Starfish Island by Deborah Brown Page B

try to scare her away. Was it Chester or Rena Grey? They were the only ones living in the house. Could someone have gotten in from outside? The same person who had broken in before?
    Whoever it was would be quite pleased if they knew how frightened she was. How her heart pounded as she lay tense and alert, afraid to close her eyes to sleep, listening to every creaking motion of the old house and the wind rustling through the trees. She vowed to never let anyone guess how scared she’d been.
    “Bored with my company? You seemed to have drifted away.” Jake skimmed a pebble across the water.
    “Busy day. You caught me thinking about my schedule and all that I have to do.”
    “Tell me what you consider a busy day.”
    “I have a meeting with Rena, which I’m not looking forward to. I’m hoping she’s nothing like her husband.”
    “She’s a little intimidating, but my money’s on you.” He laughed.
    “Since my arrival, I’ve walked around a bit overwhelmed. I think I’d have an easier time if Chester weren’t so controlling. Today, I’m going to start learning about how the house is run and who does what, and I’m excited. Grandmother put all her trust in me, and I have no intention of letting her down.”
    “I think Caroline made an excellent choice.”
    “Hi, you two.”
    Jake and Nicole turned to see Cecilia running toward them.
    “If you’ve come to run with me, you’re too late.”
    “No, sis, I came to walk you back to the house.”
    “I’m starving,” Cecilia said. “I thought we could go have breakfast.”
    “Can’t. I still have some packing to finish.” Jake explained.
    “Have you had breakfast, Nicole?” Cecilia asked.
    “No, I snuck out. I didn’t want the Greys to ask questions. Shall we go somewhere and get something to eat?”
    “There’s a little café on the other side of the causeway on the way to the ferry that I know you’ll love. Come on, Jake, just for a little while.”
    “Next time.” He turned to Nicole. “I’m going to Tallahassee on business. I’ll only be gone for a few days.”
    “Enjoy your trip,” Nicole said lightly.
    “Don’t be a stranger; we only live down the beach. If you have any problems, I’m sure Michael would drop everything,” he said and winked at her.
    “I don’t want to bother your brother with my problems,” Nicole told him. “And I’m not expecting any.”
    “I’m certain my brother wouldn’t consider it a bother,” Cecilia said.
    Nicole noticed the amused look that passed between Jake and Cecilia.
    “Don’t forget, before you go rushing off on your trip, you promised to join me in a bike ride,” Cecilia said, teasing Jake.
    “I’ll see you before I leave,” Jake told her, jogging away.
    Cecilia linked her arm through Nicole’s, and they headed toward the driveway. Nicole was happy to drive them the short distance to the restaurant.
    ~ ~ ~
    “Here we are, and not a minute too soon. I’m famished. I can’t believe the appetite I work up during my morning run,” Cecilia said.
    “I’m glad you chose this place. I saw it when I first arrived and made a mental note to come back,” Nicole said.
    Dockside Café, a small restaurant tucked back on the docks, boasted a view of the marina. Only open for breakfast and lunch, it catered primarily to locals.       
    Just then, the café’s owner came through the swinging door from the back. “Good morning, Lily,” Cecilia said. “Have you met Nicole Alexander?” She sniffed. “What’s that heavenly smell?”
    The dark-haired, middle-aged woman smiled and yelled, “Tammy! Pecan rolls.” She turned back to Cecilia. “They’re fresh out of the oven.”
    In answer to her call, a young woman with tight blond curls and a permanent dimple appeared. Her uniform, which appeared to be a couple of sizes too small, hugged well-rounded curves. Her blue eyes sparkled with innocence. “Good morning, Miss Cecilia. It’s been a long time since you’ve been