Every Storm Read Online Free PDF

you'll take me with you?"
    Rigg nodded and said, "Yes, we will."
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    Low Wick
    Something in his voice made Lorri uncomfortable. She ducked her head before saying, "I know you have things on your mind."
    And you're one of them, Rigg thought, but he only assured her again that they wouldn't forget and went on his way. He passed Lionel, who was on his way back to see Lorri, his arms full of clothes.
    "Good," Rigg said when he saw the pants and shirts. "She can't possibly be aboard the Storm in that skirt."
    "I thought as much."
    "And from where did you get these?"
    "Several of the smaller men."
    "Clean?"
    "Yes."
    "She keeps asking me not to forget her, but other than that, she seems a little more lucid."
    "All right. I'll keep her here until we're ready to shove off."
    Rigg began to agree and move away but stopped short.
    "No, get her ready with about half an hour to spare."
    Lionel didn't question or delay him, but all the way to the clearing he wondered what the lieutenant had in mind.
    "What'd Lionel get from you?" "Nothing. Did he take some of your clothes?" "A shirt and a pair of socks." "A shirt? You lucky dog."
    Harlan Ellis looked up from the pot he was stirring, his gaze stern on the grinning men.
    "What's your problem, Ellis?" the younger of the two asked.
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    But Cook's only response was to turn his back on the two sailors. This had little effect. As their eyes met, they shrugged and went on their way.
    Ellis turned long enough to scowl at the place they'd been standing. He wasn't that much older than the men who'd been talking, but in his mind, he was certainly old enough to know when someone needed pity and not to be lusted after.
    "All right, gentlemen," Rigg said softly, knowing he had the attention of every man. "I know you've heard that we're going to have a guest on board. I'll be leaving in a matter of seconds to bring Miss Archer onto the boat. You're going to meet her. After that you're not going to do anything. You're not going to speak to her, look at her, or even think about her."
    With those words still hanging in the air, Rigg turned and made his way off the boat. He moved calmly onto shore, a few men in his wake, only to have Lionel coming toward him at a fast pace.
    "She's gone."
    "She's what?"
    "Gone, sir," he repeated reluctantly. "I can't find her anywhere."
    Rigg stared at Lionel for a moment in disbelief. What could she have been thinking? She was so worried about being left, and now she's disappeared! Or was it not her fault? Was she harmed or suddenly sick?
    Rigg's eyes scanned the tree line, his mind reeling with several possibilities.
    "Let's look for her," he said grimly, knowing what this delay might cost them even as he moved toward the trees. Rigg, Lionel,
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    Lori Wick
    Cliff, and Donald were halfway there when she suddenly emerged from the thick foliage. Rigg covered the distance alone.
    "Where have you been?" Rigg"s tone demanded an answer.
    "I had to do something."
    "What?" he asked. He was not yelling, but there was an edge to his voice.
    Lorri looked up at him, trembling a little under his stern gaze.
    Rigg gave her a few moments, but when she said nothing, he started in.
    "I realize this has been a harrowing experience for you, Miss Archer, but in case you have forgotten, we are at war!"
    "Yes, sir," Lorri whispered, not able to take her eyes from his.
    "I have a PT boat full of men waiting to get underway. No area of the Pacific is safe. We could be under attack at any moment."
    Lorri nodded but didn't try to speak or explain.
    When Rigg saw that he would get no explanation from her, he gave up.
    "Come on," he ordered shortly, not having noticed that she was dressed in jeans and a shirt that were a bit too large but covered her well compared to the skirt and blouse. At the last minute, he saw that she carried a small tied bundle.
    "Let me take that for you."
    Lorri surrendered the extra clothing she'd been given and trudged across the beach behind this angry officer. She