Oceans of Fire by Christine Feehan Page B

consider.”
    “Great, Jonas is going to turn into the mad, tyrannical dictator. He’ll lose his mind over you going to the cove, Abbey.”
    “What do you mean, me going to the cove? You’re with me.”
    Joley laughed. “Jonas doesn’t expect me to exhibit any sense. I was smart enough to carefully cultivate the appearance of being a complete ditz. You, however, have all those impressive letters after your name and write papers published in journals and generally are expected to have tremendous sense at all times.” She peered closely at the scuff marks. “Matt’s a big man. Does it look like it could have been him?”
    “It’s impossible to tell.” Abbey met her sister’s gaze. “Look, Joley. I didn’t expect this. I think one of the dolphins was shot last night. They risked their lives to save me and I have to go to the cove and try to help, but you don’t. Why don’t you go back to the house and call Jonas and let him know what’s going on? I don’t think anyone’s here, but it’s better to play it safe.”
    “You’re out of your mind if you think I’m leaving you here, Abbey. Just get moving. I’m too bullheaded to be afraid. I get mad when people threaten me or someone I love, you know that. I mean it, get moving.”
    Abbey touched Joley’s arm. “Thanks, Joley. I can’t leave the dolphin if he’s in need of medical help. They’ve come into the cove—they like the shallow water—and I’ll be able to treat him. Another few steps and we should be nearly to the beach. Let me go first just in case. When I know everything’s all right, I’ll call you.”
    “I’m coming with you.”
    Abbey shone the light along the bottom stairs. It was useless to argue with Joley once she made up her mind to do something. And truthfully, Abigail was grateful for her presence. She followed the stairway all the way down to a narrow entryway that opened into a natural cave. The ceiling had been painstakingly carved out until one could walk stooped over to gain entrance to the cave. Early morning sunlight filtering through the cave’s mouth provided enough illumination for them to see where they were going without the flashlight. The sound of the sea mixed with the whistles and chirps of the dolphins. The wind blew steadily and salt spray dashed against the rocks along the caves.
    “It’s a beautiful morning,” Abbey said.
    Joley rubbed her nose and grinned at her sister. “I haven’t seen one in a while. Yes, it is.” The sun had risen over the water, scattering rays of gold and silver along the surface to form gleaming pools in the cove, shimmering with invitation. “No wonder you spend so much time in the sea.”
    Abbey caught her arm before she could step out of the cave. “Let’s be careful. Do you see those tracks in the mud? Several people have been here recently.”
    “Could be kids.”
    “Maybe. Maybe not.” Abbey looked carefully around the cove. The beach appeared deserted. Out in the water, several dolphins spy-hopped. One called to her, using her signature whistle. “Stay here, Joley, and cover me.”
    Joley put down the case she was carrying and fished her gun out of her purse, all business. “Be careful, Abbey. And if I yell, you hit the ground.”
    “Will do.” Abbey picked up both cases and strode out over the coarse sand. She examined every nook and cranny, every hiding hole she could see as she walked to the water’s edge. Once there, she allowed her gaze to travel upward to examine the cliff above the cove.
    When Abigail was positive she was alone in the cove, she signaled the all-clear to Joley and waited for her sister to join her.
    Joley stared in awe at the sleek heads bobbing in the ocean. “I’ve never seen so many dolphins.”
    “They’re beautiful, aren’t they?” Abbey waded out into the shallow water, whistling softly. “Keep a watch on the cave and the cliffs, Joley. I’m going to call Kiwi in.” She took a last look around the cliffs and out to sea,