by Noreen Wald
Staggering, Sophie nodded.
The water in the dark hall came up to Kate’s shins.
“Get in front of me, go into the living room. I’ll shoot the dog if you don’t do what I say.” Lucy slurred say—it sounded like “chay.”
Great. Crazy and drunk.
As they entered the living room, a huge wave crashed through the wide open space where the balcony door used to be.
“It’s your turn to die, Sophie,” Lucy cried.
Ballou darted from Kate’s side and bit Lucy’s leg, drawing blood. She aimed the gun at Ballou and, as a screaming Kate ran toward the Westie, pulled the trigger, but missed the moving target.
The ocean rolled in; waves flooded the living room, knocking Lucy to her knees.
Kate watched in horror as Lucy was swept away, her body flying out onto the water-covered beach.
She grabbed Ballou and yelled to Sophie, “Run to the front door. As soon as we get out, slam it shut.”
They dashed through the corridor, the ocean on their heels. Kate yanked open the steel door to the stairwell, dragged Sophie in, and closed the door behind them.
“We have to get to the top floor.”
“I can’t, Kate.”
“You can and you will. Ocean Vista was built in the sixties. This stairwell is solid cement. If we can climb up high enough, we’ll survive.”
Panting, they fumbled their way up seven flights of stairs.
Channel Eight’s new weatherman was aboard the helicopter that rescued them from the roof that evening.
Epilogue
Three Days Later
The sun sparkling on the now calm Atlantic reminded Kate why they’d migrated to South Florida. As Herb served a second round of drinks on the Neptune Inn’s deck, she felt relaxed, almost festive.
Mary Frances raised her wineglass. ’To surviving Hurricane Igor.”
“I’ll drink to that.” Marlene held up her martini. “But with considerably less enthusiasm.”
Most of the damage to Ocean Vista had been minimal, but Marlene’s condo, right next to Lucy’s, had been totally trashed by the storm. She’d moved in with Kate.
“We’ll go shopping,” Kate said, trying to sound positive. Marlene had lost all her treasures, along with all her clutter. “As soon as the contractors finish up, we’ll have fun redecorating.”
“I guess,” Marlene said. “I’m just glad I brought all three of my wedding albums with me.”
“Thank God my dolls were spared.” Mary Frances looked up toward heaven.
Kate nudged Marlene’s knee, nonverbally begging her not to comment.
“You gotta get a life, Mary Frances,” Rosie said. “Then you gotta get a guy in your life. I tell you what. You teach the tango in my dance class and I’ll find you a boyfriend.” The former nun blushed, but nodded.
Not wanting to talk about romance, Kate changed the subject. “Can you believe Bob never came back from the shelter?”
“I wonder how he’ll like living in Switzerland.” Marlene laughed. “The winters will be a lot colder.”
“He’ll have his millions to keep him warm.” Rosie turned to Kate. “Where’s S. J. Corbin? Ain’t she coming back to Ocean Vista? Weatherwise’s apartment is high and dry. She could move in.”
Another subject Kate didn’t want to address. “S. J.’s retiring. She left the hospital yesterday, packed a few things, and flew to California to check out Carmel.” Sophie had told Kate her quest was over. That she needed to make a new start, and finally put the past behind her. She’d advised Kate to do the same, then kissed her goodbye.
“What did Nick Carbone say, Kate?” Mary Frances asked. “Did he read you the riot act for playing Miss Marple…again?”
Kate sighed. “Yes. And no. He called and gave me hell, then asked me out to dinner.”
About the Author
Noreen Wald lives in downtown Sarasota, Florida with her husband, Steve. Their sons visit often. Hey, surf and sun are great lures. She has served terms as a local chapter president for Mystery Writers of America, as well as Executive VP and Secretary for their National Board of Directors. A winning contestant on seven television game shows—including Jeopardy!—Noreen later worked for Goodson-Todman and Merv Griffin Productions. She’s lectured at the Smithsonian, the CIA , the National Press Club and aboard the QE II. Her Ghostwriter Series was a Mystery Guild selection and praised in The New York Daily News, The Sun-Sentinel, and hit #1 on The Dallas Morning News bestseller list.
The Kate Kennedy Mystery Series
By Noreen Wald
DEATH WITH AN OCEAN VIEW (#1)
DEATH OF THE SWAMI SCHWARTZ (#2)
DEATH IS A BARGAIN (#3)
DEATH STORMS THE SHORE (#4)
DEATH RIDES THE SURF (#5)
Available at booksellers nationwide and online
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