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  “I sure did,” I laugh and continue. “I did, it’s crazy right?”

  “It is. So you’re the author of ten bestselling mystery novels. Where do you get your inspiration?”

  “I am, I’d like to say that something or someone gave me inspiration, but that would be a lie. It’s fiction, and fiction is made up.”

  “We’ve heard a rumor that you’re partnering with True Crime to produce a mini-series of your Kingston Island Series.”

  “It’s a rumor; nothing has been confirmed, so I can’t elaborate on that one yet.”

  “Do you still get excited to see your books when they’re published?”

  “I do, it’s a great achievement when you open that first box and get to see your cover and name on the front.”

  “With ‘When The Fog Lifts’ being the last of your series, what’s next?”

  “Funny thing, my agent said this release has more romance and those feel-good feelings in it, so you never know; I might dip my toes in the romance genre.”

  “Now that would be interesting, Justin. Would you say this comes from a new experience in your life?”

  “No, I think it just means I woke up and realized I’m not getting any younger,” I tell Jimmy while shifting in my chair.

  “Your website says you typically do five drafts, is that still true?”

  “That’s usually the case, but ‘When The Fog Lifts’ only went through two. Something just felt right about this one, and I didn’t want to take out the authentic vibe it has.”

  “Well, Justin, it’s been a pleasure having you on the show and we look forward to ‘When The Fog Lifts’ hitting the bookshelves soon,” he says as he holds up a piece of cardboard that has the cover on it to the crowd.

  “Thanks for having me, Jimmy,” I respond and lean over to shake his hand.

  As I exit the stage, I can’t help but think about Leslie. Wonder what she’s doing and if she will ever speak to me again. I know deep down that I should’ve talked to her about the story. That I shouldn’t have written it so close to her life, but it was fitting for the ending. Not to mention, I wanted the world to know that I love her. Maybe that kind of grand gesture wasn’t what I needed to do. Either way, it’s done now. We can either move past this, or she’ll forever be a memory that lives in the books.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Leslie

  Since arriving back to Kingston Island, I’ve busied myself with clearing out books at the store. Yes, those books that have gotten boxed up were all written by Justin. It’s taken me a week to even touch one, but I finally found the courage to do it. Every time I’d go near one, my body would heat up like I was approaching a campfire. Between seeing pieces of him here in the store and the constant calls, I’m ready to toss my phone in the river. Haddie mentioned last night that she watched one of his interviews and that I should at least try to hear him out. All I could do was laugh at her comment. There’s no way that I can even listen to the sound of his voice right now. In all the years, I don’t think I’ve ever been betrayed like that. Not even Jack and all his affairs felt like this. It’s not that he knifed me behind my back, it’s more the fact that he couldn’t tell me or even change things up to the point that the locals wouldn’t know what or who he was talking about. It’s been years since the disappearance of my parents has even been a conversation around here, but with the release of this book, it’ll be the talk of this town once again.

  “Leslie!” Haddie calls for me from the front of the store.

  “Back here,” I say a little louder than needed, but I know she’ll follow the sound of my voice.

  “What are you doing?”

  “Rearranging the books. All of these have to go away, and then I need to move those over here to fill in the empty gap.”

  “You do realize that those are the money makers, right?”

  “Yes, but I’m tired of seeing his name and if they want his crappy books, they can order them from someplace else.”

  “Are you ready to really talk about this yet?”

  “Nothing else to say, Haddie. I’ve told you that this little lapse of judgment is over, and I don’t plan to think about it.”

  “Alright, Leslie, it’s time that I pull your head out of your ass.”

  “My head’s not up my ass; it’s mad as hell. I’m upset with myself that I believed he had changed, that Justin was thinking of something other than himself like he always does.”

  “Fine, can I ask you one question?”

  “Whatever,” I say as I place one of the books up on the shelf a little harder than intended.

  “Have you allowed him to explain or even listen to what he has to say?”

  “No, there’s nothing for him to explain.”

  “See, my point exactly. You need to get your head out of your ass and let him explain or read the entire book,” she says as she pulls out a copy of ‘When the Fog Lifts’ and hands it to me.

  “Where did you get that?” I ask as I stare at the cover like it’s a snake that’s going to strike at any moment.

  “Justin sent it to me after we had a very long conversation. You know I would back you if I thought he was in the wrong. I mean, don’t get me wrong, he was in a way but I think if you read this, you’d understand.” I stare at her hands a little longer, weighing my odds. I could just take the book and not read it, but then Haddie will hound me daily about reading it. Holding out my hand, I close my eyes as I wait for her to place the book in my possession. As she does this, it feels as if the weight of the world has just landed on me. I’m not sure if I’ll be able to read my story, but I’ll try for Haddie. Justin might think he has my best friend on his side, but that won’t help him in the end. It’s my heart that’s been shattered once again by him. My soul that can’t trust him, and that’s something he needs to understand.

  “All I ask is that you let the book explain. Then, and only then, will I ask that you let him explain. I promise I wouldn’t do anything to hurt you; you’re my best friend, and I want you happy.”

  “I know, and I was happy until Justin Albott came back into my life.”

  “I disagree; you were living life but not happy—not like you were when he was here. Just read and I’ll be across the street when you’re done.”

  “Haddie, do you trust him?”

  “I trust him, Leslie, but this isn’t about what I think.” I let her words sink in as I nod. A part of me does trust him, while the other says to run and guard yourself.

  “I’ll see you at dinner,” Haddie says as she pivots around and leaves the store just as quick as she entered the space. She’s left me here in the middle of a storm that’s brewing in my head. My eyes flow down to the book still resting in my hands. With a quick flutter in my chest, I head out front and take a seat in the lounge chair near the front windows. With a quick release of the air that I’m holding, I open the first page. I’m going in with a clear head, one where there’s no judgment of the words, where there’s no anger toward the person who wrote this. For now, I’m a reader and not a burned lover.

  Chapter Twenty

  Leslie

  I’m not sure where the time traveled today as I look out and notice that the sun has set and all the lamp posts are lit. No, that’s a lie; I know exactly where the day has gone. I’ve not been able to look up from reading. With each page, my heart beats faster then stops and slams into my chest as I flip to see what else he has to say. Even though the story is so close to home, I have to admit that Justin is an amazing writer. He captures your attention, making you want to flip to the next page while speed reading to see what’s going to happen. In the time that I’ve been curled up in my chair today, I’ve made it to chapter sixteen. Yes, chapter sixteen. I’ve placed my bookmark between the pages to allow myself a break. I need to refuel my body so I can continue. Picking up my phone, I open my text to Haddie.

  Me: Going to miss dinner, going upstairs for a quick bite and shower before I start back reading.

  She res
ponds immediately.

  Haddie: Glad you’re reading. I’m here when you need me.

  Me: Thanks, talk to you later.

  Before heading upstairs, I lock up the store and turn the front lights off. I’m still confused on why he would choose this to write, but I promised to give it a go, to trust my best friend.

  Showered and changed into my comfy PJ’s, I grab a cup of tea and sandwich before retiring to my chair. I half think I need to set my timer to remind me to sleep as I know I’ll just keep reading through the night. It’s not because I want to know what happens in the end; it’s that it’s that good. I’m captivated with his words, with the way he’s portrayed the island, the love that the detective has for the heroine. It’s built from the first book and intensified through each novel since. Now in the ultimate gesture, he gets to rescue her, or so we think.

  Chapter Sixteen

  There’s a storm brewing out over the coastline tonight. The loud blasts of thunder before the sky lights up cast a glow over the marsh. It’s not until I squint my eyes that I see her standing there with her arms crossed over her chest. A part of me wants to run and protect her, while the detective side wants to stand here and watch her every move. Over the years, this is what I’ve come to know. With each storm, she stands in that same spot and watches as the water rises, coming up to cover her feet. She doesn’t jump when the sky opens up; no, she welcomes the outcome. There have been times that I’ve witnessed her stand there through the whole rainstorm, the wind whipping against her; her hair plastered to the sides of her face as it intensifies. I can’t help but wonder if this is a ritual or a way that she punishes herself for the island, for the mystery of this place. Caroline captured my heart days after I arrived here all these years ago. Her story, her beauty, the way her eyes shine like an angel when she’s smiling. Some often question if she’s the reason that I’m still here, that Caroline will be the reason that I don’t close this case. Maybe, maybe not. Through the years, I’ve told myself to not get close to her, to not allow myself to feel anything other than curious. It’s too late for that now. If she asked, I’d drop the years of work and say yes to her. I’d walk away from all the documents to just have her in my life. If only I could find the words to tell her this, then maybe we could see where this could go.

  On unsteady feet, Caroline wanders up to the sidewalk, leaving the storm behind her. With a careful eye, I watch as she looks up toward the sky, wrapping her arms around her waist as she just stands there with her back to the river. After a few minutes, she strolls across the street and down to her cottage. Do I stay here and let her have her space, or do I run to her? This new ground between us is causing more confusion than I can imagine. The hell with it, I grab my stuff and race after the one who’s captured my heart more than the story of this island. My Caroline.

  I can’t help the way my heart feels right now. I have to stop in the middle of the chapter as my mind drifts off to think about Justin. Is this the way he’s felt over the years even while away from here? Has he always felt that he had to protect me? I never asked for him to do that. All I ever wanted was for him to love me the way I loved him. Protection was never what I needed; Nan did that, that was her job. I reach for my phone. Twirling it around in my hands, I count the reasons why I should call Justin and then the reasons why I shouldn’t. Do I let him know that I’m reading or leave him hanging in the wind? Placing the phone back down on the side table, I pick back up where I left off in the book, focusing on each and every word that I’m reading.

  With sleepy eyes, I’ve made it to the final chapter and I can’t give up now.

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Laying here with Caroline in my arms, I vow to the Lord above that I’ll do whatever I have to do for the rest of my life to keep her safe. There will never be a day that she has to fear what will come for her. I plan to ask her to run away with me today. I’ll admit that I’m scared she’ll say no. This has been her safe harbor since the day she was born, but when she stops to think about it—how safe has it been? Is she at risk of vanishing like the others? Will I be able to protect her if we stay? I’ve grown close to the town; the people who occupy the streets are now what I’d called friends. Ones I don’t have back on the west coast. I guess that’s to be expected as I’ve been here for almost ten years, only going back home when needed. The island has captured me, but it’s not just the island nor the mystery; it’s her, and it’s always been her. Before I even met her, she owned my heart. How do I tell her that I can’t be without her love, that when I was reviewing the documents for this case, I could envision a life with her and only her. She’s my reason for being here; the only way I’ll leave is with her on my arm. There’s nothing at this point that could break us apart.

  No curse…

  No mystery…

  No disappearance…

  I plan to live the rest of my life finding the answers for her.

  She rolls to her side, wrapping her arms around my chest a little tighter. “Morning, sweetheart,” I say.

  “Morning,” she returns in a sleepy voice. There are no other words uttered as I squeeze my arms around her.

  Laying like this, this is what it’s meant to be like. As long as we are near each other, we can conquer the world.

  I continue down to the last word of the page, where Justin’s typed ‘The End’. As I fold the book closed, my hands rest on top of the cover that I helped with. My mind drifts off to what Justin’s doing right now. Does he know I was reading this? Is he ready to type The end on us or try to figure out where we go from here? I’m not sure how to move forward or how to handle this situation. After reading his words through the whole book, I’m still hurt but a little less than I was before. The betrayal of going behind my back is strong, but with the words that I just read I can’t help but think that this book was his way of apologizing to me for everything. Life was so simple when we were in high school. Now that we’re adults, it seems to be more complicated. But why? Is it the fact that we can’t just lock ourselves in our rooms and hide? That now, since we’re adults, we have to face the world and our actions as before we could sweep it under the rug and walk away from it. Do I have to decide today to forgive him and tell Justin the truth, or can I just sweep it under the rug and pretend it never happened? I wish I could go back to the day that I said goodbye to him. The day that we both walked away from our feelings like the years together never mattered.

  I should get up and put myself together before opening the store, but all I want to do is crawl into my bed and sleep until I have the answers. Answers that I’ve needed for some time now. Today, I miss Nan as she would be the one to give me some magical words that could cure any heartbreak. Instead, I’m lost in my thoughts, where they drift of us being happy together, raising a family here on the island. Then the curse of the past comes front and center. Was Justin on to something about the curse of the island? Is it real? I’ve never thought about it in that capacity. Never imagined that this island was cursed and my family was the last of it. Will it skip over me and land on another or stay buried with me forever? Is this why I can’t love? All of this crosses my mind as my eyes slide shut. Somewhere in my dreams, I dream of a life with Justin where we’re happy.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Justin

  It’s been a few days since I mailed a copy of the final book to Haddie. A week since I’ve heard anything from either her or Elliott. I know the summer crowd has arrived and with that means they are staying busy. But I don’t think either of them realizes the slow death I’m living here. I just need one of them to let me know that she’s reading it, that she’s listening to what I had to say in those pages to her. Does she even realize that it’s us? Christina has me scheduled for another interview today, and that’s where I plan to let my heart pour out. It’s time that my readers know that all this time, I’ve been writing a love story to the one who got away. To the one who owns me a hundred percent through and through.

  The heat of the
lights from above is causing me to sweat a little around my hairline. I take out the napkin that I stuffed in the pocket of my jacket and dab the pebbles, trying to not mess with the makeup they plastered on my face. It’s not just the lights, but the thought of coming clean to the world. I sent a text to Elliott asking him to get Leslie to watch the live interview today. His response was that he’d try to get her to the restaurant. I’d like to be standing behind her as she watches me, but that’s a pipe dream. I want to be the detective in the book standing a few feet behind her, observing her actions before jumping in to love her.

  “We’re live in three, two, one,” the producer shouts.

  “Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you for joining us today on The Novels at 9. Our special guest today is none other than bestselling author, Justin Albott. Let’s welcome him to the show, shall we,” the host, Rachel, finishes and I shift in my seat, crossing my legs to make myself comfortable.

  “Thanks, Rachel, for having me back on the show; it’s always a pleasure to be here.”

  “Yes, it’s your third time with us, isn’t that right?”

  “Yes, and what do they say, three times is a charm,” I respond with a slight chuckle as I brace myself for the rest of this interview. Christina was instructed to give the show my questions that I want to answer. Christina wasn’t happy with my choice, as she feels this could ruin my career. I, on the other hand, disagree. I think the women who read my stories might respect the romantic side of the gesture.

  Rachel breaks into my thoughts as she says, “Rumor is, Justin, that you took on a different approach with ‘When the Fog Lifts’; care to tell us more about this?”