Chapter 24
24
Noel wandered along the path that led through palm trees, flowering shrubs, and thick foliage. It wasn't a long walk to get to the sandy beach. Growing up in Montana, she rarely took any trips to the beach. And she'd never seen anything like this. When she finally stepped onto the sand, her breath caught—it was so brilliantly white, nearly dazzling in the early morning light. She squinted and laughed softly to herself, thinking she should have brought sunglasses.
Her gaze drifted out over the endless blue stretching before her. She tried to recall the shades of blue from her high school art classes—cerulean, azure, maybe cobalt? But none of those words seemed adequate to describe the color of the water here, vibrant yet somehow calming, shimmering under the golden sunlight. The rhythm of the waves entranced her.
What was meant to be a quick stroll became something else entirely as she slipped off her sandals and darted toward the surf, her laughter ringing out as the warm water lapped against her feet, a welcome surprise.
If only she could stay here longer, basking in the beauty and tranquility. "I’d never be able to afford a place like this on my salary," she murmured with a smile, but even a few stolen moments felt like a gift. She continued to kick up the water playfully, savoring the way it sparkled around her ankles.
Eventually, she turned back toward the house, the reality of the day tugging at her. It was time to return Penny and Tad to their Montana home. And she needed to get back to hers. Her thoughts drifted to Landon, her heartbeat quickening at his name. What would Montana feel like now, with the memories of their time together lingering in her mind? Would he even want to see her again, or had last night been just a fleeting connection? The thought made her heart ache slightly. Two days with him and the idea of never seeing him again felt unbearable.
Unable to determine what she and Landon would be, if anything, once they landed in the States, she turned her thoughts to Penny and Tad. She didn’t know what custody arrangements awaited them once they returned, but from what she’d seen, Pamela needed close monitoring. Supervised visits seemed like the best option, allowing Penny and Tad to decide their relationship with their mother when they came of age.
A sudden, sharp voice broke through her thoughts. “You!”
Noel gasped, her hand flying to her chest as she spun around. She’d been so lost in her musings she hadn’t noticed someone else approaching. Standing barely twenty feet from her was a young man, Jamaican by appearance, his expression somewhere between fear and desperation. He looked so young, hardly more than a teenager, his clothes disheveled and his hair a tangled mess as though he’d been anxiously running his fingers through it.
She wasn't sure what he wanted. Money? Surely, he could see she had no purse with her. Shit… not even my phone!
“You!” he shouted again, his voice edged with something darker this time, something closer to rage than fear.
Her gaze darted toward the house, a surge of instinctive panic filling her. Could she outrun him? She took a small step backward, but he mirrored her move, edging closer. Just as she prepared to sprint, he raised his arm, and her eyes fell on the object in his hand. A strangled gasp escaped her lips as she registered the gun, its barrel glinting in the morning light, pointed directly at her.
“Wh… what…” Noel’s breath caught, her heart pounding wildly as she raised her hands in surrender, her feet glued to the gritty sand beneath her. She had no idea who this man was or why he had such rage in his eyes.
“You killed my cousin.”
Her mouth fell open. Of all the things she expected this man to say, that would never have made the list. Oh God… he’s crazy and has the wrong person! She shook her head back and forth, saying, “No, I didn’t,” she stammered, her voice trembling as she shook her head furiously. “I haven’t killed anyone. You’ve got it all wrong.”
His grip on the gun tightened, and a shudder ran through his hand. “I saw you,” he said, his voice a sharp, unsteady shout. “You shot him.”
“No! No, you’re wrong,” she pleaded, fighting to keep her voice steady, her hands raised in a calming gesture despite her panic. “I swear, I didn’t kill anyone!”
He didn’t seem to hear her. His gaze was wild, filled with hurt and fury, his hand gripping the gun like a lifeline. “I saw you kill my cousin. He was on the roof, and when I heard the shot, I ran to the window. You were standing at the edge of the trees with a gun. He fell right after. It was you!”
Understanding finally dawned in her fear-filled mind. "No, no! I didn't shoot him. I don't know how to shoot,” she said, her words tumbling out. “I… I fired the gun, but I didn't hit him. I aimed, but I just fired. He fell because he was frightened. He may have died when he hit the ground. I don't know.”
She tried to think of what she’d seen, but with the storm raging and her attention on Landon and the kids, she had no idea what happened. Her mind strained to remember anything useful, but the memory of that night was blurred with the chaos, the storm, and her worry over Landon and the kids. "It was raining. It was stormy. You didn't see everything,” she cried, desperately hoping he would lower the weapon.
“You think I don't know?” he yelled, stepping closer. “I saw him after the man left. I ran out and saw my cousin dead on the ground. He was shot!”
Noel’s heart hammered in her chest, her pulse roaring in her ears. She could see the anguish behind his anger, but his grip on reality was slipping. She’d been in dangerous situations before, but never like this, never this alone. She had no way to reach Landon, and no one was here to stop this man’s anger from spiraling further out of control.
A flash of hopelessness washed over her as she took in the empty, windswept beach. The waves crashed behind her. She might die here, under a bright Jamaican sky, without ever getting a chance to live the life she’d longed for.
Suddenly, a shout came from behind. “No, no, Jevaun! You can’t do this!”
Noel didn’t move out of fear, but Horticia sprinted to her side with her arms raised toward the boy.
“She killed our cousin, Horticia!” he shouted in return.
“No, no, she’s good. Please, Jevaun, this has to stop!”
“Tarone is dead, and she killed him!”
“He was doing wrong. We were all doing wrong! We should never have agreed to do this thing.”
The air dragged in and out of Noel’s lungs as she watched the young man struggle. The gun was still pointed at her, and she wasn’t sure if Horticia’s words penetrated his need for revenge.
A crack rang out, echoing over the water. The young man’s scream followed as he dropped to his knees, clutching his arm as the gun tumbled from his hand into the sand. Horticia screamed and raced to the boy, falling onto the sand beside him.
Noel's breath snagged in her throat, and instinctively, she stumbled backward. The instinct to flee overpowered any impulse to help, and her only thought was to get away. She stumbled, not heeding where Horticia was. Her legs felt like lead as she tried to run, the sand dragging at her feet, turning each step into a battle. Her balance teetered as her legs gave way beneath her.
She expected to fling headfirst into the sand, but strong arms wrapped around her and pulled her upright, cradling her in a tight embrace against a solid chest.
“Fuck, baby, fuck! Jesus, baby, fuck!”
She didn't need to turn around to see who held her, recognizing Landon's voice. Relief flooded her, making her legs give out, but he was there, scooping her up into his arms and holding her close, carrying her as if she weighed nothing.
Her head spun as he carried her back toward the house, the world around them blurring. She barely noticed Devil and Frazier rushing past, sprinting toward the wounded man on the sand. Lightheaded and gasping, Noel struggled to catch her breath, but her lungs wouldn’t cooperate, as if they’d forgotten how to expand. “C… c… can’t b… brea…”
She was lowered to the patio, and she fell back, his hands cradling the back of her head to keep it from hitting the ground. He loomed over her and, through her spotty vision, could see the look of concern.
“Noel, baby, breathe with me.”
Dots danced before her eyes, the edges of her vision fading. Then suddenly, his face sharpened into focus—those deep-set, stormy eyes framed by slashes of dark, thick brows. His hair was slightly damp, tousled from his morning shower. His intense gaze cut through the fog, grounding her in the moment. I want to see that face forever , she thought distantly, the panic ebbing.
“Breathe with me. In. Out. In. Out.” His hand was pressed between her breasts, gently pushing against her chest in rhythm with his words.
She focused on his mouth and watched as he breathed in slowly, held it, and breathed out, struggling to match his rhythm.
The fear began to loosen its grip, and the spots in her vision faded, allowing her to truly see him again. She wanted to reach up, trace the line of his jaw, press her face into the warmth of his neck, and let him take away every last trace of the nightmare she’d just endured.
Behind him, just over his shoulder, she caught sight of Tad and Penny, huddled together, their faces drawn and tear-streaked, their eyes fixed on her in fear. The sight of their worry jolted her, stirring something protective within her. She didn’t want to be the source of their distress. Slowly, she reached up, placing a trembling hand on Landon’s arm as his hands braced on either side of her shoulders, steady and grounding.
But his hand pressed lightly against her shoulder, holding her down gently. “No, stay down, Noel,” he said, his voice soft but firm. “I don’t want you getting up too quickly.” His eyes searched her face, his thumb brushing gently across her cheek as if reassuring himself that she was safe with him. He twisted his head and said, “Can you get her some juice?”
Tad whirled around and raced into the house, returning a moment later with a glass of orange juice.
Noel struggled to sit up, but Landon supported her, and Penny knelt at her side, holding the juice for her. She sipped and then said, “Honestly, I'm fine. The dizziness is gone.”
Noel looked over, following Tad’s gaze to the commotion on the beach. The distant sound of an ambulance siren grew louder, and she squeezed her eyes shut, a sigh slipping from her lips. “The Jamaican police must think we’re cursed,” she murmured. Opening her eyes, she turned to Landon, her voice a desperate whisper. “Landon, please… can we go? Can we just leave all of this behind?”
He held her hand tightly, his eyes softening. “I promise, Noel. We're heading to the airport as soon as we finish up here.”
“I don't understand what happened,” she said. “He kept saying I killed his cousin. He said that I shot his cousin, but I tried to tell him that I just shot in the direction of the roof. I told him that I didn’t hit anything. I just scared the man, and he fell off the roof.”
“Noel, you did hit him,” Tad said.
She looked up, stunned, confusion swirling in her gaze. Landon’s head whipped toward Tad, giving a silent shake of his head, his jaw tightening. Tad’s face paled, his eyes widening as he stammered, “Oh, uh… maybe… I mean, I don’t really know…”
Her heart raced, and she tightened her grip on Landon’s hand. “Landon!” she cried, desperation coloring her voice. “Don’t shush him! Tell me what really happened! I couldn’t have hit him… I don’t even know how to shoot!”
Landon's shoulders slumped as the air rushed from his lungs. Shaking his head, he ran his hand over his face. “Noel, we can talk about this later?—”
“No! I want to talk about this now!”
“Look, honey, Devil and Frazier are telling the police about what happened this morning. They are arresting Horticia. Devil is the one who got a shot off to hit the man’s arm. I knew he had the best aim and was in the best position. The police are going to ask for your statement, too. I don't want to discuss what happened in the jungle. Let's get this over with and get to the plane.”
Landon helped her to her feet, but she clung to his arms, her fingers digging in as she searched his face. “Just tell me. Did I kill that man on the roof?”
His gaze softened, his hand moving to cup her cheek, his thumb brushing gently against her skin. “No, Noel. You didn’t kill him.”
But something in his voice held back, and she couldn’t help but wait, searching his face for the truth.
He sighed again and said, "Somehow, you managed to hit him in the upper chest with your shot. He fell to the ground, but I sent you and the kids away. He was still alive, so you didn't kill him. He was injured badly from the fall, and I knew he wouldn't survive. That’s all I’m going to say right now. You did not kill him. Keep your answers to the police to the exact truth as you know it. Don’t embellish. Don’t add extra comments.”
Her mouth opened to respond, but just then, the police inspector arrived, and Landon’s arm wrapped around her, holding her close as she answered the inspector’s questions. Her voice was steady despite the whirlwind of emotions within her.
“No, I’ve never seen the young man before,” she said calmly. “No, I don’t know why he thought I killed his cousin. No, I don’t know who his cousin is.”
Landon’s answers were similarly brief, and the inspector soon closed his notebook, his expression softening. “I believe we’re done here, Mr. Sommers and Ms. Lennox. I understand you’re ready to leave?”
Devil and Frazier walked up to the patio after ensuring the EMTs had loaded the young man into the ambulance.
Landon nodded. "We’re already packed and ready to head to the airport as soon as you're finished with us."
"We can consider that time to be now. I wish you well, but I know your stay in our country has not been peaceful. If I can extend an invitation to visit Jamaica in a less adventurous time, I will do so.”
He nodded, then walked away, and Noel watched as everyone around her seemed to hustle into the house. Devil and Frazier followed Penny and Tad, telling them to check their rooms. The idea of breakfast had been abandoned.
Noel allowed Landon to lead her. She felt sluggish, once more like her feet were slogging through quicksand.
The scene inside the villa felt surreal. Everyone bustled around, grabbing last-minute items, checking bags, and clearing rooms. Even the idea of breakfast had been abandoned. Her exhaustion weighed on her, slowing her movements, and her feet felt as if they were sinking into quicksand with every step.
The front door opened, and there was Pamela, sweeping into the foyer with a flourish, a silver-haired gentleman at her side—her sugar daddy who, for once, might be more age-appropriate. Pamela hurried over to embrace Tad and Penny, introducing Henry and promising to see them in Montana soon. The kids nodded awkwardly, stepping back from her grand declarations, embarrassment evident on their faces.
Landon pulled Pamela to the side. “You always manage to be just outside all the shit that swirls around you!”
Pamela’s joyous demeanor fled as her eyes narrowed into a glare. “What are you talking about?”
Henry stepped forward, taking a stand just to the side of her. “How dare you talk to her this way. I’ll have you know that I’m?—”
“Don’t give a fuck, man,” Landon growled before turning his attention back to Pamela. “Your boy toy was banging your housekeeper, and the two of them decided you shouldn’t get all the money.”
Pamela blinked as her mouth opened and closed several times like a fish out of water. “What?”
“Seems they cooked up the idea to pay someone to snatch the kids off the beach. Horticia called her cousins to take them and hold them until you paid. And they were too stupid to ask for a different amount than what you had coming, which led us to know it was an inside job.”
Her face reddened as her gaze darted from Landon’s hard-set expression to her children and then to the side to see Henry’s brow furrowed in concern. And she couldn’t have missed Henry taking a slight step back.
Her loud protestations came—“I had no idea! How dare he try to extort the money from me! This wasn’t my fault!”
Landon sneered, apparently done with her. “Horticia is in jail along with her compadres. Roger has left but the police will keep looking for him. And if he contacts you, the FBI will be very interested and will probably consider you an accomplice?—”
“I didn’t know!” she continued as she looked at Tad and Penny. “Babies, I would never do anything to hurt you.”
The kids remained quiet as Henry shushed Pamela, then wrapped his arm around her to usher her back. Landon turned to walk back to Noel, disgust written on his face.
Noel watched it all, numb to the scene around her. She felt like a ghost in her own life, hovering on the edges, detached from the chaos. In the back of her mind, she knew she should check on the kids and make sure they were holding up, but her thoughts were scattered, and her focus slipped.
“Noel?” Landon’s voice cut through the haze, his eyes filled with concern as he turned her gently to face him.
The world slowed as he lifted a hand to cup her cheek, his thumb brushing softly across her skin. “Sweetheart, talk to me. What’s going on in that head of yours?”
She took a shuddering breath, the weight of everything pressing down on her. “I don’t know,” she whispered, her voice fragile. “I shot someone, Landon… I can’t even process that. I don’t know what to think.” Her eyes closed as his arms wrapped around her, pulling her close, the solid beat of his heart steadying her.
“Take me home,” she begged, her cheek pressed against his chest. “I just… I just need to go home. Away from all this.”