Page 76 of Deadly Waves

“You have to help me,” Tabitha said. “We need to kill them and we’re running out of time.”

“The killing is done, Tabitha,” Will said. “There will be no more killing.”

“But … I’ll go to jail,” Tabitha said. “I’m a teenager, but they’ll try me as an adult for two murders. I’m not an idiot.”

“No, you’re certainly not an idiot,” Will agreed. “You’ve always been smarter than everyone. I’m starting to realize that’s your biggest problem.”

“So help me,” Tabitha pleaded. “I have to kill them if I want to be free. Then you and I can sit down with Jon and plan our wedding. Doesn’t that sound like a fun idea?”

“Jon is not going to be marrying anyone,” Will said grimly. “Jon is going away for a long time. As for you … well … I’m going to get you some professional help. I promise.”

“What?” Tabitha was confused. “I don’t need help like you’re talking about. I need help tossing these three over the railing. That’s the only help I need.”

“No, you need a lot more than that,” Will said.

Tabitha realized he was reaching for the gun a split-second too late. She jerked her arm away to keep it from him, but she missed Grady creeping around in the shadows and closing the distance between them from behind. She jolted when she felt his arm come across her shoulder and take control of the weapon. She was fervent and refused to admit defeat, but the fight was short.

When it was over and she was on the ground sobbing, the sky opened up and the promised storm arrived. It seemed to mimic her emotions as magnificent lightning split the sky and terrible thunder caused the boat deck to shudder.

James hurried to Mandy and drew her in for a hug as the rain pelted them. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” Mandy said. “I’m sorry. We were on our way to get you when … well … things got out of hand.”

“Like they always do,” Ally intoned, reaching for Jake. “Personally, I blame Mandy.”

“What did I do?” Mandy was incensed.

“You’re a trouble magnet and we all know it,” Ally said, wiping her damp hair from her face. “It’s fine. I forgive you. Can we get some dessert?”

Despite the serious nature of the situation, James barked out a laugh as he tugged Mandy’s body against his. She’d survived … again. And, more importantly, he hadn’t melted down in the face of danger. Perhaps they really were moving on.

“You’re in big trouble,” James said, pulling away. “I’m going to punish you after you eat some cake.”

Mandy’s smile was rueful. “That sounds nice except … .”

“Except what?” James asked, furrowing his brow.

The boat pitched beneath them, causing James to grip her tighter as Mandy’s stomach betrayed her and she leaned over to fight the nausea.

“Except I forgot to take my motion sickness medication,” Mandy admitted, her features ashen and pale. “I think … yup. I’m going to be sick.”

Instead of freaking out, James smiled. “I guess I’ll be sleeping on the floor with you for a different reason tonight, huh?”

“I’m so sorry.”

“I’m not,” James said. “I don’t care what we do as long as we’re together, wife. Come on. We need to move this party inside. I think the weather is going to get worse before it gets better.”

Oddly enough, the idea of letting James take care of her while she was sick held a weird sort of appeal for Mandy. “Can we watch out the marine door, too?”

“We might as well make a night of it,” James said. “Marriage is for sickness and health. I’m going to be by your side for both. Come on, baby. I’ll take care of you.”

“You always do.”

“And I always will.”