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

just surprised is all.”
    â€œGood. Then I suggest you scurry over to the vans before they leave without you.”
    Darcy followed Mullins’ outstretched hand to the two white vans waiting in the parking lot at the end of the pier. Gage’s sister Kayden stood by one, Deputy Sheriff Landon Grainger by the other. Why is Landon here? Maybe he had good news about Abby and wanted to share it firsthand. Or  . . . Her heart sank. Maybe he had bad news and felt the need to deliver it in person.
    She hesitated, wanting answers but suddenly afraid of what she might be about to learn—of how the news Landon held could permanently change her life. Gage’s sister Piper made eye contact with her, and an enormous smile filled Piper’s face. Excusing herself from the group, she darted toward Darcy.
    Darcy moved to greet her.
    Piper wrapped her in a big hug. “So good to see you again.”
    Darcy reveled in the warmth of friendship but pulled back,glancing around. Fortunately Mullins had already headed back aboard the ship.
    Piper straightened, glancing about too. “I’m sorry. Am I not supposed to know you?”
    â€œNo. It’s fine. The employment liaison, Ms. Mullins, knows I worked an event in Yancey, but . . .”
    â€œYou want to keep your connection to us subtle,” Piper said. She had a gift for observation and deduction.
    Darcy felt horrible saying it but . . . “Yeah.” It was best for the case.
    Piper took a step back, shifting her hands to her pockets. “Totally understand.”
    â€œThanks.”
    Piper leaned in. “I’m really sorry about your friend. Anything we can do to help?”
    â€œThanks. I appreciate it. I’m anxious to hear what Landon’s learned.”
    â€œGage says you’re riding to the launch point with us?”
    â€œApparently I’m kayaking with you too.” Darcy prayed the fear dancing a jig in her stomach didn’t show on her face.
    â€œThat’s what Gage said.”
    Gage knew and hadn’t said anything to her? Maybe he’d assumed—just as Mullins had—that, since kayaking was part of the job she’d accepted, she’d be good with it. But Abby most certainly hadn’t mentioned kayaking when she called, nor had headquarters brought it up. They’d gone on and on about firsthand experience and accompanying the excursions, but she’d assumed she’d be on a boat . . . with a motor . . . that was difficult to capsize. She’d been so anxious to get on board, to work the case with Abby, she hadn’t bothered asking questions or even paying much attention towhat was being said. That was not like her at all. What had she been thinking?
    As they approached the group, Piper leaned in to whisper, “We’ve situated the vans so you can ride with Landon to the launch point.”
    â€œThanks.”
    Gage addressed the group. “My sister Piper will call out your name and direct you to the appropriate van. We’ll take a quick ride to the northwest coast of Aukaneck, where the kayaks are waiting, and we’ll launch from there and paddle across to Kesuk Island.”
    Within minutes, everyone was settled in the vans and they were pulling away from the parking lot.
    Piper had worked it so Darcy was strategically placed in the front passenger seat of the first van while Landon drove.
    Piper and Gage sat in the two bucket seats located directly behind them, affording a small barrier of privacy between them and the passengers in subsequent rows.
    Gage and Piper swiveled around, addressing the passengers.
    â€œSo, who’s excited about today?” Piper asked.
    Darcy ignored the conversation and various replies, fixing her attention on Landon instead. “So?”
    â€œHaving seen how upset you were, I wanted to be thorough, so I flew over to Kodiak to talk to the night staff.”
    â€œAnd . . .