But I can’t!How would that conversation even go? How did a person overcome the wall they’d built?
“Thank you for telling me and letting me go with you in case something goes wrong. I hope it doesn’t. I hope you find out what you need to find out from Diggins. You got a laptop today, but I assume you haven’t been able to get online much to do more research.”
She chuckled and explained about her portable satellite. “Still, I don’t like to research online before going in.”
“Excuse me?”
“I follow in my father’s footsteps”—it was hard not to bring up her family ties—“in talking to the locals and forming my basic knowledge that way before I read anything out there on the internet. He wasn’t a journalist per se, but he was a good researcher, and he did much of it on his book, well, before he died. There are four basic methods—observation, conversation, interviews, and research. I chartered the boat so I could get a distant view, observe the coast from the ocean while talking to Malloy. That’s what Dad did.”
“You mean you want to get the perspective from the locals. Their thoughts on the ghost ship kind of thing before reading about it. You’re coming at it with different context than most.”
“Exactly. I’ll observe and have conversations, and really, that’s all my interview will be. I’m just having a conversation. What does Diggins know about theSpecter’s Bounty? That’s what I want to learn.”
“Because Malloy mentioned him.”
“Yes.”
“I enjoyed the museum with you yesterday. I’d like to learn more about theSpecter’s Bountytoo. What more can I do to help you finish this book?”
And that’s what she wanted from him. Still, it surprised her. Cressida tilted her head, studying him. “I appreciate your offer. Can I ask ...whyso interested?”
He didn’t shift uncomfortably at her direct question. Could mean he was well trained. She wanted to know his background—everything about him—and maybe they had already crossed the professional lines into personal. She wasn’t exactly sure because despite that, she wanted to have fun—a ride on a motorcycle, a nice dinner with a handsome, interesting man at the end of the day...
I’m not ready for that. So. Not. Ready.
This detective ... this man sitting across from her was definitely giving her the interested vibes, though she sensed that he was holding back too.
“Why am I so interested? The sooner you finish your research, the sooner you can get home where you’ll be safe.”
“Sounds like you want to get rid of me.”Oh boy.She stared at her plate.I need to stop flirting and pulling him into my web and acting like Mom.The last thing she wanted to do was become Octavia Dane—a master manipulator.
Pursing her lips, she glanced up at him. She hadn’t wanted to see his reaction. Cressida needed to shift gears.
Now.Before it was too late. She wished she hadn’t suggested the motorcycle. She liked this man too much to play games.
His smile, those huge dimples...
Cressida had to look away.
“I appreciate your concern. I do. Really.”
“But?”
“There’s no but.” She held his gaze. She had to think about her next words. This experience in Hidden Bay was strange at the very least, with the attack and the warnings and the stonewalling of her interview with Evelyn Monroe. And she certainly hadn’t expected to have a detective in her life. A man she liked and might want to get to know better. But once this was over, she was going home.
“Given the attack on you, I think the sooner you’re done, the better,” he said. “But Cressida, I’m not trying to get rid of you. Not at all.”
He hadn’t needed to add that last part, and she could feel that message he sent enveloping her. Maybe he hadn’t intended to reveal himself, but she was definitely reading him now.
Arms on the table, she leaned forward. “I’m not one to play games or hold back, but in my experience as a journalist, I have to play all the pieces at the right time, let’s say. I guess what I’m saying is that I want to put all the cards on the table with you tonight. Here and now.”
He remained expressionless, which told her that on the inside he was reacting to her words.
“I’m listening.”
A laugh escaped, and she stared at the table.I’m really doing this.“I don’t know why someone would target me. I have no idea why I was warned. I’ve been on this research journey to finish my father’s book for about eight months now.” She lifted her shoulders. “I’m glad you asked me to dinner tonight because having you around is an extra layer of protection I never thought I’d need. I worked as a journalist in the past, and got into some awkward situations,but honestly, I’ve never almost been drowned. I’ve never felt so vulnerable.”
In his eyes she could see so many questions, passionate emotions, and something hidden. Something else. So Detective Braden had his own secrets.
