Read Online Stranded by Dani Pettrey - Free Book Online Page A

shoulder. “I adapted.”
    â€œYes, you did, but that doesn’t make you an outdoor enthusiast.”
    â€œI love the outdoors and the sports competitions I cover. I simply enjoy being comfortable.” Was that so unreasonable?
    He linked his arms across his chest. “Uh-huh.”
    â€œTrust me, I’ll be fine. But I wish I didn’t have to waste time out on the excursions when I should be investigating on the ship.”
    â€œThen stay on board.”
    â€œI can’t. I was hired to cover the excursions.”
    â€œWell,” he said, kicking his feet up on the coffee table, “if nothing else, this ought to be entertaining.”

    He answered his cell. This was getting old. He’d clearly promoted the wrong man. “What?”
    â€œI took care of the bag.”
    â€œSo you’re calling me to tell me you did your job?” At least Jeremy’d had some pride. This guy was ridiculous.
    â€œNo, there’s something else. . . .”
    â€œYou going to tell me, or do I have to chat it out of you?” What a pansy .
    â€œI thought you should know that the cruise line’s journalist is asking questions about the undercover reporter.”
    He stiffened. “What kind of questions?”
    â€œWhy she left so suddenly . . . That sort of thing.”
    He tapped his glass. “And what are people telling her?”
    â€œAs far as I can tell, everyone’s simply brushing it off as not being out of the norm.”
    Which, unfortunately, could prove more problematic than if they’d expressed concern. He shifted his glass to the side and leaned forward, lowering his voice. “Keep an eye on her. See who she talks to. Find out what she learns. Even better, dissuade her from asking.”
    â€œMeaning?”
    â€œBe creative.” Though he doubted the man possessed the capacity. He straightened, brushing a piece of lint off his lapel. “In the meantime, I’ll do some digging on this adventure journalist.”
    â€œYou think she’s not who she claims?”
    â€œLet’s just say I haven’t gotten where I am by ignoring possible threats—slight or otherwise.” And Darcy St. James was beginning to sound like a viable threat. One best nipped in the bud.

10
    Darcy met up with the excursion team on the dock as instructed. The air was crisp, but the sun, thankfully, was remarkably bright. The photo excursion groups—which made up the bulk of the passengers participating in excursions—had headed out while it was still dark, apparently wanting to get great shots of the sunrise over the bay. While she appreciated a beautiful sunrise, she appreciated the extra couple hours of sleep even more.
    Mullins bustled her way. “Ms. St. James.”
    â€œGood morning.” Darcy glanced about the marina. “Where do I meet up with the supply ship?”
    â€œSupply ship?” Mullins’ penciled-in brows arched.
    â€œI was told we have a transport vessel to ferry supplies over to the campsite.”
    â€œSupplies, yes.” She waved over to where George and Phillip were loading supplies onto a sturdy utilitarian boat. “You, no.”
    â€œI don’t understand. I thought you wanted me on the excursion.”
    â€œThat’s right. On the excursion.”
    Surely she wasn’t suggesting . . . ?
    â€œYou were hired to provide potential cruisers with a firsthand look at the adventures they can experience. The only way to properly do that is to experience the adventures firsthand.”
    â€œBut . . .”
    Mullins frowned, the lines around her mouth deepening. “Is there a problem?”
    Darcy rubbed the back of her neck. “I just thought—”
    â€œThis is what headquarters wants, what they hired you to do. If you’re not able or willing, we can always get another journalist.”
    â€œNo. That won’t be necessary. I’m