In the Blink of An Eye by Jerry Baggett (ebook reader for surface pro TXT) 📕

held his gaze for several moments without speaking. “You know Steven’s going to hear about this immediately and blame you for everything that’s happened between us, if you stay in the area. The local media is quick to spread the news about everything that happens on the island.”

She turned off the lights in the living room and looked out toward the dark ocean. “I’m really happy you’ll be here for a while, Dick. There’s suddenly so much to think about. I hardly know where to start.”

“That’s too bad about Doctor Peyton. He refuses to accept an end to your relationship,” he said. “I can’t let it stop me from seeing you. Our budding relationship’s way too important for me to back away now.” He moved to her side. “Finding temporary quarters on the island shouldn’t be a problem.” He watched her pace back and forth. “You agree with me on that, don’t you?”

She stopped in front of him. “Of course, but, I’m nervous about everything at the moment. I can’t get my mind off what Agent Hunt said about my parents. Let’s get out of here before Steven shows up and makes matters worse. You can help me make some important decisions.”

Dick said, “It’s two a.m. He wouldn’t be out this time of night, would he?”

“Only if he found out you were involved in the attack on me. I’ve never seen him act like this before.” He didn’t want to slander the good doctor more in her eyes, but he had an entirely different opinion of the respected medical professional.

Dick opened the sliding patio door at the inn and they stepped out into bright moonlight. Samantha said, “A room with a third-floor view of the ocean, how nice. You should stay here until you feel more comfortable about our situation and that other pending problem. I may disappoint you.” She grabbed his hand and leaned into him. “I’m excited about these new developments about my heritage, Dick. Just what did you make of all that stuff Agent Hunt said about my birth parents?”

“You have to be thrilled with that bit of news. I want to be with you when you learn more about your mother and father. You shouldn’t be too concerned about the negative aspects of your mother’s situation. Just be proud of who you are. Maybe you’ll be pleased with what you learn about your mother, after all the facts are in. Think how thrilling it’ll be to know your father for the first time.”

“You’re right. I now have so much to be grateful for. Threats will not get me down. For the first time, I have an exciting man in my life, as well as so many other blessings.” She pulled his head down and kissed him lightly. “I want you close, Dick, but it has to be your decision, after you know more about me.” She pressed her forehead against his chest. “It’s important for both of us that we find out just what’s out there. We may find some undesirable familial traits that you wouldn’t care for in your family tree.”

He lifted her off her feet and held her, tummy to tummy. “At last, I believe you’re considering our relationship from a long-term point of view.”

She whispered in his ear, “You had better be prepared for the full ride or none at all, mister. You’re the first man to stir the motherly instincts. I feel myself wanting permanence, perhaps a family. If that doesn’t scare you to death, nothing will.”

He kissed her tenderly. “If everything goes as it should, I would like nothing better.” He grinned down into beautiful green eyes. “The next thing you know, we’ll be using the love word with each other.”

She pushed away, smiling at him. “Please don’t say that until you mean it from the bottom of your heart. I promise the same truth to you.”

He picked her up and carried her back inside. “There’s a king-sized bed in the bedroom or we can make out on the sofa in the sitting room. That way you won’t have to lie about sleeping on the sofa.”

She laughed. “What I do now is no one’s business. We need to resolve a few sticky points but I don’t have to lie.”

She led him into the bedroom. “I’m not sure about everything yet, Dick, but hold me close, please. We’re not going to have much time for each other after tomorrow. You know we’ll be pummeled by so many people attempting to get the story of that brutal attack out to the public.” She put her arms around him. “We can’t possibly stay hidden away any longer than that.”

Chapter 20

“Even if some of it’s questionable, we have to act on it.” Hunt strained to get himself up off the sofa in Grant’s beachfront rental. “Give me the rest of what she’s provided, Grant. If it plays out, this stuff could be the break we’ve been waiting for. I do have difficulty believing everything the girl’s been telling you. You’ve only been out with her three times and she’s opened up like an out-of-the-water clam, with specific information we can follow up on.” Hunt twisted his torso from side to side, stretching his back. “I don’t have to tell you this, I know, but secrecy about the source of this stuff is paramount or the girl’s life will be in danger.”

He’s over weight and needs to take better care of himself, Grant thought. “Yes, that concerns me. She’s an innocent victim in this whole ugly set-up. She also has a small child and an elderly mother to care for. I wouldn’t want her in harm’s way.” Kevin doesn’t need to know everything that’s going on. I’ll do my best to keep an eye on her, maybe even have his help, at some point.

“She’s already in jeopardy, whether she knows it or not. This investigation will