Free Deceived by Patricia H. Rushford Page B

The grandfather also owns his own island and several yachts. And his uncle—remember the one he talked about last night—owns a multimillion-dollar resort on Jamaica.”
    Lisa picked up her bag and slipped her arm through the strap, securing it on her shoulder. “Come on, Jennie. I’m as upset about the break-in as you are, but don’t let it spoil our day. And don’t you dare let Matt and Dominic think you suspect them.”
    Jennie was tempted to tell Lisa about the picture, but didn’t. Blaming Dominic and Matt for that made even less sense than suspecting them of being burglars. “You’re right, and for once, I’m going to take your advice. Today’s gorgeous and so are the guys. Let’s go have some fun.”
    Lisa put a hand on Jennie’s forehead. “Nope, no fever. You’re not delirious. I must have heard you wrong. Did you really say you were going to take my advice?” Lisa laughed. “I can’t believe it. Wait ’til I tell Gram. She’ll think we’ve died and gone to heaven.”
    Jennie stifled a chuckle. “Lisa?”
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œShut up before I change my mind.”
    Less than an hour later they stepped onto a perfectly manicured beach lined with hundreds of beach umbrellas and chairs. The crescent-shaped beach stretched for nearly half a mile, ending near a wooden dock. Creamy white sand sloped up from the turquoise water for several yards and stopped at a rock wall. Beyond it was a park, complete with tropical plants, swaying palms, rustic buildings, a couple of volleyball nets, and a colorful bazaar, which Dominic told them was run by natives from neighboring islands. An island paradise—theirs for the day. Unfortunately, they did have to share it with the rest of the ship’s twelve hundred passengers.
    After helping them stake out three umbrellas and six chairs, Dominic suggested they rent snorkeling equipment, get into their swimsuits, and hike to the other side of the island.
    Gram and J.B. elected to stay on the beach while the others changed and set off to explore the island. They’d only gone a few steps when the foursome became two couples. Dominic and Jennie took the lead while Matt and Lisa trailed a dozen or so yards behind. They left the picnic area and walked inland along the wide dirt path bordered by a dense undergrowth of tropical plants.
    â€œIt’s getting hot,” Jennie said as she adjusted her straw hat and wiped the sweat from around the brim and off the bridge of her nose.
    â€œIt is best to walk early in the morning. But soon we will swim.” Dominic squeezed her hand, urging her forward. A few minutes later, the trail broke out of the jungle and opened onto a rocky shoreline.
    â€œYou were right. The Caribbean is fantastic.” Jennie drew in a deep breath of warm fragrant air and sighed. “Mmmm. I wouldn’t mind living here.”
    â€œIt is a wonderful place. However, you will soon discover that paradise is far from perfect. In summer the heat can be unbearable, and the hurricanes…” He shook his head. “Paradise has not dealt kindly with my family.”
    The hard edge of his anger and grief emerged as it had the day before. It unsettled her, yet, at the same time, drew her to him. She wished she could somehow ease his pain. “Yesterday you mentioned losing your father. Was he killed in a hurricane?”
    â€œHurricane?” Dominic swore. His grip on her hand tightened. “My mother, my grandmother, and my little sister died in a hurricane when I was six years old. It was a tragedy, but…one learns to survive.” He stopped and tipped his head back, as if it had suddenly become an effort for him to speak. “No, Jennie, a hurricane did not take my father’s life,” Dominic said through clenched teeth. “My father was murdered.”

10
    Murdered
. The word penetrated Jennie’s heart like a