Tides of Hope by Irene Hannon Read Free Book Online Page A

our relationship to date. And I apologize for my bad temper. You hit me on a rough couple of days. Believe it or not, despite my red hair I usually stay on a pretty even keel.”
    The skeptical tilt of his head brought a rueful smile to her lips.
    â€œI don’t blame you for doubting that claim. But it’s true, Lieutenant.”
    He returned her smile. “The name is Craig. And I suppose I’ll find out the truth for myself if our paths cross again.”
    â€œI expect they will on occasion. It’s not a very big island. Unless you continue to be the invisible man.”
    A puzzled frown creased his brow. “The what?”
    Grinning, she shoved her hands deeper into the pockets of her jeans. “The invisible man. That’s what the locals are calling you. You’ve hardly shown your face in public.”
    â€œI’ve been busy getting up to speed at the station. But I’ll be more visible in the community in the future.”
    â€œI’m sure everyone will look forward to that.”
    He shot her a speculative glance, as if he was tempted to ask whether she looked forward to it, too. Instead, he smiled and edged back. “In the meantime, a pile of paperwork awaits me.”
    â€œThank you again for your help with the citation.”
    â€œIt was my pleasure, Kate. Take care.” With a wave, he headed toward Main Street.
    She watched him leave, liking the sound of her name onhis lips, waiting until he disappeared before boarding the Lucy Sue to tackle her chores.
    But long after he was gone, she kept replaying their conversation in her mind. For once, it had not only been civil, but enjoyable. And he’d proved to be more flexible than she’d anticipated, bending the rules for her despite the way she’d treated him. In his place, she doubted she would have been so forgiving—or generous.
    As she stored her supplies below, Kate was forced to concede that her initial assessment of the commander as a stuffy, rigid, rule follower might have been a little too hasty—and a little too harsh. Still, one cordial exchange wasn’t enough to convince her she’d been entirely wrong about his character. Before she revised her opinion, she’d have to see a whole lot more of him.
    And much to her surprise, despite their rocky start and her earlier resolve to avoid him as much as possible, she found that prospect quite appealing.
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    â€œI smell cinnamon! Oh, goodie!”
    Breaking free of Kate’s grasp, Maddie headed straight for the plate of cinnamon toast waiting for her on the hickory table in Edith’s cozy kitchen, her eyes bright with pleasure.
    â€œI gave her breakfast already, Edith. You didn’t have to do that.” Kate entered her neighbor’s back door at a more sedate pace, stopping two steps into the room.
    â€œI wanted to. I like doing things for people I care about. Have some coffee.”
    â€œI can’t. I’m already running late.”
    â€œYou can be at the high school in five minutes. I’ll pour you a cup to go.” Edith retrieved an insulated mug with a lid from the cabinet and lifted the pot from the coffeemaker. “Besides, I wanted to tell you about an interesting experience I had last night.”
    The woman’s studied casualness put Kate on alert. “What happened?”
    â€œI met your lieutenant at the market.” She added cream to Kate’s coffee with a quick tip of the pitcher. “I must admit, his manner wasn’t at all what I anticipated based on your description. He was charming.”
    Kate’s neck grew warm. “I’ve revised my opinion a bit.”
    â€œSince when?”
    â€œSince he erased the citation from my record yesterday.”
    â€œDid he, now? How interesting.” The older woman secured the lid on the mug and grinned at Kate. “Must have been your charm.”
    Kate made a face at her. “Very funny.” Checking her