Free In Too Deep by Norah McClintock

that—”
    â€œJust that what?”
    â€œI was kind of mad at you, too, going away for the whole summer.”
    I peered into his eyes. “You mean you were going to miss me?”
    â€œThings are so busy during the school year. I guess I thought we’d have more time together.”
    I wrapped my arms around him, snuggled close, and tipped my head back so that he could kiss me. I didn’t want to let him go. But after a few moments he eased himself free, and we walked hand-in-hand to the end of the dock.
    â€œI wish I could stay,” he said.
    â€œCan you call me every once in a while, let me know you’re okay?”
    â€œI’ll see what I can do.” He sat on the edge of the dock, getting ready to slip into the water. I sat down beside him.
    â€œNick?” I said. “You don’t think someone killed Alex, do you?”
    Nick looked out over the water. “I don’t know. I’ve been around a lot of guys like the ones at Mr. Wilson’s place. I’m not saying it was premeditated murder or anything. But guys like that—they can do things without thinking. Maybe someone was giving Alex a hard time—or maybe Alex was giving someone a hard time. He could be like that, Robyn. Things can get out of control. Believe me, I know. And in places like that, guys cover for other guys.”
    I squeezed his hand. I didn’t know everything there was to know about Nick, but he had told me about some of what he had gone through—enough that I knew he was speaking from experience. “If there was something going on, if someone was responsible for what happened to Alex—directly or indirectly—I’m going to find out. It’s the least I can do for Seth.”
    â€œBe careful, Nick. Don’t do anything stupid. And if you find out anything—anything at all—promise me you’ll go to the cops. The chief of police here is a friend of my dad’s. He can—”
    Nick pulled me to him and kissed me again. “I’ll be careful, I promise.” Then he eased himself into the water and swam off into the darkness. For a few minutes I followed his progress. Then a cloud slipped across the moon, and I lost him. By the time it reemerged from behind the clouds, Nick was gone. He could be so secretive and so frustrating. But whatever his shortcomings, he was a loyal friend. I didn’t think there was anything Nick wouldn’t do to help someone he cared about. I was just turning to go back up to the house when I saw something across the lake. Someone was standing on the dock at the marina. I couldn’t make out who it was—it was too far and too dark. Well, if I couldn’t see who it was, then that person couldn’t see who I was or who Nick was—could they?
    Morgan was still sitting on my bed when I went back inside.
    â€œWow,” she said. “Nick looks amazing in a bathing suit. I didn’t know he worked out, Robyn.”
    I had to admit he looked pretty good.
    â€œBut what’s with those scars on his back? Was he in an accident?”
    â€œA fight.” Nick had told me all about it. “It was a bunch of guys against Nick. If a pizza delivery guy hadn’t intervened ... He was in the hospital for weeks, but it was a long time ago.”
    â€œNo wonder he works out,” Morgan said. “He looks like he can take care of himself now, if he has to.”
    I hoped he wouldn’t have to.

T
    he days seemed to drag by after Nick’s visit. I was sitting at the end of the dock the following Monday night, trailing my bare feet in the water and watching the sun set, when my phone rang. I picked it up eagerly and checked the display, hoping maybe Nick had managed to get to a phone. But it was my father.
    â€œRobbie,” he boomed into my ear. “How are things in the fifth estate?”
    â€œThe what?”
    â€œThe press. How’s it going?”
    â€œI’m not