Read Tangerine Morning: Jezzica's Story (Serenity Cove Series) for Free Online Page A

Crest Inn. Jezzica lowered the volume on her anxious thoughts allowing them to simmer, but like a pot placed on a back burner over a low flame—it still couldn’t be ignored.
    They were seated near a window along the wall of glass, with a view of the roaring waves ravaging the shore. A warm glow filled the room from the raised hearth, the perfect way to take the chill off the May evening. Soft lights from dimmed chandeliers and sconces invited cozy chats.
    Abby strolled over, lightly touching Jezzica’s shoulder. “Welcome to Chantilly Rose. It’s been a while.”
    “My mouth is watering for your sensational sweet potato fries.” Catylen smiled at Abby and picked up the menu.
    From Abby’s gentle touch and pensive expression, Jezzica knew she was offering silent condolences. Geoff and Jezzica had purchased the cottage from Jezzica’s parents and spent many relaxing weeks in Serenity Cove. He’d caught up on his journal reading and Jezzica had spent time reading, browsing through the shops or just kicking back on the shore. The Chantilly Rose had been one of their favorite places to dine.
    “Our special tonight is one of our signature lattes, French vanilla with whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon.” Abby turned to the waiter and quietly told him the lattes were on her. “Enjoy your dinners.” She seemed about to say more, but turned instead and greeted guests at another table.
    The waiter stepped closer. “Besides the blend that Abby mentioned, we also have a great Caramel-Brown Sugar Latte.” He quickly disappeared with the orders.
    They decided to stick with the appetizer extravaganza. The table soon filled with sweet potato fries, mini potato pancakes with a sweet mango salsa, and a vegetable platter with three dipping sauces.
    They ate with little chitchat. Jezzica rehashed the earlier phone message. She pushed her plate away. “I’m stuffed.”
    “Tell me about it. One more bite and I’ll need to undo the button on my pants.”
    Jezzica exchanged the valet ticket for her car, and they were soon speeding down Shoreview Drive.
    Puzzled, Jezzica kept an eye on her rearview mirror. “That truck is riding my bumper.”
    Catylen turned around as a jolt struck from behind. The car jerked and Jezzica fought the steering wheel. “They just hit the—” Again the truck rammed into them with its oversized bumper. “What’s going on?” She tossed her phone to Catylen. “Call Zack.” The pickup slammed them for the third time. Jezzica tried to control the car as it spun around. The truck jammed the car and spun it again and the back of the car crashed into the hillside. “Are you okay, Caty?”
    Catylen pressed her hand against the gaping cut on her head as blood oozed between her fingers. “My head is bleeding.”
    The sight of flashing lights on the patrol car eased her breathing. She jumped out and met Zack as he jogged toward the car. “Catylen’s hurt.”
    Zack hollered for Alec, who had arrived on the scene with him, to call the medics. Then turned his attention to the two women. “Gas is spilling out of your vehicle.” He waited as they settled in the patrol unit, then moved the cruiser farther from the scene. He pushed Jezzica’s hair off her brow. “Help’s on the way.”
    The night exploded with the sound of sirens, not a common occurrence in Serenity Cove. Soon the medics swung in behind the patrol car. They were quick to replace Jezzica at Catylen’s side.
    Paul Kimmet, the medic on the scene, looked at the gap extending from her eyebrow past her hairline. “No doubt, it’ll need stitches.”
    Zack briefed Brandon Hernandez, the new fire chief. Brandon had been injured in the fire that had spread behind the shops on Main Street a few months back. He’d returned to the fire department, not only healed from his injuries, but also sober for the first time since his high school years. Zack rushed back to his cruiser; he and Jezzica followed the ambulance to the hospital.
    He pulled