Nantucket Read Online Free PDF

cable began to creep along the floor, unwinding from a large spool that was also under the panel. Liam pushed the boat, nestled on an old rail-guided marine trolley, out into the sunshine until the cable—straining under the weight of the boat—became taut, and the trolley edged toward the water. When the runabout finally floated free, Liam pushed the bottom button and the winch creaked to a stop.
    â€œWant to go for a ride?” he asked as he walked past his slumbering pup to secure the boat. Tuck sat up, sleepily swishing his tail across the pavement. “C’mon, then,” he said, and the big dog pulled himself up, waddled stiffly down to the dock, and waited to be lifted in.
    Moments later, after adjusting the engine, Liam backed slowly away from the dock and masterfully spun the boat around. Tuck’s muscles tensed as he leaned against the side, his nostrils quivering, and gradually, Liam pushed the throttle forward, picking up speed until Tuck’s fur was sparkling with ocean spray.
    It had been years—twenty-six, to be exact, not thirty like Jack had said—since Liam had taken a ride out to Tuckernuck Island, but as he drew near, he realized it hadn’t changed at all. When he cut the engine and drifted along a secluded stretch of beach, Tuck looked over at him questioningly. “It’s okay, pal,” he said. The waves lapped gently against the side of the boat, and as he rested his hand on Tuck’s head, he gazed at the sandy shoreline and listened to the wind rustle the long, swaying grass, whispering of a summer long ago.

Chapter 5
    1989
    Â 
    â€œH ey, Liam Tate!” a voice called out as Liam ran along Madaket Road. He glanced over his shoulder as two girls sped past him on bikes, waving. He waved back, wondering who they were, and when he rounded the next corner, he realized they’d pulled over.
    He glanced down at his body, slick with sweat, and suddenly wished he hadn’t thrown his shirt into the bushes five miles back. “Hey,” he said, leaning over to catch his breath.
    â€œI didn’t know you were a runner,” Cadie said, admiringly.
    Liam nodded, wiping his dripping brow with his arm.
    The other girl, who was also blond and pretty, cleared her throat.
    â€œThis is Tess,” Cadie said, remembering her friend. “She’s on vacation too.”
    Liam nodded, feeling even more self-conscious.
    â€œWe’re headed down to the beach for a swim,” Tess ventured. “Wanna come?”
    Liam shook his head. “No, thanks,” and then saw disappointment on Cadie’s face.
    Tess climbed back on her bike and started to ride away, but Cadie lingered. “I guess I’ll see you around, then,” she said, stepping on her pedal.
    â€œWait,” Liam said softly, and she looked back questioningly.
    â€œWant to go for a boat ride tomorrow?”
    â€œSure,” she said, glancing over her shoulder. “Should I invite Tess?” she asked, nodding up the road to where her friend was waiting.
    Liam hesitated and then shook his head. “Naw . . . just us,” he said softly.
    â€œOkay, what time?”
    He shrugged. “Early?”
    She nodded, suppressing a grin, and then spun her wheels in the sand as she hurried to catch up with her friend. She turned back and waved, and Liam waved back.
    When he finally got back to the house, Coop was in the kitchen, stirring a pot of chili. Liam wiped his face with his shirt and turned on the tap, and while he waited for the water to get cold, he eyed the glass in his uncle’s hand. “I thought you were stickin’ to beer.”
    â€œHow was yer run?” Coop asked, ignoring him.
    â€œFine,” Liam answered, shaking his head. “Do I have time for a shower?”
    â€œYep, jus’ lettin’ ’er simmer.”
    Liam disappeared down the hall, turned the shower on, stripped off his running shorts, and climbed in. “Damn