Your tendency to protect the innocent is admirable.”

Sonya wasn’t comfortable with the compliment. Diligence and discipline were simply part of who she was. How she did her work.

At the hotel dock, Sonya and Connor said goodbye to Jess, Knox, and Logan. After a round of holiday wishes and invitations they politely declined, the charter boat continued on toward Brookwell Island.

They stood together, watching the boat glide away under the gorgeous dusky sky.

She couldn’t quite look at him, feeling guilty for every scrape and bruise he’d endured for her. His feet were still bare and he was probably chilled. “We should get moving.” She started walking. “Be careful of splinters.”

“Not my primary concern.” He gently drew her gaze away from the river. “Are we good?”

“Sure,” she said too brightly. “Case closed.”

He spread his arms, inviting her in for a hug. She hesitated a beat too long and he tucked his hands into his pockets. “You did it,” he said. “Those girls will celebrate Christmas at home.”

She couldn’t reply, the emotions tumbling through her in a chaotic mess. This was the best and worst holiday of her life. The rescue, the time with Connor, the fear of everything that could’ve gone wrong.

But the rescue had gone right.

She didn’t know what to do, how to behave in this strange space. Part of her felt effervescent, eager to celebrate the successful takedown. Part of her wanted to collapse in a heap and never do anything so outrageous again.

Then reality settled over her and all she could think of was kissing him.

So she did that.

Mindful of the bruising along his jaw, she pressed her lips gently to his. Everything inside her went soft, melting when he cupped her cheek and kissed her back. Tenderly, with a silent, passionate promise she wanted to believe in.