All Is Bright Read Online Free PDF Page A

pushed her hood down and nodded. “We only have two rooms rented this time of year, so I think I’ll have enough. Those are big ones.”
    â€œShould be good eating.” Gulls swooped overhead as they enjoyed the bit of winter sunshine. “I wanted to let you know that I checked up on Pete Johnson.”
    She inhaled, and her hands shook a bit as she pulled in her pole and laid it aside. “Is he here on the island?”
    Her hand was cold when he put his over it. “He’s in prison, Delilah. He got out for a year but went right back in for attempted murder. He’s not getting out for a long, long time.”
    Her lashes swept down over the deep blue of her eyes, and she clung to his hand. When she looked up again, a frown crouched on her brow. “Then who ran me off the road?”
    â€œWish I knew. We won’t find him with a check on trucks. He stole Josh Holman’s truck and used it to ram you, then returned it. Josh told me about it today.”
    â€œI’d hoped we’d track him down quickly.”
    That had been Tom’s hope too. “The caller yesterday said you knew what he wanted. Can you think of anyone else who might have a grudge against you? There has to be something.”
    She shook her head. “I’ll think about it, but I’m not the type who goes around making enemies. I like most people, and I try to be a peacemaker in everything. It’s so odd.”
    Her fingers entwined around his in a trusting way that made him want to scale castle walls for her. “I’ve asked all the bed-and-breakfasts and hotels in town to give me a list of visitors. This time of year we don’t have many, so it should be easy enough to investigate.”
    â€œSomeone could be visiting friends or relatives too.”
    â€œTrue enough. What about the two rooms you have rented? Ever seen the visitors before?”
    â€œOh yes, they are both regulars. They’ve been coming here for Christmas for years. Lovely people.”
    â€œI’ll still want their names so I can check them out. E-mail me anything you know about them.”
    â€œAll right, but I know it’s not them.” She still made no move to pull her hand away.
    Several dolphins leaped in the water off to their left, and the sound of the waves was a soothing backdrop. Tom considered asking her to dinner, but the timing didn’t seem right with her on edge from the scare. Or was it his own nervousness about being turned down?
    â€œYou probably shouldn’t be out here alone, you know,” he said. “Someone could come right out here and toss you off the pier.”
    â€œI’m a strong swimmer.”
    â€œThere’s a riptide that runs the shoreline this time of year. And hypothermia can set in fast. You’ve got to start thinking smart about this guy. Whatever game he’s playing isn’t over.” With reluctance he removed his hand and stood. “I’d better get to finding him. You holding up okay?”
    â€œI’m keeping busy with the wedding approaching. Are you attending?”
    â€œWouldn’t miss it. You’re pulling it all together for Elin, aren’t you? More of your mothering?”
    Smiling, she rose. “You’re the second person to mention that today. Am I that bad?”
    â€œI think it’s sweet the way you care for everyone.” The words were out of his mouth before he could call them back. “I mean, most people think only of themselves, but you’re different.” Her gaze was locked to his, and he took a step nearer. “I like that. You care, and it shows.” His voice went gruff, and he stuffed his hands in his pockets so he wouldn’t take her in his arms.
    What was wrong with him? He usually had no trouble keeping women at arm’s length, but lately he’d realized how empty his life had become. He existed at the fringes of his friends’ and family’s orbits with no