Summer Secrets - Barbara Freethy [62]
"That's right. I just heard you were racing," K.C. continued. "I'm glad. It's only fitting. After all, the last time we raced in the Castleton, it was against each other. I remember Nora --"
"Leave her out of this." He couldn't stand the sound of Nora's name on this man's lips.
"That would be impossible. Nora was always between us. Just like the Moon Dancer was always between us. She feels good under my hands, Duncan, almost as good as --"
"You son of a bitch." Duncan lunged for K.C. but missed, landing on his knees. He heard K.C.'s mocking laughter and felt a terrible rage. He would make this man pay, if it was the last thing he did.
Kate ran to her father. He pushed her away, his pride stinging more than his body. "I'm fine."
"You were always so predictable," K.C. said, "so easy. I thought things might have changed, but they haven't. I'll see you on the water, old friend." And with a wave he was gone.
"Are you all right?" Kate asked as he got to his feet.
"I just tripped, that's all. What are you looking at?" he asked the other customers, who finally turned away.
"What was he talking about, Dad?" Ashley asked when he returned to the table.
"Nothing. He just likes to shoot off his mouth. Forget about it."
"That won't be easy to do," Kate said slowly. "Is there something you need to tell us about Mom and K.C.?"
"There's something I need to tell you about the boat," Duncan replied. He paused for a moment, sure they wouldn't like what he had to say, but he would say it anyway. "I'm going to win it back."
Kate looked at him in surprise. "What are you talking about?"
"K.C. is going to make a bet, and he'll lose."
"What's the wager?" Tyler asked.
"If I win the Castleton, he gives me back the Moon Dancer."
"Oh, my God," Kate said. "You can't be serious, Dad. What if K.C. doesn't agree?"
"Are you kidding? A chance to beat me? He'll agree."
"What happens if you lose? What does he get?" she asked.
"I won't lose."
"You can't guarantee that."
"I can. Rick Beardsley gave me carte blanche to pick my own racing crew." He looked his daughter straight in the eye. "I want you, Katie girl. You and Ashley and Caroline. I want us to take back what was ours. Say yes."
Chapter Eleven
"You're out of your mind," Kate said, shocked to the core. "I'm not going to race. And neither is Ashley." She glanced at her sister, who looked sick at the thought of it.
"Not even to get back our boat?" Duncan challenged. "It's mine, Katie. I won't have K.C. living my life, sailing my boat. I'm getting it back. I want you girls to help me. We're a family. We stand together."
Kate saw her father turn to Ashley, whose eyes had filled with unimaginable terror. Even Duncan could see it. He opened his mouth to speak, then closed it. He put out a tentative hand to Ashley, but she pushed back her chair.
"I -- I can't," Ashley stuttered. She ran out of the bar as if the fires of hell were chasing after her.
Kate could understand the feeling. She wanted to flee, too, but she didn't have the luxury. She couldn't walk out on Duncan -- not with Tyler so close, waiting, watching, listening.
Duncan motioned for the waitress to bring him another drink. "You think about it," he said to Kate. "You were always my best sailor. I know I could do this with you at my side. And talk to Caroline. She'll come along. She'll want to help. She always does."
"Because she wants your approval."
"She'll definitely have it, if she comes onboard."
"You knew he was coming back, didn't you?" It suddenly became clear to Kate that Duncan had not been surprised to see K.C.
"Yes." Duncan paused as the waitress set down his drink. "I knew that as soon as he saw the Moon Dancer was for sale, he'd find a way to buy it."
"Because?" Kate was almost afraid to ask, but she