Read Never Hug a Mugger on Quadra Island for Free Online Page A

hair, red shirt, khakis and sandals, Shane carried himself like a young man who usually owned the space he walked in but today only rented it. His face, despite its smile, looked strained. “Come on in. Austin’s here.”
    Half sitting on the desk, Austin Osborne, Shane’s guide and sponsor. White-blond hair, handsome face, eyes green, tennis shirt, khakis, running shoes. Osborne stood. “Hey Jason.” They shook hands. “Hello Timmy.”
    â€œHello.” Damn him. Timmy was reserved for family and Shorty.
    â€œHello Austin,” said Jason. “Didn’t know you were in town.”
    â€œJust arrived and headed here, see if Shane was skating. I lucked out.” A grin to Shane. “He looked great. Smo—king, that’s what he was, Jason, king of the smoke.”
    Tim felt his usual relief around Austin: Shane had to deal with him, not Tim. He’d known Austin for four years, since Austin had offered to act as Shane’s sponsor, covering his training and competition expenses. Shane would never have come this far without Austin, not on what their mother made as a nurse, not on what the woodlot brought in. He’d overheard his parents: how would they repay Austin. But it was impossible because Austin had made it clear all he wanted was to support a great talent. He heard his father whisper, Twenty-five thousand a year, Linda. Costumes alone cost over four thousand.
    Austin was saying, “. . . no leads, no suspects?”
    Jason said, “Mounties are at it. Dorothy said she’d keep me informed.”
    â€œIf there’s anything I can do—”
    â€œYeah. Uh—did we interrupt you? Sounded like the middle of a conversation?”
    Austin glanced at Shane. “Talking about the season.”
    Shane nodded and turned to Jason. “We going, Dad?”
    â€œYes. See you on the island, Austin?”
    â€œI’ll look forward to it.”
    Austin walked with the three Coopers to the parking lot where he’d left his rented blue Porsche.
    â€¢Â Â â€¢Â Â â€¢
    Noel’s parents, Paul and Astrid Franklin, lived on the ground floor of a condo building near the beach in Qualicum. They’d moved there five years ago. In spite of Kyra’s promises to come up, this was her first visit. She’d known Noel’s parents since she was ten and her own parents had rented a cabin for the summer next to theirs on Bowen Island. The Franklins had taken her into their family as the daughter they never had.
    Astrid opened the door. “Kyra, my dear! It’s been far too long!” Their hug was intense. Kyra blinked back tears. How come she’d gotten so damn emotional . . . His mother hugged and kissed Noel.
    Alana was next. “Hi Unc.” A jocular almost-adult, not quite willing to call him Noel without uncle, not willing to call him Uncle Noel as she had since she was two. On her eight fingers and two thumbs, maybe fifteen rings.
    Paul remained in his chair in the living room. He’d lost a lot of weight, Noel had told Kyra. She remembered he stood a couple of inches taller than Noel but with the same slim build. “Hello, dear! Long time no see.” His voice was still strong.
    â€œYou’re right.” Kyra grasped his hand. She leaned over and kissed his forehead. “My fault.”
    â€œYou’re correct about that.” Paul smiled and squeezed.
    â€œI hope I will eventually be forgiven.” How quickly she’d adopted the patter she usually brought out for Noel’s father.
    â€œYou could get on your knees for a thousand obeisances.”
    â€œOh creak, creak.” Kyra half squatted.
    â€œNow, dears,” Astrid said, “brunch is ready and Alana’s starved, aren’t you?”
    Alana rolled her eyes. Everyone filed to the table.
    â€œYou can tell us all the news,” Astrid said.
    Kyra followed Astrid to the kitchen. She had produced