Page 71 of Smuggler's Cove
Irene stiffened. She hoped they were not the usual carpetbaggers or opportunists coming into town, buying up property at a low price, then flipping it for a huge profit.
“We decided it should be called ‘Kirby’s Marina.’ From what we have learned in these few short days, his first name is how people knew him best.” She failed to mention how she and her brother wanted nothing to do with the name Taylor, but that was beside the point.
Irene’s shoulders immediately relaxed. “That is a fine idea. He would have liked that.”
Lincoln returned with a checkbook. “Who should I make this out to?”
Madison shot him a glance as if to ask,Are you sure?
He gave her one of their silent sibling signals that he had it covered. Irene gave him the information, and he handed over the check.
“I know you are going to have a wonderful summer here.” Irene was genuinely delighted. She could tell this family appreciated the dwelling and its grounds. Too often she would have people looking for a weekend party house, and this certainly fit the bill. But there were always problems, which was why most owners asked for large deposits.
Madison was already dreaming about how wonderful her summer would be, even if the handsome captain was otherwise occupied. Her big challenge was Mario and Luigi, but like everything else in her life, she would figure out a solution.
Madison went down to the lower level and gave it a scrutinizing examination. The laundry room was fitted with cabinets with countertops and connected to a screened-in porch. Perfect for her boys. Depending on who was at the house, she could shuffle them from the bedroom to the laundry room. She knew they would enjoy basking in the sun on the porch. Madison scampered back to where Lincoln and Olivia were standing in the kitchen.
“Livvy, promise you will make fabulous dinners here.”
“Only if Lincoln promises to grill.”
“Deal!” He grinned. He could feel the relief rushing through his veins. Things had taken a much better turn, considering what the week had started like. “I want to give Charlie a call to see if he’s available this afternoon.”
“I can drop you there and then get the keys made,” Irene offered.
Lincoln dialed the number Charlie had given him. “Clams on Wheels!” a cheerful voice answered.
“Charlie. It’s Lincoln.”
“Howdy, my man. What can I do for you?”
“I want to run something by you.” Lincoln suddenly realized they were moving at full speed, and he hadn’t discussed any of it with Charlie. His buoyancy deflated several notches.
“Sure thing. I’m here all day.”
Lincoln looked over at Irene.
“We can go now,” she suggested.
“How’s ten minutes?” Lincoln asked.
“No problem,” Charlie responded.
“Great. See you in a few.” Lincoln ended the call. Now he had to convince Charlie to get on board.Again, another nautical pun.
The four piled back into Irene’s SUV and took the short drive to the marina. Lincoln wasn’t the nervous type, but he had a bit of the jitters. He just handed over a check for twenty thousand dollars with the notion they would be renovating the marina. But what if he couldn’t get the help he needed? He was about to find out. He squeezed Olivia’s hand. She knew Lincoln was a little anxious, but her instincts told her things were moving the way they should, in the right direction.
It took about five minutes to arrive at the marina. Just as before, a group of people were gathered around the food truck. The crime-scene tape still surrounded the area. Madison shut her eyes and visualized the tape gone, new planks, a new shed, and the new sign. She already had a design for the logo in her head.
Madison was genuinely happy to see so many smiling faces. She guessed they got over their suspicions of the city slickers. People greeted them with big hellos and patted Lincoln on the back.
“What’s on yer mind?” Charlie asked through the truck’s open window, as he wiped his hands on a towel.
“Can you come outside?” Lincoln asked pleasantly. He didn’t want to give Charlie any reason to feel intimidated.
“Go on,” Hannah encouraged him, and then waved at Madison. “Hey!”
Madison grinned and gave her a “Hey!” Olivia waved and smiled. Madison indicated she and Olivia should go over and talk to Hannah while the two men sat at the table.
