Page 73 of Smuggler's Cove
Eriksson was beginning to like this worldly woman. “I am glad to hear it. Kirby’s place was kind of a landmark. I’m certain everyone will be willing to pitch in.”
“That’s what we’re hoping for.” Madison paused. “When Detective Burton told us they were going to honor Uncle Kirby, we felt compelled to do something in his honor, as well.” Madison decided it was time to drop the additional news. “We discovered the ferry service and thought it would be efficient to rent a place for the summer.”
“Oh?” Eriksson became more interested in what this woman had to say.
“Yes. We met with Irene Mariska earlier and rented a house on Portland.”
“I think you will enjoy the summer here. There are lots of things to do, or you can do nothing at all.”
“One thing I am hoping is that you would share your knowledge about wharfs, piers, freighters, and the like.” Madison was impressed that she could keep her voice steady.
“I would be happy to. Over dinner? I know some great places in town. That is, if you are available.”
“That would be lovely,” Madison replied, and hoped she didn’t have tartar sauce on her face.Let him guess how available she is.
Hannah had a twinkle in her eye when she handed Viggo his clam sandwich.
“I’ve got to meet Burton. He said they found something in the water near the vehicle belonging to Farrell. Give me a ring next time you plan on coming down.” He gave Hannah another two-finger salute. “Glad you will be hanging around,” he said, grinning at Madison.
Madison thought her legs were going to buckle.
Hannah hooted, “Well, finally! That boy has been alone since he got here. Glad you’re going to have dinner with him. Maybe he’ll remember what it’s like to have some female companionship.” It was obvious Hannah thought highly of the captain, and his personal life.
Madison tried not to blush. “Dinner will be nice.”
Olivia was having similar thoughts about Madison and male companionship but was able to keep her mouth shut in front of Hannah. Hannah must have read her mind, because she gave Olivia a wink when Madison wasn’t looking.This is going to be a good team, Olivia thought to herself.
The three women looked in Lincoln and Charlie’s direction. Both men were smiling and nodding. It appeared that things were moving along in a positive direction. They stood and shook hands. Definitely a positive direction.
Lincoln and Charlie walked toward the food truck. Charlie had a grin that stretched across his face. “Hannah, looks like we’re gonna be a little busy before the season starts up.”
“Oh? Do tell.” She gave another wink. This time, it was at both Olivia and Madison.
“Lincoln, his lovely sister, and lovely wife are gonna help put this place back together.”
Lincoln interrupted, “Yes, and with the marina expertise of Charlie and Crusty.”
Hannah clapped and hooted, “Yeah, man!”
Lincoln continued, “Charlie said that Josh usually works the docks during his summer break, and he would probably come back. He is on spring break now, hence the tuna trip.”
Madison’s thoughts about ditching the place were long gone. Her mind was filled with what could be ahead.
Irene pulled up and sprang out of the car. She looked like a giant bouncing fire hydrant. She jangled the keys in the air. “It’s all yours!” She, too, had a smile as wide as Charlie’s on her face.
“Charlie is going to get the permits we need and order the supplies. I am going to arrange for a line of credit at a local home builder supply, rather than a big box store. Charlie has a good relationship with one a few miles from here,” Lincoln explained.
“It sounds like you covered a lot of ground in a short amount of time,” Olivia remarked.
“This entire week flipped in a short amount of time!” Madison declared. “Including my attitude.” Everyone laughed. It had been obvious Madison was not at all pleased with the situation when they first arrived.
Lincoln grinned. He was equally pleased with the outcome. So far. The next hurdle was getting the crime-scene tape removed sooner than later.
They milled around, talking to some of the locals, while Charlie explained what was about to happen. A fewyee-haws were expressed, some clapping, and a few more hoots. Again, Madison realized how one decision could change many lives. It wasn’t as if she were disconnected, but she lived in a microcosm, as most people do. Madison felt a warmth come over her, and she knew it was not a hot flash.
Lincoln and Charlie arranged to meet on Saturday. Lincoln planned to take the ferry, and Charlie was going to pick him up. By then, Charlie would have applied for the permits and put a materials list together. No doubt, things were moving fast, but they had to. The season was less than eight weeks away. The only thing left was the ugly yellow tape.
Chapter Fifteen
