This is wrong. I need to speak to her.
Handing my leftovers to Jamie, I step cautiously toward her. As I approach, her eyes meet mine for a moment.
She bolts.
“Wait,” I call, picking up my pace. She picks up the little girl and runs, disappearing into the crowd.
Not able to find her among the hundreds of people, I return to my friends and pull Hannah aside.
“What’s wrong?”
“I saw the woman from the general store. I tried to approach her, and she ran.”
“What in the world? Why would she run from you?”
“I’m not sure, but I think she’s in some kind of danger.” I explain the bruise and makeup.
“She also has a little girl.”
Hannah frowns. “We need to tell Scott and the police. Her behavior just doesn’t make any sense, especially with the little girl involved. I don’t like it.”
I agree, we need to find some way to find her.
The announcer’s voice booms over the speakers, and the crowd cheers as the first jet streaks across the sky with a roar.
“God, that’s incredible,” Jamie mutters, craning his neck as the jets loop and dive. “How do they do that?”
The cheers grow louder.
For the finale, they soar high into the sky, leaving behind a red, white, and blue starburst. Applause erupts, thunderous and heartfelt.
We all enjoy the rest of the show, but my thoughts keep returning to the woman and her little girl. It doesn’t make sense for her to avoid me. After the break-in and stalker, danger seemsto be all around. Why did she run? What’s she hiding? And most importantly—who’s hurting her?
Scott and I walk hand in hand along the sandy path leading from the beachside restaurant to the Driftwood Inn. A warm breeze carries the faint scent of salt and blooming jasmine through the air.
I break the silence. “That was the best red snapper I’ve ever had.”
“Told you. Best seafood on the island. You just have to know which night their supplier comes in.”
“Insider knowledge.”
He glances down at me, his hazel eyes catching the moonlight. “You’re picking up on island life fast.” He nudges me with his hip. “You know I’m going to share all my secrets with you.” He smiles sweetly. “Besides, you’ve already got my team wrapped around your little finger—I’m no exception.”
I roll my eyes, though I can’t stop the grin from spreading across my face, and I feel a twitch of female pride. “Hardly. They’re just being nice because I’m the new girl.”
Scott stops walking to face me fully. After a long pause, he lifts my pendant and smiles. “This is pretty. You wear it all the time. Is it special to you?”
“It’s my spirit animal.” His brows raise with a question.
“An elephant.”
He chuckles. “I can see that. What made you choose a spirit animal?”
“I didn’t. He chose me.”
“Well, I don’t know much about spirits, but it suits you.”
I hold my breath.
