Greta, oblivious to the sudden realization that struck them, kept going."They've overbooked every hotel; rumour has it people who couldn't get a place are being sent to the outer resorts.Can you imagine?The Italian resort filled up with American tourists from the cruise!Oh, it's not good."
"Wait, so they're bussing everyone around to different parts of the island?"Cici's voice was incredulous.
"Exactly.They didn't think it through," but Greta was cut short when a group of rowdy young men bumped into her, nearly knocking her over.
"Oh my!"she gasped, but Declan was quick, catching her before she fell.
"Well, that's enough for me!"Greta declared."You two be careful.I'm heading out."She waved them off and disappeared into the bar, likely making her way out through the back exit to avoid the crush of tourists.
"This is madness," Cici muttered to Declan, shaking her head."But at least we might have an answer about how Shelley got on the island."
As if on cue, a familiar voice piped up beside them."What do you mean, how I got on the island?"
Declan jumped in his seat as Shelley appeared, smiling sweetly."Where did you come from?"he yelped, clutching his chest in surprise.
"I was getting a drink for the show and saw you two sitting here," Shelley said casually."Why would you wonder how I got on the island?Like everyone else, of course."She flashed them a smile before turning her attention to the crowd as it settled in for the show."Scoot over a bit, Declan.My legs are still shaky from those awful docks at the Lagoon."Without waiting for him to move, Shelley slid in next to him, forcing him closer to Cici.
Declan shot an uncomfortable look at Cici, now pressed between them and the tourists at the end of the bench."You know what?I think I'm going to go."He stood abruptly, pushing Shelley to the side.For a moment, her polished smile faltered, but she quickly recovered.
"Leaving so soon?"she purred."The show's about to start."
Declan shook his head."I've seen it enough times, love.Enjoy."He gave Cici a meaningful look as he left, subtly pointing toward the east harbour parking lot.Cici nodded in understanding.That's where their teammates would be parking since it was the only area reserved for Lagoon staff and security ensured no tourists could enter.
As Declan disappeared, Cici turned back to Shelley and had to yell over the crowd, "Is that how you got on the island today?The cruise ship?"But either Shelley didn't hear or she was ignoring her.
"Oh, look," Shelley didn't miss a beat."There are dancers!"With this, Shelley got up and left.
Cici felt a knot form in her stomach.This wasn't her battle, and she knew she was being brushed off but did not know why.She knew she'd better watch Shelley, and so she followed her into the crowd.
Cici took one glancing look towards where the parking lot was and hoped the others would finish their tasks fast and come rescue her soon.
Chapter 64
Checking in
MartapulleduptoRiley's house and saw no lights, not the porch light nor any inside lights were on.Parking her little Suzuki jeep, she craned her neck, realizing that Riley's vehicle wasn't in its usual spot at the back corner of the house.She might have gone to the beach with Bear, Marta thought.
Doesn't hurt to knock, she mused, just in case Riley had left her vehicle at the Lagoon and caught a ride home with someone else.Carpooling wasn't unusual among team members, especially to save on gas.
As she approached the house, though, Marta knew no one was home.She knocked anyway, calling out, "Riley?Bear?"a few times before pulling out her keys and unlocking the door.
Stepping inside, she pulled the door shut behind her and headed toward the kitchen.It's funny, she thought, how everyone has keys to each other's places.When she first moved here from New York, it had struck her as strange.Back home, people would never give out their house keys.But on the island, it made sense.If your coworker had too much to drink and someone confiscated their keys, you definitely didn't want them crashing at your place.Better to take them to their own place to make a mess.
She chuckled, remembering when she'd helped Daniel home a few weeks ago.Her cheeks warmed at the memory of him, half-asleep, reaching out to stroke her cheek, telling her she was his favourite person.He didn't remember it, but she did.Oh, Daniel.One day, I'll tell you how I feel.
Scanning the room, Marta spotted a few notes on the table.She realized the second note was for her.
"Hey you!Nosy much?!Bear and I headed out for an adventure a day early.Off to the tiny island, then going to find eagle rays out by West End.Back before sunset tomorrow.Ciao, stalker!"
Marta laughed.Riley obviously knew someone would check on her.Marta couldn't remember which tiny island Riley was going to, but it didn't matter.It was probably better that she was gone while they figured out what Shelley was really doing on the island.
Marta, having glanced at the house, moved outside into the evening, breathing in the island air.She loved this time of day.In that instant, following dusk, as heat dissipated, and evening coolness settled in.I'm so lucky to live here, she thought.
Chapter 65
Moving in
GrayarrivedhomewithCam, hoping to find no sign of Shelley, but the moment he opened the door, his heart sank.
