Shelleystudiedthemapagain, squinting at the desolate road stretching out before her.Maybe she'd been wrong and everyone who said the Lagoon was only accessible by boat had been right.But how could that be?Coming from the States, it was hard to imagine a place you couldn't just drive to.
She glanced back at the map, then at the empty road, and sighed."Well," she muttered to herself, "guess I better turn around and try another route."
As she shifted the car into reverse, the compact rental sputtered and spun its tires in the sand.Shelley groaned as the wheels sank deeper."Oh, great!"she slapped the steering wheel in frustration as a small honk escaped pitifully from the horn.What had started as a promising day had taken a sharp turn into disaster.She was miles from the last paved road, with no traffic and no clue if the dirt path she'd followed even matched the map.
Resting her head on the steering wheel, she took a deep breath, trying to stave off a full-blown panic.A soft knock on her window jolted her to attention.
She screamed, jerking upright in her seat.A man stood outside with his hands raised, an apologetic smile on his face.She slowly rolled down the window partway.
"Sorry to scare you, miss.You okay?Strange spot to get stuck," his voice kind but curious.
Shelley stared at him, her brain scrambling for an explanation.When she didn't answer, he filled the silence.
"Let me guess, you were trying to find the dolphins?You don't look like a local."He smiled and extended his hand."I'm Bruce.And you?"
Shelley blinked.This was her chance; maybe this was the right road.She quickly pasted on her sweetest smile and shook his hand."Lisa," she lied smoothly."And you caught me.I'm definitely not from around here."
As she stepped out of the car, she instinctively grabbed her oversized sun hat and sunglasses.Bruce's gaze flicked to them, his eyebrows raising.
"So, are you a spy or something?Is that your disguise?"he teased with a booming laugh, the kind that made it hard not to laugh along.
Shelley grinned, slipping on the hat and glasses with an exaggerated flourish."What do you think?Am I totally incognito?"
Bruce chuckled, playing along."Well, if I didn't know better, I'd say you're some movie star trying to dodge the paparazzi.I think it makes you more in cognito."
He crouched to inspect her tires, shaking his head."Looks like you spun yourself into the sand.These rentals aren't built for roads like this.My Jeep's back at work, and I've got a tow rope.Let me grab it, and we'll get you unstuck."
Shelley perked up."Oh, I'd be much obliged," she said, letting her Southern charm seep into her voice."I'd owe you big time."
Bruce stood, brushing off his hands."Hang tight.I'll be right back."
As he walked away, Shelley let out a small, involuntary sound.
He stopped, turning back to her."You okay?"
Shelley hesitated, then gave him a sheepish look."I...um, I don't feel great about staying here alone.And--" she lowered her voice, feigning embarrassment, "I really need to go pee, and I'm not exactly a 'pee-in-the-woods' kind of gal."
Bruce laughed again, a deep belly laugh."You're something else.Alright, come with me.I'll take you as far as the gates.The guard dogs are already out, but I'll get them kenneled, and there's a restroom near the parking lot.We'll come back and get your car out.Are you good to walk in those shoes?"He pointed to her strappy sandals with a raised brow.
Shelley slipped her arm through his, flashing him a dazzling smile."Oh, absolutely.These are my best hiking shoes.Lead on, leading man!"
Bruce shook his head, chuckling as they started down the road.She was no ordinary tourist, but he figured he'd learn soon enough what she was up to.
Chapter 43
Bribes
"You'realifesaver,Bruce!"Shelley stepped out of the washroom.Her eyes scanned the area, subtly taking in every detail while trying not to look suspicious.
"No worries at all, Lisa.Now hop in, and I'll get you back to town where you can dance in those fancy shoes instead of getting stuck out here."
As they drove back through the gate, Shelley mentally noted every turn and silently counted the seconds between landmarks.She'd gotten closer to the Lagoon than she'd realized.A spark of satisfaction flickered.She still had one more day to set her plan in motion before confronting Gray.
"How long have you worked here?"She asked casually when they reached her stranded car.
"Well, the Lagoon's been around about eight years, and I've been here for nearly all of them.The job suits me fine; dogs keep watch, dolphins don't cause trouble, and it's mostly quiet.Unless pesky movie stars come sneaking around."He flashed a broad grin as he climbed out of the Jeep.
Shelley laughed lightly, playing along."Caught me.Guess I need a better disguise next time."
