Page 10 of Unexpected Entanglement

He sipped his coffee and nodded his approval. He loved his cup of joe dark with a full body, and the girl behind the counter served him a potent brew. They offered a selection of cappuccinos, lattes, teas, and the like, with pastries to go with the drinks, so tourists who were used to fancy coffee wouldn’t feel too deprived.

Chris checked his emails on his phone. He was supposedly on vacation, but he always had difficulty disconnecting. After working to establish three resorts in five years, he could use the rest. Maybe he’d stay a day or two longer to relax. He’s got a feeling there was more to Vinalhaven than what he’d seen.

There were two emails from his father’s assistant. One to remind him that his father expected to see him next week and another to ask him to confirm his ETA. Chris ignored those emails and concentrated on the ones he cared about.

Chris looked up from his phone when the door to the coffee shop opened. Two women walked in having a discussion. The contrast between the two ladies caught his interest.

The taller one was dressed in a white shirt tucked into a pair of loose blue jeans that looked more comfortable than fashionable. Her braided black hair and almond-shaped brown eyes indicated she was of Asian descent. She listened to the more petite one in cutoff jean shorts and a rust-colored T-shirt that flaunted her curves, with her hair wound and tucked under a trucker’s hat. The cap’s bill shadowed her eyes.

He overheard the tall one say, “I have a couple of new recruits I’ve been training. They’re new to the island—starting over, you can say.”

“Are they trustworthy?” Petite asked with a slight frown.

Chris’ ears perked at the rich alto timbre coming out of Petite. Not what he expected at all.

“They’ve been vetted.”

“All right.” Petite shrugged. “I’ll see you at Bright Head at nine, then?”

“I’ll be there.” The other lady smiled. “Can I buy you coffee before you go?”

“Thanks, maybe another time. I have to pick up the chefs at the ferry and then head back.” Petite winked and flashed a toothy grin. “Until tomorrow.”

Did the sexy-voiced-petite say Bright Head?

Before Chris could gather his cup and stand, the petite woman had already disappeared out the door. He rushed out and spotted her walking around the red truck he’d seen earlier.

“Excuse me, miss,” Chris called out as he approached.

The woman stopped, turned her head toward his direction, then looked up at his face as he smiled at her. “Yes?”

“I’m sorry to bother you, but do you work at the Bright Head Farm & Inn at Long Cove?” Chris asked.

Her gaze behind her sunglasses went slowly to the truck’s door as if sayingduh. “Why do you ask?”

“I’m heading up there to see the owners.” Chris turned up the wattage in his smile to look as harmless as possible. “I was wondering if you could give me—”

Her eyes narrowed as she cut him off, “Do you have an appointment? I wasn’t informed to pick up anyone besides our chefs from the ferry.”

“I want to surprise them,” Chris casually answered. He bluffed his way through conversations with or about people he should’ve “known” all the time.

“How are they, anyhow? Rowan and Kieran?” Dropping first names always helped gain trust.

She finally smiled. “Oh, you’re a friend of the Kellys?”

“Uh…” Chris didn’t want to lie outright, so he just shrugged while maintaining an amiable expression.

“I’m sorry, what’s your name again?” she asked.

“Chris.”

“I tell you what, Chris,” she said as she retreated. “I won’t spoil your surprise, but unfortunately, I can’t give you a ride. Not enough room in the cab, you see. Two people are waiting for me at the ferry terminal with their luggage. You understand?”

“I wasn’t—”

“A shuttle from the hotel down the street runs past us.” She didn’t listen to his answer as she walked to the driver’s side door. “I’m sure they’ll be willing to drop you off.”

“Don’t you have a shuttle for your guests?” Chris questioned, a little miffed by her brusque dismissal. But he might as well try to get some information.

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