Page 67 of Smuggler's Cove
Olivia’s cell beeped. It was Madison letting her know she was on her way up. “Double shot, please.” Translated, it meant she wanted a double shot of espresso in her already hair-curling java.
Olivia heard the ding of the elevator and began her special brew. Madison was coming down the hall. Olivia could swear she was singing.
“Aren’t we in a fine mood today?” Olivia smiled.
Madison gave her a peck on the cheek. “Yes. Yes, I am. And why not? We are embarking on a new adventure.”
Olivia did not want to throw water on Madison’s mood, but the last time Madison was this buoyant was when she thought she inherited a fabulous marina just a few short days ago. But Madison was resilient, and Olivia was much more confident about the rental. At least they had seen photos of it and got a good recommendation from the police detective and the real estate agent.
“A newer, new adventure.” Olivia gave her a wink. “I have something for you.” She slipped her hand into her pocket and pulled out the folded sheet.
“What’s this?” Madison asked as she opened the pages. “Oh my. Aren’t you the Miss Marple of the fashion industry?” Madison glanced at the information. “Interesting. Have you thought about doing undercover work?”
“Isn’t that part of my job description?” Olivia gave her a sly look.
“Indeed, it is. Thank you, darling.” Madison returned the sly expression and slipped the investigative work into her bag.
“Maddie, I am very happy you have had a slight change of heart about Smuggler’s Cove.”
“How could I not? I’m embarrassed to think about the crummy attitude I had.”
“Now you can make up for it. Just think, Hannah and Charlie will be able to keep the food truck there, and people will be able to have use of the place, and the amenities.”
“Let’s not get carried away.” Madison took the mug from Olivia and sipped her coffee. She began to walk toward her corner office, then turned her head. “But I was thinking about Hannah and Charlie and the sandwiches. Instead of a drive-thru window, we have a boat-thru window.”
“Huh?” Olivia asked. “Is that a thing?”
Madison tossed her jacket on one of the side chairs. “We can make it one.” She settled behind her desk. “What if we have boaters phone ahead, and then someone brings the sandwiches to them?”
“Sounds interesting. I suppose it could work logistically. But obviously we must run it past Hannah and Charlie.”
“Obviously. I know Lincoln wants to buy a prefab shed, so maybe he can get one that has a pass-through window.”
“I’ll put that on my list for him.” Olivia was always ready with pen and pad.
“What else do we have to do today?” Madison asked.
“Lincoln left a message for the agent in Connecticut, so we are waiting for that call. We must be at the ferry landing by ten forty-five, and then Irene will pick us up when we arrive.”
“Do I have any early evening things I need to get back here for?”
“Nope. I took care of today’s loose ends.”
“You are a miracle worker.” Madison was continually impressed at how Olivia managed things with aplomb. That was one reason they became fast friends as children. They always operated as a team. Madison was especially pleased they maintained their relationship all these years. She was not sure what made her happier: her friendship with Olivia or having Olivia as a sister-in-law. Then she thought that both could coexist at the same time.
Madison reached into her tote bag. “Look! I came prepared.” She showed Olivia her skimmers.
“Brilliant. And you are looking quite elegantly casual.”
“It’s part of the job.” Madison chuckled. Despite being in the world of fashion, and a honcho at a leading magazine, Madison preferred casual. Not sloppy, but as Olivia put it, elegantly casual.
“Okay, let’s see what my private detective found.” She reached into her bag and pulled out the pages. “So far, he qualifies for the job.”
“What job?” Olivia asked.
“Summer fling job.” Madison chuckled.
“Don’t be naughty.”
