Tide Will Tell (Islands of Intrigue: San Juans) Read Free

his call, Stuart rejoined the group with his customary swagger. He opened up the paper on which he’d written the ending of a story like he was the town crier unfurling a scroll.
    He cleared his throat, then read. “The doting and onerous Petunia met the smelly Conrad at the Sundance Film Festival.”
    He stopped, giving Josh a knowing glance. Who else would have come up with a film reference?
    Stuart went on. “He gave her a diploma and said to her ‘ever race at NASCAR?’. She said to him ‘There’s no oxygen on the moon’, and the consequence was they ate chocolate macaroons, and the world said ‘God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.’.”
    “Gee, Stu.” Jessica folded her reed-like arms. “Can’t tell you’ve been through rehab.”
    “Good.” He lifted his glass in her direction. “Then I’ve achieved my goal.”
    Staci grabbed the pad of paper from the bar. “Are we playing another round?”
    “Maybe later.” Standing, Jessica started to pull off her shirt. “I’m getting in the tub.”
    Alarmed at the unveiling of a hot pink bikini top under the shirt, Josh stood and wandered over to the deck rail.
    “Hey, Josh.” Sitting on the edge of the sizeable hot tub, Jessica dipped her hand in. “Are you tubbing? The water’s perfect.”
    Affecting a polite smile, and taking care to keep his gaze focused no lower than her chin, he shook his head. “I’m really not big on hot tubs.”
    “Oh, right.” She flicked her hair again, nearly whipping the guy sitting next to her across the face. “It’s that water thing.” She swung her legs over the edge. “Well, we’ll leave you a spot in case you change your mind.”
    Trying to overlook the subtle jab masquerading as sympathy, Josh turned to gaze out at the water between the islands. The day was clear and beautiful but, typical of the Pacific Northwest in June, a heavy storm front would be moving in tomorrow. Best to enjoy the outdoors here while the weather held.
    “Is this is your first time at Jessica’s house?”
    Josh jolted a little at the proximity of Kim’s voice. He hadn’t noticed that she’d gotten up and followed him.
    “Yep. First time.” Not wanting to be rude, he leaned on the railing and observed a ferry pulling into the terminal on Orcas Island. “I’ve never accepted an invitation before because I’ve always had to study or work on the weekends.”
    “Too bad.” She leaned on the railing next to him, not quite close enough to touch his arm. “We’ve had some amazing times here. Like the best Halloween party ever.” Kim shifted to subtly face him as she drew her arm over the expanse of wooded area below them, which led down to the water. “They created a whole haunted forest.”
    “I’m sure that was something.” Josh forced a smile, but he was glad he’d missed it. A forest full of spooks held no appeal.
    “And of course, her New Year’s Eve parties are legendary. Gallons of champagne and enough food to feed an army. Last year, a bunch of us got to go out on the yacht with Sam.” She pointed to the dock which was partially visible through the trees, a ways down the shoreline. “You have to take one of the dinghies out to where it’s deep enough to drop anchor in the bay. See?”
    Turning his head slightly to take in the sight of a gleaming white vessel sitting regally offshore, Josh grunted an affirmation.
    “They did a fireworks display out there in the channel.” She tipped her head away from the dock, out toward the stretch of water between Shaw and Orcas. “We were practically underneath it. Maybe you’ll accept her invite this year. Ring in the New Year with style.”
    Josh wasn’t sure at the moment which part held less appeal—being out on the water, witnessing the effect of the ‘gallons of champagne’ on the other guests, or the obvious safety hazard of parking a boat so close to the