Playing the Spy by Maggie Brown

Author:Maggie Brown [Brown, Maggie]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
ISBN: 9781594935756
Publisher: Bella Books
Published: 2018-01-18T07:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nineteen

“Have you picked out a dress for the premiere?”

Eleanor smiled at Carol over the dining table, distant thunder adding to the cosiness of the restaurant. “I bought a red one from the Donna Karan collection in New York a few months ago. At least I’m back to my normal weight and won’t look like a refugee.” She glanced around when Marcello approached. “Shall we order?”

Eleanor perused the menu, determined to indulge tonight. She felt like celebrating. Their talk had cleared the air and they were back to their easy friendship of old times. It was a load off her mind that they had reached an understanding. She had been serious when she said she didn’t want to lose Carol’s friendship, for not only was she always there as a confidante, she was also indispensible in Eleanor’s professional life.

She studied Marcello as he took their order. He was certainly the perfect waiter: discreet, quiet, and attentive. She wondered why he had not given them the intimate setting that he had when she had brought Sophie. Had he guessed then they had been on a date and not just two friends having dinner? Were they that transparent? She shrugged it off with a blush—so much for secrets.

They had finished the entrees and were halfway through the main course when Deirdre appeared at their table. “I’m sorry to disturb you, Eleanor, but I need to speak to you privately if I may,” she murmured.

Eleanor looked at her in surprise. Deirdre’s usual cool confidence was replaced by a worried frown. Goosebumps prickled her skin. She nodded and rose quickly. “Of course… Excuse me, Carol.”

She followed her through the dining tables, then crossed the hallway in her wake. As they progressed to the office, Eleanor’s heart began to flutter. Whatever had happened must be important for her to be interrupted during dinner? Apprehension was gnawing at her by the time she took a seat at the desk.

Deirdre’s fingers moved restlessly over the polished top as she said in a strained voice, “We’ve some news that’s rather worrying. Doug’s fishing boat is well overdue. The last communication with him was late this afternoon when he radioed he was answering a distress call.”

Eleanor stared at her. “And you think something’s happened to him?”

“They were answering a mayday, but running into the centre of this very nasty storm. Nothing has been heard from any of them since.”

“They?”

“Sophie’s with him, Eleanor.”

“Oh dear God!” Eleanor closed her eyes, swallowing back the surge of nausea. She clamped her hands on her knees to force herself to speak calmly. “Is anyone looking for them?”

“The coast guard has been alerted, but it’s impossible to do anything until the storm passes. We’re only on the edge of it here, but according to the weather bureau there are gale force winds further north.”

Eleanor felt the tremor again, this time up her spine. Fear and anguish roiled inside her. “Do…do you think they’ll be all right?”

“Doug’s an experienced sailor. He knows these islands and will find a safe place to anchor for the night.

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