Dead in the Water Read Free Page B

shirt.
    Okay, we got up close and intrusive with a gator. That should be enough.
    Three more gator sightings and a few more races at the poor mud hens and we turned back toward the dock.
    â€œ Hey.”
    Hey yourself , I wanted to yell at our pilot. He said something I did not understand, but Madeleine translated for me.
    â€œ He said to grab onto something.”
    What was this crazy man up to now? He throttled the engine up, and we raced by the dock at top speed; then he cut the engine and abruptly cut to the left, making the boat slide sideways through reeds.
    â€œ When the water’s lower, I can do a 360 degree turn.”
    Oh gosh. What a shame we had to miss that .
    I was about to share my thoughts with Madeleine when I noticed her face had taken on a decidedly green tinge.
    â€œ You okay?” I asked.
    â€œ Ulp.” She nodded, but not too convincingly.
    We headed back for the dock at a sane speed. The wide bow wave pushed the water lettuce and water lilies away from the boat. They seemed to duck under the surface as if they were trying to get away from us. I could understand why.
    â€œ First airboat ride?” The pilot held his hand out to Madeleine once we were tied up. She got up from her seat and wobbled a bit, then took his hand. For the first time today, I was grateful he was behaving like a gentleman and helping her debark. His attempt at gallantry would have been successful, had Madeleine’s sneaker not come untied. As she stepped onto the dock, she slipped backwards into the boat, pulling the pilot with her. He let go, his foot missed the boat, and he plunged into the water. I looked at her, and she at me. Yep, she still had it.
    â€œ It was bound to happen, honey.” I pushed her onto the dock and joined her there. The pilot floundered around in the three foot deep water for several minutes before he was able to pull himself out. One water lily in full yellow bloom perched on his shoulder, while other plants trailed their watery roots along his arms. He shook himself like a wet dog and smiled.
    â€œ Have a nice day, folks.” He waved as we took the path back to our car.
    Darlene removed her scarf and patted her hair back into its helmet shape. “I’m gonna buy some strawberries. I love Plant City berries. And I gotta pee.” She started toward the building, catching up with the other passengers.
    â€œ Oops, forgot.” Winston turned and started back to the boat. “I didn’t give him a tip.”
    I shook my head in disgust. “Here’s a tip. Stay away from ‘little ladies.’ ”
    A hurt looked crossed Madeleine’s face.
    â€œ You weren’t really interested in him, were you?” I asked.
    â€œ Of course not. It’s just that I feel as if all men who show any interest in me are cursed.”
    â€œ In this case, it might be for the best. Think how you’d handle dating someone who smelled like swamp water even after he bathed and whose idea of fun is to do wheelies in an airboat.”
    The sound of raised voices drew my attention back to the dock. Winston stood with his back to us, the pilot in front of him. It looked like the two men were arguing. I made out the words “money” and “owe.” Was the pilot arguing about the amount of his tip?
    â€œ What’s happening? I’m going back there.” I started toward the dock, but stopped when I heard a loud pop. I watched the two men drop to the ground. As I ran toward them, one man got to his knees, looked toward the opposite bank of the canal and rose to his feet, waving at me. It was the pilot. My uncle lay on the path. He wasn’t moving.

Chapter 2
    â€œ C all 911!” I yelled to Madeleine. I kneeled, gently touched Winston’s cheek and placed my fingers on his neck. I could feel no pulse. Winston was dead, his eyes staring up into the blue sky but seeing nothing. How could this be?
    â€œ A heart attack?” Madeleine