The Island of Dangerous Dreams Read Online Free PDF Page B

display of purple and red sea urchins and strange, small plants with wiggling fingerlike leaves. A few tiny golden fish, who looked like frantic escapees from an aquarium, darted together through the leaves, whirled, andshot out to deeper water. I could hardly wait to get into my bathing suit.
    Suddenly self-conscious, I said, “I’m coming,” to no one at all, and looked up toward Madelyn, whom I knew must be the one I felt staring at me.
    But Madelyn was in animated conversation with Norton, and the others were just as intent on their stroll to the steps to the veranda. I studied the house. Someone was watching me. I could feel it. A guest? Another servant?
    There were no faces at any of the windows, but the feeling of being watched was so strong that I turned in a semicircle, my eyes trying to pierce the tangle of trees and shrubs that crept almost down to the sea.
    I saw no one. No one at all. So I picked up my bag and scrambled to catch up with the others.
    Just as I joined them the boat motor started up again. We whirled to watch the boat backing away from the dock.
    Norton took a few steps forward, as though he could stop the crew, and demanded, “Where are they taking the boat?”
    “To Freeport,” the judge said. He looked at Norton quizzically. “Does it matter?”
    “Do you have other boats? Other transportation from this island?” He nervously cleared his throat a couple of times. “I—I don’t like feeling—uh—closed in.”
    Benita’s laughter rippled over us. “Closed in?” She raised her arms high. “With all this open beauty, how could you feel closed in?”
    “Maybe I used the wrong word,” he mumbled.“If I said
trapped
, would you understand what I mean?”
    “Claustrophobia takes a number of forms,” Aldo said. “This concern that Norton feels could be called ‘island fever.’ ”
    Norton’s head bobbed up and down in agreement. “That’s it exactly.” He peered up through his eyeshade at the judge. “When will the boat be back?”
    “On Sunday afternoon,” the judge said calmly. “When our business is concluded.”
    “Then let’s get on with it.”
    Judge Arlington-Hughes held up both hands, palms out. “Slow down,” he drawled, as though he were deliberately trying to be infuriating. “We have plenty of time. You’ve all given me your entire weekend.”
    “You know we’re eager to see the topaz, Justin,” Madelyn said. “Why don’t you tell us when you’ll show it to us?”
    The judge smiled. He was obviously enjoying the mystery he’d created. “Directly to the point as always, Madelyn.”
    No one spoke. We all waited. With the boat gone a hush lay over the island. I could hear the whisper of the breeze through the trees and the occasional cry of a gull, even the slap of waves against the dock.
    “Very well,” he said. “If you’d like a schedule, you may have one. Ellison will direct you to your rooms. If there is anything you wish, you have only to ask. During the remainder of the afternoon you may entertain yourselves in any way you like.There is swimming, and we can provide snorkeling equipment for those who are attuned to nature. There are trails through the woods, although I’d suggest that no one stray too far because, even though the island encompasses an area of only two square miles, it is possible to become lost. There are books to read in the library, and a few rocking chairs and reclining lawn chairs on the veranda for those who wish only to relax. Please be dressed for dinner by seven P.M. We’ll have cocktails in the dining room at that time.”
    “Justin! Don’t be so infuriating! What about the artifact?” Benita’s lower lip curled out as she apparently tried for a cute pout. She missed.
    “You’ll see it tonight,” the judge said. “A jewel as beautiful as the one I am going to display for you needs the proper setting.”
    “Oh, bother!” Benita snapped. “You’re playing games with us.”
    Madelyn quickly said, “We