Double Dog Dare (The Raine Stockton Dog Mystery Series) Read Online Free Page A

get a better view of the beautiful people sunning themselves on the gleaming teak decks of some of those yachts.
    “We’ll take the boat out to the Pain du Sucre islet before we leave for some snorkeling,” Miles said.  “I like to dive there when I get a chance.  It’s like nothing you’ve ever seen, absolutely gorgeous.”
    Snorkeling sounded like fun, but diving would have been better.  I wondered if there was time to get certified while I was here.
    Melanie echoed my thoughts.  “Say, Dad, didn’t you say I could start diving lessons this year?”
    “I seem to recall saying something like that. Of course, that’s bound to cut into your time playing on the beach with Cisco.”
    Miles winked at me while Melanie considered the trade-off, and I smiled back.  Given the choice, I’m not sure what I would have decided either.
    “ Pardon, monsieur, if you’ll permit me…”  The driver glanced at us in the mirror.  “If you will let me know the day you plan to dive in the Pain de Sucre area, we will be pleased to check availability for you.  Unfortunately, the authorities have closed off access to certain areas while they complete their investigation.”
    I said, “Investigation?”  and Miles leaned forward toward the driver’s seat.
    “What happened?” he asked.  “I haven’t heard about any storms since I was here last.  Is there some environmental concern about the reef?”
    “No sir, nothing of that nature.  There was, I’m sad to say, a tragic diving accident yesterday and the matter is still under investigation. I am surprised this has not yet been reported on the American news.”
    Miles said, “Stupid people go diving every day and get themselves into trouble. Why would it have been on the news?”
    “Pardon, monsieur, what I meant to say was that the victim was the American television actress Rachelle Denison.  Sadly, she did not survive.”
    Miles sat back, looking disturbed, and murmured, “I’m sorry to hear that.”
    I have to admit I had never heard of her, but a questioning glance at Melanie, our resident television expert, saw her frowning with concentration.  “You mean Helen from Wolftown ?  The werewolf queen,” she explained to me.  “You know, werewolves— they’re like vampires only meaner.” I admitted I did not know much about werewolves, and she went on, “Anyway, the show was about this pack of werewolves living in the suburbs and Helen was their queen… I don’t think it’s on anymore. Wow, too bad she’s dead.  She was pretty.”
    Miles said, “Is her husband here?”
    “Oui, monsieur.  It is my understanding they were diving together when the accident occurred.”
    Miles frowned.  “That’s rough.”  He explained to me, “Alex Barry.  I know him.  We’re neighbors here on the island.  I should stop by, I suppose.”
    I said, “Did you know his wife?”
    “I may have met her once.  I don’t think they’d been married long.  I haven’t even seen Alex in years.  We’re not usually here at the same time. What a shame.”
    I placed my hand over his , and he let the melancholy fade.  He smiled at me, clearly unwilling to let our vacation get off to such a maudlin start, and threaded his fingers through mine.  “I’m sure they’ll get it all resolved soon,” he said.  “But the snorkeling is great anywhere you go around the island.  We’ll make a day of it, maybe sail over to St. Martin if you’re in the mood.”
    I liked the sound of that.  Imagine, being able to do whatever you wanted, just because you were in the mood.  I felt a grin tug at my lips that was as big as Cisco’s.
    Melanie said, “Say, Dad, are there sharks in this ocean?”
    “There are sharks in every ocean, honey.”
    “Do you think the lady might have gotten eaten by a shark?”
    “Let’s hope not.”
    “Yeah, gross.”  She was thoughtful for a moment.  “Maybe I’ll wait until next time to start the scuba lessons. After all, we have