Rising Tide Read online

  ‘Oh, how lovely,’ Emily said as the woman and baby entered the car. ‘I didn’t realize … you must be headed to Sarah’s wedding also. I’m Emily – Emily Harrington.’

  ‘Nice to meet you, Emily. I’m Peggy – Peggy Lawson – and this is my daughter, Maggie.’ She stroked the side of the baby’s face, triggering a toothy grin. Peggy’s short, curly brown hair bounced as she leaned over to secure the baby in the car seat. She had dark, sparkling brown eyes and a quick smile – and she was petite, no more than five-two. At five-ten, Emily was aware of height. Growing up, she had always been the tallest girl in her class and had sometimes wished she could blend in with the others. Peggy looked across at Emily. ‘Thanks so much for your help back there. I hope this trip wasn’t a really bad idea, but I so wanted to be at Sarah’s wedding and Ted, my husband, couldn’t get the time off so I figured what the heck, how bad can it be?’

  ‘I must say, I think you’re brave making the trip on your own with a baby, but I’m sure the worst of it is over. Have you been to the Bluffs before?’

  ‘Several times. Sarah and I became close friends years ago when she was in New York. It was before she met Jon. She hated everything else about the place. And she was so homesick. Once she and Jon got together things were better, but neither of them could imagine staying there. They couldn’t wait to get back to Aruba. Anyway, I visit Sarah at the Bluffs when I can, and that’s where Ted and I went on our honeymoon.’

  ‘They do love the island and now that Jon’s restaurant is doing so well …’ Emily said, pausing as Maggie began to fuss. ‘She must be exhausted, and you too!’

  ‘She napped on the plane until we started to land and then … It was the pressure on her ears, I suppose. Didn’t you hear her?’ Peggy said as she tried to soothe Maggie. ‘Shush, shush, we’re almost there.’

  ‘I didn’t,’ Emily replied, not wanting to offer that she had flown in first class. Somehow she couldn’t quite get used to that. ‘How old is she?’

  ‘Nine months tomorrow. Sarah’s her godmother.’

  ‘She’s precious,’ Emily said, thinking to herself that it was just a year ago that she and Michael were contemplating a life that would soon include marriage and a baby. Sometimes she felt the loss of that life, but she knew it would never have worked out. She and Michael wanted different things – he security and safety; she, hmm … what did she want? She still wasn’t sure.

  ‘Miss Annie told me to tell you not to worry about anything, Miss Peggy. She is all set for the baby,’ Nelson said from the front seat. ‘We are looking forward to it really. Not many babies at the Bluffs. You remember our lovely city of Oranjestad,’ he continued, pointing out the gabled facades done up in a rainbow of colors: candytuft pink, buttercup yellow, bright tangerine and cool lime that lined the main streets. Emily loved the small, charming city with its profusion of plants, small shops and friendly people. Nelson waved and called to passers-by, and their lilting voices called back in greeting.

  The ride from the airport was short and Emily was glad they took the coastal road. She loved the view of the beaches with their white sand, blue water, colorful umbrellas and palapas.

  ‘Now, just look how beautiful the day is,’ Nelson offered. ‘Here is Palm Beach, busy as always, and just ahead is Malmok. Not too much further now.’

  Island Bluffs stood on the tip of the northern coast. The resort itself, situated on a hill, was shaped like a huge triangle. Jutting out from the land, it formed a narrow peninsula bordered on one side by a sheltered turquoise bay and on the other by the deep sapphire-blue ocean. The entrance was as stunning as Emily remembered. Beyond the stone pillars were cultivated lawns and gardens awash with deep emerald greens, vivid reds, startling yellows and intense purples. Emily could smell the sweet scent of the flowers − masses of hibiscus, bougainvillea and frangipani that lined walkways and entrances. The low buildings were white stucco and wood accented with the soft pastels and deeper hues that were the earmark of the Caribbean.

  Annie waved from the front steps of the main house as the car pulled up. She looked lovely – tall and slim with flowing salt and pepper hair, a warm smile and bright green eyes. ‘Emily, Peggy, how wonderful to see you both. And Maggie,’ she said, reaching out for the baby. ‘Oh, Peggy, she’s just lovely. And how she’s grown. Come, both of you. You must be hot and tired.’

  The reception area was just as Emily remembered it − dark rattan furniture covered with white cushions and piled with pillows in vibrant hues, lush hanging plants and vases overflowing with dazzling cut flowers. Beyond, the four sets of open French doors created a seamless flow between the outside and the interior. As Emily and Peggy sat, Annie, with Maggie in her arms, could be heard calling out to Penny in Reception, ‘Two rum punches, Penny, and please let Martin know that Emily and Peggy have arrived.

  ‘Sarah’s in town, Peggy. She’ll be back in a couple of hours. You’ll have just enough time to settle in before any of the craziness starts. Peggy is a bridesmaid,’ Annie said, turning to Emily, ‘along with Sarah’s sister, Alex. Did you meet Alex last year, Emily? I can hardly remember.’

  ‘No, Alex was in New York when I was here,’ Emily answered, ‘although, I heard a great deal about her.’

  ‘Of course. One would think I’d remember everything about that week,’ Annie’s face clouded over for just a moment. ‘Now, both of you are in suites that open directly onto the bay beach. It will be easier with the baby, Peggy, and the water is calm there. It’s a short walk up the path to the main house, if you need anything, but I put you in the two suites at the end, so it’ll be quieter.’

  ‘That sounds perfect,’ Peggy and Emily responded at the same time. Emily was happy to be on the bay beach side of the resort. She had loved the more rugged ocean beach last time and her rondoval had been beautiful but, after last year’s horror, she didn’t think she could be comfortable there.

  ‘Emily,’ Martin exclaimed, coming through the French doors. A good-looking man, with snow-white hair and a full mustache, he exuded energy and warmth. ‘And Peggy, so good to see both of you. It’s been much too long. And where is that beautiful baby? Ah, Annie, I should have known you’d have snatched her first thing. You’ve talked about nothing else all week. She’s just beautiful, Peggy.’

  Maggie started to squirm and soon whimper. ‘Well,’ Peggy said, taking her from Annie’s arms. ‘I recognize those sounds. It will be a full roar shortly. Time for us to head to our room and hopefully have a nap. I know I’m ready for one.’

  ‘Your bags are there already and there’s some fruit and cheese and some snacks,’ Annie said as Peggy strapped Maggie into the stroller. ‘I’ve arranged for a mother’s helper for the next couple of days. She’s supposed to stop by later so you can meet her and she can get to know Maggie. Shall I say about four?’

  ‘Perfect, thanks so much, Annie. Please let me know when Sarah gets back from town. I’m dying to see her. See you later, Emily and thanks again for your help.’

  ‘I’ll walk down with you, Peggy,’ Martin said, stepping up to wheel the stroller. ‘Don’t go anywhere, Annie. There are a few details I need to go over with you.’

  Emily watched as they headed down the path, and even from here she could hear Maggie’s whimpers turn into giggles. ‘What an adorable baby,’ she exclaimed to Annie. ‘And Peggy seems so comfortable and easy with her. Really relaxed. I don’t know if I could be like that.’

  ‘Oh, I’m sure you would. Peggy’s the youngest of six and her older sisters and brothers all have big families. She’s been around babies since she was one,’ Annie laughed. ‘And you’ve had your own experience raising kids.’

  After Emily’s mother had died, her father, overwhelmed with grief and loss, had buried himself in his work, and it was Emily who had taken over the major responsibility of raising her sisters and brother. She was determined that their big old Victorian house should remain as it always was, filled with life and laughter. A place where friends would feel comfortable han
ging out, watching TV in the family room, talking for hours on the side porch or partying in the backyard.

  ‘Oh, but those weren’t babies, Annie. Babies seem so helpless and fragile. Those were teenagers.’

  ‘Believe me, I’d take babies any day! And they’re not really so fragile – most of them are surprisingly resilient. But you’re right – Peggy does seem to be wonderful with Maggie. She really is an amazing girl. She’s been such a good friend to Sarah … and Jon. Sarah had such a terrible time when she lived in New York. She was so homesick, not just for us, but for the island. It was Peggy who saw her through that. And then, of course, she met Jon. Right, I imagine you’d like to get settled. There’s still time for a short swim and a nap before dinner. We’re doing the rehearsal at seven and dinner right after, at eight.’

  ‘Sounds great and I’m definitely heading to the beach for a bit. Everyone here looks so tanned and robust, and I feel so city pale. I can’t wait to lie in that sun. And then take a nap.’

  ‘I’ve seated you with the young crowd this evening, Emily. Sarah and Jon and Peggy and a few others, mostly their friends from the island and New York. And, of course, Thomas. I hope that’s all right?’ Annie asked with a questioning glance.

  Emily could tell from her look that she wanted to ask more but didn’t want to be intrusive. Emily was unsure of what to say.

  ‘That’s perfect, Annie,’ was the best she could do, trying to hide her smile as she headed down the path.

  THREE

  The bay beach was lively as Emily made her way to her suite. Music with a soft Caribbean beat serenaded those swaying in the rope hammocks and stretched out on wooden lounge chairs laid out with thick blue cushions. There was the lively sound of chatting and laughter, old friends sharing stories and catching up, conversations similar to those that Emily remembered from her last visit. The further she walked from the beach bar, the quieter it got. And as she passed what she thought was Peggy’s suite, she heard the sweet strains of a lullaby through the window.

  Emily’s suite was just what she imagined it would be: pure white walls, dark wooden floors and a four-poster bed draped with the softest of netting and dressed in crisp white linens. Splashes of color – vibrant red, emerald green and deep magenta – popped out from the throw pillows and local wall art. A white upholstered chaise longue sat in front of the shuttered window and on a nearby table sat an ice bucket with a split of champagne, a small cheeseboard and a bowl of fresh fruit. As soon as she saw this, Emily realized that she was starving.

  She loved the atmosphere at Island Bluffs. Martin and Annie Maitland, who’d founded the resort over thirty years ago, had a reputation for knowing each guest by name and prided themselves on the sense of family the place maintained. This club-like mood soon spread among their guests, many of whom made fast and long-lasting friendships. They would return the same time each year looking forward to seeing each other again. The resort was visually stunning, meticulously maintained and incredibly safe. There were no locks on the doors, the staff was well paid and respectfully treated, and Martin and Annie were active participants in not just the resort life of Aruba but their local community.

  The suite was cool, the blistering afternoon sun blocked by the shutters and the air swirling lightly to the rhythm of the ceiling fan. Emily took off her jeans, designer for this trip, and her damp T-shirt and let the fan’s breeze cool her heat- drenched body. Stretching out on the chaise, she poured a small glass of champagne, nibbled on the cheese and fruit and allowed her mind to wander.

  Thomas was her first thought. Hmmm, how long had it been since she had seen him? Almost ten months. Thomas Moller was the chief inspector who had handled the murder investigation after Roger Stirhew’s body had been discovered on the beach by Emily. He was tall, tanned and handsome with a quiet, steady manner, a shy smile, piercing blue eyes and an unruly crooked parting to his sandy hair. Her first impressions of him had been colored by the investigation − serious, determined, logical − the type of person who would inspire respect but perhaps not affection. Yet, as the investigation went on, this serious side was tempered by warmth, and once it ended Emily saw the full picture of Thomas.

  She thought now about those few days that they had spent together last year after Roger’s killer had been caught. What great fun they had had doing all of the things that a first-time visitor would do. Emily was sure they were things that he had done many times, but his enthusiasm never wavered.

  That first morning Thomas had arrived at the Bluffs in an open green Land Rover, with a packed cooler and a map, and proceeded to give Emily the grand tour. They’d started out at Arikok National Park, home to many native species like the Aruban parakeet and the Aruban burrowing owl. Emily had not been so charmed by the Aruban rattlesnake, but the herds of donkeys and goats were adorable. They’d spent all morning hiking the trails and seeing the unusual land formations made from lava, quartz and limestone. Thomas hadn’t known whether Emily would want to visit the caves in the park, but she’d been anxious to. She’d heard about the primitive drawings on the walls, and entering Huliba Cave with Thomas was nothing like the bat cave experience she had had previously. She’d been touched to see Thomas blush as he explained the caves nickname, ‘Tunnel of Love’, due to its heart-shaped entrance, and as they’d bent to enter the darkened inside, Emily had felt reassured by his arm that gently circled her shoulders.

  It had been after noon by the time they’d left there and headed to a beach along the windward coast, where they’d picnicked beside one of the inlets formed over time by the ocean’s pounding waves. Thomas had been full of information about the island and had entertained Emily all afternoon with charming stories of the place and the people. Emily had found herself convulsing with laughter as Thomas, an incredible mimic, did impressions of some of the more colorful people at the Bluffs. And he hadn’t spared himself, either. Emily had loved this side of him, filled with humor and enjoyment. It had been late afternoon when they’d returned to the Bluffs. Thomas had had to work that evening but Emily agreed to spend the next day continuing their exploration. Just as he was leaving, he’d turned, almost as an afterthought, and kissed Emily lightly on the lips.

  Over the next two days they had enjoyed all the island had to offer. They’d crossed the Natural Bridge, a formation of coral limestone cut out by years of ocean surf that is one of the largest natural spans in the world. On the northern coast, they’d explored an abandoned gold mill that processed ore during Aruba’s nineteenth-century gold rush. They’d visited the California Lighthouse, the stone lighthouse named after the S.S. California, a wooden sailing ship that had sunk near shore, and then walked to the nearby white sand dunes to watch the kids go dune surfing. Emily had been both intrigued and amused when Thomas actually took a turn sliding down the steep dune.

  They’d swum and snorkeled and sailed. And at night they’d gone to elegant restaurants and local hot spots. They’d drunk Azul Caribes under a giant palapa at Moomba Beach, and taken an Aruba salsa lesson at Mambo Jambos. They’d listened to a calypso band at the popular Senor Frog bar on Palm Beach, and taken a turn dancing to fiery tumba at Mr Jazz. On Emily’s last night they’d walked along the ocean beach, counting a million stars.

  Clearly their friendship had been evolving, becoming something different, something much closer to romance, but they’d both known that it was too soon for Emily to go down that route. Even though her relationship with Michael was over, she still had to return to New York, where there were unresolved problems and complications yet to work out.

  She and Thomas had stayed in touch once she’d returned home, and he had been a source of comfort during the difficult days with Michael. He had been willing to listen endlessly – supportive as she questioned what she was doing, reassuring as she berated herself for hurting Michael, encouraging as she moved forward with her decision and started to make the changes in her life. Sometimes, after a particularly difficult day, she’d curl up in bed and talk to him for ho
urs. And as the issues with Michael − the break-up, the apartment, telling their families and friends, many mutual by now − began to be resolved, Emily had found herself yearning to see Thomas again. The wedding provided the perfect opportunity but, now that it was here, Emily found herself anxious.

  Well, lying here daydreaming will get me nowhere, she thought, getting up and quickly unpacking her suitcase. She hung the dresses carefully, checking for wrinkles. Not bad, but she would steam them quickly in the bathroom before she wore them. She would wear the lime green one for the rehearsal dinner tonight. She placed her make-up bag in the bathroom, hung her blazer in the closet and put her jewelry in the box on the dresser. Once finished, she put on her bathing suit, grabbed her tote bag and headed for the beach.

  The late afternoon sun was glorious, not as hot as midday but bright and sparkly on the water. The beach was almost empty, as it usually was at this time. There was a slight breeze and Emily chose a lounge chair under a palm. She dropped her stuff and headed to the water’s edge. She never could get over how clear it was, watching as her toes sank deeper and deeper. A couple of small fish, one blue with silver stripes and one with a yellow tail, swam by and Emily dove right in. The water was refreshing, not too cold like the ocean could be, and Emily swam back and forth, stretching her tired muscles. Then she turned on her back and just floated on the surface of the water, quieting both her body and her mind.

  As she emerged from the water and headed back to her chair, she espied a familiar figure walking down the path towards the beach. Thomas. His suit jacket slung over his shoulder, tie loosened, hand screening the sun from his eyes. Her heartbeat quickened and she was suddenly unsure. He saw her immediately, calling out her name as he hastened his step.