Read Online Flukes by Nichole Chase - Free Book Online Page A

about it. For years. But you would have been miserable.”
    “So would you guys. You and Mom love this place as much as I do.” I smiled at him.
    “We would have given it all up if it would’ve been the best thing for you.”
    “I know, Dad.” It was time to change the subject before either of us got too mushy. “So, what’s the deal with the crew this year?”
    “Yeah, I was going to talk to you about that.” Dad rubbed the back of his neck. “I don’t want you to spend much time around the workers. Some of them are a bit rougher than usual.”
    “What about Blake? You told me to work with him.” My voice was a little rushed and I hoped I didn’t sound worried. Or anxious. Crap.
    “Blake’s a good apple. I’m not worried about him.”
    “He put some kid in the hospital.” I stood up and brushed the sand off my shorts.
    “I’m betting he had a reason for what he did.” Dad narrowed his eyes at me. “Not that I think that excuses him. He deserves his punishment.”
    “Then why send him to work with me?” I wanted to hear the truth for myself.
    “I knew he would come up with something that worked for our place.” Dad always trusted his gut. And it was usually right. “Plus, I thought he would make sure no one gave you a hard time. I saw him with Devin the other day.”
    Heat rushed to my cheeks as I remembered Blake standing up for me. I didn’t want him to think I was helpless, but it had been something to see him ready to defend me. Dad just looked at me, a small smile pulling at his mouth, and I tried to wipe any expression from my face.
    “I don’t need a babysitter.” Crossing my arms, I decided to go on the offensive. All the better to keep him from thinking anything scary about me and Blake. “I certainly don’t need a hoodlum to take care of me.”
    “He was brought up around business and has an eye for design. His dad was the first one to fund Flukes, you know.” I hadn’t known that. It seemed like a weird circle to have his son working here now. “Blake’s been around boardrooms his whole life. Even if he doesn’t realize it, he’s picked up a lot of the trade. You understand the sanctuary and love the animals. It’s a good pairing for the project.” Dad stretched his arms above his head and groaned. “Go swim. I know you’re dying to get out there and this old man is ready to relax for a little while.”
    “‘Kay.” I walked backward toward the beach, keeping my eyes on Dad. “But we’re not done talking about the babysitter issue.”
    “Yeah, yeah. Go, already.” He turned away but his voice drifted to my ears. “Stay close tonight, though. Someone saw a shark earlier.”
    “Save me some dinner!” I ran for the beach, my skin ready for the water, and I kicked off my shoes and pulled my shirt off. Kicking my shorts to the side, I waded out as far as I could before diving in. I slipped my bathing suit bottom off and wrapped it around my wrist like a bracelet. My left hand tingled during the change, so I shook it in confusion, but there was nothing on it. I must be even more tired than I thought.
    The water was refreshing and I enjoyed the warm breeze that hit the top of my wet head as I floated. The moon was bright, casting sharp shadows under the clear water. This was my little slice of heaven. It was the only time I was completely myself. Not that I wasn’t myself when wearing legs, just that this was my most comfortable form.
    After a while, I let Mitch out and we swam around the area. We checked for shells and sea glass—a hobby of mine. I loved making jewelry out of the pieces I found. Something bright flashed in the moonlight, and as I dug it out of the sand, I almost missed Mitch’s excited twitters. She shoved at me with her nose, herding me toward a small reef. She was a pushy dolphin all the time, but this was different. She was worried and agitated. Thinking that maybe there was a shark in the area, I heeded her warnings and hid as best I