Free Desperate Measures by Cindy Cromer

this is coming out now? Daniel, that article really scared me and I wonder what the hell other secrets are out there. We grew up so normal, or at least I thought we did. I’m glad Dad told you himself about his father. The way he informed me, I thought I’d have to break the news to you and Dean about our grandfather.”
    “I know, Sis, when Dean and I graduated from college, he told us. Dean, you know him, surfer dude was like whatever, but my thoughts wandered and I became curious. Even though I didn’t know the whole story, from the fights and phone calls I remember, your probing got nowhere. I didn’t even bother to bring it up again.”
    “Has Dad talked to Dean yet?” Caitlin inquired. “I tried him before I called you. Got voice mail, no surprise there.”
    “Yeah, Dad left him a message to call ASAP, who knows when he’ll return the call. Dean’s a great guy and our brother but not the most reliable.”
    “Tell me about it! It’s a miracle he has his surf shop running at a profit. If it weren’t for his bookkeeper, he’d be sleeping under a bridge in Huntington Beach. Caitlin, I have to hang up now and go to the studio for tonight’s late broadcast. It’s almost pre-season football and I have a lot of breaking updates to cover.”
    “I won’t hold you up for work and disappoint the female audience that swoons over you during your broadcasts.”
    “Very funny, Caitlin. I’m glad you haven’t lost your sense of humor. Keep me posted on what’s happening down there, okay?”
    “I will and it has been great talking to you, Daniel. Give my love to Amy and you better call when my niece or nephew is born.”
    “You got it. Love you, Sis. Hang in there, everything will be fine.”
     
    * * * *
     
    Dean Spencer kissed his latest blond conquest goodbye with plans to meet later that night at the local beach bar called The Shipwreck. He walked across the beach to his apartment which overlooked the Pacific Ocean. Dean, the most attractive of the Spencer children, had shoulder length sun streaked golden hair, a toned body from surfing and exercise, and perfectly sculptured facial features. Dark haired Daniel and Caitlin, exuded a professional image. One would never guess the three were siblings, except for the distinctive blue eyes.
    He unlocked his front door, stepped into the small foyer, and saw the red light blinking on his answering machine. Dean pressed the play button. The first message was from his father, the second his sister and both wanted him to call back as soon as possible. The girl he’d been dating for six months left the third message.
    “Shit! I forgot about Rachel,” Dean shouted out loud.
    He thought of the other girl with luminous blond hair and enormous boobs. “Screw it.” He had no intention of missing out on that.
    He didn’t need to guess what his father and sister wanted. Caitlin and Jack made a habit of bombarding him with questions about money, settling down, and getting married. He wasn’t like his sister and never would be. Running his small surf shop made him happy.
    Dean looked at his watch, seven at night in California made it three hours later in Florida and St. Kitts. He wasn’t in the mood for lectures. He showered and didn’t give a second thought to his family or Rachel.
     
    * * * *
     
    Caitlin walked into the suite to find everyone feasting on Tomas’s picnic of Arroz con Pollo as a late night snack. She prepared herself a plate. “Mmm this is good! Is everyone ready to do some sightseeing tomorrow?” Turning to Chad and Alexandra, she hugged them in a tight embrace. “We’ll go to the Black Rocks and all of the beaches. How does that sound?”
    “Great!” Chad yelled. “I want to snorkel and go see Rita and Paul.”
    “We will, honey.” Chad returned his attention to the television show. Caitlin whispered to her husband, “Scott, I haven’t had a chance to call Rita. She must be worried about us after what she found in our