The Secret Agenda by Jacquelyn Webb

Author:Jacquelyn Webb [Webb, Jacquelyn]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Astraea Press
Published: 2012-02-10T17:11:39+00:00

Chapter Twelve

“We’re here,” Nick said.

Donna blinked. She was so immersed in her thoughts that she hadn’t realized the car had stopped. The couple in the BMW had got out and was strolling towards them. Nick came around and helped her out and into the warmth of the night air. They were in a car park. Through a fringe of palms the bay stretched out in front of them.

“Trailer Boat Club,” Nick said. “We can have a quick drink. You can admire the Darwin moon, and then I will drop you back at the hotel.”

“Is that moon real?” Donna asked.

An improbably large yellow moon lit the expanse of bay. The oppressive, searing heat of the day was gone, leaving only the soft warmth. Donna felt her headache clear. Even the ache in her ankle eased. She hadn’t realized how tense she had become over the last few months, what with the worry of her father’s illness and her brother’s pigheadedness. Nick was right. She was in the mood for a relaxing drink before she settled for the night.

“One genuine Darwin moon,” Nick said.

“Turned on especially for you,” Lang called back as he ushered Maria ahead along the path.

They moved ahead to a large open space, fringed by the palms and covered with tables. None were vacant. Nick steered her closer to the beach. Through a fringe of palms, the bay stretched out in front of them. Lang and the countess headed for the bar.

“Not like it to be this busy this hour of the night,” Nick grumbled.

Lang and Maria returned, followed by two men carrying a small table and four chairs. The table and chairs were set down and the men hurried away.

“There’s plenty of beer,” Lang said. “Or did you want something fancy?”

“Beer will do,” Donna said. “Is the place usually this popular?”

“Some of the diving groups are on the town catching up on their socializing,” Maria explained.

“Peal divers?” Donna questioned.

“What else?” Maria said with a shrug.

Donna studied the noisy group closest to them. By the look of the empties around the table, they had all been drinking for a while. She had to find an opportunity to talk to some of them. Lang and Nick headed through the crowded tables towards the bar.

“I’ve been admiring your pearls,” Donna said.

“One of the advantages of belonging to a pearling concern,” Maria said.

“I still think that the pearling industry must be fascinating.”

“Just like running an ordinary run of the mill farm, except it is pearls, not wheat or beef being harvested and just as much paperwork.”

“Told her so,” Lang said as he and Nick returned. He put down Donna’s beer.

“Here’s your daiquiri,” Nick said as he placed the frosted glass in front of Maria. “We didn’t even need you to terrorize them into faster service.’

“I only terrorize people who need terrorizing,” Maria said.

Nick’s good humor vanished. “I should present you with a gun for your next birthday. You’re practically a professional terrorist. It will be seven years, won’t it?”

The tall red-headed woman stood and slapped Nick’s face so hard that the conversation at the next table stopped.

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