Page 9 of Between Two Shores

The view had changed to turquoise patches of water with several fishing boats anchored. Foaming waves crashed against large rocks covered in coral. Seagulls and shags perched on a reef. The island embraced wildlife and tourists alike.

“What if rumors leaked that the Quokkas were diseased? Would the lack of tourism give the government reason to sign the lease to gain returns?”

He gave a strange look of disbelief. “You must watch too many investigator movies. Who’d be so heartless to drive the Quokkas into extinction all for a quick buck?”

“Greedy developers, that’s who.”

The driver shrugged. “I hope you’re wrong.”

Beth whispered. “I hope so too.”

She left the driver to focus on his job and made her way to a spare seat in front of Lachlan. Wally had moved to the back row of seats. Good.

“You were talking to the driver for a while.” Lachlan swung his arm over the steel rail between them. “Any leads?”

She tucked her leg under the other and leaned against the window. “Maybe.” Beth gazed into his amber-brown eyes, needing encouragement. “I suggested the developers who were refused leasing rights may be inciting trouble to affect tourism. The government would change their minds and sign contracts. The driver thinks I’m crazy.”

Lachlan touched her arm. “You’re not. You’re a smart woman. A determined one.” He retracted his hand. “I think you’re onto something.”

“How am I going to find out more?”

“First, you need to ask the locals if they know the names of the developers. And if any of their representatives are still on the island.”

She nodded. “Mmm.”

Chapter Four

BETH

The bus slowed at the next stop. A bronze-painted caravan converted into an ice cream truck had set up shop on the side of the road. “A local. I can ask questions while you and Wally visit the lookout.” She ducked her head as she pointed to massive binoculars at the cliff’s edge.

Lachlan called to his colleague, and they got off the bus.

The wind blew fierce at a higher point of the island, and the afternoon sun caused the temperature to rise. Beth lined up behind other tourists, two Japanese ladies, and a middle-aged couple. Lachlan’s faint scent drifted from behind. Her senses forever homed in on his presence or location.

“Can I buy you an ice cream?” he whispered into her ear.

Tingles ran over her. He made it hard to concentrate on her mission. Her body started to lean back into him. The word ‘yes’ sat on the tip of her tongue.

She straightened and focused ahead. “Let me buy you and Wally one, for helping me today.”

“We haven’t helped much. I should pay you for being our tour guide.” He squeezed in next to her, smiled down with those attractive lips, and playfully bumped her hip with his. “What flavor do you want?”

She twitched her mouth and took in a breath to steady her heart. Lachlan Peters, you’re slaying me with your charm and good looks.

“I haven’t tried pistachio before. I’ll have one scoop, please.”

“Great. Ice cream coming up. Wally and I can go to the lookout while you ask questions, then join us for snorkeling. It can’t be all work and no play.”

She wobbled her head. “I’ve barely worked.”

“You’re making progress. Patience.” He squeezed her in a side-hug. “Go have a seat and relax.” He stepped to the counter to order.

Wally had already received his waffle cone and strolled over to the binoculars positioned on a black stand.

Five minutes later, sitting under a striped umbrella at a picnic table, Beth bit into her green pistachio ice cream. “Mmm.” She licked her lips. “This may not look appealing, but it’s delicious.”

Lachlan remained silent for a moment and just stared at her mouth. “It looks delicious to me.” He brushed his thumb over her bottom lip. “You missed a spot.”

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