Page 32

CHAPTER 32

R aven glanced at Jake as they both sat at the kitchen table with laptops and phones in front of them. They were researching as they finished their coffee.

“Anything on that insignia yet?” she asked him.

He frowned and shook his head as he stared at his laptop. “No, I’m still looking into it.”

“Nothing on my end either. I’ve asked some of my colleagues if they’ve ever seen anything similar. I wonder if maybe the person who created this bomb replicated something with historical significance. But no one has been able to confirm anything for me yet.”

Jake leaned back and sighed before taking another sip of coffee. “The whole situation is strange.”

She twisted her head wearily. “You can say that again.”

Raven needed a break from researching the insignia. She’d searched through so many images that her eyes were beginning to cross.

Instead, she decided to look at Eleanor’s Facebook post again, as well as the Facebook group for Eleanor’s beachcombers club.

The beachcombers club had been very chatty this week with the news of what had happened. Everyone seemed especially cautious right now. Many were curious to know if anything else would wash up in this area.

Raven was also curious. Next time, it might not even be a bomb. It could be something else equally as dangerous.

Until they knew more, they needed to be ready for anything.

She paused by one comment someone had left on Eleanor’s original photo.

She hadn’t seen this one before. It had been left only four hours ago.

Her eyes narrowed as she read the words: You should have known better than to bring that home. It’s like you wanted to be collateral damage.

“Hey, Jake . . . check this out.” Raven moved her laptop closer so he could see the screen. Then she pointed to the comment. “What’s your take on that?”

He let out a grunt as he read it. “It sounds suspicious.”

“I agree. It’s almost like this guy is goading us.”

Out of curiosity, Raven clicked on the profile picture of the man who’d commented. She wanted to know more about him.

His name appeared. Thomas Logan. He was from New York. Former military.

“That’s interesting.” She used her mouse to point out his past career.

Jake leaned closer, the scent of his aftershave teasing her. The sandalwood and citrus cologne had always been her favorite.

She forced her thoughts to focus and cleared her throat. “I wonder if this guy still lives in New York?”

“I have a contact who might be able to help us figure that out.”

“That would be amazing.”

Jake grabbed his phone. “Let me see what I can do.”

Twenty minutes later, Jake and Raven had their answer.

“Get this.” Jake turned to Raven, unable to contain the excitement in his voice. “Thomas Logan still lives in New York. But my friend was able to ping this guy’s cell phone.”

Raven’s eyes widened. “And?”

“It turns out he’s in Lantern Beach right now.”

Her eyes widened even more. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

“I’m not. He’s staying in a rental.”

“Do you have an address?”

“My friend is sending it now.” This could be the lead they’d been waiting for.

As if in response, a phone buzzed—but it wasn’t his, he realized.

It was Raven’s. She glanced at the screen, her gaze flickered, then she clicked off it.

Had the message been from Kingston?

Some of Jake’s excitement dimmed.

It’s none of your business , he reminded himself. She’s not yours, and she never will be.

He had to move past this jealousy he felt—jealousy he had no right to feel.

Another ding sounded. It was his phone this time.

An address appeared on his screen.

This guy was staying only a few blocks away from Raven.

Jake stood. “I want to go talk to this guy. He may not be guilty of leaving that bomb. But that comment he made on Eleanor’s Facebook post definitely makes it sound as if he knows more than your average Joe.”

“Not only that, but the fact he’s here in Lantern Beach? That can’t be a coincidence.” Raven stood also, excitement bubbling in her voice. “I’m going with you.”

“I’m not sure that’s a good idea.” Jake hated thinking about putting her in harm’s way again. The thought of it made tension weave through his muscles.

Her gaze locked on him. “You don’t have to take me with you. But I’m going to be there one way or another.”

He heard the determination in her voice and knew she wasn’t bluffing. She wouldn’t sit back idly as if she didn’t have a stake in this.

“Fine,” Jake told her. “But I’m leaving in five minutes.”

She gave him a confident nod. “I’ll be ready.”