Read Online Dead Asleep by Jamie Freveletti - Free Book Online Page A

boat’s edge and helped her onto the deck. His hand was warm and rough-skinned. She’d been in conversation with Marwell both on the phone and by e-mail for over three months in preparation for her trip and had arranged an expedition around the island’s perimeter. She would use the time to scout good locations for her search.
    The deck sported built-in cushions and tables in a configuration for casual dining, as well as side benches covered with outdoor fabric. Emma peeked into the main salon. Gleaming wood with shiny black, glossy painted trim lined the walls. A flat screen television complete with a built-in sound system ran along one side, and next to that, a granite-covered wet bar with a stocked liquor cabinet behind it. On the opposite side there was a modern couch, chairs, cocktail table, and credenza, and to the rear, a dining table with six chairs.
    â€œThis is stunning,” she said. “It looks like some sort of penthouse in New York City. Not like a boat at all.”
    Marwell nodded. “It’s an eighty foot Hatteras. It has two staterooms and two heads, along with a hot tub up top. It’s a nice size. Of course, not as big as some of the others.” He jutted his chin at two much larger yachts docked farther down. “But in some ways I like it better. When you’re out on her you still feel as though you’re boating. Those others feel like a floating hotel.” She saw that he’d been pouring ice into a cooler. Next to it sat several six packs of beer and cans of soda. “Care for a drink? Take your pick.” Emma shook her head.
    â€œLittle too early for beer.”
    He chuckled. “For the group that I’m taking it’s never too early.”
    â€œAnd that would be?”
    â€œRichard Carrow and his guests. Up on the West Hill.”
    â€œI’ve met him.”
    Marwell settled onto a bench seat along the boat’s side.
    â€œHe’s friendly. Been an owner here for four years, so I know him well. Some of the others in his crowd . . .” Marwell rocked his hand back and forth. Emma settled onto the bench next to him.
    â€œIs this your boat?”
    â€œNo. This is Carrow’s. The Seahook is over there.” He waved at a much smaller boat a few slips down. It had two fishing rods locked into holders at the aft.
    â€œAhh. That one looks fast.”
    Marwell beamed. “She is. I like these big cruisers for comfort, but there’s something about a fast boat that gets me smiling. We’ll use the Seahook for your expedition.” His comment gave her the opening she needed.
    â€œMy research into the island leads me to believe that the reason the seaweed here is so unique is due to the proximity of the blue holes. I think the same minerals that give them that blue glow are feeding the seaweed. Rather than do the perimeter tour, I’d like to head out there to dive them.”
    Marwell’s face closed. “I can’t take you there. The blue holes aren’t safe.”
    Emma nodded. “I’ve heard the stories. Can you fill me in? Everyone seems to know the fables in general, but no one has the specifics. I’m told you might.”
    He sighed. “I used to get quite close to them. Not enough so that anyone could dive them, but close enough to get a glimpse. They’re famous among the diving set and a lot of people wanted to explore them. The only thing that has stopped them is the fact that they would have to dock here to do it, and this island is too expensive for most.” Marwell seemed reluctant to speak further. Emma decided to prod him.
    â€œWhat’s so dangerous about them?”
    â€œWell, they’ve never been mapped, for one thing. Some say they extend all the way to the Bahamas, where there is a second set. Like an underground network of caves. Once inside, they stretch downward. It takes a better than average diver to attempt them. And the rumors of a sea