Castaway Colt Read Online Free Page B

her chair. “You know what that means.”
    Darby didn’t think it was very hard to figure out. What if a kid like her found the colt? She’d never been to a luxury hotel and she wouldn’t know how to act there. Besides, she’d rather have the money.
    Taking Hoku back to the mainland—she winced at the thought—would be awfully expensive. And boarding her…
    One thing at a time, Darby told herself, and tried not to think about going back.
    â€œWhat are you guys thinking about that you’re not saying?” Megan asked, looking between Jonah and her mother.
    â€œYou’re not going out after dark,” Aunty Cathy said, in a tone that put off any discussion.
    Megan poked at a chunk of chicken and looked sideways at Darby. What should they do? Wait until tomorrow, after school?
    There was too much to think about. Her classes, the “surprise” student Megan couldn’t wait to introduce her to, remembering her locker combination, finding her way around the campus…
    She really hoped Kimo found the colt tonight.
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    Only five minutes later, Kimo knocked on the door, opened it, and leaned his head inside.
    â€œCouldn’t find your little sea horse. Sorry,” he called in apology, and Darby’s heart fell.
    â€œCome in, Kimo. Eat something,” Cathy encouraged him.
    The cowboy clomped in, but stopped at the edge of the lanai and shook his head. “Gotta have dinner with my dad. Not that it will be anything that looks as good as that.”
    â€œYou can take some with you,” Cathy persisted, but she stopped when the phone began ringing.
    Jonah stood up, but he turned to Kimo. “No sign of it?”
    â€œPlenty of signs,” Kimo said. “But no colt. I’m guessing it has a little hidey-hole somewhere, a little spit of land, yeah? The freshest tracks I saw led into the water.”
    The phone was still ringing, and though Megan usually jumped up to answer it, this time she leaned forward with her elbows on the table, eager to hear everything Kimo said.
    When Kimo paused, Megan slapped her palms on the table and said, “I’m going down to Night Digger Point Beach. Right now.”
    â€œYou’re staying here to help Darby decide what to wear to school tomorrow,” her mother corrected her.
    â€œNo way!” Megan said, but when her sharp tonemade the others turn from the mother-daughter argument as if they were embarrassed, Megan apologized. “I’m sorry, Mom, but Darby can try on clothes after dark. Right now Stormbird is probably starving!”
    â€œIs anyone going to answer that phone?” Jonah asked.
    â€œHe was nudging Navigator like he wanted to nurse,” Darby said, darting a quick glance at Aunty Cathy. “I guess that means he’s hungry.”
    See? Megan’s expression said, but she had the good judgment not to push her point.
    â€œIf Kimo couldn’t find him, what makes you think you can?” Aunty Cathy asked.
    â€œAloha, folks,” Kimo said, edging back toward the front door. “Headin’ for home now.”
    As Jonah walked out with Kimo, Darby’s stomach knotted with frustration. If she were having this argument with her own mother, she’d jump in and fight, but she didn’t know Aunty Cathy quite that well yet.
    Instead, she took a long drink of water and wondered why the caller was letting the phone ring for so long.
    â€œI’ll find the colt, because I’m taking a real horse charmer with me,” Megan answered her mother.
    Darby tried to swallow her water, but she ended up choking. Not that anyone noticed.
    Aunty Cathy crossed her arms, looking as stubborn as Megan did hopeful.
    â€œI’ll get the phone,” Darby said when she could draw a breath, but just then Jonah strode back indoors and beat her to it.
    Aunty Cathy and Megan settled into a cranky silence. Though Darby felt uneasy, she didn’t go hide in her room,