Page 38 of Lost Cause
Burke followed closely behind. Perhaps too closely, as if he intended to trap Victor between them. She only hoped he didn’t reach out and touch him, or the squeamish old man could bolt and run back inside.
At the steps, she let go of his hand and started to turn.
He slowly pivoted to look around. A deer caught in the headlights look took over his expression, but finally, he shook his head. “You’re right. This place really is in disrepair. And the landscape. What have I done?”
Abby feared she was losing him. The overgrown weeds, leaves needing raking, and moss consuming every shady spot presented such a big problem that he’d finally recognized the state of his property. Recognized, but didn’t have the wherewithal to do anything about it, overwhelming him.
She gave him her best wattage smile. “Don’t worry about this now. There’s nothing wrong that can’t be fixed. Let’s focus on getting down to the boat where you can sit and enjoy the beautiful fall weather.”
The corners of his mouth actually tipped up in the hint of a smile. “Itisa beautiful day. The sunshine on my face and the cool breeze blowing fresh air feels wonderful. It’s been so long.” His voice broke, the last words strangled from his throat.
She took his hand again and used her most cheerful voice. “Ready to go?”
Without waiting for him to respond, she started down the steps, signaling for Burke to fall into place behind them. Thankfully, he’d remained silent and let her do her thing. Victor followed her, pausing to ensure his cane found purchase on each worn rock. His timid movement continued at first, but then he picked up speed until they reached the bottom.
“Just listen to those waves lapping against the shore.” Bewildered, he shook his head. “Why have I been so afraid to come out here? Makes no sense.”
Abby didn’t want to get into such a discussion now. She was certain if she got him onto the boat, they would make it to the mainland. How he would react when he had to encounter other people, sounds, traffic of a bigger town, she didn’t know, but they would face that problem when and if it arose.
“Our boat is ready for us.” She pulled him forward. “Be careful on the dock. It can be slippery.”
Burke continued at their rear, and the three of them reached his borrowed boat. He slipped past them and boarded.
“Our friend is a little unsteady on his feet,” Abby said as pleasantly as she could muster to make Victor relax. “Could you help him into the boat?”
“Sure thing.” Burke jumped into action and soon had Victor settled in the middle seat, his cane resting beside him and a lifejacket over his shoulders.
He tapped the bench seat next to him. “Sit by me, please.”
“Of course.” She took a lifejacket from Burke, cushioned it around her neck and sat in the empty place at Victor’s side.
Burke quickly untied the boat and revved the motor to get them away from the dock. Victor gasped, and Abby held her breath, waiting for him to insist they return to dry land. But he remained silent, clutching her hand as he looked around.
She had to give the man credit. He was overcoming his unease. Maybe it was the glorious skies—the clearest of blue with fluffy white clouds floating past—and the smooth water. As they motored toward the mainland, a cool breeze danced across the boat, and an occasional spray of water misted her face. The only other thing to make this perfect was if the bay was empty. Several colorful speedboats, two large sightseeing or charter fishing boats, and a pontoon boat dotted the water.
She had no idea if Burke was an experienced boater and could maneuver easily around these vessels, but she doubted his friend would’ve given him the boat if he didn’t have solidskills. He did look odd sitting behind the wheel in his tailored suit, white button-down shirt, and dress shoes. Seemed like something in his past had caused him to dress so formally. Was it a uniform he was hiding behind? She had to admit to being utterly intrigued by the mystery he presented, not to mention how fine he looked in a tailored suit.
She jerked her gaze back to the harbor before he caught her watching him. Anchored vessels bobbed like obstacles in bumper cars, and Burke brought the boat through the traffic without any harm.
The motor revved on one of the larger fishing boats. The bigger boat shot into action, the bow pointed straight toward them. Odd. All the other boats were either anchored or heading to or from the island. This boat was running parallel to the mainland, most likely headed to a preferred fishing area.
The large engine gunned, and the front of the boat rose from the water.
What were they up to? She sat up and glanced at Burke. He cupped his hand over his eyes and swiveled in the other boat’s direction, then pushed the throttle forward.
The engine roared. The boat kicked ahead. She grabbed on to the seat.
“What’s going on?” Victor cried out, his gaze shooting in all directions.
She didn’t answer. How could she? This poor man was terrified just to be on the water. She wasn’t about to tell him the larger vessel’s pilot seemed ready and willing to ram into them. At the very least, capsizing their boat—most likely ending their lives.
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Burke swallowed to control his panic. The large vessel was whipping through the water, on course to ram them. Could their little boat move fast enough to move them out of harm’s way?
Doubtful, but he had to try.
He pushed the throttle to the max, the engine groaning under the effort. Their boat jumped ahead and cut through the water. Good. He chanced a quick look at the other boat. It shot toward them like a torpedo. Burke’s boat was like a dead duck in a carnival shooting gallery. The craft with the higher horsepower would win this game. He, Victor, and Abby were helpless, easy targets.
