sat up straight. “That’s exactly the way his father says ‘lucky’ when he’s talking about Luke.”
“How the hell would we find him on a floating party barge in the middle of the big blue sea?” Duke demanded. “Even if we did all vote that this scheme was a good idea?”
“His father sends the odd message through the general’s office,” Bug said helpfully, “though he never gets a reply.”
“What a jacka—” Duke halted abruptly, censoring himself for the sake of the ladies and children present. Although he was sure it didn’t matter what he said, because they all had the same low-down opinion of Luke at this moment. “We’d do better to send a P.I. after him so it could be done discreetly, instead of using a military office, anyway.”
“There’s trackers over in Union Junction,” Zach said.
“Yes. They came into my bridal salon one day to help out the bride of the young cowboy who used to assist Valentine in transporting cakes,” Liberty said. “Blaine was his name, and his older brother’s name was either Hawk or Jellyfish—I can’t remember which.” She nodded. “At any rate, Valentine would know how to get hold of them. I don’t think they actually work out of Union Junction.”
Duke stood and grabbed his wife’s hand. “We’ll think about all this,” he said. “I’m too much in shock to make a proper decision. I’m taking my bride home, because we have a baby who’s getting restless,” he said, staring down into the stroller where his son, Michael Zachariah, was just starting to wake from his nap. “Nobody do anything until we have a chance to think this through.”
Helen kissed him on the cheek and hugged Liberty, as Pansy did. “The Forresters sure do know how to grow a town all by themselves,” she said, her voice slightly teasing. “Remember when you insisted we had to grow the town organically?”
Zach slapped his brother on the back. “Sometimes you get what you wish for.”
Everyone laughed at Duke, since he’d been against bachelor balls, parades, rodeos and every other idea the Tulips Salon gang had come up with to lure settlers to the area. He’d insisted they should grow the town the old-fashioned way.
Duke put on his hat. “Well, at least I’m an uncle again. I’m pretty excited to get to know my nephews. I have a lot of catching up to do.”
The Forresters all departed, leaving the four town elders to grin at each other.
“That was a great surprise Pepper lobbed into our laps,” Helen said.
Pansy giggled. “I love that girl. She’s so dang independent!”
Helen nodded with satisfaction. “You just wait until big brother charges in to rescue his sister from evil Luke McGarrett’s neglect of his duties. I have a feeling things will be settled around here mighty fast.”
The four of them sipped tea and smiled, until Helen sat straight in her chair.
“Of course, we’re all assuming Luke would come home and that Pepper would forgive us for meddling,” she said, and everyone groaned.
“It’s too late now.” Pansy shook her head. “Pepper’s big brother is a man of action, as you all know, too well. He’ll drag Luke back here if he has to, once his brain starts functioning again. Whatever he thinks might be best for his nephews is exactly what those boys are going to get!”
Chapter Three
Luke McGarrett sat in a deck chair on the general’s yacht, anchored off an isle in Greece. The scenery, as always, was good, and he was, as usual, feeling lucky.
Except for the nagging sensation that something wasn’t quite right. The general and his daughters had gone into town—or the small fishing village that passed for a town—leaving Luke to his own devices. They’d acted a bit secretive, claiming they wanted to go by themselves, insisting they didn’t need a bodyguard.
This was unusual, as he was normally treated as part of the family. Maybe that’s what had his senses on edge. The general had insisted that he stay behind and watch the boat, when always before he’d insisted Luke watch his girls.
His neck prickled, a telltale warning that he was being watched. He knew it. That lucky feeling of warning had dug him out of investments just before they sank, and human relationships just before they got dramatic. Now it was sending shivers along his nerves. Rising, he scanned the horizon. Nothing at sea and nothing unusual from the dock into the quiet village, where fisherman worked their trade and women shopped and chatted.
A man suddenly leaped over the side of the yacht with a fluid flash of tanned skin. “Peace, brother,” he said, and Luke wondered where this American had come from. Luke reached for his gun, but the big man said, “No,” just as another figure appeared by his side to take it.
“Sorry,” the wiry accomplice said. “We don’t do guns. They’re dangerous.”
Luke thought he was perhaps looking danger in the face. The accomplice had long dark hair pulled tight into a ponytail and deep, serious eyes. These two wanted something, but if they wanted him dead, it would have happened without him having a chance to take a second breath. Damn, I’m slipping. “What’s up, fellows?”
“I’m Hawk,” the wiry stranger said, “and this is my buddy, Jellyfish. We know some of your people in Union Junction and Tulips, and we’ve had to come a long way to meet you, my friend.”
Luke raised his brows. “Friend?”
Hawk nodded. “In the loosest manner of speaking. Friend of a friend, perhaps.”
Jellyfish nodded solemnly. “Of course, we’re not sure yet if you’re really our friend.”
Luke sighed. “Okay. I’ll bite. What do I have to do to be your friend?”
Hawk seated himself while Jellyfish kept a lookout. Hawk ran admiring fingers over the yacht rail as he glanced speculatively at Luke. “You need to make a trip to Tulips part of your itinerary.”
“My father sent you?”
Hawk shook his head. “No. He doesn’t know we’re here. But it’s time to return to your birthplace.”
“No,” Luke said, frowning. “Not a chance in hell.”
Jellyfish dropped a hand to his shoulder, setting off alarms inside Luke. “It would be better if you did, friend.”
Jeez. “Look. Not that it’s any of your damn business, but my dad and me…we never got along. The old man pretty much thought I was a failure no matter what. Why he’s crying over me now is a mystery.”
“You should respect your elders,” Jellyfish said, and Hawk nodded.
“Not to mention that running away doesn’t solve anything.” Hawk eyed Luke pointedly. “But we weren’t sent by your father.”
“Speaking of that, how in the hell did you find me?” Luke demanded.
“Wasn’t hard,” Hawk said, and Jellyfish laughed.
“Ex-military
