Page 72 of Smuggler's Cove
“How ya doin’?” Hannah asked. “Can I get you anything?”
“I’ll have one of your tasty sandwiches,” Madison eagerly responded. She looked at Olivia, who nodded. “Make that two. Oh, and you should probably make one for Lincoln.”
“Comin’ right up.” Hannah turned and dropped a few handfuls of clams into the hot oil. Then she turned back to the two women. “So, what ya suppose they’re talking about?”
Madison knew it wasn’t going to be a secret much longer and leaned into the window. “We rented a house for the summer. It’s on Portland.”
“The Kramer house? Nice.”
“Yes. But we have more news.” Madison tried to contain her excitement. “Detective Burton told us they are going to be honoring Uncle Kirby at the seafood festival.”
“Yessiree. I know Charlie misses him more than he would miss me.” Hannah chortled.
“I doubt that. Men usually do not know how to show their appreciation. Something in their DNA.”
Hannah let out a huge cackle. “You got that right!”
Madison began to answer Hannah’s initial query. “When you told me you were concerned about summer business, Lincoln, Olivia, and I had a meeting. Lincoln wants to refurbish the marina and keep it open this summer.”
“Well, golly! That there is good news!” Hannah’s smile filled her entire face.
“Lincoln would like Charlie to be a supervisor in the reconstruction and pay him for his time. Lincoln knows how to balance budgets, but he’s not the best when it comes to a hammer and nails.”
Olivia chuckled. “I think I can use a screwdriver with more precision.”
“Do you think Charlie will agree?” Madison was bobbing her heel.
“I don’t see why not. It’ll be good for everyone.”
“We also want to rename it Kirby’s.”
“Aw, Kirby woulda loved that.” Hannah’s eyes teared up.
“It is the least we can do.” Madison waited as Hannah turned to scoop up the crispy clams and put them on a roll. Then came a dash of tartar sauce.
Hannah handed the sandwiches to Madison, who continued, “This place meant the world to him. It is his legacy, and it is only proper we honor him that way.”
Hannah wiped her eyes. “That is one of the nicest things I ever heard anybody say about anybody.”
Madison’s eyes also welled. She looked at Olivia, who was also blotting her face.
The sound of an outboard motor caught their attention. It was a Coast Guard SPC-SW, a special purpose craft–shallow water patrol boat. Madison almost dropped her sandwich. Her knees got wobbly. Olivia put her hand on Madison’s shoulder and smiled at Hannah. “We are very happy to be here and be part of this community.”
“Well, we’re mighty glad it was you folks who took over the marina. We didn’t know what we were in for.” Hannah waved at the handsome captain. He grinned and gave her a two-finger salute.
Madison thought she was going to lose her cool. She hadn’t expected to see Captain Eriksson, at least not without a plan.
“Hey there, handsome,” Hannah greeted him as he approached the food truck.
“You are such a sweet talker.” He grinned at her. “And Ms. Wainwright and Mrs. Wainwright, nice to see you.”
“It’s ‘Madison,’ Captain.” She held her composure and gave him a devilish grin.
“And please call me Olivia.”
“Madison. Olivia. Nice to see both of you. What brings you to our corner of the world?”
Madison decided to leave the rental for the last part. “Lincoln is discussing his idea to refurbish the marina with Charlie.” She nodded in his direction. “We felt it would be a disservice to the community to have it sit here unattended for the season.”
