Free Chesapeake Tide by Jeanette Baker Page B

occurred to her, but she knew better than to waste her time.
    Dressed in her skimpiest top, the spaghetti-strapped one that bared her belly, and a pair of cutoff, rolled-up denim shorts, Chloe stepped out on the porch. Her grandfather sat on the bottom Step holding up a bicycle that had seen better days.
    â€œHi,” she said cautiously.
    â€œHi, yourself.” He grinned at her and nodded at the bike. “This’ll help you get there.”
    â€œThat’s okay, Granddad. I don’t mind walking.”
    â€œIt’s three miles into town, Chloe. After ten minutes in this heat, you’ll be grateful. I oiled the chain and checked out the brakes.”
    He was so sweet and so enthusiastic. Chloe didn’t have the heart to tell him she wouldn’t be caught dead riding a bike. She’d find a bush to park it under and no one would be the wiser. “Thanks, Granddad,” she said.
    â€œYou know how to ride a bike, don’t you, sugar?”
    â€œYes.” She gripped the handlebars and swung her leg over the crossbar. “Don’t worry about me. I might take some time to look around.”
    â€œIt’s about time you thought of getting a driver’s license.”
    â€œThat was on the agenda before we came here.”
    â€œI see.” Cole reached into his pocket and pulled out a ten dollar bill. “Here’s a little something to tide you over.”
    â€œI don’t need any money, Granddad.”
    â€œTake it, just in case. You never know. A little extra cash can be mighty handy in a pinch.”
    Reluctantly, Chloe pocketed the money. “Thanks,” she said again. “It’s really nice of you.”
    â€œMy pleasure. Run along now. It’s a straight ride to Main Street. You won’t get lost.”
    Conscious of her grandfather’s eyes on her back, Chloe pedaled down the long driveway and out onto the dirt service road. Only when she reached the highway leading into town did she brake and slide off the seat. Holding on to the handlebars she began to look for a place to stow the bike. She chose a clump of brush set back from the road. By the time she’d dragged the bike down the embankment, hidden it in the bushes and climbed back up, she was breathing heavily. Sweat trickled down her forehead, the insides of her thighs and between her breasts. God, she hated this place.
    Keeping to the side of the road, Chloe lingered in the shady spots, wishing she’d brought a water bottle. How long was three miles, anyway? She was quite sure she’d never covered such a distance on foot in her life. What were they thinking, Serena and her family, to send her on a mission like this? It was more than inconvenient, it was dangerous. Any old pervert could come by and kidnap her. Her father would flip out if he knew the chances Libby was taking with his daughter’s life.
    She was sure she’d missed the turn into town. Her top was drenched, her toes had blisters and her hair hung in lank wisps around her face. She’d made a mistake about the bike. Anything was better than this, anything at all. Dismissing every warning she’d ever heard about riding with strangers, she turned at the sound of a car engine and stuck out her thumb.
    An old pickup, so rusty and banged-up its color was no longer discernible, passed by, leaving her in a cloud of dust. Discouraged, Chloe gritted her teeth and started down the road again. She was an idiot to have come with her mother. She should have thrown a temper tantrum, refused to eat, held her breath. Hell was no worse than Marshyhope Creek.
    A sound came from the other direction. Another car? Chloe shaded her eyes, squinting against the glare. The same truck was coming toward her, slowly. A trickle of fear slid down her spine. She looked around. There was nowhere to go. She couldn’t outrun a truck or a man. Lifting her chin, she waited. The truck made a U-turn and stopped beside her. Chloe