Sanctuary

and competent, but somebody who understands the fragility of the environment and how it needs to be explained to the tourists so they understand why Desire has stayed pure all these years.”
    Both Jo and Kate turned to stare at Lexy in astonishment. Lexy spread her hands. “You just have to know how to work people, is all. You talk about educating the tourists on respecting the island and leaving it as they found it and that sort of thing, he’ll not only come around, he’ll end up thinking it was his idea to start with.”
    “You’re a sly child, Alexa,” Kate told her. “I’ve always admired that about you.”
    “The island’s what matters to Daddy.” Lexy leaned over the rail to let the wind slap her face. “Using that to turn him around isn’t sly, it’s just basic. Can’t you go any faster, Jo? I could swim to Savannah at this rate.”
    Jo started to suggest that Lexy do just that, then shrugged. Why not? Why not go fast and free for just a little while? She glanced back at the shoreline of Desire, the white house on the hill, then she gunned the throttle. “Hold on, then.”
    At the burst of speed, Lexy let out a whoop, then threw back her head and laughed. Oh, God, but she loved going places. Going anywhere. “Faster, Jo! You always handled these buckets better than any of us.”
    “And she hasn’t manned a boat in two years,” Kate began, then shrieked as Jo whipped the wheel around, shooting the boat into a fast, wide circle. Heart thumping, she grabbed the rail while Lexy shouted out for more.
    “Look there, it’s Jed Pendleton’s fishing boat. Let’s buzz them, Jo. Give them a taste of our wake and rock them good.”
    “Jo Ellen, you’ll do no such thing.” Kate conquered the laugh that sprang to her throat. “You behave yourself!”
    Jo shared a rare grin with Lexy before she rolled her eyes. “Yes, ma’am,” she murmured, tongue in cheek, and cut her speed. She sent out a short hail to the fishing boat. “I was just testing her engines and response.”
    “Well, now you have,” Kate said primly. “And I expect it’ll be a smooth ride from here on.”
    “I just want to get there.” Lexy turned around and leaned back on the rail. “I’m dying to see people walking around. And I’ve just got to do some shopping. Why don’t we all buy something new and pretty? Party dresses. Then we’ll have us a party. Get all dressed up, have music and champagne. I haven’t had a new dress in months.”
    “That’s because your closet’s already bursting at the seams,” Jo said.
    “Oh, those are ancient. Don’t you ever have to have something new—just have to? Something wonderful?”
    “Well, I have been wanting a new dedicated flash,” Jo told her dryly.
    “That’s because you’re more interested in dressing your camera than yourself.” Lexy tilted her head. “Something bold and blue for you for a change. Silk. With silk undies, too. That way if you ever let Nathan get down to them, he’ll have a nice surprise. Bet you would, too.”
    “Alexa.” Kate held up a hand and counted slowly to ten. “Your sister’s private life is just that—private.”
    “What private life? Why the man’s been dying to get inside those baggy jeans she wears since he laid eyes on her.”
    “How do you know he hasn’t?” Jo shot back.
    “Because,” Lexy said with a slow, feline smile, “once he has, you’re going to be a whole lot more relaxed.”
    “If all it takes to relax a woman is a quick roll, you’d be comatose by now.”
    Lexy only laughed and turned her head back into the wind. “Well, I’m sure feeling serene these days, honey pie. Which is more than I can say for you.”
    “Lexy, that’s enough.” Kate spoke quietly, then rose. “And we’re not going to the mainland to shop. We’re going because your sister’s got troubles. She wanted you to come along so she could tell you about it, so those troubles won’t touch on you.”
    “What are you talking about?” Lexy straightened. “What’s wrong?”
    “Sit down,” Kate ordered and picked up the envelopes Jo had stowed. “And we’ll tell you.”
     
     
    TEN minutes later, Lexy was going through the photos. Her stomach was tight, but her hands were steady and her mind was working. “He’s stalking you.”
    “I don’t know if I’d call it that.” Jo kept her eyes on the water, on the faint haze that was the mainland.
    “It’s exactly that, and that’s how you’re going to put it to the