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boat. In spite of the eighty-degree temperatures and the sturdy poncho, Ki rin shivered, chilled by the wet clothing and wind. The poncho hood kept blowing off, and she finally gave up trying to hold it on.
    After ten or fifteen minutes, the boat slowed and made another wide arc toward the shoreline. The rain let up and revealed a dozen or more small thatched buildings spread out along the white sand beach. Kirin gently poked at Silke then pointed at the shore. Silke nodded and smiled.
    An efficient staff greeted the new guests—many by name, including Silke. Within a short time, she and Silke were registered and escorted to a beautiful condominium up the beach from the main buildings.
    “This is absolutely beautiful.” Kirin peered around the lovely one bed room condominium. Original local art graced the walls and tables. A complete modern kitchen covered the rear wall. Two pocket doors, one from the kitchen and one from the bedroom, opened onto a large stone- and-tile bathroom. Bright shades of teal, orange, ochre, crimson, and sap phire adorning paintings and rich fabrics added to the tropical native ambience.
    Two doors from the living room opened out onto a small porch that faced south and east, allowing a pristine view of the entire beachfront resort. Less than a mile away, the breathtaking aquamarine blue water stretched out to the barrier reef.
    “Then I guess you can understand why I love it here so much,” Silke said, standing at the bay window. “I think you’ll find that the sofa bed is extremely comfortable, and there are extra linens in the closet if you need them.” She untucked her shirt and lifted her arms over her head as she stretched from side to side. Kirin watched, transfixed.
    Kirin exhaled and refocused. “After the last twenty-four hours, this is like heaven, and I’m grateful that you’re willing to share it.” She surprised herself. For the first time in a long time, she actually felt grateful instead of agitated.
    They looked at each other in surprise at a knock on the door. Silke opened the door and embraced the tan, fit woman smiling in the doorway. “Oh, Diane, I’m so glad to see you.”
    They stepped back then hugged again and laughed.
    “Please come in and let me introduce you.”
    Kirin extended her hand. “Hi, I’m Kirin Foster, the orphaned traveler.”
    Diane shook her hand warmly. “Welcome to the Beach Resort. We’re glad you both arrived safely, and I hope your stay is a pleasant one.” A soft ocean breeze from the open window ruffled Silke’s hair. Kirin noted a pleasant scent.
    “We’re all thrilled when Silke comes to visit,” Diane said. “We’re glad you were able to help her out with this wretched storm.”
    Silke ushered Diane to the couch.
    Kirin took a chair next to them. “I’m so relieved to have such a beauti ful place to stay tonight.” She smiled at Silke. “It’s a far cry from our accom modations last night.”
    Diane smiled warmly. “I think you’ll both be comfortable. There should be plenty of room, and I asked Manuel, the desk clerk, to check on your hotel reservation at the Outer Bank Lodge.” She squeezed Silke’s hand. “I’m so glad to see you, my old friend.” She kissed Silke’s cheek af fectionately, stood up, and started for the door. “I’ll let you two get settled. Join us for a welcome cocktail later.”
     
    Chapter Five
 
    SILKE LOVED THE welcoming sounds of Caribbean music. Laced with steel drums and an upbeat tempo, the sounds greeted them as she and Kirin climbed the steps to the pool area. The sun was setting behind the resort to the west, casting the deck and pool in shadows. Palm fronds swayed in the filtered rays.
    She had changed into a comfortable mauve tank top and a festive wraparound pareo for a skirt. The sensuous feel of the fabric against her skin and the way it brushed against the backs of her thighs softened into her own inner serenity. Even her marred vision couldn’t disturb that special