Lethal Legend by Kathy Lynn Emerson Read Free Book Online

about Maine’s nationally-known summer residents, calling her column “Profiles of the Rich and Famous.” Even though Graham lived on Keep Island year round, Diana meant to make an exception in his case. Ben had seen the gleam in her eyes when he’d put Graham’s name on the list of wedding guests and identified him as the architect who had designed several important buildings in Boston. He had not told her why Graham had given up his career.
    “Damnation!” Graham swore. “It only needed this!”
    “Settle down. She’s not going to cause trouble.”
    Graham’s face was a study in conflict. He wanted to believe Ben but he’d learned the hard way not to trust reporters.
    At least his self-control was better, Ben thought. That uncertain temper flared quickly, but he had given himself healthy outlets to vent the anger. Swearing aloud, even in the presence of ladies, was one. Fencing was another, although he rarely found an opponent here on the island. A pity Diana had interrupted the bout, but all in all Ben was relieved by the way Graham had reacted. Only for a moment had he been dangerous.
    “We’ll both leave this afternoon,” Ben promised as he finished tying his cravat. “My three patients have recovered well. In fact, they are clamoring to go back to work.”
    “How much will you tell her?”
    “All of it.”
    “Are you mad?”
    Ben shrugged into his jacket. “Would you prefer she investigate on her own? Perhaps draw false conclusions?”
    “I want her off my island and I don’t want anyone else coming here, especially reporters.”
    “I’ll handle it,” Ben promised.
    Ten minutes later, he located Diana just where he’d thought she’d be—on the promontory, staring out at the water. He paused to appreciate the view, but not the same one he’d so often admired. Today he only had eyes for Diana. The brine-scented breeze caught at her glorious red-brown hair, freeing several thick strands from the knot she’d tried to force them into. Wisely, she’d removed her hat before it could blow away. She held it in one hand and shaded her eyes with the other.
    “I overreacted,” she said when he reached her side.
    “You have a gift for understatement.”
    “I saw a man, a stranger, coming at you with a weapon. I’d just caught a glimpse of another man armed with a gun and clearly on patrol. What was I supposed to think?”
    The catch in her voice had him clasping her to him and holding her tight. He spoke to the top of her head, since she seemed fascinated by the middle button on his coat. “Diana, what’s wrong? Why did you come here?”
    “I was concerned about you. Your mother is too. And my mother—well, never mind what she’s been saying.”
    “You’ve had to cope with both of them without me. I’m sorry for that.”
    “And I didn’t sleep a wink last night.” She made a strangled sound. “What pitiful excuses! You must be thoroughly put out with me. I realize it was unpardonably rude of me to show up here unannounced, but you vanished without a trace, which was even more inconsiderate. Was it too much trouble to write to me once you got here? I’ve been worried sick. And then I thought he was trying to kill you. I—”
    “But I did,” he interrupted. “I wrote to you on Tuesday, after I arrived here and realized my services as a doctor would be needed for several days.”
    “I received no letter.”
    “It should have reached you on Wednesday.” She looked skeptical but said nothing. “I wrote, Diana. I did. Why would I want to cause you unnecessary worry?” Or risk you’d come looking for me?
    “And what,” she asked in a chilly voice, “was so important that it took you away from your regular patients. It can’t have been Graham Somener who was sick. Your friend looks the picture of health.”
    “It wasn’t Graham who was ill.”
    He hesitated, not because he didn’t trust her with his friend’s secrets, but because he was wondering what had happened to that