Silent Witness Read Online Free PDF Page A

dolphins. Like those Jennie had seen earlier, they performed elaborate dives and spirals and seemed to enjoy every minute of it.
    When they were back in the car and on the road again, Jennie sipped on the cola she’d gotten at a market near the center and thought about the flyer Scott and Melissa had given her.
    â€œYou seem deep in thought,” Gram said.
    â€œThis place is so different from Dolphin Playland. I mean, these people really care about the dolphins. Except for the ones that need medical care, the dolphins are here because they want to be. The other place … I don’t know, it’s so commercial.”
    â€œI sensed that too. I’m glad we were able to stop here.” Gram took her computer out again. “It will be interesting to hear what Scott has to say.”
    Jennie glanced at Gram, then back at the road. “That’s the second time you’ve mentioned him. How come you want to talk to Scott, anyway? He seems like an opinionated scuzzball.”
    â€œScuzzball? You know, dear, in my day when a young lady resorted to name calling, it meant she had more than a passing interest. You know the old saying, ‘Methinks thou dost protest too much.’ Could it be that you’re developing a crush on him?”
    Jennie groaned. “No! He’s definitely not my type. Anyway, what makes you so sure you’ll be talking to him? He probably won’t call you.”
    â€œOh, he’ll call. I think he likes you.”
    â€œGram, be serious. I think you’re getting me mixed up with Lisa. I’m Jennie, remember—the tall, skinny kid who spends most Saturday nights reading mysteries. My boyfriend, at least I thought he was my boyfriend, just turned down a date with me to go fishing.”
    â€œJennie McGrady, is that any way to talk? You’re a lovely girl. And as far as Ryan is concerned, going to Alaska was a hard decision for him. When he asked me about it I assured him you would understand. Was I wrong?”
    Ryan lived on the coast in Bay Village and was Gram’s next-door neighbor. He and Jennie had been friends a long time. In the last few weeks they’d grown closer. “No,” she said reluctantly. “I even told him he should go. But it still hurts.”
    â€œYes … yes, it does.” Gram looked out the window, and Jennie had the feeling she was no longer talking about her or Ryan.
    â€œGrandpa Ian left you like that too, didn’t he, Gram?”
    â€œWhat?” Gram looked surprised. “Now, how did you know I was thinking about him?”
    Jennie shrugged her shoulders. “I just did.”
    â€œWe’d only just fallen in love when he took a job with British Intelligence. World War II was in full swing and he came to me, wanting so much to go and so much to stay. I kissed him goodbye wondering if I’d ever see him again … there were so many casualties. Six months later he came back. We married, and well … you know the rest. It seemed like I was forever saying goodbye to that man.”
    â€œGram, if Grandpa Ian had disappeared like Dad did, would you have gotten married to somebody else?”
    â€œI don’t know.” Gram leaned over and patted Jennie’s arm. “Now, don’t be comparing me with your mother. We’re as different as night and day.”
    â€œThat’s for sure.” Mom was an accountant, Gram, a writer. Gram loved mystery, excitement, and adventure; Mom loved security and a husband who came home every night.
    â€œBeing different doesn’t make either of us wrong, Jennie. But enough of this maudlin conversation. This is a beautiful day, and we’re heading for Key West.”
    Gram was right. Jennie once again took up her resolve to forget about all the conflicts going on in her life and concentrate on Florida and sunshine and having a great time.
    Key West, Jennie discovered, was an inland bulging with