Silent Witness by Patricia H. Rushford Read Free Book Online Page A

cause. If you don’t want him to come with us, that’s fine.” Gram paused and took a sip of tea. “Still, I’d like to help him …” She brightened. “We could give him money—enough to tide him over until he can get a job, or to buy a bus ticket home.” She leaned toward Jennie. “What do you think?”
    â€œHey, guys … what’s happening?” Scott approached the table, his hair still wet from his shower. He had on the same ragged cutoffs he’d worn during the protest the day before, only this morning he was wearing a T-shirt with a picture of a dolphin on the front and a caption that read Born to Be Free.
    Scott sat down and helped himself to generous portions of scrambled eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit. “This looks great. My mom used to fix breakfast like this before …” Scott’s eyes dimmed then brightened again, “Hey, you know, Mrs. McGrady, I was just thinking, since I don’t have a job anymore, maybe I could show you and Jennie around today. I could take you out to the reef to go snorkeling … ‘course you’d have to rent a boat …” He turned toward Jennie and shrugged. “Or, maybe you two would rather go alone.”
    Jennie expected Gram to jump in and tell Scott that they’d be delighted to have him show them around. When she didn’t, Jennie realized Gram was waiting for her response.
Here’s your chance, McGrady
, she told herself.
Tell him thanks, but no thanks
.
    â€œThat’s really nice of you, Scott,” she said. When she looked up and saw the lopsided grin on his face, the discomfort Jennie so often felt around him reappeared.
Face it, McGrady, the feelings you have for Scott have nothing to do with mistrust. You like the guy.
Jennie groaned. “I do not …” Then, realizing she’d said it out loud, added, “… think I can stand to go another minute without a shower.”
    Jennie pushed her chair away from the table. “While I’m getting ready, why don’t you and Gram decide what we’re going to do? Just be sure to leave some time free for hanging out at the beach.”
    All through the shower and during their sail out to the reef, Jennie thought about Scott. She had to admit that despite his faults, there was something appealing about him. He was definitely good-looking, and besides, who could resist those gorgeous green eyes? If Lisa were here she’d be standing next to him at the wheel, learning all about boats and diving. Lisa wouldn’t think twice about flirting with him, even if she had another boyfriend. “Loosen up, Jennie,” she’d say. “It’s not like I’m going to marry him.”
    â€œYou look deep in thought.” Gram joined her at the railing and leaned against it.
    â€œI am.” Jennie turned around to face the wind and the water. “Have you ever liked two guys at the same time?”
    Gram smiled. “You mean like Ryan and Scott?”
    Jennie nodded. “It seems like I’m always getting on Lisa’s case for being such a flirt. I really thought I loved Ryan, but we’ve only been apart for a couple of weeks, and I’m interested in Scott. It just doesn’t seem right.”
    â€œDo you remember the little poems I used to share with you and Lisa when you two would disagree?”
    Jennie nodded. “Lisa is like a butterfly. She flitters around from one place to another, and everywhere she goes people feel all the more blessed for her having been there.”
    â€œAnd do you remember yours?”
    Jennie smiled. “An eagle, steady, strong, and to the point. She flies ever upward to touch the sky, blessing others with her strength.”
    â€œLisa has her way of dealing with becoming a woman and being interested in the opposite sex. Now you’ll need to find yours. In the meantime, why don’t you try to relax and