Free Pearl Cove by Elizabeth Lowell

too.
    The ridges of callus on Flynns hand told Archer a lot about the other mans training.
     Whether he could put that training to effective use in face-to-face combat remained an
     open question.
    The sudden flare of speculation in Flynns eyes told Archer that his own calluses had been
     noted. How long before Pearl Cove is up and running? Archer asked, distracting the other
     man. Flynn looked sideways at Hannah. She was watching Archer. It rankled the Aussie.
    I dont know, he said carefully. We had just moved the newly implanted oysters to the
     grow-out areas. Some of those rafts broke loose and sank. We repaired the floats and lines
     and have been stringing up the cages as fast as we find them. Were losing shell, though.
     Too much jigging around.
    How much of this years shell is a total loss? Again Flynn looked uneasily at Hannah. Tell
     him, she said without looking away from Archer. Sixty-five percent. Maybe more. How much
     more? Archer asked. Worst case? Flynn asked. Archer smiled like a wolf. Its the only case
     that matters, isnt it? Ninety-five percent, Flynn said.
    Hannah made a harsh sound. She had been told fifty-five percent loss, sixty percent tops.
    Total loss, in other words, Archer summarized.
    Flynn hesitated, looked at Hannahs drawn face, and wished Archer Donovan was the kind of
     man who could be intimidated into not asking uncomfortable questions.
    It could be a write-off, Flynn admitted finally. Frankly, were not recovering as many of
     the rafts as we hoped.
    Why?
    Archers cool, neutral question made Flynn wish that Hannahs partner was someone else.
     Anyone else. He was certain his bosses would feel the same way. The cyclone had seemed
     like such a perfect solution to a sodding impossible problem.
    Bloody big wind, bloody big mess, Flynn said, his voice clipped. This one was a
     destructive bitch. He looked at Hannah. Sorry, luv. I didnt want to tell you until I was
     certain.
    What about next years oysters? Archer asked. How did they fare? We havent finished our
     recce yet, so we dont know. Guess.
    The cool command irritated Flynn. He started to push right back in automatic response to
     another man testing him. Then he looked at Archers measuring eyes and remembered the
     ridges of callus on the side of his hand. It might come to a fight with Archer, but before
     it did, Flynn would have to have permission from his own bosses. The thought grated worse
     than crushed shell.
    Theyre probably better off, Flynn said. The worst hit were the rafts of experimental
     shell. I told Len we should put them in a less exposed place, but he wanted them close
     enough to watch. He was a paranoid bastard. He heard his own words and winced. Sorry, luv.
     I
    Hannah knew her husband better than you did, Archer cut in. What of the pearls in the
     sorting shed?
    Theres an American book, Flynn said with a thin smile. Gone With the Wind.
    Pearl Cove isnt Tara. I find it hard to believe that every last pearl vanished in the wind.
    Believe it anyway.
    Oh, I believe the pearls are gone, Archer drawled. I just dont believe the wind took them.
    What do you think happened? Flynn asked angrily.
    I think theyve been... salvaged.
    Are you trying to tell me something, mate?
    Hannah touched Flynns arm. Archer isnt accusing anyone.
    The Australian looked at Archer with unfriendly eyes. It doesnt sound that way to me.
    Ill need a written summary of what was lost, what was found, and what youre doing about
     the missing, Archer said.
    I dont have time for
    Make time, Archer cut in.
    The command took Flynn right up to the edge of his self-control. Archer watched the
     process with cool interest. Even eagerness.
    I dont take orders from you, Flynn said. He turned to Hannah.
    Wrong, Archer said. When Hannah would have intervened again, he confronted her. Changed
     your mind?
    What does that mean? she demanded. You made a call. I came. I can leave just as fast.
    Anger snapped along nerve endings that were