CursedLaird Read Free

congratulations. Is there anything else?”
    “I could use a drink. What do you say to you and I having a
drink together for old times’ sake?”
    Caledonia studied his face. With those striking blue
contacts in, she couldn’t read him. Was he telling the truth or did he want
something? Hell, he got practically everything in the divorce—with the
exception of the O’Reillys. What else could he want? Though she knew better,
curiosity got the better of her. She sidestepped Abel and drew out a chair at
the closest empty table.
    “Have a seat.” She waved her hand at the table as she sat.
When Percy and Abel both moved to sit as well, she shook her head then tossed
her thick, jet-black braid over her shoulder to lie down the center of her
back. “I think I’ve got it from here, boys. But you’ll hear me scream if I
don’t.”
    The pair nodded then strode to the bar, leaned against it
but didn’t take their sea-green eyes off Kip. She noted Poppa had turned and
leaned with his back to the bar, staring straight at them. Kip was not his
favorite person and she couldn’t blame him. He wasn’t hers either.
    “What’s the real reason you’re here, Kip?” When he reached
for her hand on the table, she dropped it to her lap. There was no reason for
contact.
    “You’re the reason I’m here, Cali.” His shortened version of
her name used to give her chills and make her smile. Now it grated on her like
a Siamese cat’s meow. “I miss you.”
    “You miss me or my talent?” Caledonia nearly snorted
on her reply. “What’s the matter, Kip? All the hot leads dried up? That
tight little first mate of yours can’t read well enough to research the history
books, and help you locate possible sunken treasures on a map?”
    Kip straightened in his chair. The muscle in his jaw ticked
and she knew she’d hit a sore spot.
    “I can see you’re still angry with me over my employment of
Lillianna,” Kip said. Though his tone seemed calmer as he spoke, she noted he
continually checked Abel’s and Percy’s locations over her shoulder.
    “Actually, I couldn’t care less who you employ.”
    His expression brightened and she knew she was right. He
came for a specific reason and not a social visit. “Then would you consider
employment with Marine Treasures Salvage?”
    Uninhibited laughter burst from her. She couldn’t believe
he’d said that. He offered her employment with the company she helped build
from the ground up. His face reddened and she swore she saw steam rise from his
head. Wiping the tears from her eyes with a napkin, she cleared her throat.
“You’re kidding, right?”
    Kip’s chin tilted and he gave a slight nod when he replied
in a cold tone, “I never joke about a job offer.”
    “Considering what we’ve been through…” She let her voice
trail as she leaned forward and got as close to his face as she could stand. It
turned her stomach to see him prepare as if she meant to kiss him. Caledonia
swallowed the disgust that threatened to rise, and on a heated breath clearly
voiced her decision. “The answer is no.”
    * * * * *
    Hours into the night, Caledonia researched her notes,
scoured the internet and studied the history of Loch Tay. Dead tired, she
flopped onto her pillow, leaving everything scattered on her bed. Nothing
magically appeared. No clues as to what lay hidden beneath the surface.
Instinct demanded she dive again tomorrow. Excitement toyed with her brain
causing her to remain awake, though she desperately needed to sleep.
    Something tickled her thoughts and kept her brainwaves
frantically searching for an answer. The words of her favorite poem took center
stage.
     
    Thy mighty Ben Lawers surrounds thee
    Four rounded forts protect thy sleeping bairn
    Chained within the center floats thy fourth
    Safe beneath thy watchful eye of Breadalbane
    Rest ye weary one fer yer day of release shall come
    Lest nay be the month of one when thy favored fish of
Balloch run
     
    Caledonia sat upright,