Read Online Uncharted Waters by Linda Castillo - Free Book Online

her. She would never forget Drew had done that.
    A few minutes after takeoff, the sun transformed the eastern horizon into an artist’s palette of Easter egg pastels. To the west, cumulus clouds swirled and bloomed in violent shades of red and orange and purple. When the sun peaked over the horizon to the east, yellow rays shot through the clouds like fiery streamers, turning the ocean from midnight blue to luminescent turquoise.
    Alison watched the event unfold in silent awe. The magic of the moment was so pure, so intense, even Kevin, who tended to be chatty in the morning, went silent and simply gaped. She looked up once to see Drew looking back at her with a grin on his face, and she found herself incredibly thankful he’d shared this with them.
    By the time the seaplane landed, Kevin had talked himself to exhaustion and was nestled against her, asleep. Alison smiled at Drew when he came through the hatch after securing the pontoons to the dock. “That was the most beautiful sunrise I’ve ever seen,” she said quietly. “Thank you for sharing it with us.”
    Taking off his headset, Drew looked down at thechild. “Looks like maybe all the excitement did him in.”
    â€œHe was so excited, he had a hard time getting to sleep last night. Plus, his chest was getting a little tight, so I gave him some of his medication a few minutes ago,” she said. “It wipes him out sometimes.”
    â€œI guess 6:00 a.m. is kind of early for such a little guy, huh?”
    â€œI should get him home.”
    Drew stepped into the aisle, shoved his hands into his pockets. “I could carry Kevin inside for you and make some coffee if you’d like.”
    â€œThat sounds great.” She smiled at him. “I’ve got something I want to tell you, anyway.”
    His expression turned guarded.
    Rolling her eyes, she punched him good-naturedly on the shoulder. “Don’t worry, it’s good news.”
    â€œWell, I guess I can handle a little good news.” Bending slightly, he scooped Kevin out of the seat and into his arms. “Come on.”
    Alison couldn’t help but notice the way his biceps bunched and flexed when he lifted her son, and she felt an odd flutter in the pit of her stomach. His hands looked large and strong, but incredibly gentle as he cradled the boy against his big body. He stepped onto the dock then turned to help her, but Alison waved him off and jumped effortlessly onto the dock. Once they had disembarked, he closed the hatch and they started toward the office.
    They were midway there when the sound of tires crunching over gravel drew her attention. A dark SUV with tinted windows pulled into the parking lot and stopped near the dock. Holding Kevin, Drew stoppedto watch as four casually dressed men climbed out of the vehicle and started toward them.
    â€œDo you have another tour this morning?” she asked.
    â€œNo, but sometimes tourists make their appointments in person.” He turned to her. “Why don’t you take Kevin inside? Let me see what they want, and I’ll meet you there in a few minutes.”
    She accepted Kevin, then looked from Drew to the four men. They looked harmless for the most part. Sneakers. Boat shoes. One wore a colorful Hawaiian shirt, the other three golf shirts. Three were clean-shaven. One wore a neatly trimmed beard. Tourists, she thought. Only they didn’t look friendly, and they didn’t look like they’d spent much time in the sun.
    Reaching into his pocket, Drew pressed his office keys into her hand. “The big round key fits the door. I’ll be with you in a few minutes.”
    Aware that Kevin was heavy and growing restless in her arms, she started toward the office. Once inside, she carried him to a well-worn leather sofa and laid him down. He looked exhausted. Smiling down at him, she brushed her thumb over his forehead, felt a quick swell of love. “Sleep tight,