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between them. But Lisa caught her grandmother frowning at her just before she went inside the house. Obviously she didn’t approve of Charles.
    Everybody was trying to run Lisa’s life—trying to decide what was best for her. Lisa sighed. Thankfully that wasn’t true of her grandmother. She’d always steered Lisa to read what was truly in her heart. To trust her intuition.

8
    Ben made sure he didn’t work Friday. It was Lisa’s birthday and although he hadn’t been invited, he really didn’t need an invitation. Somebody always crashed Mrs. Claxton’s parties and she welcomed him or her with open arms. If they knew it was Lisa’s birthday, some of the islanders would stop by just to give her greetings. He was one of them.
    He’d dressed well for it. Lisa only saw him in his bar clothes and jeans around the island. He’d just moved there two years ago, so the only time he really saw her was at work. He’d never taken her on a date.
    Ben made his way to the deck. The place was crowded. Looked like the entire family was there. Some of them were playing cards. Others were gathered in groups talking.
    The house in back of them had been torn down. Hoyt and Naomi Claxton had purchased the land and hired Sam Lyons to plant a flower garden there. The flowers were thriving.
    Ben searched for Lisa. He didn’t see her anywhere. He approached Gabrielle. “Where’s the birthday girl?”
    â€œI guess she’s inside with Brian.”
    â€œBrian?” Ben asked, annoyed yet curious.
    â€œShe brought him to the party,” Gabrielle said.
    Gabrielle’s husband called her. Smiling toward Ben, she excused herself and left.
    Ben scowled and his temper flared. That lying cheat. She seemed so sincere at the bar when she was merely lying to use him for information. As hard as he’d been trying to get a date with Lisa, she had the nerve to bring another man to the party? He hadn’t heard a word about her dating someone. Who was this guy?
    He was going to check out the competition.
    Ben spent a few minutes outside. Somebody called him over to play a card game. He had such a hard time concentrating, he lost every hand. Lisa came out, mingled with the crowd. More people came and others left.
    It was an hour before he could get her alone.
    â€œHappy birthday,” he said.
    â€œThanks.”
    She was looking especially pretty in her red blouse and black jeans, and wearing more makeup than usual. He shook his head. She sure had a figure that did wonders for a tight pair of jeans.
    â€œHow did the interview go? Did you get the job?”
    She touched his arm and smiled. “I did. Thanks a lot.” She paused, then she said, “I don’t think the news of Mrs. Woolsley’s death has reached the island yet. I found her dead at the Knight house this morning. She was murdered.”
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œShush,” Lisa said, glancing around. “I don’t feel like explaining the details to my family tonight. They’d grill me for hours and I’m not up for that.”
    Ben understood. The Claxtons were very protective. “You okay?”
    She nodded.
    â€œGuess you won’t be going back there. Your family’s gonna find out soon, though.”
    â€œI know.”
    â€œSo where’s this guy you brought to the party?” he asked.
    â€œHe’s resting. He just got back from overseas.”
    â€œYeah? Who is he?”
    â€œHe’s in the Navy.”
    The bottom dropped out of Ben’s stomach. “So he’s your new boyfriend?”
    She sighed. “No. I’m single, remember?”
    Ben didn’t quite know what to believe.

    Justin was sweating profusely. He wanted to get this job completed and move on with his life. He’d tried and tried to call Tootsie, but as soon as the housekeeper had shown her face, Tootsie had disappeared. Justin had nothing. Not the copy or the actual bowl.