Page 10 of Saltwater Promises
He nodded. “So did I. Do you remember Ned?”
She frowned. “Vaguely. Squirrelly kind of guy? Sent passive aggressive emails?”
He threw his head back and laughed. “Yes, that’s him. Lincoln got promoted to a special team and Ned became my new supervisor. We didn’t see eye to eye.”
“Ah, I see. He fired you.”
“No, not quite.” The engine grew louder as they sped up, but Mike’s deep voice carried without issue. “He just strongly suggested that I retire. And then he orchestrated it. So here I am.”
Yes, there he was. “Still investigating something, clearly. What are you up to?”
“A little bit of this, a little bit of that. Nothing worthwhile. I’m more interested in what you were doing at that gallery with that magnificent impressionist painting.”
“Ah.”Always deflecting.Lynn took her time in answering. It was a lovely night, cool but clear. She could see so many stars…. “Unlike you, I had a legitimate reason to be at that gallery. I was part of the group exhibition.”
“I saw. It seems you’ve really embraced your retirement.”
She nodded. “You could say that.”
“That’s good. At least one of us has. Do you live out here?”
“Nearby, yes. I moved out west to be closer to my daughter.”
“June? Does she live in Seattle?”
He remembered her. Mike always had had a sharp memory. “She used to, but she moved to Portland last year with her husband. I’m in Bellingham.”
“And when did you become a famous artist?”
She laughed. “I’m hardly famous. It just sort of worked out. I finally was able to focus on painting, and after I started putting in the time, it took off. What brings you here?”
“Family, I suppose. My sister lives on San Juan. She keeps telling me that I need a hobby, but I’m finding it challenging.”
“Clearly.” She didn’t buy that Mike was dressing up just for fun, but she wouldn’t push it for now. “Can I ask where you’re taking me?”
“Of course. I have a place on San Juan Island, too. I know the restaurants out there better. I thought I might show you the town.”
“Oh, sure. As long as you can get me back to Orcas.”
“It won’t be a problem.”
She didn’t doubt him. Mike knew what he was doing. He always did. Well, not always. But not everyone could see past his James Bond-esque demeanor.
He was crap, for example, at expressing his feelings. But guiding a ship through the ocean at night?
No problem. The ocean was not to be trifled with, and neither was Mike Grady.
He docked in the harbor and held out a gentle hand to help her out of the boat. The moment that they touched, memories flooded back to her. His hands were just like she remembered. They looked rough, but his touch was quite soft.
It only took her a few seconds to let go.
They found a restaurant on the water and took a table with a view of the glowing harbor.
After the waiter left, Lynn took a sip of her red wine. “Tell me more about this makeshift disguise.”
He laughed. “There’s not much to tell. Just trying things out, getting aware of my surroundings.”
“Liar.” She set her wine glass down. “All lies.”
