Page 4 of Vacation Friends

But Maddie was the type who liked answers. Who loved justice. Who wanted to get to the bottom of things. It was why she’d taken a job investigating elder abuse.

Righting wrongs ignited a fire inside her.

Her gut told her to keep this message quiet, just as the sender had warned.

At five a.m., she climbed out of bed and pulled on a sweatshirt and some running shorts. She threw her curly dark hair back into a ponytail and slipped on her flip-flops.

Then she left her suite at the resort where she’d be staying for the next five days as a part of a corporate retreat for Josh’s company. She padded down the hallway, a chilly breeze brushing through the open windows.

This place was paradise. She should feel safe. But she didn’t.

Especially because of that text. But even before that . . .

The words of a woman she’d run into at the Lihue airport slammed into her mind.

Visitors come here with the mindset that nothing bad happens on vacation. But this island is dangerous. Things get wild quickly. Don’t think that being on vacation will insulate you or put you in a protective bubble. Letting down your guard can mean the difference between life and death.

The words had been chilling. Josh had overheard part of the woman’s rant and ushered Maddie away before she could listen to more. The woman had stood outside near baggage claim, almost acting like a sidewalk prophet.

A breeze sweeping through the hallway brought with it the sweet scent of orchids and another floral aroma Maddie couldn’t name.

She loved the open-air buildings here in Kauai. They were so different from New York, where she currently lived. The crowded city made her feel like she was living in a box. Trapped. Unable to breathe.

She’d been determined to leave when she’d met Josh.

Her lips twisted into a frown as she glanced down at the engagement ring on her hand.

This was a big week for him. He would most likely be named CEO of tech giant Benchmark. He was currently acting as interim president, and most people thought he was a shoo-in.

As soon as this trip was over, Maddie would call things off with Josh for good, she promised herself as she hurried toward an exterior door. There was no hope of saving their relationship. She’d been in denial about it for too long now, hoping something would change.

But it wouldn’t.

She swept those thoughts aside and stepped outside. An intricately paved walkway and sparkling turquoise pools greeted her. Palm trees surrounded the massive resort, and the roar of waves filled the air as the water crashed in the distance.

Maddie had never been anywhere like this before.

She imagined what it might be like to come here with friends. With people she could actually enjoy the resort with. Where she could cut loose and have some fun—something she hadn’t done in months.

Nothing had been the same in her life since her Poppy died. He’d been such a support and source of joy in her life. His death had shaken her to the core.

Instead, she was here with Josh.

Maddie held back a grimace.

She couldn’t stand here and revel at the view.

Curiosity urged her onward.

She hurried across the pathway, down some steps, and across another path. Finally, her feet hit the sand, and she cut through some bushes and between several large boulders until she reached the beach.

A shiver raked through her.

Even though the grand resort stretched behind her, being out here on the beach before sunrise felt isolated. The waves were so loud, strong . . . overpowering.

She scanned her surroundings but saw no one.

Where was the person who’d sent her this message? He or she had said to meet at 5:30.

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