Donna gasped, and the air grew electrically still. “God, Neale…that’s a terrible thing to say—”

Neale gazed past Donna to Skip, who was looking at the ground. “I’ve noticed Skip doesn’t seem to be too torn up about anything—”

“Knock it off, Neale,” Skip said quietly.

“That’s not fair, Neale, and you—” Donna began, but Skip cut her off.

“I was only meeting Beth. To talk. We weren’t going to run away together, for—”

“Don’t argue with him, Skip, he’s just upset, he’s—”

“I know what you think of me, Neale.” Skip’s voice lowered, and his green eyes fixed themselves on Neale’s face. “I know you don’t like me, and I really don’t care. But if you’re looking for a suspect, the sheriff’s already given me the third degree, and I’m still out on the streets. And in case you haven’t noticed, I’m not even handcuffed!”

“Not that it would matter,” Neale retorted. “Your father’d just buy your way out of it.”

Skip made a sudden move, but Donna thrust herself between them, her hands on Skip’s chest.

“Stop it! You’re just upset, Neale—anybody would be! We’re sorry—we’re all sorry—so don’t say anything else. You, either, Skip, just keep quiet!”

Kelsey saw Neale’s eyes, the livid set of his face, and a shiver of apprehension went through her as he slowly, slowly drew himself back.

“Get your damn dog off the beach,” he muttered.

They watched him walk away, and then Skip cupped his hands to his mouth, throwing a shout straight at Neale’s back.

“She can do whatever she wants as long as I’m around—I own this beach!”

Chapter 5

“NOT THE GREATEST INTRODUCTION,” Donna said ruefully. “I’m really sorry about all that.”

“It’s not your fault,” Kelsey threw her a tight smile. “I think maybe I’m starting to get used to him.”

“Yeah, well, good luck.”

They looked at one another and burst out laughing, and Skip glanced down at his watch.

“Look, I’ve got to run—I’m on duty. Just ignore him, Kelsey, that’s what we do.” He tipped his baseball cap. “Ladies…I trust you’ll have the pleasure of my company again?”

“If you’re lucky,” Donna retorted, and he gave them a jaunty wave as he trotted up the beach.

“So,” Donna was all smiles again. “How about some breakfast? I know a great place for cinnamon rolls.”

“Well…” Kelsey shaded her eyes and peered off through the gathering crowds. “I didn’t tell anyone I was leaving, and I really don’t know what the situation is back at the house—”

“I understand.” Donna’s face was sympathetic, and Kelsey felt comfortably drawn to her. “It must be awful for you, showing up in the middle of everything. Sure you wouldn’t go for one little roll?”

She looked so beseeching that Kelsey laughed and gave in. “To tell the truth, I don’t really want to go back to the cottage now. Neale really hates us being there, I think.”

“Oh…Neale.” Donna nodded and whistled to her dog. “Neale’s like that about everything. He’s not real popular around here.”