“I don’t think so,” said Cate. “I think Marsha would have known if her seller lived on the island. I think the survivor islands are the right places to start looking, especially knowing what I know about Rich. They’re small. Not many people live on them. We should be able to rapidly cross them off our list.”
“They’re also populated by people who shoot first and ask questions later.”
“Then we’ll be careful. Logan would be ideal to take with us to the islands. He understands these people.” Cate’s brother had encountered the type several times in his job as a park ranger.
“He does.”
“Can you think of anyone else who would be helpful? We can cover multiple islands if we split up.”
“I know one other person.”
Cate looked at her expectantly. Tessa looked away, avoiding her gaze.
“Well? Who?” asked Cate.
“Adam Jacobs.”
Cate rolled her eyes. The young man could handle a boat or seaplane as if he’d been born to it, but his social graces were greatly lacking. Cate had experienced several awkward encounters with Adam since her return to the island last year. “What makes you say that?”
“I know he’s spent some time on a few of the islands. His dad told me Adam had believed he was meant for the lifestyle, but instead he found he appreciates standard plumbing too much. I guess he’s tried a few times. For some reason he thought it would be an adventure every day.”
Cate snorted. “At least he’d know where to find the people on the islands.”
“I think so.”
“I’ll contact him. You check with Logan and see if he can take you to Elias Island tomorrow morning.” She paused. “I’ll even partner with Adam. We can fly to one of the ones that’s farther away,” she said reluctantly.
“Good idea,” agreed Tessa. “I can send Kurt or Bruce along with you. That should help keep Adam from hitting on you and sticking his foot in his mouth.”
“I’m engaged.”
Tessa shot her a side-eye. “You could hold your engagement ring in front of his face and have Henry stand between you, and Adam would still give it a shot.”
“True. I’ll let you know later what I hear from Adam. But let’s plan to leave by six a.m. tomorrow.”
“Done.”
The women parted ways, and Cate headed to her vehicle in the ferry parking lot. She was excited to start searching tomorrow.
Will I finally get Kori some closure?
9
“Is it safe?”
Henry immediately realized his question irked Cate. She stalled, pouring herself some more iced tea before she answered. They were eating a late dinner on their deck, the summer evening warm and the sky a darkening blue. Henry had grilled salmon and prepared Cate’s favorite watermelon, mango, and jalape?o salsa to eat with the fish.
“I’m not questioning your ability to handle yourself,” he continued.
Cate glanced at him. “It sort of feels like it.”
“What I meant was . . .” He raised his hands. “Okay. I don’t know what I was trying to say. I know it’s unknown territory for you. Even if that pothead Adam claims he knows his way around an island of survivalists, there’s a lot we don’t know.”
“Correct. I’m fully aware I could be walking into a dangerous mess.”
“I’ve had a few survivor island people come here for medical treatment,” said Henry. “One had one of the worst infections I ever saw. A big wood splinter that had broken off deep under the skin. The amount of pus that I squee—”