Chapter 56
More questions
"Where should we start?" Marta asked as Daniel drove along the island's main road.
Frustration tinged her voice. "Who would be dumb enough to bring someone out here without telling us?
Everyone on the island knows you don't just show up at the Lagoon unannounced.
" She sighed. "Did you even hear a boat?
I didn't. Maybe someone drove her there, but that makes no sense either. "
Daniel glanced at her. "You saw her, right? One of those young guys at the harbour wouldn't say no to her. I can hear it now--'Oh, I just need a little favour.'" He mimicked a syrupy Southern accent, drawing a reluctant smile from Marta.
"Fine, maybe. But when did she get here? Where's she been staying? Why come at all?" Marta stared out the window, her frustration mingling with disappointment. "I hate this."
"We'll figure it out," Daniel reassured her. "First stop: the booth. Then, we grab her luggage and find her somewhere to stay. No way she's bunking with Gray, or me, for that matter."
"Oh, she's not staying with me!"
Daniel chuckled. "I wouldn't wish that on anyone. But we need answers. Let's go."
They pulled up to the booth, where Greta greeted them with her usual cheer. "Hey! What brings you two here? Closing early today?"
Greta grew up on the island and was its longest employee at the booth, having been there since the beginning almost 8 years ago.
She was calm even with the prickly tourists.
And her cool demeanour won them over every time.
It was an invaluable skill when dealing with people from all over the world every day.
"Not exactly," Marta replied, her tone lower. "We've got a mystery to solve."
"Oh, you know I love a good mystery!" Greta laughed, but her expression sobered at their serious faces. "What's going on?"
Daniel leaned against the counter. "Someone showed up at the Lagoon today, and she works with Gray back in California. She claims a 'young man' brought her there, but we don't know if it was by car or boat. She says she got here today, and her luggage is supposed to be here with you."
Greta glanced at the back of the booth, frowning. "Well, no luggage here, just my stuff. And if she arrived today, that's odd. There aren't any flights onto the island today. What does she look like?"
As Marta described Shelley, Daniel added, "She mentioned equipment, too."
Greta nodded slowly. "I saw someone earlier, carrying a bag that looked out of place. I'm pretty sure she went into the Conch Shack. If she got to the lagoon two hours ago, whoever brought her must've realized their mistake and left quickly."
"That's our next stop," Daniel decided.
Greta stopped Marta before she followed.
"Is this woman dangerous?" Over the years, Greta had taken all the trainers under her wing, helping them settle into island life.
She was a sounding board when they couldn't speak with each other about their problems. Riley was the same age as Greta's daughter, who was studying abroad, and she always held a special place in Greta's heart.
Marta hesitated. "I don't know, but she's upset Riley, and Gray's shaken. We'll keep you updated."
"Oh my, and those two have been really falling for each other. I hope you get this sorted out soon. And, Marta, you keep me in the loop and I will start sleuthing out some more information for you. Oh, and tell Daniel you love him one day soon, okay?"
At this, Marta's cheeks burned thinking of their many chats about her feelings for Daniel that she couldn't share with Riley and Cici. As she turned to leave, Greta reached out and pulled her into a hug.
"You know he'll love you back; take the leap!"