Page 69 of Sunburned

Out on the dinghies, there was a commotion as the two guys onMoon Tworushed to the back of the boat. “What’s happening?” Samira asked.

The boats were too far away, the light off the water too bright to see any detail, but it looked like they were pulling divers from the water.

“They’re back,” I said, patting her shoulder. “Everything’s okay.”

“What’s going on?” I turned to see Jennifer, freshly showered and made up in a teal one-piece with a colorful sheer caftan, giant white sun hat, and sunglasses. Cody trailed behind her in fresh swim shorts and a polo, holding two white plasticSea Raycups.

“It’s the other divers coming back,” I said.

Cody checked his watch as they joined us at the railing. “They took their time.”

I nodded. “Laurent went over to make sure everything was okay, but it looks like they’re loading into the dinghy now.”

Samira took another long draw of her drink, showing us her shaking hand as Gisèle rubbed her back, soothing her like a baby.

“You feeling better now?” I asked Jennifer.

She nodded. “I don’t know that diving is my thing.”

“That was just a fluke,” Cody placated. “In over twenty-five years of diving, I’ve never had that happen.”

“It wasn’t fun,” Gisèle concurred. “But did you guys see that turtle right before we entered the Snares?”

Watching Gisèle with Samira now, I could see the calming effect she had on her friend and had a new appreciation for her grounded energy. “It was so cute,” I agreed.

“The nurse shark was my favorite,” Samira said. “I love sharks.”

“There was a shark?” Jennifer asked, alarmed.

“And it didn’t hurt you!” Cody laughed, shaking his head.

Jennifer glanced over her shoulder toward the indoor dining area. “I’m starving. Do you think they—”

“They’re setting something up for us on the deck up there,” Gisèle said, pointing to the next level. “I think it’s pizza.”

My mouth watered, conjuring up warm, salted crust and melted cheese. I hadn’t eaten since breakfast and suddenly realized that I, too, was starving.

“But they’ll bring you anything you want,” Samira added.

“I’m gonna go find someone,” Jennifer said.

“Tell them I need another one of these,” Samira requested, tapping her drink before she set the empty cup on a nearby table.

As Jennifer wandered away, I turned back to the water, watchingMoon Onepull away fromMoon Twotrailing a white wake as it headed back toward the yacht. But there appeared to be only two people aboard. Marielle was driving, and I couldn’t make out who the other passenger was, nor could I tell what was happening or how many people remained onMoon Two,where everyone seemed to be clumped together at the stern.

The corner of Cody’s mouth tugged downward as he took in the tender speeding toward us. Gisèle cast a concerned glance at Samira, who leaned over the railing as though getting a foot closer would help her determine what was going on.

After a moment, Cody pulled away from the railing, heading toward the stern. Samira quickly followed, stopping by the pool to don her sunglasses and slip a cover-up over her head before jogging down the stairs to the sugar scoop with Gisèle and me on her heels.

A male crew member awaited the dinghy’s arrival, the radio clipped to his belt crackling with the voice of someone wanting to know what time food should be served. As the dinghy approached, I saw it was Allison on board.

Where was Tyson?

Allison appeared stricken, her face pale, as the crew tied up the boat. Unease shot through me.

Something was wrong.

Chapter 23