Whisper Cape Read Online Free Page B

think he’s from around here. I’ve never seen the guy before and he left before I could check on him.” Addie winced as the words slipped past her lips and hoped Darcy hadn’t caught them, knowing she’d probably think she was crazy. How could a guy just vanish anyway? She really wished she could get the image of that man out of her head.
    Addie wanted to confide in Darcy since she was Addie’s closest friend—actually, the only friend she had made since she’d moved to Whisper Cape. It wasn’t easy for Addie to make friends. She’d spent most of her life moving from city to city every year and learned early on it was better not to get too close and risk the heartbreak of having to say goodbye.
    Darcy was gregarious and candid and Addie found her amusing and fun. She was also very attractive and had a great following of the opposite sex. Her dark hair, short and straight, spiked out at one side in a stylish manner fitting her slender face and making her huge blue eyes seem even larger. Darcy was the one Addie trusted most to confide in about any of her problems, but this time she felt it best to keep the bizarre event to herself.
    “Well, whoever he was, I’m sure he’s glad you didn’t hit him.”
    “Yeah, me too,” Addie mumbled, relieved when Darcy hadn’t noticed the slip about the guy leaving before she could check on him. Her stomach was still in knots as she replayed the event in her mind and considered the possibility that the whole experience was a remnant of her nightmares. People didn’t just disappear. Did they?
     
     
     

Chapter 3
     
     
    The bar and grill filled up quickly with hungry and thirsty tourists, just as Gerry had predicted. The place was packed, but it didn't bother Addie. She was grateful for the busy day. It kept her mind off the horror of the morning and allowed Gerry no time to give her any more grief about being late.
    By the time the lunch crowd dwindled down to just one customer, Addie was exhausted. She sat at the counter, Darcy beside her with two steaming bowls of clam chowder and hot buttered rolls.
    Addie scooted her stool closer to the counter. Drawing in the delicious aroma, she eyed her friend appreciatively and settled in to enjoy the soup. “Mmmm, looks good, thanks. I didn’t realize I was hungry until now.”
    “You’re welcome.  Now, eat before you pass out.  Jared spiced this up just the way you like it.”
    “Hmmm … I don’t know what I’d do without you to look after me.”
    “You’d probably starve to death.” Darcy smiled as she scooped up a spoonful of the creamy, hot soup.
    “Yeah, you’re right.” There was more truth there than Addie cared to admit. She often went without eating simply because the thought just never occurred to her. She was thin by any standard, but never to the point of worry.
    “Hey, I almost forgot. You missed it,” Darcy said.
    Addie sunk her teeth into the soft buttery roll. “Mmmm … butter,” she said with a blissful grin. “Missed what?”
    “With all the commotion about your near accident, I didn’t tell you about the new police lieutenant Chief Thompson hired.”
    “Oh?” Addie stiffened at the mention of the Chief of Police.
    “Yeah—he came in here this morning with the chief and ooooh, he’s tall and muscular, has dark hair, and gorgeous brown eyes.” Darcy sighed at the memory.
    Addie relaxed and smiled. Darcy’s many infatuations dominated most conversations. “Hmmm, he sounds yummy. How old do you think he is?”
    “Dunno. Maybe early thirties. Just so there’s no mistake, I’ve got dibs.”
    Addie laughed. “Not fair, you get all the good men.”
    “I do not. Well ... maybe. Anyway, his name is Duane—Lieutenant Duane Whelan.”
    “You’ve got that look in your eyes again.”
    “What look?”
    “You know, the one that says, ‘I wonder what he’s like in bed.’”
    Darcy laughed. “Well, at least I’m healthy.  When’s the last time you thought about a guy?”
    “I