A Traitor at Poppyridge Cove Read online

  A Traitor at Poppyridge Cove

  Rimmy London

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Afterword

  Dedicated to my number one fan…

  Chapter 1

  Chase took the stairs two at a time, panting hard when he reached the top. A beautiful cloudless coastal sky streamed in through panoramic windows. “Bee?” he called, glancing into their bedroom and a couple of the open guest rooms. He circled back and checked two more open doors. The last room was rented by an older gentleman who seemed to prefer the solitude of his suite. Chase had chatted briefly with him when he checked in, but other than that, he kept to his room.

  He raced down the stairs and glanced into the kitchen before heading out the back door. There were a million places she could have gone, but he had a hunch she was at their favorite spot. Keeping up a quick jog, he followed the sandy trail down to Poppyridge cove. It was a generous stretch of sandy coastline, with enough rock formations to keep even the most ambitious kids busy for days.

  But along one side, if you explored the space behind a rocky arch, after climbing a bit of earth, you could drop down on the other side.

  Chase’s feet landed soft in the sand. The rushing of ocean surf was silenced, although the wind whistled through a dozen holes in the thick rock. “Bee?” he called again, skirting the edge of the rock until finding her nestled in the sand, leaning against the warm granite and sound asleep. Champ was curled up on her legs, and his head popped up.

  “Hey boy,” Chase whispered, settling down beside them. Abigail’s wide dark eyes fluttered open, and she smiled, pushing herself up from the slumped posture she’d settled into. Ringlets of mocha brown curls tumbled past her shoulders, and Chase admired how much longer her hair had gotten since they’d first met. His wife. Those words were still so new.

  “Oh, I guess I fell asleep,” she yawned. “I can’t believe how tired I am all the time.”

  “Well, it makes sense.” Chase admired her with excitement still buzzing in his chest. “You have a lot to keep up with here. Are you sure you don’t want me to cut back on patient hours?”

  She shook her head, her eyebrows pressed together. “No, you don’t need to do that. I’m fine.”

  “You’re sure?” Chase asked.

  She nodded.

  “Really sure?” he prodded. “Don’t you think you’d enjoy a vacation? Maybe somewhere warm and dry with brilliant sunny skies.”

  “Uh…” She eyed him suspiciously, and he couldn’t wait another second.

  “I won,” he breathed, the words sounded like relief to his busy life. “My article on early life trauma. It won. As far as psychiatry goes, this is big!” He stopped, laughing in disbelief. “The awards ceremony is in Phoenix, Arizona next week.”

  She gasped, throwing her arms around his neck. “That’s incredible! You’re amazing, Chase.”

  He held her tight, but not as tightly as before. There was a tiny soul between them now, and his mind was constantly thinking of it.

  “You can hug me, you know.” Abigail tightened her grip around him, nearly strangling him. He laughed, trying to tickle her sides to get her to loosen her grip, but she only pulled him down into the sand. “Tickle me all you want,” she teased. “I’ll never let go.”

  He laughed. “Well, then. I’ll just have to make the most of it.” His lips found her ear, nibbling on the soft edges and continuing to her neck, causing a rash of chills to break across her skin.

  “What about the inn?” Abigail asked, her voice a relaxed murmur. “Do you think we should leave so soon?”

  Chase paused. “I can see I’ve got you really distracted.” He chuckled, adoring her quick smile. She always had a way of making him feel more entertaining and cleverer than he knew he really was.

  “Okay.” He sat up again, albeit a little reluctantly. “I guess we can get things planned out.” He took her hand and lifted her from the sand, and they started back. “I was thinking the same thing when I first heard about the award, but it should be fine. It’s not a busy time of year, and didn’t you say your friend Emily was anxious to come visit? Maybe she could watch the place just for a few days. I’m sure she’d be overjoyed to have it mostly to herself.”

  “Oh, she’d definitely be fine.” Abigail smirked. “But will the inn survive?”

  “Ah, now I see where your concern lies.”

  They’d reached the back lawn, and Chase had his arm draped around her shoulder. He couldn’t help but notice how her movements seemed more careful, more intentional than before. And her hand occasionally settled on her lower stomach. It was a precious gesture, and Chase felt his heart warm and expand as if it would burst through his chest altogether. So much love for a tiny life that had barely begun. It was hard to control the emotion, and finally, he gave in and wrapped her in his arms. He wanted to stay there, constantly protecting them both forever. The fragrance of her hair and kindness in her touch had him feeling blissfully happy.

  “I love you, Abigail,” he whispered, feeling more grateful for her than he ever thought he could feel.

  “And I love you, Chase.” She looked up at him, and her hands rested on the sides of his face. “Forever.” Her eyes shifted to somewhere beyond him, and she stepped back suddenly.

  Chase turned, catching the movement of a curtain from the upstairs window.

  “Ah,” he leaned close to her, whispering, “Old Man Winter.” He winked. “Or Saul, if you’d like to use his proper name. He seems very happy with his solitude.”

  He rested his arm around her as they continued to the house. “Sorry.” He glanced at her with a wink. “The next time I bare my soul to you, I’ll be sure we have a little more privacy.”

  “Not a bad idea.” She held her arm around him. “Now let’s go break the news to Emily.”

  “What?” Emily sounded more stunned than the overjoyed that Abby was hoping for. “Just me? Alone? I haven’t even been there before.”

  The phone was on speaker, and Chase gave Abigail an encouraging nod of his head.

  “I know, but Em, there’s nothing to it! Besides, I’ve never known you to be intimidated by an adventure.” She hoped the slight challenge in her words would do the trick, but there was a pause before Emily answered.

  “Well, this is a little different. It’s your adventure, not mine. I wouldn’t want to mess things up for you and Chase.”

  Chase rested his hand on his chest dramatically, feigning a touched expression and wiping a fake tear from one hazel eye. Abigail let out a whispered laugh before becoming serious again.

  “I have complete faith in you, Emily,” she said, and she meant it. Emily was a powerful force. “You can do anything. And you’re the one rescuing us! I promise you can’t mess it up. The guests will probably fall so in love with you that they’ll riot when it’s time for you to leave.”

  Emily laughed. Abigail had always loved her laugh, like a pleasant chiming melody that bubbled from her so naturally, it was beautiful. “Okay, okay,” Emily finally relented. “I’ll come watch your place—”

  “Oh, thank you so much,” Abigail gushed, “you’re a complete lifesaver!”

  “Just don’t ask me to do anything weird like bring people breakfast in bed. I’m not doing that.”

  “What kind of Inn do you think we run here?” Abigail asked, grinning at how Chase’s nose had wrinkled in disdain. “You don’t even have to do any coo
king if you don’t want to, we just enjoy it. The kitchen is open to guests at certain hours, that’s all.”

  Emily sighed, and Abigail could sense she wasn’t feeling entirely sure of her decision. It was strange. All this standoffish behavior just wasn’t like her. Normally Emily would be boldly charging forward in her every move. A sudden awareness pricked at her heart. “Emily,” she said her name softly. “Is there something else worrying you?”

  Silence followed her question, but with each second that passed, Abigail could feel her heart responding, aching for her friend even though she didn’t know why.

  “I’m just a little down, I guess,” Emily finally said, “and I… I just got back from a devotional for Justin. It’s been two years. It doesn’t feel that long though, it feels like days.”

  Abigail’s heart sunk. Suddenly the time compressed for her as well, and she remembered in crystal clear detail the night that Emily had received the news. Her big brother Justin, fighting wildfires in Northern California. The wind had changed direction suddenly, and he was the only one inside the firebreak. There hadn’t been time for anyone to reach him.

  “I’m sorry, Emily. It doesn’t feel that long for me either.”

  “But it’s fine,” Emily rushed, “I just need to get out and get moving. I’ve been inside all week. Thanks for thinking of me, Abby, I’d be happy to help out.”

  She was rushing off the phone, running away from the topic of Justin. It didn’t surprise Abby, in fact, she’d been waiting for it. Personal topics weren’t Emily’s strong point, although she could be a daring conversationalist. But when it came to her heart, it was usually off limits.

  Abigail didn’t push it. “Okay, thanks again. Bye.”

  “Bye, Abby,” Emily’s voice sounded especially vulnerable, even in her small goodbye. It made Abigail feel guilty for asking her such a big favor when she was obviously struggling. She still had the phone in her hand and was staring out across the room, deep in thought.

  “That’s gotta be pretty tough,” Chase said. He’d been at the one-year devotional, although he never knew Justin. Emily had been a mess then, and she refused to speak much about it. “I hope she has someone she talks to, although if she doesn’t even talk to you…” He shrugged, and Abby sighed.

  “Yeah, I’m pretty sure she doesn’t talk to anyone. Justin was her only sibling, and her parents are very closed-off when it comes to emotions. I think it actually made Emily more outspoken, at least in some ways. She abhors secrets.”

  “Hmm.” Chase nodded thoughtfully. “Having her come out to the inn might actually help her. It’ll at least be a distraction.”

  “You’re right, it will.” Abigail felt suddenly encouraged by this idea. “She thrives on nature too. I bet it will be just the thing she needs.”

  A car door closed, and they both turned. There was the muffled sound of voices and another door closed.

  “Are you expecting anyone?” Chase asked. The inn was only available by appointment, and since there hadn’t been any made, Abigail shook her head.

  They walked to the door together, opening it in time to see two young people. One woman with long ash-blonde hair and a man with a short brown cut, both equally excited.

  “Hello,” the woman said, “it’s so nice to meet you. I’m Sage. This is my husband Timothy.” They shook hands jovially, pumping their arms as she spoke. “We were so excited to hear about your place. We couldn’t help but come down and see it!”

  “Oh.” Abby smiled, enjoying their cheerful admiration of the room around them. “Well thank you, we love it too. Were you looking to book a room? We usually only work from appointments, but I think we could—”

  “No, no, we wouldn’t dare presume to barge in on you.” Timothy held his hand up, shaking his head. “But we’d love to make an appointment for the near future if we could?”

  “Sure, no problem,” Abby said.

  “Come in.” Chase swung the door open wider, and they walked in.

  Their eyes lifted in unison, taking in the high ceiling and then becoming lost in the view. “Those windows are exquisite,” Sage admired. “Each one perfectly placed for a completely panoramic view. How breathtaking.”

  “Did you have to put much work into the building? It seems quite established.” Timothy wandered to the fireplace, gazing up at the stonework.

  Chase and Abby exchanged a quick look. “Quite a lot, actually,” Chase answered.

  Abby couldn’t help but laugh. “It was a lot harder to see any potential in the place a year ago, but I saw it.”

  Timothy looked back at her, smiling in a calm, appreciative way. “I can well imagine,” he said. “It’s a luxurious space.”

  Sage joined him at the fireplace, murmuring her agreement. “Can we see the rooms?” she asked.

  “Of course.” Chase took Abby’s hand, and they led the way upstairs, walking as slowly as their new guests seemed to desire. Their eyes gazed over the house as they went, complimenting the whole way.

  The rooms were no different, sending Sage and Timothy into waves of commentary not unlike a home show Abby had recently watched. She enjoyed talking to them, appreciating their easy manner and kind words. And when they walked to the end of the grass and revealed the sandy path down to the beach, their new guests seemed ecstatic.

  “What an incredible view!” Timothy nearly shouted. Sage breathed in the coastal breeze, closing her eyes and turning so the wind threaded through her hair.

  It reminded Abby of how she felt the first time she’d seen the place, although there was one obvious difference. It was no longer littered in animal carcasses. She cringed at the memory, catching a slight hint of unpleasant odor in the air. She turned back quickly and gazed over the new, clean deck to calm her overactive imagination.

  “We’d love to come stay a couple nights here next week if you have anything available,” Timothy said as they started to walk back.

  “No problem,” Chase answered. “We’ll be out of town for part of the week, but we have a friend coming to manage the property while we’re gone. We can have a room ready for you.”

  They shook hands again under a shower of thank you’s and compliments, and Abby felt a little disappointed she wouldn’t be there to enjoy their company. But there was no comparison. She was going with Chase no matter who decided to book a room at the hotel.

  When they walked back inside, there were footsteps on the stairs, and Abby caught the back of Old Man Wint—Saul’s head. He walked briskly, turning and disappearing into his room without a glance behind him.

  It made Abby’s stomach churn, and she wished she’d been with Chase when they’d met. Perhaps if she’d been able to speak with him, she would feel more settled. Instead, he just had her feeling nervous. She reached for Chase’s arm, glancing up the stairs as she whispered, “Why would he come to these gorgeous woods only to hide away in his room the whole time? It doesn’t make sense.”

  Chase glanced up the stairs as well, looking more confused than suspicious.

  “At least he won’t be staying long,” Abby continued. “He just makes me nervous.”

  Chase grimaced. “Actually, he extended his stay this morning. For another full week.”

  Abby tried to hide her disapproval, knowing she had no real reason to feel so awful about this news. “In that case, he must really be enjoying it. Okay. Good to know.”

  She continued to the kitchen, feeling hungry for yet another snack. But even as she opened a box of crackers, she knew it wasn’t the reason her stomach was twisting. She hoped it was just the pregnancy hormones talking or excitement from their sudden trip. Whatever it was, she didn’t want to deal with it. She pushed the unsettled feeling down deep and poured herself a tall glass of chocolate milk.

  Chapter 2

  Emily was late. She hadn’t realized the mountain roads were undergoing so much construction, and she wondered if it was affecting Poppyridge Inn at all. But when she pulled up to the house, she found she couldn’t be m
ore wrong. Business was booming, even on a Monday afternoon.

  Cars were lined up neatly at the front of the inn, and she parked along the side to be out of the way. A game of football was going strong in the backyard meadow. Half a dozen kids of all ages raced, slid, and tackled, their voices rising up to the treetops. Emily had always loved the sounds of children. She didn’t understand why some people found it so aggravating. To her, it was the melody of life and energy, and it livened her soul.

  “You made it!” Abby called out from the front door, rushing past a beautiful fountain made of pristine white stone. It glittered in the reflection of sun and water. Emily tore her gaze from the surroundings and stepped out to meet her closest friend.

  Abby nearly crashed into her, the two friends laughing and holding each other tightly. Emily couldn’t help but notice how Abby’s stomach pressed into hers, and when she stepped back, she patted the tiny bump there.

  “Look at you, all cute and pregnant.” She was thrilled for Abby and Chase; they were perfect for each other. She’d wager a large amount that they never argued and lived in continual bliss daily. The thought made her chuckle, and Abby lifted an eyebrow.

  “Are you laughing at me?” Abby asked, crossing her arms above her tiny belly, making it more pronounced.

  “It’s just a bit of joy bubbling over.” Emily winked. “This place is incredible, Abby. So, so gorgeous.” She gazed across the house and beyond it to the ocean view, noticing a few gnarled, twisting trees that looked dramatically artistic. “You’re brilliant.”

  Abby linked her arm with Emily’s. “Come inside, let me show you around. We’re booked full this week, which was a bit of a surprise, but don’t worry. The guests come and go on their own time, and it really is completely peaceful. You can just kick back and relax.”