Page 46 of The Summer House
With an air of drama, Callie pulled her phone from her pocket and, a zinging feeling running through her fingers, she dialed the number. After two rings, there was an answer.
“Hello?”
She cleared her throat, setting down her wine and sitting up straight. “Um, my name is Callie Weaver. I’m the new owner of Alice McFarlin’s place…” The silence that followed was slightly unsettling, so she plowed on. “I’m looking for her brother, Frederick. Is this him speaking?”
“Yes,” he said kindly, causing her to exhale.
She smiled excitedly at Gladys and Olivia.
“Hi,” she said a bit too enthusiastically. “We’ve found a lockbox with your initials on it. I think it might be yours, and I’d like to return it to you.”
“Oh. That’s very kind of you.”
“Yes, well, I didn’t know if you were missing it or not.”
More silence.
“Yes, I’ve missed it,” he said softly. “I know just the box you’re talking about. I thought it was gone, but Alice must’ve kept it. I’m glad she did.”
“Can we arrange a day and time to meet so I can give it back?”
“Of course. How about tomorrow?”
“That would be perfect! Maybe around two?”
“Thank you for going out of your way.”
“You’re welcome.” She couldn’t believe it; she was going to get the lockbox back to its rightful owner. How lucky was that?
