Dare to Die by Carolyn Hart

Author:Carolyn Hart [Hart, Carolyn]
Language: eng
Format: epub, pdf
Tags: Fiction, Mystery & Detective, General
Publisher: Avon
Published: 2009-01-01T05:00:00+00:00

SUNSET BATHED THE MARSH AND NIGHTINGALE COURTS in crimson. An egret stepping daintily in shallow water looked touched by flame. A great blue heron might have been a statue. Frogs in the lagoon croaked and bellowed. Chuck-will’s-widows gave their haunting call as they skimmed, seeking moths. On the deck behind Cabin Seven, Annie sipped cream sherry and Max lifted a frosty bottle of Beck’s as they watched night fall.

Max looked toward her. “Give it a rest.” But his voice was understanding. There was no hint of criticism.

Annie buttoned her cardigan against the chilling night, but her heart felt warm. She took comfort from the empathy in Max’s dark blue eyes, the compassion in his face. He wanted her to be freed from distress at Iris’s struggles, but he knew she had to work her way to peace. “I keep thinking about Iris, coming back to the island, trying to lay ghosts to rest. She looked almost stricken when I invited her to come to the pavilion, but she came. That was brave. I wish she hadn’t.” Annie clenched her hands. “Friday night Iris must have realized who walked into the woods with Jocelyn.” Had memory come clear through the haze of time and drugs?

“Billy will find out.” Max’s tone was final.

Brother Doyle had told Sgt. Harrison of Iris’s intentions. Billy now knew why Iris had returned to the island. His instinct that Iris died because of Jocelyn had proved to be true.

Annie’s cell phone pealed. She put down her glass, retrieved the phone from the patio table, glancing at caller ID. “Hey, Henny…. I’ll be back in the store tomorrow…. Sure. That will be great…. I love the new display in the front window…. Henny, were you teaching when Iris Tilford was in school?”

Max turned to listen. Dorothy L. stirred in his lap, gave a sleepy mew.

“Let’s talk tomorrow. I’m trying to find out more about her for a tribute. See you then.” Annie closed the phone, smiled contentedly. “Henny is a great friend. And your mom can always be counted on.” Annie completed the sentence in her own mind:…despite a world view that borders on the unhinged. As soon as the thought came, Annie scolded herself. For all her wacky ways, Laurel was good-hearted and well-meaning. “Anyway,” Annie added hurriedly to mask a twinge of guilt, “Laurel and Henny did a wonderful job at the store. Though I’m afraid,” her tone was rueful, “they see this as the start of a continuing involvement. Henny said she had some more ideas to brighten things up. But I’ll be glad to see her tomorrow. She remembers Iris.”

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