So why the hell was Amanda clinging to him?
He wasnt a player. His life focusedmaybe too much, as Beth was always warning himon his daughter. And he had a great career. So unless he found himself falling head over heels in love again, he kept his social life discreet. It actually did exist, which might surprise his sister.
But then, a lot about him might surprise his sister.
Cool, huh? Amanda murmured, snuggling a little closer. She was wearing sexy perfume, and she knew how to press her anatomy against a guy.
He smiled and shrugged, looking down at her. Its one hell of a boat, he agreed.
Come below, Lee urged, and the rest followed.
Only Lee and Matt were hosting their excursion. Keith had chosen not to come, and despite his impatience with Beth, Ben had to admit that the guy staying back had caused him a bit of concern. But Brad and Sandy were on the island, as well, as was Roger. Though he vaguely felt he should be concerned about Keith, he just couldnt believe the man had any real evil intentions. He didnt like to believe in instincthed worked in the D.A.s office long enough to learn that it was unreliable at bestbut no matter what logic told him, he didnt fear for his daughter, her friend or his sister when they were with the guy.
Oh, wow! Amanda exclaimed, hugging his arm. This is beautiful!
The cabin utilized its limited space with sleek elegance. A turn to the left of the steps led straight to an aft cabin, while the steps themselves led into a galley that seemed to offer more appliances than his home kitchen. The galley spilled into a main salon with a desk that held a computer, a radio and a number of electronics he couldnt even name. A table looked as if it could hold up to eight diners, and a hallway led to a forward cabin and the head. Everything was leather, teak or chrome.
Can I get anyone anything? Lee asked.
Beer, Ben said.
Lee moved into the galley, grinning. Amanda?
You have any white wine back there?
Sure. HankGerald?
The other two men settled on beers. After the drinks were servedeven Amandas wine was in a small bottleLee led the way through to the aft cabin. The master stateroom held a large, comfortable bed. Its a trundle, Lee explained proudly. When you need more space, you just pull it out. Of course, you lose your floor space that way. But it allows for a lot of sleeping space. There are a couple of closet bunks in the hallway, as well. Theres a private head here in the master stateroom, too, with a shower. But its the fishing were out for. Lets head back up.
Ben thought Matt might have gone topside already, to fire up the motor. But he hadnt.
He had remained in the cabin by the computer desk, radio, and Ben had the oddest feeling that the guy was guarding them.
Amanda was still glued to his arm, but Ben had a feeling she, too, was aware that although the saying here seemed to be Make yourself at home, there were certain areas of home that were off-limits.
Why?
His instincts were kicking in again. There was something askew with this picture. But what? For a sick moment he wondered if these guys were involved in a modern piracy ring, if they hadnt acquired the yacht illegally. Then again, if a vessel like this had gone missing, he would have heard about it. The members of the club had associates all over the world as well, and the theft of a craft like the Sea Serpent wouldnt have gone unnoted.
So much for his instincts. On the one hand, he was convinced that Keith, back onshore, would never cause the least danger to the people Ben loved. And on the other hand
Cmon, Lee urged. Come see the fish finder on this beauty. Well be hauling in our dinner at turbo speed.
Amanda disentangled herself from Ben, yawning. You know, I was thinking maybe Id take a little snooze. She laughed softly, looking at Ben. We were all awakened in the middle of the night, she reminded them.
No way, Lee protested. Were striking out to sea, all for one and one for all. Everyone topside!
Amanda pouted prettily. She would have spoken again, Ben was certain, except that Lee was striding toward them, ready to herd them all up, as if he were a friendly sheepdog keeping the masses together.
He wondered if he was just creating a sense of something that wasnt there, more spooked by Beths unease than hed realized.
She was worse than he was, worrying about Amber, worrying about him, spending the majority of her time at work. For most young women, the club would be a smorgasbord of rugged, tanned, athletic professional men. But not for Beth, who didnt date where she worked. It was as if she was oblivious.
Tall, tanned, perfectly fit in a feminine waystackedwith her dark hair and exotic eyes, she was probably the greatest catch on the island. But even here, she was proving adept at keeping her distance.
Youre mean, Amanda teased Lee, and clasping his arm, a pretty moue on her face. Im just so sleepy.
Ill set you up on deck. Youll love it, Lee assured her.
At that moment Ben knew for a fact that his suspicions were correct.
No one, for any reason, was going to be left in the cabin alone.
So just what were they up to?
SHH!
Beth found the sound absurdly reassuring. Though she couldnt see the man whose hand was on her mouth, she knew it was Keith Henson. Was it the feel of him? A certain chemistry? It didnt matter. She just knew.
She felt his other hand spanning the bare flesh of her midriff. He was tense but no longer forceful, and the hand on her mouth eased, then moved away. She could feel the thud of both his heart and her own.
As they stood there, silent, strangely bonded, Brad and Sandy appeared in the clearing.
And Brad was the one wielding the machete.
It was a wicked-looking weapon, and yetboaters planning to put ashore on an island might readily have one. In fact, he was using it for the exact purpose one might expect in such a circumstancechopping away at the heavy growth.
I think it was here, Sandy said wearily.
Here is an awfully damn big space, Brad said irritably.
Dont be ridiculous. Its a small island.
Way too small, at the moment. We should have realized. Its a weekend.
Should we just quit moaning and start looking?
Beth adjusted her footing ever so slightly. Behind her, Keith did likewise. He seemed to have no intention of letting her go, accosting the pair or letting his own presence be known. She could feel the coiled tension in him. He was listening intently.
Were they looking for a skull?
And if Keith Henson didnt know about the skull, why would he be so worried about a young couple searching a clearing on the island?
She turned slightly, looking up at him as Brad hacked away at overhanging fronds and branches. He shook his head, warning her that she shouldnt move, shouldnt give herself away.
A fly buzzed near her nose. She began to wonder just how long she could stand so perfectly still. Yet, her own heart continued to race, and her suspicions were hiked to the limit, every fiber of her being attuned to danger.
I hear something, Sandy announced suddenly.
Dont be ridiculous, Brad told her.
No, no, I hear something. From the beach.
Theyre fishing.
I hear something, Sandy announced suddenly.
Dont be ridiculous, Brad told her.
No, no, I hear something. From the beach.
Theyre fishing.
Theyre not all fishing.
So what? Were just walking around the island.
I dont like this, Brad. Lets go back.
Are you scared?
You bet. She looked at him pleadingly. Come on, they all have jobs. Theyll have to get back to work in a couple of days. The island will be all ours again. Please, lets just get out of here for now.
Brad let out a long sigh. Then he slipped his arms around her, letting the machete dangle.
Ooh, nice sword, Sandy teased.
You bet, baby.
He started to kiss her. Then, with his free hand, to fondle her.
Beth held her breath, feeling acutely uncomfortable. She could still feel the hand on her own midriff, and watching these two get more and more intimate
I thought you were scared, Sandy! she longed to shout.
Then things got worse.
Want to really fool around? Brad whispered.
Maybe.
Then you wont be scared? Worried about getting caught?
Theres something kind of exciting about it, Sandy whispered in return. Her hand slid from his chest.
Lower. Lower.
Beth could feel her cheeks flaming to a bright pink.
Then againI should be punishing you, Sandy said huskily. You were all over the blonde today.
The blonde was all over me today, Brad protested.
You didnt seem to mind.
Heyshe was determined to let me know she was full-bodied.
You and every other guy there.
Um, true, but you shouldnt let her worry you.
No, Sandy agreed. Its the other one Im worried about. You were looking at her.
I was looking at her?
Yeah, you know. Looking.
Well, she is really sexy. Legs that go on forever. Imagine what she could do with those legs.
Beth could feel the flames deepen in her cheeks, and she imagined that Keith had to be aware of it, too. She couldnt stand much more of this. Self-preservation had kept her silent so far. Embarrassment might well send her flying from cover.
Hey, Sandy protested.
Am I turning you on yet? Brad demanded.
SeriouslyI keep hearing something.
What happened to the idea of being caught in the act of being so hot and sexy?
Those girls are underage.
Yeah?
Well, the last thing we need now is to be arrested for contributing to the delinquency of a minor, Sandy said.
Good point, Brad agreed seriously. But then he quickly returned to his lighter tone. Heythe tent is exotic and hot, you know.
So lets get back to the beachplease! In a couple of days, theyll all leave. It will be our island again, Brad. Then we can take care of things.
At last the two of them left, disappearing across the clearing, taking the same trail Beth had used.
Behind her, Keith remained still for what seemed like an aeon. It was all she could do to keep from wrenching away. And yet he was rightthey needed to let Sandy and Brad put some distance between them.
Finally, however, she could stand it no longer. He was still touching her, his hand still on her midriff, her body backed flush against his.
She stepped away and turned, staring at him, tense and wary.
What was that all about? she demanded.
His eyes were as dark as ebony. He wasnt wearing his sunglasses, but his eyes still gave no clue of what thoughts lurked in his mind.
Shh, he warned her.
Theyre gone, she reminded him.
The trees may well have ears, he said quietly, studying her.
She lowered her voice. What were they looking for? she demanded.
I dont know.
Why didnt you accost them?
Do you really think its a great idea to accost a man carrying a machete? he cross-queried.
But She shook her head. Now well never know what they were doing.
Maybe, maybe not.
She backed away another step, frowning. What are you doing here?
Looking.
Looking for what? she demanded sharply.
He leaned back against a tree, crossing his arms over his chest. Whatever you were trying to hide when we met.
Startled, she hesitated, then came back at him far too late. Dont be ridiculous. I wasnt hiding anything.
Then I wasnt really looking for anything, was I?
She let out a sigh of irritation and started to turn away. Then she swung back and collided with him once again. Embarrassed, she braced her hands against his chest and regained her footing quickly.
Why arent you out fishing? she demanded. I thought you went out on the boat.
Obviously I didnt.
Why not?
There was a full crew.
But you snuck around to come back here, she accused him.
I didnt sneak anywhere.
Then why didnt I see you before?
Probably because you werent paying any attention. There was no secret about me staying behind. I didnt jump off the boat when no one was looking and swim back.
She stared at him, shaking her head. Theres something wrong with you.
That brought a wry smile to his lips. Im not exactly sure how you mean that, butYou should certainly hope not. Youre alone with me on an island, and all help is far away.
She took a step back again.
He sighed, reaching for her. She jumped; he let his arm fall, shaking his head.
Im going to give you some advice, whether you want it or not. Stay away from this area of the island. Obviously its of interest to someone, and we dont know why. Keep your mouth shut about seeing Sandy and Brad looking around here. In fact, if you have any suspicions about anyone, pretend that you dont.
She narrowed her eyes, staring at him hard. Someone might have been killed here.
And you wouldnt want to join them.
Is that a threat?
Good God, no. Its a warning.
Right. And you should be trusted?
Actually, yes.
She studied him long and hard. He was a man in the prime of his life, muscled and hard. She was suddenly certain that, if he had chosen, he could have wrenched the machete away from Brad without breaking a sweat.
To her discomfort, she also remembered the strength with which he had held her.
She spun around, striding for the trail.
He caught her arm, swinging her back. She didnt open her mouth to protest, only narrowed her eyes at him in serious warning, arching her brows slowly as she gazed from his eyes to the place where his hand rested on her arm.
I was serious. Keep your mouth shut.
You know something, so youd better be planning on talking to the police, she warned him.
If I knew something, I wouldnt need to eavesdrop on other peoples conversations.
I think we should call the police.
And tell them what? he demanded.
She faltered. Thatthat
That there might have been a skull on the island? That a young couple was scrounging around, looking for something? So far, they havent done a thing thats illegal. And so far, you havent got anything at all to tell the police. Guess what? You need to get your nose out of it. You need to keep your mouth shut and pretend that you havent seen a single thing on this island.