Read Online Nanny by Christina Skye - Free Book Online Page B

unnatural that the air felt charged and seemed to dance whenever he was close.
    She tried to believe that. It helped her to steel her resolve.
    She had locked the door, and it rattled now.
    â€œCara? Damn it, what’s wrong?”
    She was fully dressed when she opened the door. Her hair was brushed smooth, glistening where it was caught back in a rubber band, and her cheeks were pale beneath their careful makeup. “I have to go, Tate.”
    â€œGo?” He stared at her, taking in her fully buttoned suit, the purse on her shoulder. “I don’t understand. You have to pick out your dress tonight. You know it’s your last chance. Otherwise, they won’t guarantee the work will be done in time.”
    Oh, the insidious stab of weakness.
    The pain of letting go of so many dreams.
    â€œIt doesn’t matter, Tate. I won’t be needing the dress after all.” Cara turned, drawing her hands behind her back.
Don’t let him see,
she prayed.
Above all, don’t let him argue.
“Not today. Not next week.”
    â€œI don’t understand,” he repeated. “Do you have to work late again? Is this something to do with the Costello appeal?”
    â€œIt has nothing to do with work.” Cara hardened her voice, closed her heart. “It’s over between us.” She forced out the awful words like pits from a bitter fruit. “I’m sorry, Tate, but I can’t marry you. The wedding is off.”

chapter 6
    W hen Summer reached the aquarium, Audra was nowhere to be seen.
    Â Frowning, she checked with the nearest guard. “School group number three finished fifteen minutes ago, ma’am.” He studied a column on his clipboard. “Their bus just left. Number twenty-three.”
    â€œHave you seen their student docent? Small girl, brown hair. She was wearing a red jacket and a black shirt.”
    â€œYou mean Audra O’Connor? Sure, I saw her. She took group three today.” The guard shoved back his hat. “Come to think of it, I haven’t seen her around since the tour finished.”
    Years of training snapped into place as Summer motioned to Sophy. “Stay beside me, honey. Stay very close.” She scanned the room, searching for dark hair and a bright red jacket. “We’ve got to find Audra.” She held out an aquarium map to the guard, noting his name and badge number. “Please show me the route the tour took.” Her voice fell. “And this is no rehearsal, Simon. I’ll need three of your guards to patrol the other floors. Please give a radio description to all staff members, too.” Her voice was crisp. “How many other exits?”
    â€œLoading and Receiving. There’s the rear deck facing the ocean, but—”
    â€œAlert them all, and give them Audra’s description.” Summer was already shaping a field plan, sorting through her options. Most would involve approval of the aquarium director. “I need to speak with your head of security.”
    The guard looked worried as he traced the tour route and handed the map back to Summer. “You don’t think—I mean, her mother told the museum director about what’s been going on, but—”
    Summer cut him off, glancing down at Sophy. “Call me on my cell phone with any news, Simon. And give your security director my number.” She rattled off a string of numbers.
    â€œYes, ma’am.”
    Summer was at the far stairs when he called her back, his walkie-talkie raised to his ear.
    â€œI’d better take you upstairs myself, Ms. Mulvaney.”
    â€œDid you find Audra?”
    â€œNo, ma’am, but we found her red jacket.” His face was grim. “A guard noticed it behind a bench near the sea-otter tank.”
    â€œSimon, get people on the exit doors immediately.” Summer had a cold feeling in her stomach as she tried Audra’s cell phone. Again there was no