Stranded (7 page)

Darcy met up with the excursion team on the dock as instructed. The air was crisp, but the sun, thankfully, was remarkably bright. The photo excursion groups—which made up the bulk of the passengers participating in excursions—had headed out while it was still dark, apparently wanting to get great shots of the sunrise over the bay. While she appreciated a beautiful sunrise, she appreciated the extra couple hours of sleep even more.

Mullins bustled her way. “Ms. St. James.”

“Good morning.” Darcy glanced about the marina. “Where do I meet up with the supply ship?”

“Supply ship?” Mullins' penciled-in brows arched.

“I was told we have a transport vessel to ferry supplies over to the campsite.”

“Supplies, yes.” She waved over to where George and Phillip were loading supplies onto a sturdy utilitarian boat. “You, no.”

“I don't understand. I thought you wanted me on the excursion.”

“That's right.
On
the excursion.”

Surely she wasn't suggesting . . . ?

“You were hired to provide potential cruisers with a
firsthand
look at the adventures they can experience. The only way to properly do that is to experience the adventures firsthand.”

“But . . .”

Mullins frowned, the lines around her mouth deepening. “Is there a problem?”

Darcy rubbed the back of her neck. “I just thought—”

“This is what headquarters wants, what they hired you to do. If you're not able or willing, we can always get another journalist.”

“No. That won't be necessary. I'm just surprised is all.”

“Good. Then I suggest you scurry over to the vans before they leave without you.”

Darcy followed Mullins' outstretched hand to the two white vans waiting in the parking lot at the end of the pier. Gage's sister Kayden stood by one, Deputy Sheriff Landon Grainger by the other.
Why is Landon here?
Maybe he had good news about Abby and wanted to share it firsthand.
Or
 . . . Her heart sank. Maybe he had bad news and felt the need to deliver it in person.

She hesitated, wanting answers but suddenly afraid of what she might be about to learn—of how the news Landon held could permanently change her life. Gage's sister Piper made eye contact with her, and an enormous smile filled Piper's face. Excusing herself from the group, she darted toward Darcy.

Darcy moved to greet her.

Piper wrapped her in a big hug. “So good to see you again.”

Darcy reveled in the warmth of friendship but pulled back,
glancing around. Fortunately Mullins had already headed back aboard the ship.

Piper straightened, glancing about too. “I'm sorry. Am I not supposed to know you?”

“No. It's fine. The employment liaison, Ms. Mullins, knows I worked an event in Yancey, but . . .”

“You want to keep your connection to us subtle,” Piper said. She had a gift for observation and deduction.

Darcy felt horrible saying it but . . . “Yeah.” It was best for the case.

Piper took a step back, shifting her hands to her pockets. “Totally understand.”

“Thanks.”

Piper leaned in. “I'm really sorry about your friend. Anything we can do to help?”

“Thanks. I appreciate it. I'm anxious to hear what Landon's learned.”

“Gage says you're riding to the launch point with us?”

“Apparently I'm kayaking with you too.” Darcy prayed the fear dancing a jig in her stomach didn't show on her face.

“That's what Gage said.”

Gage knew and hadn't said anything to her? Maybe he'd assumed—just as Mullins had—that, since kayaking was part of the job she'd accepted, she'd be good with it. But Abby most certainly hadn't mentioned kayaking when she called, nor had headquarters brought it up. They'd gone on and on about firsthand experience and accompanying the excursions, but she'd assumed she'd be on a boat . . . with a motor . . . that was difficult to capsize. She'd been so anxious to get on board, to work the case with Abby, she hadn't bothered asking questions or even paying much attention to
what was being said. That was not like her at all. What had she been thinking?

As they approached the group, Piper leaned in to whisper, “We've situated the vans so you can ride with Landon to the launch point.”

“Thanks.”

Gage addressed the group. “My sister Piper will call out your name and direct you to the appropriate van. We'll take a quick ride to the northwest coast of Aukaneck, where the kayaks are waiting, and we'll launch from there and paddle across to Kesuk Island.”

Within minutes, everyone was settled in the vans and they were pulling away from the parking lot.

Piper had worked it so Darcy was strategically placed in the front passenger seat of the first van while Landon drove.

Piper and Gage sat in the two bucket seats located directly behind them, affording a small barrier of privacy between them and the passengers in subsequent rows.

Gage and Piper swiveled around, addressing the passengers.

“So, who's excited about today?” Piper asked.

Darcy ignored the conversation and various replies, fixing her attention on Landon instead. “So?”

“Having seen how upset you were, I wanted to be thorough, so I flew over to Kodiak to talk to the night staff.”

“And . . . ?” She could barely sit still as they drove through the town of Eagle Cove, along the coast toward the northwestern tip of Aukaneck Island. The main village was quaint and would no doubt make a nice destination for the passengers opting not to join one of the excursions.

Landon cleared his throat as he banked right, heading away from the central village.

“Turns out a woman
was
brought in to Kodiak Hospital late last night.”

Hope welled inside her. “Abby?”

“That's the name that was given. . . .”

“But . . . ?” Her eyes narrowed.

Landon's grip tightened on the steering wheel. “She was gone, apparently left rather abruptly soon after being brought in.”

“How abruptly?”

“The triage nurse spoke with her briefly. She identified herself as Abby Walsh, told the nurse she was fine, and took off before she could even be registered, let alone assessed by the doctor.”

“So that explains why the day shift didn't know about her.”

“Right.”

She shifted, the seat belt pinning her uncomfortably. “If it was Abby, then why hasn't she sent word?”

“I don't know, but the entire thing seems odd.”

“Because she left the hospital so quickly?” If it was Abby, she was probably hoping to get back to the ship or at least to get word to her.

“That's one thing.” Landon tapped the steering wheel as she slackened the belt cutting across her midsection. “You said you heard the alarm go off around ten thirty?”

“Yes.”

“The woman wasn't brought in to Kodiak Hospital until nearly one o'clock.”

“I don't understand.” She frowned as noise swelled in the rear of the van. “Why so long of a time gap?”

Landon glanced in his rearview mirror at the commotion. “I don't know.”

“We've got an instigator back here,” Gage said, leaning forward.

“What?” Darcy turned with a start. “How so?”

“Heath thinks he's the life of the party. We'll have to keep an eye on him.”

Landon smiled at Darcy's confusion. “What Gage means is when you have a show-off, they are likely to make stupid choices out on the water.”

“Or prod others to do so,” Gage added.

“Like the popular kids in high school, always egging one another on?” she said.

Gage tapped the back of her seat. “Exactly.” He turned back to the commotion, and she redirected her thoughts to Abby.

“So do you think it was Abby?”

“There's no way to be certain. A man dropped her off, saying he had to hurry back to the ship before it was too far gone, but after nearly three hours, he'd have to meet up with it at the next port.”

“I don't like it.”

“Neither do I.”

“We need to show the nurse Abby's picture and see if she can confirm whether or not it was in fact her.”

“I already did. I pulled Abby's driver's license photo after you left the station.”

“And?”

“The nurse said the ER was hectic that night. The woman had the same hair color, same basic build, but she couldn't be certain one way or another.”

“Why such a long time delay? What were they doing for three hours?”

“I don't know. Their decision to take the woman to Kodiak rather than back on the ship indicates they were close to the island.”

“And I could see the town lights in the distance when I finally made it out on deck.”

“The hospital sits barely a block from shore. They should have reached it in well under an hour.”

“So why did it take so long?”

Landon pulled the van to a stop. “I don't know.”

Gage watched Darcy climb from the van, frustration etched on her beautiful face. Whatever news Landon held, it wasn't what she'd hoped for. With the noise in the rear of the van, it'd been nearly impossible to hear what she and Landon were discussing up front—which was probably for the best. He needed a clear head today. Not the distraction of Darcy. Not when he was responsible for more than a dozen lives.

Kayden clapped him on the back. “Let's go, bro. Looks like a stellar day.”

He eyed the sky, took a moment to feel the wind on his skin, the warmth of the sun. It was a gorgeous day, but they still had to be wary. The ocean temps wouldn't be over forty degrees this time of year. Winds could strengthen in the blink of an eye, and by nightfall they'd be looking at a low near thirty.

He'd covered all of these concerns with the participants during the excursion briefing, but men like Heath Donovan didn't really listen. They exuded a confidence that often fell short when danger surfaced. He just hoped Heath's bravado didn't prod others—especially his fiancée, Amber, who appeared a bit timid—to push their limits. Not when kayaking an area as untamable as the Aleutians.

Jake waved from the water's edge and, once he had Gage's attention, gave him the thumbs-up signal. The kayaks were set.

Darcy's countenance brightened at the sight of Jake, and she quickly moved to greet him.
Odd.
Gage hadn't recalled them making a particular connection during Darcy's time in Yancey. In fact, Darcy's curiosity over Jake's silent past seemed the entire scope of her thoughts of him. Why would his presence on the excursion please her so?

Shaking off the thought, Gage set to work. He double-checked to be certain everything was properly secure and ready for launch before addressing the group. “As discussed, I'll be taking the lead. Heath, Amber, Cal, and Brett, you'll be in my group.” Where he could keep a close eye on them. “Piper . . .” He looked to his sister and she waved her hand. “You'll have Howard and Jillian.”

“Jill to you, dear,” the sophisticated woman informed Piper.

“Jill it is.” Piper smiled.

“Sarah and John, you'll also be with Piper.”

The thirty-something couple nodded in Piper's direction.

“Kayden.”

She raised her hand.

“You'll have Whitney. . . . ” He pointed to the only single woman in the bunch and noticed both Cal and Brett zero in on her. They were clearly aboard the
Bering
to meet women and had set their sights on Whitney for the duration of the excursion.

Gage's only concern was the signed waiver he had from both of them stating that they possessed kayaking experience. Sea kayaking was no place for a novice kayaker, especially if they were only there in some lame attempt to pick up or impress a lady.

His gaze shifted to Darcy still hovering at Jake's side.
Curious
.

He hoped she was focused enough to put Abby to the back of her mind, at least until they were safely on land.

“Gage?” Kayden snapped her fingers. “You still with us?”

“Right.” He cleared his throat, thoroughly frustrated by how easily Darcy seeped into his thoughts, stealing his focus.

“I've got Whitney and . . . ?” Kayden prodded.

He glanced back at the clipboard in hand. “Luke and Kelly.”

The young newlyweds smiled at Kayden.

“Cool.” Kayden cinched her pack, clearly pleased with her athletic and eager group.

Gage tapped the clipboard. “Which leaves Jake with Henry and his sons—Greg and Cody.”

Henry stepped across the open space and shook Jake's hand, introducing his college-age sons.

With such a large group, it was essential that each team member knew exactly which clients they were responsible for should a situation arise. Distributing the numbers equally by reported skill level helped keep the stronger paddlers near the front and the less experienced near the rear, where they could take their time without feeling pressured. The order he'd assigned kept him and Jake near the front with the stronger paddlers, Kayden in the middle, and Piper pulling up the rear with the potentially slower, less-experienced ones.

“Any particular place you'd like us?” Ted asked.

“I've been assured by Mullins that every crew member accompanying this excursion, including our journalist, has kayak experience, but she had no idea how much.” None of the crew members had been present for the excursion training. When he'd complained to Mullins, she'd assured him that all members were more than qualified, including Darcy.

“I got my fair share,” Clint commented.

“Same,” Ted said.

“Okay, why don't you two hang near the center of the group.” He could spread them out if necessary.

The men nodded their agreement.

“Ms. St. James?” He glanced at Darcy.

She quickly shifted her attention to grabbing a life vest. “I'm good.”

Not
what he'd asked. “Everyone climb on in and get comfortable with the craft.” Once everyone else's attention was focused on the task at hand, he stepped close to Darcy. “You okay?”

“Fine.” She struggled with the straps on her vest, trying to line up the clips.

“Come here.” He tugged her to him, trying to ignore the supple curve of her neck and the golden tendrils of hair slipping from her ponytail.

He secured the first clip and paused. Was she
trembling
?

Clamping his hands on her shoulders, he stooped to look her in the eye. “Why are you shaking?”

She wiggled in his hold. “I'm not.”

“Yes. You are. I'd like to think it is my charm setting you aquiver, but—”

“Ha!”

“Ignoring the insult. But seriously, what are you afraid . . . ?” The words died on his lips as understanding dawned. “Please tell me you've kayaked before. Mullins assured me . . .”

She bit her bottom lip.

“You realize you can't go on this excursion.”

“I have to.”

“I'm sorry, but you can't. It's not safe.” He turned to step away, but she grabbed his arm.

“You don't understand,” she pleaded, her voice low but urgent. “If I don't go, Mullins will fire me.”

“I understand your case is important to you, but—”

“Not the case.
Abby
. If I get fired I may never find her.”

“Something wrong?” Piper asked, coming up beside them.

“Darcy's never been kayaking.”

“Shhh.” Darcy quickly scanned the crowd. “Would you please keep your voice down? Last thing I need is for Ted or Clint to overhear and tell Mullins. If she learns I'm not qualified for this gig, for
all
aspects of this gig, I'll lose the job, and my cover will be blown.”

“I thought Abby was your concern, not your cover.”

“The two go hand in hand.”

Right
. “If you say so.”

“Look,” Piper interrupted. “It's not a problem. Darcy can hang in the back with me. I'll keep an eye on her.”

“Which will pull your attention from your charges. Everyone else on this excursion has at least some experience.” It wasn't a beginner's route.

“We work with beginners all the time,” Piper said, always trying to be the peacemaker.

“Not out here.” The weather in the Aleutians was unpredictable—fog, wind, quickly shifting currents.

Landon came up behind Piper, snaking his arm around her waist and resting his head on her shoulder. “What's up?”

“Darcy's never been kayaking,” Gage said.

“I told you,” Piper said, her tone placating, “I'll keep an eye on her.”

“Then you'll be neglecting the rest of your charges, who will be moving at a much faster clip, since they're more seasoned,” Kayden said, joining the pack. She tilted her head toward the surf. “Everyone's getting restless.”

Gage followed her gaze to the clients waiting impatiently aboard their crafts. “Be right there.” He waved.

The idea of a longer wait, no matter how brief, settled irritation across most of their brows—especially Heath's. The guy was going to be trouble—Gage just knew it. And now he had Darcy to worry about too. He turned to Kayden. “Thank you for understanding the predicament this poses.”

“I'll stay with her,” Landon offered. “I wasn't even supposed to be on the excursion, so it won't take anything away from the paying customers if I help Darcy.”

Gage mulled that over, irritated Darcy had put him in this position in the first place, that she was forcing him to make this call—all to protect a cover he wasn't even convinced was necessary. Being up-front was always the best course of action.

“Gage?” Piper prodded.

He gritted his teeth. “Fine, but you two”—he pointed between Landon and Darcy—“had better keep within a reasonable distance. I don't want you guys so far back that we're forced to come after you.”

“Don't worry.” Darcy linked her arms across her chest, the life jacket hiking up with the motion until it was cresting her stubborn chin. “I won't hold you up.”

Funny how someone so frustrating could be so adorable. He sighed. “Come here.” He grasped the loose strap of her safety vest, tugging her once again to him. “Let me finish fixing this.”

Everyone else stepped back, refocusing on the excursion ahead. Darcy's breathing was hurried.
Good
. He'd flustered her as much as she'd vexed him. Surprisingly, the thought warmed him. He liked that he could get her heart racing, even if it was from frustration rather than his charm. He slid the list clip in place but didn't slacken his hold. “I'm not trying to be a jerk.”

“Uh-huh.” Her jaw tightened.

“Really, I'm not. You just need to understand that these folks and their safety are
my
responsibility.”

Her shoulders slackened slightly. “You know I'd never want to cause any trouble for you or your family.”

His eyes locked on hers at the deep sincerity of her words, and his frustration ebbed. “It's not only
their
safety I'm concerned about.” That's what had him so irritated. It was because he knew his attention would be divided today—that Darcy's safety would consume his thoughts, regardless of who hung back with her.

“Meaning?”

Pleasure tugged at the corner of his mouth. Of course she'd make him
say
it. He slipped a loose strand of hair behind her ear, momentarily reveling in the silkiness. He held her gaze and, lowering his voice a notch, whispered, “I'm concerned about
yours
.”

Her blue eyes widened. “You are?”

He nodded, amused and touched at her surprise.
More than you know. More than even I understand.

“That's . . . kind of you,” she spluttered out. “But I'll be fine.” She stepped from his hold, determination emblazoned on her stiff posture.

He refrained from reminding her what
fine
stood for.
Freaked out. Insecure. Neurotic. Emotional.
He genuinely hoped she was none of the above, but the weary expression sneaking past her resolute guard left an uneasy feeling in the pit of his gut. Not what he needed today. Today he needed to be on his game, not worrying about Darcy St. James.

Darcy stepped into the kayak, utterly terrified. Her heart still pitter-pattered from her heated encounter with Gage,
from the secure feel of his strong hands on her shoulders, and the intensity echoing in his soulful eyes. Unfortunately, the encounter had done little to calm the nervous energy already pulsating through her.

She was determined to find Abby, but she could not screw up this excursion for Gage and his family. If her actions brought anything negative upon their company, she'd never forgive herself.

The kayak wiggled beneath her, and she quickly dropped to her bottom.

She could do this—could face her fear. She was in a floating vessel with a life preserver. She wouldn't drown.

Landon waited until everyone else had cleared out before instructing Darcy to push off. Push off into
water.
Her hands clammy, she gripped the metal cylinder of the paddle with her left hand and clutched the plastic hand plate with her right. Ignoring the world spinning at dizzying speed around her, she bore down, digging the paddle into the wet sand below, pushing off from shore.

Noise warbled in her ears as the current quickly grabbed her in its greedy clutches, tearing her away from shore and yanking her out to sea.

She blinked, trying to focus on the shore of the island in front of her. Panic clawed at her chest—tightening, suffocating until she couldn't breathe.

Flashes of tumultuous waves and the unyielding grasp of the ocean's pull flooded her mind—being dredged and tumbled along the sandy bottom in a whirl. The relentless tug of the sea ripping her away from safety and those she loved.