Home to Stay by Terri Osburn

the water with Dempsey Charters.”
    “And how have the islanders responded?” Sam asked, sitting back with his coffee mug.
    “Well, I think. Some have taken to the attention better than others.”
    Sam tensed. “That doesn’t sound good.”
    Randy shook his head. “My sister didn’t like the direction of Rebecca’s questioning, and to be honest, neither did I.” For an article on their island as a tourist destination, Ms. King was entirely too interested in the private lives of the Anchor citizens. “She pushed Beth Chandler into a corner on Wednesday to the point that I had to cut off the interview and take Beth outside.”
    “Randy, this article is important to—”
    “I know how important this article is to all of us. But I’m not going to allow anyone to harass my friends and family.” They could find another way to increase tourism, if necessary.
    Sam exhaled as he rubbed the back of his neck. “This wasn’t the easiest article to line up. I don’t want anyone harassed either, but surely we can handle a few probing questions if it means getting a positive article out of this reporter.”
    “Has she probed you with questions yet?” Randy asked, not sure how much contact Sam had with the pair after he dropped them at the hotel.
    “I’ve barely seen Ms. King. Yvonne says she rarely leaves her room after you drop them off.” He grabbed a manila folder on his right and flipped it open. “According to their bill so far, she’s ordered room service every night this week. That doesn’t bode well for a well-rounded article. I was hoping they’d do some exploring on their own.”
    “The photographer has gotten around,” Randy said, remembering Jude’s insulting innuendo to Will on Wednesday evening. “Maybe he’s filling her in on the island nightlife. What there is of it.”
    “Maybe.” Sam closed the folder again. “Maybe you could convince Rebecca to make a stop at Dempsey’s this evening.”
    “Not sure she’d agree, but I can try.”
    “Good. Maybe a couple drinks with the locals will help round out her view of the island.” Sam’s phone rang. “That’s the front desk.” Picking up the receiver, he said, “Yes, Yvonne.”
    After a moment of silence, he added, “We’ll be right out.” He replaced the receiver, saying, “Our guests are ready to go.” Sam rose from his chair. “Two days and this will be over. Let’s hope those two days go well.”
    “I think we’re making a good impression overall.” Randy followed Sam into the hall. “She seemed genuinely interested during the interviews, and we’ve caught a few tourists who had nothing but good things to say.”
    “Is the photographer taking plenty of pictures?”
    “Enough to fill several articles worth, I would think.”
    “Good.” When they reached the lobby, Jude was leaning over the reservation desk, flashing a smile Yvonne’s way, as Rebecca stood near the door tapping a foot. “Are we ready for another day of exploring our fine island?” Sam asked.
    Rebecca smiled, but the sentiment didn’t reach her eyes. “Ready as we’ll ever be.”
    Jude stood at the sound of Sam’s voice, then lifted his camera case from the floor beside his feet. “Looks like some clouds are moving in. If we want good shots, we’ll need to get going right away.”
    That was the most professional thing Randy had heard the man say. “Then by all means, let’s hit the road.”
    Sam shot him a worried look as the pair filed out in front of him. Randy had no idea what had happened overnight, but there was a definite tension between the two that didn’t exist before. Two more days. They just had to play nice for two more days.

CHAPTER 8
    W ill lost her breath the moment Beth walked out of the dressing room. The spaghetti-strapped confection stopped slightly below her knees. The chiffon handkerchief hem floated around her legs, giving off an ethereal look. It was simple and elegant, with a hint of crystal beading at the top.
    It