Page 16 of Sunrise

"What about a plane?" I ask.

"No runway," Lin says.

"You have to be bloody kidding me," I say, sounding more like Wren than myself. "What about supplies for the island?"

"Well, supply trucks generally come once a week, and they came yesterday. We are fine here at the inn, and people in town will help those who need it. We also have the option of having a helicopter drop supplies to us if needed. We had to do that five years ago, but it's expensive, and the town likes to avoid it if we can," Brynn tells me.

“What if there is a medical emergency?" I ask.

“The Coast Guard will do a medical lift if it's something the clinic on the island can't treat," Brynn says.

"Hey, at least no press can get to you." Lin smiles at me.

Her smile makes my heart skip a beat. She is trying to look at the positive side but doesn't realize she's the most dangerous person of all to me.

"Yeah, but the town still can." I sigh.

"Hey, I'm going to head into town this afternoon to check on the houses and see if there are any updates by then," Brynn says.

"You want me to go so you can avoid Mr. Kiwi?" Lin asks with a completely straight face.

"Who the heck is Mr. Kiwi?" I ask.

"Her ex," Lin says, and then turns right back to Brynn.

"No, I will do it. I don't want the town thinking I'm hiding away, especially after this storm. I'll check on your place to let you know if anything needs to be fixed," Brynn says.

"I thought you guys lived at the inns?" I ask as I finish off my cinnamon roll and grab another.

"We do, but we kept our parents' houses and fixed them up to rent out in season. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, we make more in rent on them than if we were to rent them out in a year lease. They are booked all season and on and off in the off-season. Thankfully, they are both empty right now, so fixing any damage won't be a pain," Lin says.

"Why did you move out of them?" I ask without thinking.

When both girls go quiet, I think I overstepped my welcome.

"I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking," I say.

"Well, it's a lot of house for the two of us and a lot of memories. We sat down with our accountant and worked the numbers. If we each took one room at the inn and rented the houses out, we would make the most money. More than even sharing one house. We jumped at getting away from the memories. We aren't ready to sell the houses, so this works." Lin shrugs.

I nod. I don't think I could sell the ranch if anything happened to my parents either. I guess I should call them and let them know I'm okay. Touch base with Wren to let him know I'm stuck here.

"Well, I have some phone calls to make. I'm sure Wren will be thrilled with this news." I stand to head out.

"Ahhh, you might want to use the phone in my office," Lin says.

"Why? I have my cell upstairs." I point toward the stairs.

"Yes, but cell service has been spotty. A tower was damaged in the storm," Lin says.

"Of course, it has. How do you have all this news and photos?" I ask.

Brynn shrugs. "Social media."

Linn laughs then and stands. "Come on. I'll show you to the office."

I follow Lin down the hallway I always see her disappear down. We turn the corner, and she opens the door on the left. Inside is a pretty small office, but it's very neat and organized and has a view looking over to the Sunset.

"Be warned that window is Brynn's office. She likes to play pranks," Lin warns me.

---