Read Online Final Settlement by Vicki Doudera - Free Book Online Page A

up. Darby left a message telling him she’d arrived in Maine safely, and said she’d call again soon with a quick update. “I know I’ve left everything in good hands,” she said, thinking about the various deals she had underway in Southern California, “but you know me—I like to keep in touch.” She then phoned the man who kept causing her to blush—Miles Porter.
    He answered in his clipped British accent. “Hallo?”
    Darby pictured him with his rugged face, dark brown hair, and ready smile. Her pulse quickened. “Miles, it’s me. I’m here on the island and thought I’d check in.”
    “Darby!” His voice sounded genuinely pleased. “I was just packing my rucksack with a warm Irish knit sweater from a consignment shop downtown. I figured it would keep me cozy, that is, when I’m not snuggling with you.”
    A flush went up her face. “Your visit’s sounding more and more appealing all the time. Are you sure you don’t want me to pick you up in Portland?”
    “Positive. You’ll have all kinds of wedding-y things to do with Tina. I’ll just get myself a car and drive up. I remember the way.”
    “That’s good to know. Be sure to tell me when your flight lands, okay? There’s supposed to be a little snow coming.”
    “Will do. Meanwhile, how does it feel to be back on Hurricane Harbor?”
    “Not as strange as it did last summer,” she confessed, realizing as she said it that it was true. “I’ve seen Tina, and spoken to Chief Dupont.” She stopped, remembering the awful fact of Lorraine Delvecchio’s death. “Miles, something terrible happened yesterday, on the Manatuck Breakwater.” She described Donny’s discovery and then her conversations with both the Chief and Alison Dyer.
    Miles whistled under his breath. “Is this Alison a trusty source?”
    “I think so. She doesn’t seem to have any reason to fabricate the story.”
    “So what happens now?”
    “The Chief thinks the Manatuck police will get right on it.” She then told him about Bitsy Carmichael’s arrival, and this time Miles laughed.
    “The poor bloke! After fifteen years she comes back to grab her share of the house? Bloody hell!” He chuckled again. “For a small island, that place has more going on than San Francisco. You be sure to be careful, Darby.”
    “Careful?”
    “Yes. You always want to help your friends. Sometimes that big heart of yours blinds you to danger, my dear.”
    “The only thing I have to watch out for is Tina making me into some big-haired bridesmaid.” Now it was her turn to giggle. “Miles, I think I’m getting punchy from lack of sleep.” She paused, punctuating her observation with an unintentional yawn. “I’ll see you tomorrow. I can’t wait.”
    “Me neither.” His voice was throaty. “Pleasant dreams.”
    Darby climbed under the flannel sheets and warm down comforter. She turned off the light and thought of Miles’s admonition to be careful. He’s sweet to worry about me , she thought, but this time I can throw caution to the proverbial wind .
    She rolled on her side and let her body relax, blissfully unaware of what was to come.
    _____
    A knock on the door at seven a.m. brought Darby down the stairs and to the kitchen with an inquisitive look on her face. She was dressed and ready to tackle a house project, so the unexpected visitor was a surprise.
    She peered out the window and saw Tina, bundled up in a bright pink coat with enormous black buttons. She was holding a paper bag and an oversized turquoise pocketbook.
    “Good morning,” Darby said, pulling open the door. “How’s the bride-to-be today?”
    Tina grunted and came into the warm kitchen. “Sorry to bug you so early, but I need to talk.” She thrust the paper bag at Darby. “I brought coffee and muffins.”
    Darby regarded her friend with concern. “Thanks. Let me get us some plates.”
    Tina pulled off her coat and black scarf and plunked down at the kitchen table. She grasped the plate of muffins from