Laura Marlin Mysteries 2: Kidnap in the Caribbean Read Online Free PDF

have been all right if it wasn’t for—’
    ‘But where the devil is Rowenna?’ Calvin Redfern demanded, his voice rising.
    His phone trilled in his pocket. As he reached for it there was a sudden, violent jolt. Laura had never been on a cruise ship in her life, but there was no mistaking the motion. The Ocean Empress had just set sail for the Caribbean.

‘CALM DOWN, ROWENNA . Calm down. Everything is fine. Tariq is safely here with us. Skye is on board too. Yes, I know the ship has set sail. Believe me, I’m all too aware of that. I’m terribly sorry for the short notice, but there’s been a last minute change of plan. Tariq and Skye will be coming on holiday with us after all. Would you mind getting in touch with Tariq’s foster parents and letting them know when we’ll be back. In the meantime, why don’t you enjoy a well-earned break? You certainly deserve it.’
    Calvin Redfern hung up, mouth set in a grim line. ‘I’m trying hard not to be furious with the pair of you. What were you thinking? How am I going to explain to the captain that the Ocean Empress has ended up with a couple of stowaways?’
    Footsteps rang on the steps above. Before they could answer, he said quickly: ‘Never mind about that now. I need your help to get back to my cabin.’
    He tried to stand and collapsed with a yelp, his face grey with pain.
    Laura was worried sick. She regretted promising not to go for help.
    Tariq, who’d promised nothing, said: ‘Sir, please let me call a doctor.’
    ‘No!’ Calvin Redfern’s face was contorted with pain, but he was adamant. ‘You have to give me your word, both of you. I feel foolish enough as it is without being made to feel like an invalid by some over-zealous ship’s quack. Nothing he or she could do anyway. Rest is the best cure. Let’s say no more about it. Now, could you possibly lend me a hand?’
    With the aid of Tariq, Laura and especially Skye, who he used as a furry crutch, he managed to half crawl, half drag himself into cabin 135. It was every bit as luxurious as the brochure promised, its walls papered in baby blue. A navy and white candy-striped duvet cover lent a nautical touch to the bed. There was a lamp with a ship in a bottle for a base, and, beside the porthole window, a print of a yacht on high seas.
    The children helped Calvin Redfern remove his boots – a distressing job because it was agony for him – and eased him onto the bed. While Laura arranged his pillows and made him as comfortable as she could, Tariq followed his instructions on treating severely sprained ankles.
    ‘Put a pillow under my feet so that my – ow – ankles are above the height of my heart. Thanks, Tariq. Now take a small towel from the bathroom. See that fridge over there? Check if there’s any ice in it. There is? Miracles never cease. Right, empty an icetray into the towel, wrap up the cubes and rest the whole thing on my ankles. The ice will help the swelling to go down. Thanks, son. You’ve done a great job.’
    Tariq glowed with pride. He had the greatest possible respect for Calvin Redfern, to whom he felt he owed his life, and was wracked with guilt that he’d made him angry and caused him anxiety by coming aboard the ship.
    Calvin Redfern collapsed into his pillows, beads of sweat on his upper lip. ‘Laura,’ he said weakly, ‘would you be kind enough to look in the front pocket of my suitcase? You’ll find a First Aid kit in there. A couple of painkillers and a glass of water would be very welcome right now.’
    Mission accomplished, Laura was finally able to ask: ‘Uncle Calvin, how did you manage to sprain both ankles? What happened?’
    ‘An accident, pure and simple. I was on my way down the steps when the passage light went off and I was plunged into darkness. Unfortunately, I was in mid-step at the time. My foot caught on a carpet string or something and I tripped. That’s the last I remember until I woke up with Skye licking my face.’
    He grimaced. ‘Good