Page 5 of Between Two Shores

“You have a plan?” He raised a brow.

“I will by the time we sit. I didn’t know I’d have two assistants.” She glanced at Wally with a twitch to her lips. “I’ll split our follow-up leads.”

Lachlan’s stomach dropped. “Aren’t you staying with us for the day?”

“Some of it. I figured we’d be more effective covering different parts of the island. Plus, you’d want to do some touristy things too. I’ll get to work while you have a look around.”

“We did bring our swim gear and rented a snorkel.” He gave a cautious smile. “Maybe you could join us. Have a break.”

She bit her bottom lip—a plump, kissable lip. He mentally slapped himself.Rein it in, Lachlan Peters. You’re thinking like Wally. Get a grip.

“I did bring my bathers. If it gets too hot, I may go in for a quick dip at one of the bays.”

“Great.” Or maybe not. Depending on what bathing suit she wore. Maybe a stupid idea, especially with Wally Walnut cracking his moves.

“Let’s grab that coffee.” She flicked her ponytail as she turned. He and Wally followed. Lachlan kept his gaze above Beth’s head, resisting the temptation to watch the sway of her hips. Being single at thirty had its setbacks. His past relationships only broke his heart. No point in dating until it could lead to marriage. That stage of life bobbed too far in the distant future.

BETH

Huddled in the café’s emerald green, leather booth with their lattes, Beth sprawled the Rottnest map across the table before her recruited assistants. A corner flapped, stirred by the swirling ceiling fans.

“Right-e-o.” Beth pointed with her index finger. “We are here.”

She glanced at Wally, who leaned into his palm with a glazed look about him.

At least Lachlan studied the map with interest. “Seems the first bus stop is only around the corner. The ferry’s video said there’s a ride every fifteen minutes.”

Beth wriggled forward, and the leather seat squeaked. “Yes. But I want to talk to the Fish ‘n Chip manager before we leave the central area. He posted about the Quokka situation on Facebook, and he may have some leads.” The counselor’s warm, brown eyes focused on her. She ignored the flutter in her belly. “Lachlan, can you go with Wally to have a casual chat with the general store staff? See if they’ll speculate about the reason for the decline in Quokkas.”

“Sure.”

Wally’s eyes lit up for a brief moment. “And we’ll stock up on snacks for the bus tour.”

“Oh, and I nearly forgot. The souvenir shop is next-door.” She smiled sheepishly at Lachlan and retrieved a twenty dollar note from her bag. “You can buy yourself a shirt. Are you allowed out of uniform?”

“Our commanding officer said while we’re in Fremantle, he prefers us to wear the NWU. But on the island, we can change into casual clothes.”

Wally gave a sly grin. “Lachlan can’t kiss a woman if he’s in uniform. So, you better send him to get that shirt, so you both have something to remember each other by.”

Lachlan gave a nervous laugh. “Quit the jokes, Wally. She doesn’t find it funny.”

“I wasn’t joking.”

Beth crossed her arms and squinted at Wally. “I won’t be kissing any sailors, that’s for sure.” She handed the note to Lachlan. “But I owe you this money.”

Lachlan held up a hand, but she insisted. “Please, take it.”

“All right.” His words stretched, emphasizing his accent, and he took the cash.

Was that a shade of pink over his tanned cheeks?

Beth stood with her takeaway cup in hand. “I’ll get a head start and meet you at the bus stop in thirty minutes.”

Bethany paced the pathway near the bus stop. The guys were taking their time. Hopefully, that meant they’d had more success than her. Wally’s annoying company might be worth a lead. She shook her head. Without him, she might feel strange hanging around Lachlan alone, a man she knew little about. The counselor title didn’t mean he’d become a glorified saint. Her ex-boyfriend had proved that.

A small Catholic church sat on the hill opposite her. She strolled over, scuffing leaves from the shady pavement. Ravens squawked from the pine trees that towered around her. A light aircraft rumbled in the distance.

Beth kneeled, extracted her Nikon from her bag, and zoomed in on the bells above. Focusing through the lens, she took several shots. The Tuscany-colored building must be at least a hundred years old. The stained-glass windows still glowed a kaleidoscope of color.

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