Page 62 of Nowhere to Hide

I rolled onto my side, drawing the big towel around me. The typicalLord of the Ringsand Terry Pratchett books were lined up, but there were a surprising number of classics in there as well as some pulpy fiction books that made me smile.

The rocking of the boat must have dragged me under because the next time I woke it was to the scent of bacon. I shivered since my towel was still damp and my hair was a mess.

I hobbled over to the suitcase and drew a sundress I’d never seen over my bikini. It was easier than trying to get into shorts.

My pain meds had long since faded and there was nothing but stars above me through the skylight. It was so dark that the porthole showed a glint of moonlight on the water.

I opened the door to find Locke there with a tray.

He was still shirtless, but his hair looked wet. Maybe he’d taken a solo shower while I’d been down. “What time is it?”

“Past eight. Figured you were hungry and needed meds.”

“You didn’t have to bring it down to me.”

“Probably easier on your leg.”

“Right.”

I backed away from the door and in the skinny space between the bed and the wall.

“Did you sleep okay?”

“Didn’t even remember doing it. The water is better than any sound machine I’ve ever had.”

He huffed out a low laugh. “Why I love it.” He set the tray on the bed. “Hope you’re not a vegetarian.” He glanced down at the BLT. “I didn’t even think to ask.”

“Smells amazing. Definitely not a vegetarian. No worries there.” I tugged at the dress. “Thanks for the dress. Easier than fighting with shorts.”

“What I figured. I picked up a few with some supplies. Sorry if I got the size wrong.”

“Nah, all good. I like them loose like this.”

He glanced at my shoulder where the dress had fallen down. I quickly fixed it before sitting down. “Did you eat?”

“Yeah. I’ll leave you to it.”

“You don’t need to go.”

“I’ll be back for your tray.”

I sagged against the headboard as he escaped. “That went great.”

I shook my head and picked up one of the triangles and crunched through the fresh toasted bread and veggies. He’d added some sort of kick to the mayo and my tongue zinged with pleasure. A can of soda sat on the tray along with a bowl of grapes and handful of chips with a pickle spear.

Better than any lunch or dinner my mother generally made me.

I grazed my way through the food, knocked back my meds, and took one of the graphic novels off one of the shelves. In hindsight, it probably wasn’t the best idea. The dark and gritty story ofThe Crowfollowed me into dreams.

And it didn’t let me go.

CHAPTER 13

LOCKE

I pacedthe living room of the boat, then let myself outside for some air.

It was cooler out on the open ocean. We were only a few miles away from the wharf, but I’d needed the anonymity of the water tonight. And because I knew I was an obsessive bastard, I picked up my binoculars and scanned the horizon.