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

enjoy yourself? It’s not every day we have an opportunity like this.”
    Jennie decided to take Gram’s advice. She was an eagle, not a mole, and today seemed perfect for a new adventure. With Scott’s help, Jennie and Gram learned the snorkeling basics. Scott carefully went over the rules and explained how fragile and vulnerable the coral reef ecosystem was.
    â€œMost people don’t realize it,” Scott said, “but it can take years for some of these corals to grow one inch. Even touching the coral polyps can damage them.”
    After giving thorough instructions, Scott helped Jennie and Gram into their float coats and issued them masks and snorkels. Fully equipped, they descended the boat ladder and dropped into the water. At the reef they were greeted by some of the most colorful fish Jennie had ever seen. Their neon stripes flashed as they darted playfully in and out of the sea grass and coral. Scott pointed out a sea turtle and a queen conch, which he’d explained earlier was an endangered species. Jennie could understand why. Any shell collector would find it hard to pass up the beautiful seven-inch shell.
    After what seemed like only a few minutes, Scott signaled them back to the boat. They’d been in the water for over an hour. During the sail back to Key West, they talked about the different species they’d seen, and identified them on a plastic chart Gram had purchased on the wharf.
    As they approached the dock area, Jennie took Gram aside. “I’ve been thinking about your suggestion to ask Scott to come with us to Dolphin Island. We should ask him,” Jennie said. “We must be good for him … at least you are. He’s so different from when we first met him.”
    Gram nodded. “I could be wrong, but I think perhaps it’s because we’re offering him something he hasn’t had in a long time.”
    Jennie frowned. “What?”
    â€œRespect, friendship, a chance to prove himself. And maybe a feeling that someone cares about him. Last night when I asked him where he lived, he said his mom has a house in Orlando and his dad in Miami and that he lives somewhere in between.”
    â€œOh, Gram. That is so sad.”
    â€œYes. Yes, it is. What’s worse is that he thinks neither of them wants him.”
    â€œSo when are you going to ask him?”
    â€œHow about now?”
    The surprise and excitement on Scott’s face as Gram asked him about accompanying them up north and possibly working at the research center on Dolphin Island was all the thanks either of them needed to know they’d made the right decision.
    When they got back to the house, Gram called the Coles to let them know Scott would be there. Scott called Melissa and told her he wouldn’t be picketing Dolphin Playland for a while. During the rest of the afternoon and evening, Jennie sensed a change in Scott. After the phone call he seemed more subdued and maybe even a little nervous. Jennie began to wonder if he was having second thoughts.
    After Gram had gone to bed, Jennie lingered in the living room, hoping he’d tell her what was bothering him. When he didn’t, she asked. “You look upset about something. Have you changed your mind about coming? You don’t have to, you know.”
    â€œYou’d like that, wouldn’t you?” he snapped. His bristling attitude reminded her of their first meeting.
    â€œHey, I don’t care if you come or not. But if you do, at least try to act civilized. You’ve been sulking ever since that phone call you made to Melissa. Is she your girlfriend or something? Is she upset about you going?”
    â€œNo. She’s real excited about my going up there. Thought it was a great opportunity.”
    Jennie leaned forward. “So what’s the problem?”
    Scott gave her a long, hard look. “You don’t want to know.” He stood and headed out the door. “Don’t