Page 72 of Deadly Waves

“Don’t tell me what to do,” Tabitha snapped. “You’re not the boss of me. Haven’t we been over this before? My father got you this job. I’m the boss of you.”

Peterson didn’t look pleased with the outburst. “Yes, you’ve told me that a hundred times,” he said dryly. “I’m not trying to boss you around. I’m merely explaining that there’s no reason to panic.”

“How can you say that?” Tabitha asked, frustrated. “James Hardy knows about your past. He told my father everything.”

“Everything?”

“Er, well, he told him quite a bit before I made a scene and left,” Tabitha replied. “I told him he was mistaken, but I’m not sure he believed me.”

“He still doesn’t have proof,” Peterson pointed out. “All he has are suspicions. He’ll be off this boat in less than forty-eight hours. We can survive until then if we make a point of staying away from one another and give him no reason to question us.”

“I think it’s too late for that,” Tabitha said.

“I think you’re feeling dramatic this evening and you need to calm down,” Peterson said, resting his hand on the girl’s shoulder. “Relax, girl. I’ve got everything under control. I promise.”

Mandy shifted her eyes to Sophie, something unsaid passing between them. Silently they moved to step away from the pool area, making sure to keep to the shadows so they weren’t discovered. Mandy had every intention of running back to the dining room and telling James what they’d found and letting him deal with the fallout.

Unfortunately, that wasn’t in the cards for the dynamic threesome.

Ally inadvertently bumped into one of the fence legs as she swiveled, making a loud clanging sound when her bracelet hit the metal.

Peterson’s head snapped up at the sound, his eyes narrowing and causing Mandy’s blood to run cold when they locked gazes.

“Well, well, well,” he sneered, shaking his head as he released Tabitha. “Look what we have here.”

“I told you,” Tabitha crowed. “They know.”

“It appears they do know,” Peterson confirmed. “That’s … unfortunate. I believe we now find ourselves in a very awkward position. How are we going to deal with that?”

Mandy had no idea what he had planned, but she hated the chilly tone of his voice. He sounded evil. “I have a suggestion,” she said, licking her lips. “I think we’re going to run back to the dining room and tell everyone what’s going on. You guys can stay here and continue your lover’s spat. How does that sound?”

“Not good,” Peterson said, taking a step in their direction. “Perhaps we should talk first.”

“I’m going to decline,” Mandy said.

“That’s not an option,” Peterson growled. “This is a mistake. You have no idea what you just witnessed.”

“I know you’re sick and gross,” Mandy countered. “That’s good enough for me. Run!”