Free Dark Waters (2013) by Toni Anderson Page B

past?
    The guy behind the counter rang up her purchases. “Visiting friends?”
    “Uh-huh.” She could see speculation in his eyes, but he didn’t venture any more questions. An older woman, hauling a shopping bag that looked far too heavy for her to handle, called out a good-bye to the guy. Anna eyed the wine section and figured she’d never be able to manage her purchases as it was, then grabbed a bottle anyway. She had all day to walk the half mile back to Brent’s house, and wine would help her get through the meal without succumbing to insanity. Anna counted out her cash and asked for a box to carry everything home.
    She hefted her purchases and headed outside. Pretty houses were scattered along the inlet, backed by ubiquitous evergreen forest. Small boats were moored at a variety of jetties and docks of all shapes and sizes. A floatplane bobbed on the water, and a fancy cruiser chugged out of the inlet with a group of fishermen huddled on the deck, sporting big grins of excitement and anticipation. A dark wedge of rock above the water told her the tide was receding and with that came the fresh scent of seaweed—not unpleasant. Massive plate-size starfish glittered in rock crevices, and she could see shoals of tiny fish darting beneath the timbers of the dock.
    This was a cute town for a short visit.
    She rested her groceries on the railing to watch a seal pop its head out of the water and then disappear again. This is what her father had loved about this tiny community. This, and his best friend Brent.
    Perhaps she was finally ready to admit that there was a tiny part of her that was actually jealous of their relationship. A small immature slice of her soul that wished she’d been as close to the man who’d raised her as his prison cellmate was. The fact that the gulf between them since he’d gotten out of prison had been her fault didn’t make it hurt any less.
    Hot grief surged up inside and a warm knot formed in her throat. She’d avoided seeing him lately. Told him she was busy with work and canceled at the last moment when she’d been due to visit. Had she subconsciously been punishing him? Or had she just been terrified he’d finally figure out what had happened to her when he’d been locked up, and do something stupid that would get him thrown back in prison? Dark feelings tangled inside her. She should have talked to him. Should have spent more time with him.
    Anna drew in a long breath and tried to let it go. Regret would get her nowhere. Her father was dead and she needed to figure out why.
    The cry of a seagull drew her back to the scene in front of her. Across the water sat an impressive array of buildings in all shapes and sizes, including a scallop-shaped one that faced the sea.
    “That’s the Bamfield Marine Science Center.”
    Anna jolted. She hadn’t realized she had company. The older woman from the store stood stroking a small tabby.
    Anna had to forcefully clear the frog in her throat to speak. “Looks impressive.”
    “It is impressive.” The woman plopped her bag on the boardwalk, juggled a small bunch of tulips, and stuck out her hand to shake. “I’m Laura Prescott.”
    Anna shook her hand quickly. A boat was motoring over from the other side of the inlet. She squinted. It was Brent. She eyed herheavy box and then leaned over the railing, putting two fingers in her mouth to produce a sharp whistle to get his attention. When he looked up, she waved frantically. All eyes swung in her direction and she felt highly conspicuous.
    “You know Brent Carver?” the woman, Laura, asked her.
    “Yes. It was nice to meet you.” Anna winced as she hefted her box and walked down the narrow gangplank toward Brent, tying up against the dock. When she got down to the boat, he took her groceries with a frown.
    “I’ve got plenty of food.” He eyed the massive bars of chocolate and smiled. It disturbed her. “Hop in and find a life jacket.” He picked up a large wrapped canvas. “I