Dangerous Season by Lyn Cote

Author:Lyn Cote
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Steeple Hill
Published: 2007-08-31T04:00:00+00:00

EIGHT

On the evening of Fourth of July, Evie clung excitedly to Keir’s hand as they moved among the fun-seeking crowd. Residents, summer people and tourists packed the street along the end of the wharf and marina. The long summer day lingered with unusual heat and humidity. He’d been surprised when Evie had invited him, and he’d see to it that Evie had a good time tonight. But Audra walked beside him, looking tense. She’s worried about gossip. And maybe her uncle seeing us together?

Keir wasn’t officially on duty, but he wore his short-sleeved khaki uniform shirt and brown trousers he’d worked in all day. Audra and Evie wore matching outfits, sharp-looking short-sleeved white blouses with blue stars, red shorts and sandals.

Audra’s nearness enticed him. Beyond her graceful and easy sway, everything drew his notice—her small waist, her translucent skin. As they edged toward the merry-go-round, he tried to steer “his” two ladies away from neighbors. But the whole of Winfield appeared to be on hand and seemed delighted and intrigued to see the three of them together.

Off to his left, Keir glimpsed Florence approaching them. He braced himself for whatever might come out of her mouth.

“Well, well,” Florence commented, smirking at them.

“Hi, Mrs. LeVesque,” Evie greeted their unpredictable neighbor who wore one of her late husband’s threadbare shirts, trousers and old fishing hat with lures. “The sheriff brought us.”

“I see,” Florence said, giving both him and Audra a very obvious once-over. “Are you three having a good time?”

Evie did a little jig. “I’m going to ride the merry-go-round and it’s going to go real fast round and round. And the sheriff’s going to win me a prize, too.”

“Evie, I said I’d try,” Keir cautioned.

Florence’s smirky smile broadened. “Don’t listen to him, Evie. A girl can never tell what might happen to her when she’s out with a handsome man.” She winked at Audra and then strolled away.

Keir glanced at Audra. She pursed her lips. Then she looked up, her smile bright and full. “Here we are, the line for the merry-go-round.”

He had no idea what had caused her smile. But he smiled back at her and led them to the line of parents with their bouncing, chattering offspring.

Though he made himself focus on Evie, Audra affected him. Snatches of old love songs played in his mind. Still, he noted that Audra’s chin rose a fraction every time someone glanced curiously in their direction.

Finally, their turn came to hand in their bright turquoise-blue tickets. Keir lifted Evie up and swung her onto the merry-go-round. She’d already pointed out the horse she wanted, the one that had pink ribbons painted into its mane. Keir set her astride it.

Evie clutched the pole and squealed greetings to her friend Cassie who had taken the horse right in front. “Cassie, look! The sheriff brought me and my mama!”

Keir smiled ruefully at Audra.

Grinning, Cassie and her parents waved back at them. Audra appeared to be putting on a good act at not noticing everyone noticing them together.

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