Tangerine Morning: Jezzica's Story (Serenity Cove Series) by Rita Garcia

“I’ll give you a hand with the shelving units first.”
    Jezzica went to her desk, retrieved a sketch she’d drawn and handed it to Zack. “This is the placement I want. I’m going for the ambience of a private library in someone’s home, one that might have been found in the early nineteen hundreds.”
    Zack looked the shelves over. “These need to be secured to the walls with brackets. Otherwise it could pose a safety issue.”
    “Oh, right. I have the old brackets from when the shelves were removed.”
    “Good.” He went outside and returned with his toolbox. He positioned the shelves along the walls according to the sketched design.
    Jezzica began working on the children’s section. She went in the back and came out, attempting to drag a rolled-up rug.
    Zack shook his head and with a chuckle ran to her rescue. “Here, let me get that.” He hefted one end against his shoulder, then helped her center it in the children’s area.
    “Perfection.” Jezzica clapped her gloved hands.
    Zack nodded, and returned to installing the shelves. “There seems to be hollow places behind the paneling on this wall.”
    Jezzica stood next to him. “Wonder what’s behind it?”
    “Only one way to find out?” He looked at her for approval.
    “Do it. Let’s see what’s there.” If it had been Christmas morning and she had been eight years old, her excitement would not have reached any higher.
    With the help of a hammer and large pry-bar, he pulled off the first sheet. He ran his gloved hand over the exposed rustic brick.
    She touched the brick. “A fireplace?”
    “Maybe. You want to keep going? It may have been covered up because of a potential hazard issue.”
    She blew strands of hair off her face. “Take it down. If it’s a problem, we’ll cover it back up.”
    “Electric logs would eliminate the smoke and ashes.”
    “You’re a genius.” Jezzica tugged her work gloves tighter and helped Zack remove the panels.
    With the paneling and supports removed, the space revealed a fireplace with a raised hearth and floor-to-ceiling brick.
    “Picture club chairs on each side of a glowing hearth. And in the summer months, I’ll put plants inside it. I love it.” Jezzica threw her arms around Zack. “Thank you so—” Heat ignited—and not from the fireplace. She stepped back. “I’m sorry.”
    He removed his gloves and tossed them aside. His tightened jaw said he understood. “I’m going to Rubi’s and getting sandwiches.”
    Jezzica recalled her earlier conversation with Julia. “Life zooms by and honey, there isn’t anything else that compares to traipsing through life with a man you love and who loves you in return.” How do I move forward when my insides are like two friends, each with an equally strong opinion? A session with Dr. Ellie—am I up to the challenge?
     
     

Chapter Seventeen

 
     
    Zack lazed on his deck with his morning brew, a rare luxury. His Bible lay open on the table as he stared out at the sea. The ringtone on his cell interrupted his silent contemplation. He shoved his coffee mug on the table, exchanging it for the demanding phone.
    “Hey, what’s up?” The call shredded his plans as if he’d taken time to write them down on paper. Ted had spotted someone lurking in the alleyway behind the shops. Zack grabbed his keys and jumped in his truck. The tires squealed as he rounded the corner and came to an abrupt stop in front of the florist, then jetted on foot to the back of the shops.
    Ted scrunched down, observing the person of interest, and motioned Zack to the ground beside him. “So far he’s just hanging out in the alley.” Ted nodded toward the possible suspect.
    “Let’s talk to him—see what his deal is.” Zack walked toward the man.
    “Are you sure we should approach him—he isn’t doing anything.” Ted fell in beside him.
    “Morning.” Zack continued to move in closer.
    The man turned and faced them. “Good morning, officers. What can I do for