On the Lamb Page 3

  Melanie waved to Lucy, then finished serving her customers. Lucy remembered Emma and herself as kids, staring wide-eyed inside the window of the candy shop as Melanie’s father made fudge and stretched taffy.

  A special was running today: buy a pound of fudge and get a pound free. The family’s four pounds of fudge in white-and-blue boxes were rung up and placed in a bag bearing the shop’s name and logo.

  As the parents paid and left with their girls in tow, one of the girls peeked inside the bag, her eyes wide.

  Lucy approached the counter. “Hi, Melanie. You ready for tonight’s bonfire?”

  “I wouldn’t miss it. By the way, I heard you moved,” Melanie said.

  Lucy blinked. She hadn’t told Melanie about her plans to leave Katie’s home, but she shouldn’t be surprised that she knew. Gossip in the tiny town traveled as fast as the speed of light. “I did. Mrs. Lubinski’s second floor.”

  “Mrs. Lubinski?”

  Was it her imagination or did a shadow cross Melanie’s face? “Do you know her?” Lucy asked.

  Melanie shook her head. “Not her, but her nephew.”

  “Gilbert?”

  “Unfortunately, he’s my landlord.”

  It was Lucy’s turn to be surprised. She couldn’t imagine having Gilbert Lubinski as a landlord. Did he show up unannounced on his tenant’s decks on a regular basis? “You’re kidding? He seems like a . . . like a—”

  “Like a jerk,” Melanie said.

  “Well, yes.”

  Melanie made a face. “That’s an understatement. Gilbert owns a lot of places, including a share of the Seagull Condos in Bayville.”

  “I didn’t realize.” Bayville was a town neighboring Ocean Crest. Lucy had driven by the Seagull Condos more times than she could count and knew they were four stories tall and full of units. If Gilbert owned part of that lucrative business, why bother with his aunt’s home? Was he that greedy or strapped for cash?

  “Most people don’t know about Gilbert. He lies pretty low, except with his tenants.” Melanie reached behind the counter and held out a piece of wrapped candy. “Root beer taffy?”

  “Sure.” Lucy unwrapped it and popped it into her mouth; the taffy hit her tongue like a sugar shot. “Umm. No matter how often I indulge, I love this stuff. I remember the worst part of getting braces as a kid was giving up saltwater taffy.”

  Melanie chuckled. “I’ll be sure to bring some tonight.”

  Chapter Four

  Lucy spotted a row of parked Harley-Davidsons by the ramp leading up to the boardwalk. She counted ten bikes in all. Each motorcycle was unique. Some were personalized with the owner’s name or initials painted on the sides, others had extra ornamental touches in shiny chrome, while others featured saddlebags to hold personal items. Not all the bikers were attending Michael’s beach bonfire. Some were out walking the boardwalk, eating at restaurants, or enjoying the beach.

  With Emma, Sally, and Melanie by her side, Lucy led them beneath the boardwalk and onto the beach. She carried takeout containers of shish kebab and Mediterranean couscous salad—the remains of Azad’s dinner special. Emma brought chocolate chip cookies she’d baked with her daughter, Niari. Sally carried along a container of pulled pork and rolls from the Barbecue King, and Melanie had Haven Candies boxes containing an assortment from her shop. It was still light out and they easily spotted the teepee-shaped structure built of driftwood that, once lit, would be a bonfire on the beach. Taking off their shoes, they made their way across the sand toward the party.

  Michael Citteroni came forward with a smile to greet the four women. “Hi, ladies. Thanks for bringing food.”

  Lucy eyed the ready-to-be-lit driftwood tepee. A nest of tinder was at the base—small twigs, dry grass and seaweed, and balls of crumpled newspaper. A shovel stood upright nearby, the blade dug into the sand. “You’ve been busy.”

  Michael gripped the handle of the shovel. “We dug a hole three feet wide, three feet long, and two feet deep. The bonfire will be a good fifty feet away from the sand dunes. Everything is just like your friend required.” Michael grinned as he looked at Katie.

  Katie nodded. “It looks just right.” She’d issued the permit for the bonfire at the town hall, where she worked as head clerk.

  “We also have enough wood to last all night.” Michael nodded at a large pile of driftwood nearby, ready to be tossed, piece by piece, into the fire to keep it ablaze.

  “Ladies, please make yourselves comfortable. We have plenty of beach chairs, and there’s a table to place all the food. The coolers have water, beer, and wine. There’s also a thermos of hot chocolate if you get chilly.”

  The sun was still up, but a cool April breeze blew from the ocean. Lucy was grateful for her rolled-up jeans and old Ocean Crest High School sweatshirt. The sounds of the ocean waves echoed through the night.

  Two of Michael’s friends were stacking additional driftwood on the big pile. When they spotted the women, they approached. “These are my friends, Pumpkin O’Connor and Craig Smith,” Michael said, making the introductions. “We met at a motorcycle club three years ago and ride together whenever we can.”

  Pumpkin was a hulk of a man, with tattoos on his large biceps, slightly long, dark hair that brushed his collar, and a shadow of a beard. He wore a tank top and cutoff jean shorts with shredded hems. Craig, on the other hand, was tall, with a wiry build and short blond hair. He was clean-cut and as clean-shaven as if he’d just stepped out of a barber shop, and wore a navy T-shirt and khaki shorts.

  “Why do you go by Pumpkin?” Sally asked.

  “He has a big head. We dubbed him that years ago,” Craig said, a twinkle of humor lighting his eyes.

  “Knock it off.” Pumpkin punched Craig on the arm. “You’re giving these lovely ladies a bad image of me.” He turned to the women and grinned, his straight, white teeth flashing. “What would all of you like to drink? I’m happy to fetch anything you’d like.”

  The women placed their orders, and Pumpkin traipsed off to get the drinks. Michael and Craig followed to help.

  “Is he single?” Melanie asked.

  “Which one?” Lucy asked.

  “The tall, dark-haired one,” Melanie said.

  “Michael is, but he likes Lucy,” Emma said.

  Lucy gaped at her sister. “Not true! Michael and I are just friends. And he knows I’m seeing Azad.”

  “Hmm,” Sally said. “Your sister has a point. I’ve seen you leave the restaurant to go next door and ride with him on his Harley-Davidson.”

  “As friends,” Lucy insisted.

  “I’d like a friend like that,” Melanie said. “But I meant Pumpkin, not Michael. I like his name. It reminds me of fall, my favorite season.”

  “Sounds like a good enough reason to me,” Sally said.

  The men returned with drinks and everyone gathered around the unlit bonfire. “Would you do the honors?” Michael handed Lucy a lighter with a long handle.

  “See. I told you.” Emma elbowed Lucy in the side and whispered in her ear. “He didn’t offer anyone else the opportunity.”

  Lucy shot her sister a scowl and a shut-up look, then took the lighter from Michael. “What do I do?”

  “Just light the tinder,” Michael instructed. “We already added lighter fluid to help.”

  Lucy ignited the lighter and reached in an opening at the base of the teepee and lit the tinder. A spark crackled, and then the tinder burned. Soon after, the bonfire was ablaze.

  Everyone gazed at the sight. The heat warmed Lucy’s cheeks, while a gust of wind blew the hair from her face. At first, Lucy worried the wind would put out the fire, but Michael and his friends kept adding dry driftwood to feed the flames.

  The women gathered together on beach chairs and watched the bonfire.

  “How about you, Melanie?” Lucy asked. “Have you been dating?”

  Melanie shook her head. “No time. I’m always in the candy shop.”

  “I haven’t met a man who doesn’t li
ke chocolate,” Katie said.

  “The only married ladies here are Emma and Katie. What do you two think? Shouldn’t Melanie try to date?” Sally asked.

  “Marriage isn’t all peaches and cream. It takes work,” Emma said.

  Her sister’s tone made Lucy wonder if she was having trouble with Max. She frequently complained that he worked long hours, especially during the summer.

  Katie sighed. “It may be work, but marriage has its benefits.”

  Sally nudged Katie, and all the women chuckled.

  “I didn’t mean those types of benefits,” Katie’s said, her face turning bright red. “Although I won’t deny that’s a plus. I meant that it’s nice never to be lonely.”

  Everyone grew silent as they contemplated the truth behind Katie’s words. Lucy had only recently started dating Azad. Loneliness wasn’t something she’d considered. She’d been too busy managing the restaurant, and before returning home, she’d been occupied working at the Philadelphia firm. But Katie was wise beyond her years. Loneliness wasn’t a pleasant thought.

  “I brought chocolate and vanilla fudge and saltwater taffy.” Melanie opened one of the white boxes labeled “Haven Candies” she’d brought along. “Lucy’s request.”

  Lucy reached for one of the boxes. “I claim the first bite of fudge.”

  “Your couscous salad is great, Lucy,” Michael said as he approached, carrying a plate.

  Michael knew Lucy had been taking cooking lessons from her mom, and from his words and the look on his face, it was clear he’d assumed she’d made the dish. Lucy didn’t mention it was Azad who’d prepared the couscous salad. Michael wouldn’t have been so free with his praise if he’d known.

  “Craig brought his guitar to play. He’s pretty good. Come and listen,” Michael said.

  Lucy was happy for the distraction and went over with the group to where Craig was playing. She was pleasantly surprised to discover that he wasn’t just a talented guitar player, but he had a great voice, too. Everyone sat around the fire as he played and sang a variety of songs. Soon, people were singing along with him. Moods mellowed and problems were forgotten as the music flowed along with the calming sounds of the ocean.

  The sun went down and a cool sea breeze blew in. A full moon appeared in the sky and illuminated the beach in a luminescent glow.

  The beach at night was completely different from the beach during the day. Lucy loved both times, but there was something special about the evening. Some thought the beach was eerie at night. Lucy thought it was calming, yet dangerous at the same time. She’d skinny-dipped at night as a teenager. Katie had been with her, along with a group of high school seniors. It had been scary when a wave had knocked her feet from beneath her and she’d been pulled along by a strong undertow. A swimmer could easily lose her sense of up from down when that happened in the day, but at night, it was even scarier. Thankfully, Katie had been nearby and had helped her, but swimming at night wasn’t something she’d ever attempted again.

  No lifeguard, no swimming was her rule now

  Period.

  Craig started a new song, and Lucy was pulled out of her reverie. The blazing bonfire was mesmerizing.

  “Why haven’t we done this more often?” Katie asked.

  “It’s the first bonfire of the year, remember?” Lucy pointed out.

  “Not just this, genius. I meant a night out with friends,” Katie said.

  Lucy was about to respond when Melanie jumped to her feet and pointed in the distance. “What’s he doing here?”

  All heads turned to see a man with earphones, a headlight, and a metal detector scanning the beach. Ever since Lucy was little, she’d seen people do that. Her father, Raffi, had called them “metal heads” and claimed they were a bit strange. Who else would spend hours staring at the sand in search of loose change from tourists? A big score would be a lost wedding band or diamond ring.

  But she’d never seen someone do this at night. Even with his headlamp and a full moon, she wondered how far he could see. Maybe the light from the bonfire helped. Had he known they would be here tonight? As if he knew they were watching him, the man removed his headphones to glare at them. A shaft of moonlight lit his face, and recognition dawned.

  Gilbert.

  A landlord who went looking for loose change? From what she’d heard, the man owned numerous shore properties. Why would he be looking for pocket change?

  How weird.

  It had to be his hobby, she rationalized. Like tennis or bowling or simply walking, but with an occasional monetary reward.

  “I think he saw me,” Lucy said.

  Gilbert set aside the metal detector and began walking toward them. Lucy’s anxiety rose the closer he came until he stopped directly in front of her.

  “Hi, Gilbert. Did you come to crash the bonfire?” Lucy asked.

  He scowled at her. “It’s a free beach. I happened to be scanning when I just noticed that I have other business to conduct. I’m not one to waste an opportunity.”

  What other type of business did he have on a beach late at night? Was he still mad she was renting his aunt’s second floor?

  But instead of confronting Lucy, he turned his gaze on Melanie. “You’re late with this month’s payment, Melanie.”

  Melanie gaped, clearly taken aback, either at the demand or the sudden appearance of her landlord. She came alive and shook her head. “You’re mistaken. I dropped off a check.”

  Gilbert glowered at her. “You paid the old rent. I told you I was raising it this month, remember?”

  Melanie’s face paled a shade. “I didn’t think you were serious about this month! You never gave me a lease. It’s almost double.”

  Gilbert snorted. “Your lease is up and it’s now month-to-month. I can do what I want. If you don’t like it, you’re free to leave.”

  A flicker of apprehension crossed Melanie’s face. “You know I can’t leave at the drop of a hat. It takes time to find an affordable place in town, especially with the season right around the corner.”

  Gilbert’s short bark of laughter lacked humor. “Not my problem.”

  Lucy had heard enough. Gilbert was ruining their evening and it was obvious someone had to help her friend. Lucy took a step forward. “Leave her alone. Now is not the time to harass Melanie about her rent.”

  Gilbert dismissed her with a wave of his hand, like she was an annoying sand flea. “It’s not your business, Lucy.”

  “Lucy’s right. Go away.”

  Lucy turned at the sound of the male voice to see Pumpkin standing behind her. Tall, tattooed, and broad-chested, Pumpkin could strike fear in anyone with common sense.

  “This doesn’t concern you either,” Gilbert said, then frowned as he craned his neck to look the man confronting him in the eye.

  Before Pumpkin could say a word, another male voice chimed in. “What’s going on?” Craig had set aside his guitar and approached.

  “Gilbert’s giving Melanie a hard time. Something about raised rent,” Lucy said.

  “Come on, Gilbert,” Craig said. “Don’t you have anything better to do? Like going back to scanning the beach for lost dimes?”

  “Like I told her,” Gilbert hissed, pointing to Lucy. “You should all mind your own business.”

  Pumpkin folded his arms across his broad chest, and his tattoos stood out starkly like colorful snakes on his bulging biceps. “I’m making it my business. Unlike you, I was invited. You should leave.” Next to the average-size Gilbert, Pumpkin’s muscular frame cut an imposing figure.

  Gilbert swallowed, then showed the good sense to back down. “Fine. But this isn’t over.” He hesitated only long enough to glower at Melanie, then walked back to fetch his discarded metal detector and stalked away.

  “He really is a jerk,” Katie said.

  “Nah, never mind him,” Craig said. “Let’s not let anything or anyone ruin our evening. The bonfire is far from over.”

  “He’s right. And we’re making s’mores,�
� Pumpkin said.

  “I haven’t had one of those in a long time.” Lucy touched Melanie’s hand. “Come on.”

  Everyone turned toward the bonfire but Melanie.

  “Melanie?” Lucy asked over her shoulder.

  Melanie shook her head. “No, thanks. I already own a candy store and make s’mores, fudge, and taffy. I’m happy with a plate of food. I’ll just sit over there until you’re all done.” She filled a plate with small portions of food, including shish kebab, Mediterranean couscous salad, pulled pork, and even her own candy, and carried a beach chair away from the bonfire.

  “You sure? You’re not still upset over Gilbert, are you?”

  “No. I’m okay. I promise,” Melanie said.

  Lucy shrugged and rejoined the group to pick up a long stick, chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers.

  Lucy pressed the melted marshmallow and chocolate bar between two graham crackers and took a bite. The crackers were crunchy and the chocolate and marshmallows melted in her mouth in sweet harmony. “Yum. I’ll take a s’more to Melanie just in case she wants one. If not, I’ll eat it for her.”

  She soon had another marshmallow melted and gooey, and with the hot s’more in hand, Lucy headed for where Melanie had moved her beach chair, but the chair was empty. Lucy scanned the beach for her friend, but Melanie was nowhere in sight.

  Lucy cupped her hand over her mouth and called out, “Hey, Melanie! I made you a s’more.”

  A scream pierced the air.

  Lucy felt as if her breath had been cut off. She scanned the beach, desperate to find her friend, and then she saw her. Melanie was on her hands and knees by a lifeguard boat farther down the beach.

  Dropping the s’more, Lucy sprinted to her side.

  The look on Melanie’s face was chilling beneath the moonlight. Lucy followed her friend’s gaze to see Gilbert sprawled across the sand. He looked asleep, with his mouth slightly ajar. Melanie had dropped her plate, and food and candy were at her feet. A piece of driftwood lay nearby.

  “What is it?” Lucy asked.