Pages of Passion Read Free Page A

Yes, that was true. In college she’d been a courier and briefly worked for her uncle delivering items to customers until she learned what his real business was—smuggling jewelry. Not wanting to get in trouble with the law, although her uncle had tried to assure herthat she wouldn’t, Noreen had gotten out quickly and her decision had caused a strain in the family, especially for those who had a more lax approach regarding right and wrong.
    She suspected that her family background had been part of what had charmed her ex, who knew about her father, her shady uncle, her devious brothers and her reckless sister. But he’d been disappointed when Noreen hadn’t lived up to his ideal of one of the reputed “wild Websters.”
    But that had been a long time ago and she wasn’t naive anymore. What would it hurt to do a simple delivery job and in the process enjoy a seven-day luxury cruise? She could help her sister and get a needed vacation. “Okay, fine,” Noreen said. She felt she might be making a mistake, but couldn’t stop herself.
    Arlene squealed with delight then hugged her. “Thank you so much.” She kissed her sister on the cheek. “I love you.”
    “Hmm. What are you going to do if…” Noreen let her words fall away and gestured to her stomach.
    “If I’m pregnant?” Arlene finished when Noreen couldn’t.
    Noreen nodded.
    “I’ll be okay. Don’t worry about it. You worry too much. Dad always thought so.”
    Noreen folded her arms, unable to deny her sister’s accuracy.
    “You haven’t seen him lately,” Arlene said, unable to let the topic drop.
    “I send him cards.”
    “But you don’t visit.”
    “When he sees you, he sees me.”
    “That’s not the same.”
    But it was close. Most people were disappointed with Noreen after meeting vivacious Arlene, with her flashy smile, stylish clothes and sex appeal. Arlene was every color of the rainbow while Noreen was black-and-white. Everyone preferred color. “I’m busy and we never have anything to say to each other.”
    “But—”
    “Do you want me to help you or not?”
    “All right, forget it,” Arlene said, not wanting to push her luck. “Everything has been taken care of and all reservations are in my name. The contact will meet you on the dock in St. Lagans. I’ll call you and give you more information when I get home. You’re going to have so much fun.” She smiled. “Maybe you’ll meet someone.”
    Noreen met her sister’s engaging smile and shook her head. “Only in your dreams.”

Chapter Two
    A week later, Noreen walked through the airport terminal in pink three-inch-high heels, a pair of straight-leg blue jeans, a pink rayon blouse that felt too small and a cashmere coat. She wore large, sterling-silver hoop earrings and her hair sleeked back. Her sister wanted her to wear an anklet, three bracelets and two necklaces, but Noreen argued she’d never get past security. “I think I’m making a big mistake,” she said in a low voice.
    “Only because you worry too much,” Arlene said next to her. Her sister looked hideous wearing a pair of dark-framed glasses, a short-waisted wool jacket with two-inch-high clunky boots and her hair loose around her face in an unstylish manner.
    Noreen glanced at her, annoyed by her sister’s dowdyappearance. “I’m not worrying, I’m just thinking, and besides, I don’t dress like that.”
    “Yes, you do.”
    Noreen sighed, not in the mood to argue. She stopped at the airport checkpoint. It was time to say goodbye. She took a deep breath as if about to dive into icy water. “This is it.”
    “Yes. I really appreciate this.”
    “You’d better.”
    Arlene kissed Noreen on the cheek. “Try to have some fun.”
    “Right, and you take care of yourself.”
    “I will.”
    Noreen stiffened when she saw a familiar figure in the distance. “What is he doing here?”
    Arlene spun around then gasped with joy. “It’s Clyde! He’s come to say goodbye. Isn’t he sweet?”
    Sweet