Jack Beale 00 - Dangerous Shoals

He cursed his decision to take 1A instead of I-95. Then, as he neared the southern end of the beach, his thoughts turned to that nice young woman whose death had provided such extreme pleasure. He smiled and enjoyed the memory as the traffic finally began moving again.
    He stayed on 1A all the way to Salisbury Beach. At the strip club he turned right and continued west to Route 1, then onto 110 West until he was finally able to get onto 495 heading south. It would be at least another hour before he could find a place to ditch the car. Near Framingham he saw what he was looking for. A sign advertised a Park and Ride for Logan Airport. People could leave their cars in these lots from days to weeks and take the bus to the airport. It was a perfect solution for vacationers and business travelers who wanted to avoid the hassles of driving to the airport. It would also be a perfect place to just leave his car. By the time it drew notice, he’d be long gone.
    Kurt paid cash in advance at the Park and Ride lot and with several more weeks left on the car rental lease, he felt confident that he had bought sufficient time to finish his job and disappear before that car would become a factor. Save for the growing pain in his hand, he was feeling pretty good about things. Luck was on his side.

CHAPTER 80
    IT WAS MID-MORNING when Jack left Tom’s office. Max had planned to go in to Ben’s early, not because she had to, but because work would distract her from dwelling on last night’s events. So he decided to stop by Ben’s and hang out until they opened for lunch. It was even hotter now than it had been when he had first arrived at Tom’s. A strong wave of hot tropical air was moving north, and the next several days were predicted to have oppressive humidity, high temperatures, a high likelihood of thunderstorms each afternoon, and rain each night. In the five or so minutes it took to drive to Ben’s, Jack could feel the sweat beginning to soak through his shirt.
    It was too hot to sit out on the deck, so Jack found relief under a ceiling fan in the bar. While not exactly cool, it was enough, and the ice water that Max brought him was refreshing.
    He was sitting, looking out at the harbor, sipping his water when he heard a voice behind him say, “Hey Jack.” He turned. It was Patti. “I’m sorry about Cat. Max told me. Hope she’ll be okay.”
    “Thanks. Yeah, she’ll be fine.”
    “You guys okay?”
    “Fine. Could’ve happened to anyone.”
    “Doubtful.”
    Jack didn’t want to get into either a long conversation or a debate about what had happened, so he didn’t say anything more.
    “Gotta finish setting up. Later.” She turned and breezed out of the bar.
    Max came over. “Sorry about that. You know how Patti can get.”
    “Not a problem.”
    “The kitchens about ready, you want something to eat?”
    “That’d be great. How ‘bout a burger.”
    “No problem. I’ll be right back.”
    While Max was in the kitchen ordering his lunch, Tom came in. “Jack. I thought I might find you here. Damn, it’s hot!” he said as he sat down opposite Jack.
    “Sure is. I’ve just ordered lunch. You want anything?”
    “Nah, I’m good.”
    Jack flashed Tom his best “What’s up?” look.
    “I just got a call from some people who live over by Straws Point. Their property goes down to the marsh, and one of their kids was out playing by the edge of the water. He found a sunken canoe.”
    Max’s voice interrupted his story. “Hi, Tom,” As she placed Jack’s burger on the table she asked, “Can I get you anything?”
    “How about a glass of ice water.”
    “Ice water coming right up. Jack?”
    “Another glass of ice water would be good, please.”
    “Two waters coming right up.”
    Jack turned back to Tom. “A canoe?”
    “I’m on my way over now. I thought you’d like to know.”
    “Mind if I join you?”
    “I’ve got to get going.” Tom stood, not answering the question.
    “Two waters,” said Max as she placed them on the table.
    Ignoring the water, Tom said to Jack, “Later.” He paused, then turned and walked out of the bar.
    “I’ll be over as soon as I finish eating,” said Jack to Tom’s back.
    “What’s up with him?” asked Max, obviously a bit put out with his abrupt departure.
    “Some people across the marsh found a sunken canoe.”
    “A canoe? Could it be from that guy last night?” she said, anxiety creeping into her voice.
    “Take it easy Max, Tom’s on his way