Page 74 of Smuggler's Cove
A New Chapter
The ferry ride back to New York went by quickly. Olivia was busy taking notes, and Madison was making lists. Everyone agreed that Lincoln was in charge of the reno, and Madison and Olivia were in charge of the family participation in the seafood festival and getting the house ready. Lincoln’s phone rang as they were entering New York Harbor.
“Hello, Lincoln. This is Detective Burton. I have some news for you.”
Lincoln couldn’t tell by the sound of his voice whether it was good news or bad news. He inhaled. “Hello, Detective. I trust it’s good news?”
“In some respects, it is. We were able to track down a few of Farrell’s associates. They had concocted a plan that, unfortunately, went awry.” He paused. “Farrell parked his car near an area where people can easily launch a small craft. He had a kayak, which we found a short distance from his vehicle. According to his friends, the plan was for Farrell to paddle near the dock, wait until dusk, and then swim to Kirby’s. They are convinced there is a treasure map somewhere and thought it might be in the shed.”
“Do you know what happened to him? Aside from him being dead?” Lincoln realized he sounded crass. “Sorry.”
“No problem. We got the report from the coroner. Farrell drowned. He got caught in some tow lines, and when the tide came in, he was under the dock and couldn’t get out.” Burton took a breath. “At least that is what we can surmise. There is no evidence of foul play.”
“That is a terrible story.” Lincoln did not want to seem coldhearted and resisted asking if they could remove the tape.
“It is, and it could have been avoided. But those are the risks if you are a treasure hunter. Many have been rescued off the coast in search of sunken ships. Anyway, I thought you would like to know that you can remove the tape. The place is yours.”
“Thank you, Detective. That is a big relief. We want to get moving on cleaning up the place.”
“If you need any local assistance, don’t hesitate. Everyone is glad that Kirby’s place will be up and running.”
“Thanks again. Have a good evening.” Lincoln ended the call, lifted his hands, and gave Madison and Olivia high-fives. “We are good to go.”
Madison thought for a moment. “How many days has it been since this whole thing started?” She counted on her fingers. “Five? Wow.”
The ferry landed at four thirty, just in time for rush-hour traffic. Madison looked up at the FDR Drive. It was bumper-to-bumper cars. “I think I like this ferry thing.” She tucked two boat schedules into her tote.
They walked to the parking garage where Lincoln had left his car. He gave Madison a lift to her apartment and then took the West Side Highway home.
Mario and Luigi greeted her. “Kitties! I have lots and lots of news. How would you like to spend the summer at the shore?”
They looked at her as if to say,How about feeding us; then we’ll talk?Madison promptly went into the kitchen and put their favorite salmon pâté in their bowls. She went into her bedroom to change into a lightweight tracksuit. Thoughts of wearing jeans, shorts, and summer dresses filled her head. She threw herself on her bed and stared at the ceiling. It brought to mind the afternoon she got the news about her father and threw herself on the hotel bed and stared at the ceiling. She considered Olivia’s words. Shehadcome a long way from that dark day. Now she didn’t care who knew. She thought about springing it on her boss and staff, but decided she could still keep it under wraps. There was much to do, and there was no reason to add confusion to the mix. Someday. Just not today.
Madison was excited to speak to Olivia without her brother listening in. She rolled over and dialed Livvy’s cell. “Got a minute?”
“You know I do,” Olivia replied. “Dinner with the handsome captain, eh?”
“I thought I was going to pee in my pants!” Madison chortled. “I was not expecting it, for sure.”
“I’m not going to say, ‘I told you so’ but I told you so!” Olivia burst out laughing. “I liked your response. You were agreeable to dinner but veiled your relationship status.”
“What is there to veil?” Madison chuckled. “Absolutely nothing.”
“Not yet,” Olivia teased.
“You know what I always say?”
Olivia responded. “Yes. ‘Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.’ ”
“Correct.” Madison could not erase the glow and smile on her face. “But it surely gives me something to look forward to.”
“So? When?”
“I was considering I would wait until we bring some of our things into the house. Makes much more sense.”
“Yes, you have a point.” Madison could hear Lincoln’s voice in the background. “Why is he interrupting our phone call?” Madison joked.
“What’s up, honey?” Madison could hear Olivia ask Lincoln.
