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‘Where do you live?’ I asked.

‘Don’t worry. Not on the boat. I live in the police residence. I bought Amore as an investment instead of a house. Hiring her out is quite lucrative.’ He frowned. ‘Now I feel guilty that you’re paying to be onboard.’

‘Don’t be silly. You didn’t even know me three hours ago.’

‘I guess.’ He looked around. ‘Weren’t there two people booked on the charter? Brad?’

I pulled a face. ‘It was supposed to be a surprise honeymoon for him after our wedding, and I decided to come by myself.’

‘Alone? Do you sail?’

‘Yes, alone. And yes, I sail. That’s my job. I’m a sailing instructor. Or I was until I quit my job a couple of weeks ago.’

‘So, you were planning on sailing around the islands by yourself?’

‘Yes, and I’m looking forward to it.’

‘Excellent. She’s a beautiful boat and one day—sooner rather than later, I hope—I’m going to live on her and sail off into the wide blue yonder.’

I smiled as Linc’s words echoed my earlier thoughts.

I was beginning to like the police chief of Deception Island. A lot.

‘Come on, David’s looking at his watch, and he’s one person not to be kept waiting.’

On our way over to the bar, Linc paused at the Customs desk. ‘It’s okay, Jen. I’ll sort out Jane’s paperwork. We’ve had the royal summons.’ He gestured to the president holding court in the bar.

I followed him across to the table feeling as though I was in a movie.

Chapter Seven

Jane

‘David, this is Jane. Johnny, I know you’ve heard lots about her, but you haven’t met yet, have you?’ Linc’s voice was open and friendly, and his mate seemed to pick up on the warning hidden beneath the words. After all, he’d been the one on the other side of the conversation I’d overheard this afternoon.

Linc held the chair while I sat down at the table, and then he sat beside me. He immediately reached over and took my hand, and the president beamed.

‘Hello, Jane. It’s an absolute pleasure to welcome you to our islands,’ the plump older man said. He passed us each a glass of champagne. I felt like chugging it down, but I refrained.

‘It’s wonderful to be here finally,’ I replied with a smile. This was getting easier. I was almost believing the story myself.

And it was wonderful to be here. Even with the loss of my passport and money, I was enjoying myself. The only fly in the ointment was the arrival of Brad and Serena. I still couldn’t figure out why they were here, but I had no doubt I would find out. They’d seemed as shocked to see me as I had been to see them. But you know what? I didn’t even care that they were here. I’d be off on Amore and they would hopefully be gone before my charter was over.

I shook my head. How amazing that the yacht belonged to Linc.

‘How wonderful you are going to marry our police chief and move to our island,’ the president’s loud voice interrupted my musing.

I swallowed and nodded. ‘Yes. Eventually.’

‘Not too long I hope.’ His smile was crafty.

This time I shook my head, and Linc chimed in.

‘As soon as I can convince her to name the day, David.’

‘Well, well, well.’ The president rubbed his large hands together. ‘I will send a car for you tomorrow, Jane. I’m not going home to Columbus Island until late tomorrow. It will be my pleasure to show you around our beautiful island.’

‘Oh, thank you, but I won’t be here,’ I said before I thought.