Clam Wake Read Online Free PDF Page B

much as Dan did. Still does, as far as I can tell, but at least now she guzzles in her Florida condo on the Gulf.”
    â€œThat’s a safe distance.” Renie leaned forward in her seat. “Do you remember where we turn to get to Obsession Shores?”
    Judith nodded. “I make a left and then another left. It’s toward the south end of the island, but on the side with the western exposure.”
    â€œSounds right,” Renie agreed, rubbernecking along the winding road. “Wow. There’s been a lot of building around here since I was on the island. Of course some people commute to the mainland.”
    â€œWe’re on Worthless Bay Road,” Judith said. “I’ve never figured out why the native tribes called the bay worthless.”
    â€œMaybe they were looking for gold,” Renie suggested. “Or couldn’t get a permit for a floating casino.”
    Judith darted an ironic glance at her cousin. “Good thing they didn’t. You’d spend all your time gambling while we’re up here.”
    â€œI only go to a casino when Anne’s in town and I can bond with my daughter. Or when Bill has a yen to play baccarat. Or when—”
    â€œStop,” Judith broke in. “I vividly recall your manic gambling mode when we all went to the Stillasnowamish Casino by the family cabins.”
    â€œOh, that.” Renie looked out the window. “I see the bay.”
    Judith smiled. “I feel better already. It must be the saltwater air.”
    â€œOh? Interesting, given that you haven’t rolled down the window or gotten out of the car since we left home. Or does the absence of rain improve your disposition?”
    â€œYou know the rain doesn’t bother me. I’m a native, like you. Besides, the sky looks very gray and gloomy. I expect it’ll rain before the day is out.”
    â€œNo doubt.” Renie leaned forward. “Slow down. There’s the sign for Obsession Shores.”
    â€œGot it.” Judith braked and hit her right-turn signal. “What the . . .” She frowned as she saw a sheet of paper that had been attached to the sign. “Am I crazy or is that a skull and crossbones?”
    Renie gaped at the crudely drawn artwork. “It sure is. Gee, coz, you may be back in business.”

Chapter 3
    N o!” Judith shrieked. “Did you forget I retired from sleuthing last fall? The only reason I got involved back then was because Joe wanted to solve it for Woody Price’s sake. It was his partner’s first unsolved homicide.”
    â€œI know.” Renie scowled. “Why are you stopping?”
    Judith smirked. “To read the small print under the skull and crossbones. ‘Say Nay to the Naysayers.’ It’s politics about the sewer vote.”
    Renie leaned over to read the sign for herself. “That’s a gruesome way to win voters.”
    Judith released the brake, heading down the gentle hill above the beach. “This isn’t some ritzy enclave,” she said. “These people are mostly blue-collar types like Uncle Vince, with a few upscale folks who like the setting and the proximity to the ferry.” She nodded to her right, where an older gray three-story house sat on the edge of the forest. “There’s a height restriction to prevent blocking the view. Whoever owns that place wanted a bigger house and had to build away from the beach.”
    â€œThe home on this side is much newer,” Renie said. “Don’t look or you’ll hit the mailboxes. It’s octagonal with lots of glass and stonework. Nice, really, if you like that sort of thing.”
    â€œI’ll take your artist’s word for it until I can see for myself.” Judith took a left into the paved driveway that led to the Webers’ garage. “I suppose Uncle Vince’s little boat is down on the beach.”
    â€œIt’s been beached as long as I can