New York Times bestselling authors Heather Graham and Karen Harper team up with two fan-favorite stories that prove still waters run deep...
The Island by Heather Graham
On a weekend vacation, Beth Anderson is unnerved when she discovers a skull on the beach. As she starts to look into this mysterious find, handsome stranger Keith Henson seems to appear everywhere she goes. He claims to be keeping an eye on her safety, but Beth senses other motives. When a body washes ashore, she may need more help than she bargained for. Because investigating is a dangerous game, and someone wants to stop Beth from playing.
Below the Surface by Karen Harper
Briana Devon knows her twin sister would never deliberately leave her, but when she surfaces after a dive, Daria and their boat have vanished. Fighting rough waves and a fast-approaching storm, Bree barely makes it to shore, where Cole De Roca revives her. Bound to Cole by the harrowing experience, she seeks his help as she struggles to understand what happened to her sisterand what her twin, whom she thought she knew so well, might be hiding.
Praise for New York Times bestselling author Heather Graham
With an astonishing ease and facility, this talented and hard-working writer can cast her stories in any genre.
Charlaine Harris, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Sookie Stackhouse novels
Graham is a master at world building and her latest is a thrilling, dark, and deadly tale of romantic suspense.
Booklist, starred review, on Haunted Destiny
Intricate, fast-paced, and intense, this riveting thriller blends romance and suspense in perfect combination and keeps readers guessing and the tension taut until the very end.
Library Journal, starred review, on Flawless
Praise for New York Times bestselling author Karen Harper
The thrilling finish takes a twist that most readers wont see coming. While intrigue is the main driver of the story, the able, well-researched plotting and sympathetic characters will keep romance readers along for the ride.
Publishers Weekly on Broken Bonds
Harper, a master of suspense, keeps readers guessing about crime and love until the very end...of this thrilling tale.
Booklist, starred review, on Fall from Pride
Haunting suspense, tender romance and an evocative look at the complexities of Amish lifeDark Angel is simply riveting!
Tess Gerritsen, New York Times bestselling author
Still Waters
The Island
Heather Graham
Below the Surface
Karen Harper
www.mirabooks.co.uk
Table of Contents
Cover
Back Cover Text
Praise
Title Page
The Island
Dedication
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Below the Surface
Dedication
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Author Note
Extract
Copyright
THE ISLAND
Heather Graham
To Rhonda Saperstein,
with lots of love and thanks.
And to Coral Reef Yacht Club and
its members, with deepest thanks,
especially Fred and Marian Davant,
Teresa and Stu Davant,
Dr. Michael and Kelly Johnson,
Jock and Linda Fink, and the Commodore
and his wife: Eric and Elisa Thyree.
Prologue
Youre going to feed them again?
Molly Monoco looked up at the sound of her husbands voice. She had been busy in the galley, putting together a goodie bag filled with substantial meals. Ted, speaking with a growl in his voice, had been at his workstation. Apparently he had just noticed how industriously she had been preparing food.
Her husband appeared both aggravated and disgusted.
He knew what she was up to.
She couldnt really blame him for his feelings. Ted had worked hard all his life, and had earned every bit of the income they were now enjoying after his retirement. They both came from Cuban families who had made the move to Florida long before the refugees had begun fleeing the little island. While Mollys maiden name had been Rodriguez, her first name had always been Molly, just as Ted had been Theodore from the start. Their parents had brought them to the States, believing in the American dream, and teaching them a work ethic that would allow them to achieve that dream.
Ted had started out playing the drums at nightclubs in Miami, not unlike a man who had become a lot more famous, Desi Arnaz.
He had worked as a busboy, as well, then a waiter, a host and a dancer. From his playing, he had fallen in love with salsa. So he had kept playing the drums, kept dancing, kept bussing tables and being a waiter and bartender until he had made enough money to buy his first studio, totally dedicated to the art of salsa. Eventually he had owned several studios, then sold them for a nice fat profit.
Work. Ted had known how to do it well. He had little patience with those who would not or could not help themselves.
And she did understand.
But she had her goals, too, trying to look after others who perhaps didnt deserve help, but then again, who might turn their lives around with a little assistance.
Now, as a retired man of means, he also had his hobbies, like all the sonar gadgets and other equipment on the boat. After all, he would have noticed what she was up to earlier, if he hadnt been playing around so intently with one of his computers!
She smiled. Even miffed, as he was right now, he was still as attractive to her as the young man with whom she had fallen in love forty-odd years ago. Tall, but not too tall, still fit. The hair on his chest was now graylike the thinning strands on top of his head, but she didnt care. After all those years of marriage, the ups and the downs, she loved him now just as much as she always hadeven if he had decided to name the yacht Retired!, despite the fact that she could have thought of a dozen more charming names.
His current displeasure with her wouldnt last. It never did. Just as she loved the fact that he was always tinkering with some new kind of technology, he was secretly pleased that his wife was concerned for the welfare of others.
Ted, what else can I do? she asked softly.
Quench the maternal instincts, he said, rolling his eyes. We may well be talking criminals here. Hell, were definitely talking criminals.
Or misdirected young people who just need a helping hand, she said firmly. All her life, Molly had been involved. Blessed with Ted, her high-school sweetheart, shed worked alongside him at many a club. Thenwhen she hadnt been able to produce the family she would have lovedshed tried to help out where she could, at the church, with the homeless, and for various good causes, raising funds, even working soup kitchens. She could afford to, once Ted began making good money.
And she remained blessed. At sixty-five, she was no spring chick. But she was in good health, good shape, and pleased, mainly for Teds sake, that people would say what an attractive woman she was.
Its food, Ted. Nothing but a little food, she assured him. And the last handout were giving, since were setting off on our own excursion.
He sighed, and a small smile crept over his face. Coming to her, he wrapped his arms around her. How did I get so lucky? he asked.
Chance? she teased, smiling.
He gave her a swat on the bottom. She giggled. Flirting was fun. They were older now, so a pat on the behind didnt lead to an afternoon in the handsome master cabin. Forget Viagra. He had a heart condition; she wouldnt let him take it. When there was this kind of amazing affection and closeness after so many years, nothing needed to be pushed.
In his arms, she thought with wonder what a great life theyd had together, and how wonderful it was that they still had each otherand the Retired! They could go anywhere, live out their dreams, explorewherever the whim took themand do it all in luxury.
Okay, woman, were moving on, so go and be lady bountiful, and then well get cracking, he said firmly.
Right.