Eyes of Fire by Heather Graham Page B

said, pleased that she was turning pale.
    â€œHow about another soda, honey? It’ll calm your queasy stomach,” Yancy suggested, rising and seeming to break the spell that had fallen over the group.
    Sam rose, as well, slipping behind the bar with Yancy. As she did so, Judy and Lew Walker sauntered into the bar, arm in arm. They were starting to greet the others, but were interrupted when Darlene leaped up from her chair, ran to meet them and threw herself into her father’s arms.
    â€œDarlene, what on earth…?”
    â€œDo I have to dive, Daddy? Do I have to dive?”
    Lew Walker stared at Sam, puzzled and indignant. “What have you told her, Sam?”
    â€œMe? I haven’t said a thing,” she protested.
    Adam was up, shaking his head apologetically. “I’m afraid that I’m at fault here,” he began.
    â€œDamned right,” Liam muttered.
    â€œAlong with Mr. Hinnerman and Mr. Smith. I’m afraid I’m a bit skeptical regarding mysterious phenomena, and Mr. Smith and I indulged in a few historical tales. Sam had nothing to do with it.”
    â€œOh, Dad!” Brad said. “Mr. Smith and Mr. O’Connor know so much neat stuff! And Mr. Hinnerman’s an expert on cannibals.”
    â€œOoh!” Darlene moaned again.
    â€œYou’ve been telling my daughter about cannibals?”
    â€œRight before supper, yum, yum,” Yancy murmured.
    Sam elbowed her in the ribs. Yancy sucked in a breath and shrugged innocently.
    â€œThe part about the cannibals was really cool!” Brad said.
    Lew looked at his daughter, perplexed. “Honey, you’re not going to meet any cannibals diving under the water,” he assured her.
    â€œWho knows? People seem to disappear so completely, they might have been eaten!” Darlene said.
    Sam came around the bar, walked up to Darlene and took her by the hand. “Darlene, I’ve been out thousands of times, and I promise you, I’ve never lost a single diver to a cannibal.”
    â€œHave you lost any to anything else?” Adam inquired politely.
    â€œNo!” Sam snapped.
    â€œWill you buddy up with me tomorrow?” Darlene asked her.
    â€œSure.”
    â€œWhat about me?” Jim Santino teased.
    â€œIt looks like it’s going to be you and Liam tomorrow,” Sam said evenly.
    â€œWhat about Adam?” Liam demanded.
    â€œHey, Mr. O’Connor! How about being my buddy?” Brad asked excitedly.
    â€œSure.”
    â€œThat leaves Sukee,” Jim noted, eyes and smile flashing.
    â€œSukee can choose where she wants to make it a threesome,” Sam said.
    â€œHands down, I’m going with the boys,” Sukee said huskily.
    â€œWhich boys?” Yancy demanded.
    â€œI haven’t decided yet—they’ll get to find out in the morning!” Sukee said, laughing.
    Joey and Sue Emerson, the honeymooners, sauntered into the bar. “What’s happening in the morning?” Sue asked.
    â€œWe were discussing tomorrow’s dives,” Jim said. “Don’t worry—no one had any idea of splitting up the two of you.”
    â€œOr joining the two of you,” Sukee murmured.
    â€œWhere are we diving tomorrow?” Sue asked.
    â€œAway from the cannibals,” Darlene said.
    â€œCannibals?” Joey repeated. “I know there are sharks out there, but cannibals?”
    â€œYes, there are sharks,” Adam said idly.
    â€œSam?” Darlene said nervously.
    â€œDarlene, I’ve been diving my entire life, and yes, I’ve seen sharks, but no, I’ve never been bothered by one.” She cast a frown toward Adam, who had the grace to look instantly contrite. She knew that he hadn’t been referring to Darlene’s kind of shark, but the damage had been done.
    Adam stood and came over to Darlene. “Did you know that swimmers and especially surfers are sometimes attacked, but that divers are almost never