Never Doubt Me: Judge Me Not #2(79)

My father told Ami I needed a quiet place to work through a bad case of writer’s block. But that was far from the truth. Only he—and my agent, Katie—knew the real reason behind my wanting to spend these autumn months on a lonely, isolated island. It had everything to do with researching the subject matter for my next book and absolutely nothing to do with some silly, made-up case of writer’s block.

And my research had begun before I’d even arrived. For example, I knew there were only four year-round residents on Fade Island, as it was not the most hospitable place once the summer faded into fall. Heavy rains and storms were common throughout most of the year, but things became particularly treacherous during the winter months.

Snowstorms and loss of power were not uncommon. And there was no reliable way to get off the island, except for the ferry. But the ferry didn’t run when the weather got too crazy. Nothing did, not even the alternative means of transportation—several boats and a corporate jet—that Mr. Ward often employed. During those times Fade Island lived up to its name in another way; it was as if it faded from civilization.

The rain slowed to a fine mist as we approached the ferry, and Ami lowered the umbrella. “So who can I expect to see once we get over there?” I asked and then added, “Like, who lives out there year-round?”

Obviously I was well aware of the identities of the full-time residents. I thought I was being clever, feigning ignorance for Ami’s benefit. The less she knew I knew, the more likely she’d not question my cover story. Right? Maybe not.

I took one look at her face and wished I’d kept my mouth shut. “You don’t know? You’ve never heard?” She eyed me skeptically. “Surely, your father told you.”

I shook my head and looked away. A slender, pale girl with dark hair was messing with some ropes aboard the ferry, so I pretended to be focused on her.

But when I tried to keep on walking, Ami stopped and grabbed my arm. I couldn’t meet her gaze, certain she’d catch on to my deception. “Madeleine! You have to know Adam Ward lives on the island. It’s no secret he moved out there after…” She lowered her voice. “Well, after what happened.”

She was right; it was no secret. Back when Adam lived in Harbour Falls, he had everything, the world at his feet. A brilliant mind, he excelled in all things academic. But software engineering was his specialty. He coded and developed elaborate software systems that had every college and university with a computer engineering program vying for his commitment to study at their institution. And since his academic abilities were rivaled only by his athletic prowess, those schools with a football program offered Adam everything they could without attracting the attention of the NCAA. In the end, though, he gave up football and enrolled at MIT.

All those things were impressive, but what had caught my attention back then were his striking good looks. He was tall and had an amazing body, gorgeous jet-black hair, and stunning blue eyes. Yeah, it had been hard not to notice him. And notice him I did. But, sadly, he never seemed to look my way.

“Maddyyyy! Earth to Maddy.” Ami waved her hand in front of my face.

“Oh, sorry. I was just…I was just remembering,” I stammered, “um, high school.”

Ami had once been one of my best friends, and surely she recalled my unrequited interest in Mr. Ward. As if on cue, she smiled knowingly and said, “In case you were maybe wondering, he is still single.”

I barked out a nervous laugh. “We’re not in high school, Ami. I think my crushing days are behind me. Besides…” I trailed off.

She knew why. After all, everyone had heard the rumors.

“They’re just unfounded accusations and idle gossip,” Ami said in a hushed voice, her defense of Adam surprisingly fervent. “You know that, right?”

“It’s really not that.” And it wasn’t, but I didn’t want to explain myself to Ami. “It’s just…” I fumbled for an explanation. “I didn’t come here to start something with Adam Ward, OK?” Small lie.

Ami cast a doubtful glance my way, but before she could persist in her matchmaking attempt, I pointed to the ferry and said, “It’s after two. We’d better get going.”

The half-hour ride through the choppy waters to Fade Island was mostly silent, Ami and I lost in our own thoughts. Jennifer Weston, the slender, pale girl who’d been messing with the ropes, didn’t say anything more to us than she absolutely had to. A number of times when I glanced over at the ferry pilot’s house, I caught her glaring at me. But I had no idea why.

Before today I’d never had contact with her. She’d gone to school at Harbour Falls High but graduated a few years before me. Still, I knew who she was. How could I not? Jennifer had been married for two years to my other best friend back in high school, J.T. O’Brien. I hadn’t kept in touch with J.T. after leaving Harbour Falls, but I heard a lot about him from my dad. And what he told me wasn’t good.

A few years back, J.T. had gotten into trouble with the law—some kind of drug and alcohol charge. After a stint in rehab, he surprised everyone by marrying Jennifer. She’d always had a thing for J.T., but he’d never shown any interest in her. So when they ran off to Vegas for a quickie wedding, nobody could figure out why. My father said there was speculation that she’d gotten knocked up. But nine months came…and went…with no baby.