realize all that had happened.
"I followed you. I had a suspicion you were
going to meet that creep," he said. "He has trouble
keeping his bragging tied at the dock. He was telling
some of his friends that he was going to have a good
time tonight on the beach and he would have a big
story for them tomorrow. He didn't mention your
name, but I was afraid it was you, and then, when you
told me you couldn't go to town with me because you
had made other promises, I was even more suspicious.
That lie you told at dinner clinched it. I knew you
wouldn't go to Janet Parker's house to study." "I'm sorry," I said. "I'm sorry I made trouble for
you."
"No trouble for me," he said with a laugh.
"Trouble for Mr. Perfect."
"He threatened you."
"He'll be too embarrassed to tell anyone what
really happened. Don't worry."
I tried to sit up.
"Think you can walk?" Cary asked.
"Yes," I said. He had pulled the zipper of my
dress up, but my bra was still undone. For the moment
it didn't matter. I started to stand. He came around
behind me and lifted me at the elbows until I was on
my feet, but I wobbled and fell against him.
"Whoa," he said. "Steady as she goes. Seas are
a bit rough tonight."
"Maybe I should be wearing a life jacket," I
said and he laughed. We started away. "What about
the blanket and the radio and all?"