Authoress' Note: Okay, so, quick question. Vanessa or Iola? I don't intend to add much in the way of romance for Joe but you never know with me (a hopeless romantic). So, if you're deeply disturbed by my choice please let me know. It's not set in stone. Also, note that I suck at tenses sometimes. Anyway, enjoy the first chapter! Bon appetit.

Oh, and thanks to those of you who reviewed, favorited, or alerted (?).

Chapter One

Roses are red

Violets are blue

Islands are small

And I've found you.

No indication as to whereabouts. No indication as to identity. Nothing. The final "threat" sent to Ms. Garrison resembled little more than an over-the-top love letter. I hadn't even had the chance to dust for fingerprints before her murderer found her and took her. Forever.

I can't dwell on it. I won't. At least not long enough for the murderer to think he or she has gotten away with something. There's a murder to be solved – one I should have stopped from happening in the first place. Feeling sorry for myself will only distract from the situation at hand – the thorough inspection of everyone and everything on this island. Everyone is a suspect at this point.

The hinge to the door creaked and I quickly slipped the note into the pocket of my cargo khaki-colored shorts (they're part of the job description, even though Bess would probably shriek if she ever saw me in uniform). It's my boss – Harry Jackson – and the jig is up. He knows everything.

It was only weeks earlier when I applied to this job under the pseudonym of Natalie Wood. It was here on Jackson Island, Minnesota that I was meant to watch over Barbara Garrison, my forever vacationing client. I certainly didn't expect to be hired but I definitely didn't expect to actually like my job.

Along with six other twenty-something year olds I'm supposed to greet guests, please guests, and tote guests to and from shores. It isn't all that demanding considering most of the guests are pretty laid-back which gave me plenty of time to watch over Ms. Garrison – the only part of the job that had proven to be both boring and time consuming. Harry even noticed our budding relationship – rather, my hawk-like vigil when it came to my absentminded client – and decided it would be my responsibility to tend to her. That was exactly what I wanted and now he knew why.

"The police interviews are over. You're home free, kiddo." I didn't laugh at his idea of a joke. He and I both knew I hadn't done it but only wished I had stopped it. "Are you okay?"

Right. I hadn't said a word, save to the police, since the incident. I may be shaken but I'm not broken.

"Yes, I'm fine." I winced when my voice cracked. I cleared my throat and sit up straighter – the perfect picture of a savvy sleuth rather than a down trodden has been. I promised myself I wouldn't be sad. "I'm sorry I kept my identity a secret but I would honestly like to keep my job if that's okay with you."

Harry nodded, looking me over for himself. "Nat – I mean, Nancy – I'd love for you to stay aboard. Besides, we still need your help."

"Thank you Mr. Jackson." I extended my hand for him to shake only to be thoroughly surprised when I found myself in his firm embrace, a hand patting my back.

"You're welcome, kiddo. Take it easy today. You may be used to this kind of stuff but I don't think I can watch you move on so quickly. Aches a bit."

I chuckled, despite my mixed emotions. I was about to full out laugh or cry. But I have control – full out control – for the moment and I'm reacting in my own way. It may seem strange to others but I'm somewhat used to this. I'm measuring my next move, quietly and methodically.

Pulling myself from the hug, I moved towards the door and smiled – the smile I saved for reassuring clients and now employers alike. "I will. And do me a favor? Keep calling me Natalie. I don't want anyone to know who I am just yet."

As the door clicked, I fell back against the main office's sturdy wooden structure. Despite what Harry said, I can't take it easy. I have to get back to work to see if the guests are willing to divulge any good or ill feelings they had towards Barbara.

But first, I should call Bess for an update.

"Nancy?"

"Bess…I…" That's when I broke down into a tear soaked sob. I didn't want to do this but I'm only human. Death is never easy. Even if I was the best detective from here to Mars, I wouldn't be me if I didn't shed some emotion.

Bess made a clucking sound as if she knew exactly what happened and she wanted to reach out and help. "Oh Nancy, I'm so sorry."

Twenty minutes and one explanatory story later, I'd calmed and even began fretting over my now puffy eyes and red cheeks. That was never a good look for greeting guests. But my resolve hardened once again – ten fold.

"I hope you know I'm not giving up, Bess. Ms. Garrison deserves to be at rest."

Bess laughed sharply. I pulled my head away from receiver so as not to get the full blast of her gaiety. "Ha! Nan, as if you'd ever give up. I knew that much and you know you totally have my blessing."

"Well, you know the case. Any ideas?"

Again, a laugh. Apparently I'm being quite the comedian today. "Me? Don't make me laugh. Did you call the Hardys?" I choked at the mention of the H-word. "I'm sure they can offer you some detective-like advice."

It's not that I don't want to call the Hardys for help – they usually prove to be more aid than hindrance. But it has been months since we've seen each other, since we've talked even. I can hardly remember the last words that we exchanged – especially between myself and Frank. Now that was turning out to be a rather sticky situation.

"Bess, you know I can't do that. Even though I want to."

"Of course you want to! You've got the hots for Frank! And who wouldn't?" Bess enthused rather loudly.

I felt heat rise to my face involuntarily. "Shhh, Bess. Share it with the world, will you?"

"It's not like anyone can hear me on that end. We're a state away, remember?" Bess lowered her voice despite reminding us both of the distance, "Nan, you're going to have to talk to them sometime. You guys made such a great team. And Frank is still with Callie, so temptation shouldn't be a problem."

"Yeah, but I had Ned as my lean-on. Now I have no one."

"Are Frank's pheromones that strong?" Bess giggled, knowing that she's making me both flabbergasted and tongue-tied. "You're strong. You can resist him. You don't even have to talk to him. He has a brother, remember? A really scrumptious brother. Talk to him."

I sighed, running a hand roughly through my hair. This was proving fruitless. "I just…Bess, I just can't."

"Afraid of what you'll say?"

It struck me that I had never thought about what I might say when I saw them next. We'd gone our whole lives giving each other greetings and goodbyes – it was almost natural by now. I never had to plan ahead. Somewhere in my gut, though, there was a stirring. A stirring that told me it wouldn't be the same.

This time I wouldn't be able to stop myself. No, I didn't want to stop myself. Not anymore. But I can't do that to Callie. I can't do that to Frank.

Keeping it inside, though, would fracture me slowly – from the inside out. Starting with my heart.

"No. I'm afraid of what I won't say. I won't hide forever."

"Nan, you can do this with or without the Hardys. I just know it."

That perked me up a little bit. I noticed someone in a navy blue polo and cargo shorts reminiscent of my own heading in my direction. "Thanks, Bess. Look, I've got to get back to work. I'll call you with any news."

It was Tom – one of my co-workers – approaching from the direction of the docks, coolly twirling a set of boat keys around his finger. And not to be conceited, but I have a feeling he has a crush.

"Tom?"

"Nat. Got some guests that need ferrying from the north docks. You up to it?" He gave me what I'm guessing is his version of a wink even though his other eye is twitching from the strain. Not alluring in the slightest. I fight the urge to giggle for fear that he'd get the wrong idea.

I nodded. "What cabin?"

"Starlight. It's a big party." As he handed me the keys his other hand enclosed around mine and suddenly the world became a bit more uncomfortable. "I hope you're doing okay, Natalie. If you need anything, I mean anything – a shoulder to cry on, a hand to hold, you know, whatev – I'm here."

I pulled away quickly and started for the docks before calling over my shoulder, "Thanks, Tom. I'll keep that in mind. I'm okay, though, really!"

And as I pulled even farther away I swear I heard a girly dream-like sigh coming from Tom's direction. Okay, so maybe Ms. Garrison wasn't the only downside to this job.

The beach is almost back to normal by the time I reach the dock. Apparently an explosion and watching the police fish boat parts from the very same lake isn't enough to damper the moods of those on vacation. Well, good for them, and even better for me. This means that after my next task I have free roam to get to know others on this island. Some with motives.

I started the boat with ease, used to this short venture by now. And this is admittedly the best part to my job – meeting new people. Some are eccentric and others bland. The good part about this particular family is that they can in no way be related to the crime committed against my belated client. I don't have to snoop nor do I have to sleuth.

Peering across the water at the opposite dock I realized that Tom was right – this family brought everyone and their mother along with them on vacation.

"I'm gonna do it!"

A female shriek. "Ohmigod! I swear to god, if you do it, I'm not speaking to you for the rest of the trip!" Giggling and screaming.

They seem fun enough. I smiled.

"Joe, leave Vanessa alone. She doesn't want to get her outfit wet."

Wait a second. Wait a darn second…

"Frank! Grab her other arm! She's squirming too much!"

…this cannot be happening. I have too much on my plate for this to be happening. My heart doesn't listen and decides to skip a few beats all the same. Please, let this be a mistake or a trick of my inner longing.

"Joe, cut it out."

No. No, this is really happening. That deep as darkness voice, that mature attitude, that aura that surrounds everything and is just so…Frank. It's him.

I try really hard not to blush. By the time I make it to the dock I'm pretty sure I have the heat under control. But it still doesn't prepare me for their reactions – which are to either smile or stare at me wide-eyed as if I were a three-headed mutant of some sort. I remind myself I am most certainly not a monster.

Fenton is first to come to my rescue, dragging Laura Hardy close to his side with a hearty laugh. "Well, don't just stand there, everyone! Grab your luggage! We can't keep this young lady from her job all day."

I smiled and nodded, knowing full well they suspect I have a cover. It's always this way with us. Hiding. "Um, yes. I …" I forget my "name" for a second, discovering both Vanessa and Callie as party members.

"It says here you're Natalie." Joe joked and laughed, extending his hand. "Name's Joe and I'll probably bug you the most. I like foot massages when I'm at the beach."

Frank stepped into the boat, grabbing Callie by the waist and depositing her next to him. "No, you most certainly won't. Natalie isn't here as your personal servant."

"That's right, Joe. Now help Vanessa in!"

I noticed Frank and Joe struggling to get the luggage in on their own and immediately offer myself up.

"Please, let me. This is what I'm here for." I reached for a bag and stumbled a bit on my sea legs. Joe steadied me.

"Steady there, slugger. That one's too heavy for you. Pass if off to my bro."

There's a moment when I'm handing him the suitcase that I forget to breathe. I also realize I'm staring at the ground – all closed up and uncomfortable. But when I look up he's smiling and it churns up more waves than a mid-summer storm. It's reassuring, it's comforting, it's like home. It's all of Frank in a look and I'm on the outside as a viewer.

"Thanks."

"You're welcome," I managed.

Joe wiped his hands on the side of his pants and stretched. "That it? I'm pretty sure Vanessa packed her whole bedroom."

There's a grumble and a few growls before I giggled and started up the boat, knowing I shouldn't be wasting anymore time. "All aboard? Good."

I gently steered the boat in direction of the shore.

"Hey, Natalie! Have you heard of any caves around here?"

I give Joe a quizzical look. A cave? There were a few, but I wasn't sure how he heard about them. They were mostly known by the locals.

"Joe, please don't go into that story again. I'll scream if you do," Callie crossed her arms and gave Joe a pointed look which I know will shut him up. Frank looked as if he's just as tired of the story. I decided not to push it.

Fenton cleared his throat, "How do you like it here, Natalie?"

I smiled at his warmth. I really do miss him. I miss all of them. "It's great. You'll all love it. There's something for everyone." I looked to the shore and watched as even more families occupied the beach.

"And is it against policy for you to associate yourself with guests?" I choked and braved a glance at Frank, who actually asked the question.

We neared the dock and I prepared to help. "No, it's encouraged, actually."

"Good."

I ignored every instinct at that point and made sure I took a long, hard look at Callie. She's the girlfriend. I'm the friend who is a girl. I had to make sure I didn't mistake the two.

As I leaned over to tie the boat securely to the dock I noticed a glint from the water. One I hadn't noticed from boat stall #4 before. The Hardys waited on shore for me to take them to their cabin.

"Tom!" Tom appeared in an instant and gave me his knight-in-shining-armor smile. Its effects are lost on me.

"Yes? Are you okay, Natalie?"

I nodded and glanced at the water. Yep, whatever I saw is still there. "I'm just a little winded. Can you show the Hardys to their cabin?"

Ever the prince, he led them away. I waved, hopefully convincing them that there are no hard feelings. But there are more pressing matters they have no idea about.

After making sure the coast is clear, I jumped into the knee deep water and reached in – grabbing hold of something both hard and soft at the same time. After several yanks it came loose and I fell back against the dock from the momentum.

What I see actually does wind me. Quite a bit.

Ms. Garrison's belt. Barbara Garrison's belt that she was wearing this morning when she set foot on that boat. I was sure of it. It was still in tact – no burns, no tarnish, nothing.

The police had assured me that there was no remaining evidence of a body aboard that boat. Nor had they fished any out – disturbingly enough. Why then was her belt still floating around? How could a leather belt survive an explosion?

How come the world decided to turn itself upside down today?