One of Six (Den Hollows #1)

18. Beatrice

18

BEATRICE

After breakfast I'm on my own, which suits me just fine. Evelyn has gone grocery shopping, so I go into my bedroom.

I sit down at my desk and open my phone. I'm interested in the notes I found on Mom's phone. It takes me a while to figure out where they went on my phone because I have no idea what I'm doing.

I take a deep breath as I click on the contact’s page. "What the hell!" Edwin Carter, FBI, is listed with an email address and phone number. I shake my head and move on to the next note. Here are eight names: Steven Gibbs, Robert Tate, George Wilcox, Roscoe Dale, Peter Frederick, Vince Foyle, Deedee Boyle, and Joshua Redd.

I stare at the names in shock. Joshua died four years ago. Why would Essex’s father be on this list? What about the others? And why would Mom keep this list? This is awful.

I open the lid of my laptop and click on the browser. I type the first name into the search box and click the search button.

Steven Gibbs disappeared thirteen years ago. Robert Tate, twelve years ago. George Wilcox and Roscoe Dale, eight years ago. Peter Frederick looks familiar, but I can't place him. I chase his name a little longer until I find him. A former employee of Lincoln Construction. He disappeared seven years ago. Vince Foyle also went missing seven years ago. Deedee Boyle was six months pregnant when her body was found five days after she disappeared, four years ago.

Joshua died four years ago. I'm not looking for him because I'm waiting for Essex to tell me about him.

What does it all mean? Six disappearances and two deaths have to be connected somehow. Did Mom put them together, or did her FBI contact give her the names?

My hands tremble as I navigate to my home screen and clear my history for the day.

The next item is a shopping list, which is unusual because Mom never uses this phone daily.

The door downstairs slams shut, startling me. I turn off my laptop and put my phone in my pocket before heading downstairs.

To my horror, it’s Judge. He is equally surprised to see me.

"Why are you here?" he demands.

I frown. "I live here."

He purses his lips. "Where is your father?"

"Richard said he had some paperwork to sign at the office. You should call him and ask when he'll be home."

Before he can answer harshly, a car speeds up the driveway, distracting him.

"Sounds like he's back. I'll leave you to it." I run back upstairs, grab Mom's phone, and tuck it into a sock. I dig around in my desk and find a small plastic bag. I put the phone and sock in it before grabbing a pair of black slipper socks. I repeat the process.

I toss them in the laundry hamper and carry them down the back stairs to the laundry room.

I tuck the package with the phone into my shirt and quietly slip out the back door. I walk across the lawn to the back of the house when I really want to run. I cannot look suspicious. When I reach the tree line, I turn and look behind me; I'm completely hidden from the house. I move in the opposite direction from my favorite spot. I hide the phone in a crack in an oak tree. It should be safe there.

My chest hurts at the thought of going to Essex. I can trust him, but I'm afraid Richard will find out and hurt him. Richard and Judge would not think twice.

I look across the river and decide to take my chances. I won't tell him everything, but I can go to him. Ask him to hold me until I've calmed down after what I've discovered.

Before I can change my mind, I find a way to cross. My feet and lower legs will get wet, but it will be worth it. I take off my shoes, though. "Ah!" I sigh. The sound of running water is pleasant. I just hope there's nothing disgusting in here with me. I carefully walk across and then put my shoes back on.

I'm smiling because I made it. I'm in Den Hollows.

As I walk into the trees, I enjoy the sunlight on my face as I take a step beyond the edge of the road.

As I walk toward the ocean, the dirt road is peaceful. A field I pass is full of wildflowers. They are vibrant and sway in the warm but gentle breeze.

I continue until a motorcycle rumbles louder. My gaze shifts to the road behind me, where I see the black and silver motorcycle come to a stop.

He takes off his helmet and grins.

I laugh. "Hello, Nico."

"If it isn't the mermaid." He smiles. "Coming over to the dark side?"

"I wanted to visit Essex," I admit. "Do you think he'll be home?"

"He'll be at the studio right now. But why don't I drive you there?"

"I'm wearing a dress." I stare at the bike, excited about the possibilities. "I'll sit on it or something. I don't want to miss this opportunity."

Nico shakes his head. "Give me your hand. I'll steady you as you climb on.”

Excited, I do as he says, and after I'm behind him, he gives me a minute to adjust my dress.

I grab him around the waist and we're off. The air tries to remove my dress, but I'm too comfortable. The bike rattles and a feeling of freedom washes over me. No wonder they're so popular.

Nico turns off before we reach the house. He leads us along a path that is just wide enough for a Ford pickup. Then we come out in a clearing with a warehouse-like building or a huge barn.

Nico stops the bike and helps me clamber off. "I'll show you where Essex is."

"Maybe this isn’t the best idea." I chew my lip nervously.

Distracted by the sound of voices, we turn to a door we just passed, and Ridge emerges with two girls.

I raise my eyebrows. "He had two at once. How is that possible?"

Nico bursts out laughing. I roll my eyes and give Ridge a wave. "What's so funny?"

He wipes his face and opens the door. As I step inside, I catch my breath when I notice Essex. The man looks great in his jeans and white top. He is wearing goggles and a mask as he works on what appears to be an intricate leaf pattern.

He looks up and does a double take, his face breaking into a smile. He drops the equipment and removes the goggles and mask before approaching me.

"Mermaid Girl, this is a nice surprise," he says softly, spreading his arms.

I run to him and throw myself against him. My legs wrap around his waist and my arms wrap around his neck. "Hi," I say, whispering against his lips. I feel his hands holding my bottom, and I shiver.

Nico coughs. "Did you two forget I'm here?"

"Get lost, brother."

Nico replies, "I'm going, but maybe you want to explain to Bea how a guy can pleasure two chicks at the same time."

"What the fuck, Nico?"

"She saw Ridge and the two girls." Nico just waves and leaves us alone.

I grab Essex's face and press my lips to his. His tongue presses against my lips and I moan loudly and deeply. Essex's hands move over my body, sending shivers down my spine. I pull back for a second, panting, and mutter, "I want you." His eyes darken with desire as he pulls me closer, and his touch ignites a fire in me.

Essex grips me tightly as he carries me across the room and my bottom hits a desk. "Don't move. I'm going to show you one of the ways a man can pleasure a woman."

My eyes widen, and then he puts his hand between us, wiggling a finger inside my underwear. I squirm in his grip as he touches me. His tongue captures mine in a fierce kiss and his large digit slides through my hot folds. I am so wet that I hear sucking sounds.

Essex moans into my mouth and pulls his hand away. He smiles and drops to his knees. His hot mouth plants kisses on my mound. My blue panties offer no barrier.

"Do you trust me, Bea?"

Looking into his eyes while his mouth is on my pussy is hot. I swallow hard and nod. "Yes."

"Then I want these panties off." He holds both sides and when I lift my hips, he pulls the panties down and off. I can't see where they land because his mouth is on me.

He grabs my legs and puts them over his shoulders. He takes my butt in his hands and lifts me up to his greedy mouth.

I'm having an out of body experience. He sucks, nibbles, and his tongue... Oh my God! The way it touches me. Then I feel him fuck me with his magic tongue.

I grind my pussy against his face, never wanting him to stop. "Essex," I pant. "I'm going to explode."

"On my mouth," he moans.

I suddenly throw my head back and moan, "Essex!" as I come in his mouth. I shudder with every stroke of his tongue against my delicate folds. "Mmm," I murmur. "It was incredible. I'm not sure I can walk after that.”

He chuckles and wipes his face with his T-shirt as he stands. He gently helps me into my panties.

Noticing his excitement, I get up from the desk and rub up against him. I grin as I slide my hand down his chest and into his pants. He hisses when my fingertips touch him.

"Bea!" I close my hand around him. "You taste fucking delicious." His lips press against mine. With a tight grip, I massage his hard flesh. He trembles in my grip. I feel his stomach clenching and his breath getting ragged.

"I want to see you."

"Fuck!" He unzips his jeans and shorts, pushing them down over his hips.

My eyes light up with excitement as I get a close look at this gorgeous man. I move quickly on him now that nothing limits my touch. I hold his gaze as I drop to my knees.

"I won't last long, Bea," he warns.

With my free hand, I rub the fine hair that covers his root while I lick the head of his cock.

Essex pulls his tee off. "I'm going to come." He twitches slightly and thick strands of cum stream from his cock. He grunts with pleasure. I grin as he finishes. He slides his t-shirt over his dick to clean up and wipes my hand. "That was unexpected."

"This whole day has been unexpected."

Essex reaches out and pulls me to my feet. "When," he adds, wrapping me in his arms, "I make love to you, it will be on the boat. Totally private."

"I'd like that." I rest my cheek on his chest and smile as I feel his lips on my head.

"I've never laid in a hammock before, alone or otherwise."

"Having someone with me is a first."

I grin and tilt my face up to his. "Really?"

"Really." He leans up and plants a kiss on my mouth. "I've never had an extended lunch either. You're a bad influence on me."

"I'm really comfortable here with you. That surprises me a little. I'm not a trusting person, but you and your brothers, from the first time in the store, have made me feel like I belong.”

"That probably has something to do with the fact that Nico saved you. None of us took advantage of you. We brought you back to the mainland and Evelyn."

"Maybe," I press myself closer. "Essex, I need to talk to you about something, but I'm afraid of what my family will do if they find out you know."

He thinks for a moment and says, "Whatever you tell me won't go any further than me and you, Bea. I won't tell my brothers. No one. You can trust me."

"I know I can trust you. I'm just scared."

"Speak to me, Mermaid Girl. You're my girl now. No secrets."

I wiggle a little so that my head rests on the pillow next to his. "Are you my boyfriend?"

"Beatrice Alexandria Lincoln, will you be my girlfriend?"

A huge grin splits my face. Essex smiles and kisses me. I feel a rush of happiness, feeling safe in his arms. The weight of my secret lifts as I realize I now have someone to confide in.

"Now talk to me. What's going on?"

"Hmm, where to start." Pause. "My mom had a phone that no one knew about. I know because I saw her with it once. Richard has no idea. Long story short, there are videos and pictures and notes on it. I Airdropped them onto my phone and then hid Mom's phone.

"One of the notes had a list of names. Eight in all. Seven men and one woman. The first six are missing. The last two are dead. I looked them up on the computer. I don't know why Mom would have such a list."

"That's it? Just names?"

"On that one note, yes. In another, she had contact information for an FBI agent, and then a grocery list."

I'm nervous about mentioning his father, but I know I must. Maybe something will click, and we'll make sense of the names. "Essex?" I search his eyes as he turns to me. "The last name on the list is Joshua Redd."

He stills and swallows hard.

"You know I had to tell you, right? I didn't want it to be a secret."

He pulls me back into his arms, holding me tight. "Give me a minute."

Should I have kept my mouth shut? He misses his dad. I know he does. "Essex, if it's something bad, please don't hate me."

"I could never hate you, Bea. It was a shock to hear that. Who are the others on the list?"

"One I remember is Peter Frederick. He worked for Lincoln Construction. Did your father ever work there?"

"He got contract work on the houses Lincoln’s built. Since we're the best carpenters around, we usually get the kitchens. Stairs and landings too. That would have been my dad. He died on a Lincoln construction site."

"What? No!" My heart bleeds for him. "I'm so sorry." I burst into tears and cry all over him. "Did Richard have something to do with it?”

"I... Yes, he did. We were never able to prove it. Dad was there in the evening after the place was supposed to be locked up tight. No one knows why Dad was there, or so they say."

"God, this is terrible. Do you think the others on the list ever worked there?"

"Show me the list. I might recognize some of the names because we went with Dad sometimes. Atilio, Boone, and Nico worked for Dad back then."

"It'll be easier if you take it out of my pocket."

After a little fumbling, Essex has my phone. He lays it flat against his chest as he holds me to the gentle swaying of the hammock. Feeling sleepy, I reach for the phone. "Let me show you, then I'll take a nap." I bring up the list and the names.

"This is hard," he admits quietly.

I cup his face and kiss him gently. "I'm sorry I'm hurting you."

"It's not you, Bea." He looks at the screen and says, "I recognize Deedee's name. She lived a block over with her husband and daughter—a few years old at the time. She was an accountant for Lincoln Construction. She did the books for Redd WoodArt. Although back then it was just ReddWood.”

"Should I contact the FBI guy and ask who he is? I want to know how Mom knew him."

I lock my phone, and Essex puts it in my pocket and hugs me. "Don't do anything yet and let me think about it."

"Okay. Can we take a nap now? I didn't sleep well last night."

"Go to sleep. I'll protect you."

I fall asleep secure with Essex holding me.