Page 4 of Pirates in Calusa Cove

To say she lived within her means was a bit of a stretch. Daddy had bought her boat, so there was that. She understood this made it harder for her to get the one thing she wanted more than anything—respect from the people of Calusa Cove. She did want them to see her in a different light.

Fenton didn’t seem to care about her princess status or her father’s money. But earlier today, she’d picked up his cell and found a weird text on it. It was from someone named Al. Just Al. At first, she hadn’t thought anything of it, but when it had dinged in her hand and a second text came over that was sexual in nature, her heart had stopped.

Fenton had gotten defensive at first. But he’d softened, saying it was just some guy he knew, being a dick.

She’d struggled to believe it, though she’d wanted to, and it was why she’d gone for a late-night boat ride when she hadn’t planned on it.

Keaton pressed his hand on the small of her back.

Her body responded, and that annoyed her on more than one level. “I have a boyfriend.” She wasn’t sure if that was for her benefit or Keaton’s.

“I’m well aware. His name is Fenton. He drives a flashy Range Rover.” Keaton did not remove his hand. “Only he doesn’t deserve you, and he doesn’t come around much.”

“He works a lot.” She glanced over her shoulder. Silas turned and headed toward the parking lot. The gathering of people had dissipated, but not without muttering a few nasty little whispers. This town always had to have something to gossip about.

Lately, it was her.

The hum of car engines filled the air as vehicles pulled out into the street.

“While it was mighty nice of you to try to help whoever was out there, you should’ve just radioed and come in.” Keaton nudged her closer to the main building. “I heard they fired a few shots at you.”

The front door opened, and Baily stood in the entrance, holding a tall mug of something.

“Not sure it was at me,” she mumbled. “And I didn’t even see the pirate boat at first. Once I did, I had no intention of staying out there. Once I got hold of the Coast Guard, and they were on the way, I turned around and came home.”

“It’s the part where you stayed until you saw the Coast Guard, even though you were in danger, that concerns me.” He stepped aside, letting her enter the marina first.

“Oh my God. You do not listen. I didn’t know I was in danger at first. Once I did, I turned around. I’m not stupid.” She took the mug of steaming coffee that Baily offered and smiled. “Thanks. I really need this.”

“I put a shot of something else in, too,” Baily saidwith a sweet smile, which quickly turned into a frown as she suspiciously eyed Keaton.

Trinity knew the history. They’d spoken of it, though not at great lengths, and while she more than understood why Baily felt the way she did about Fletcher, his friends, and what that meant, she didn’t agree.

“I wouldn’t mind a cup of that,” Keaton said. “Especially when chatting with this one is like talking to a brick wall.” He lowered his chin. “You were in danger the second those storms collided.”

“Anyone ever tell you you’re a bully?” Trinity asked.

“You. Every time we find ourselves in a discussion.” He pointed toward the far counter. “Coffee?” he asked Baily.

“You can help yourself.” Baily glared. “Feel free to donate to the coffee fund.”

“As if I’d take a free one.” Keaton shook out his coat, stomped his muddy boots, and strode past.

When it came to the Baily and the guys, Trinity bit her tongue. This wasn’t her battle. She had her own problems—not that she’d shared them with anyone. Not even Baily. It wasn’t about the shame. Not anymore. It was about taking back control and being in charge of her own destiny.

The radio behind the counter crackled to life.

She and Baily raced to it, staring at it as if it yielded great power.

Dawson had only been chief for a few weeks, but he’d been one of Ken’s best friends. It didn’t matter if she wanted to blame Ken’s military brothers for hisdeath—she did have a heart, and no one wanted to see a storm take one of Calusa Cove’s finest.

“Lost visual of pirate ship. No visual of wreckage at sea, halting search,” a male voice boomed over the radio. “Heading back to port.”

“This is heartbreaking,” Trinity whispered. “I feel so bad for whoever was out there.”

A strong hand came down on her shoulder.

She flinched.

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