Page 88 of The Romance Game

We approach the old folks on the bench and make small talk.

“You’re coming from Higbee’s, right?” Mrs. Cross accuses like we robbed the joint.

“We took a look at his poker table,” Lally says.

“You know I’m going to get my winnings back from you,” Slidell Williams says to Lally with a good-natured smile.

“We were also wondering about this.” Royal shows them the page from the diary.

Mrs. Lipman’s eyes flash with recognition. “Chip figured we needed a standard.”

“Like a military flag?” Lally asks.

“A battle flag is used by fighting forces on land. A naval ensign if by sea,” Mrs. Lipman explains.

“After all, we were at war,” Mrs. Cross adds.

“With the pirates?” I ask.

“Oh, yes. It was a troublesome time. Back then we were an army of thirteen, mind you. Now, we’re all widowed or widowers, and Chip is gone.”

“What about my grandmother? Can you tell us anything about her?” Royal asks.

“We have loads of stories,” Mrs. Lipman says fondly.

“But you want to know about her going missing,” Mrs. Cross says perceptively.

Royal nods.

Mrs. Cross glares at the ocean. “It took everything that was good.”

“You mean she drowned?” I ask carefully.

“No,itbeing the treasure hunt. Chip wasn’t the only one after it, and it ruined friendships and business relationships alike—” Mrs. Lipman goes quiet when Mrs. Cross casts her a sharp look.

“One last thing. Do you know anything about a pen with a plume?” I ask.

They all chuckle.

Mr. Williams says, “Indeed. Chip used it to convey messages about when we’d meet. Not strictly for poker. But in the early days when the pirates were a greater threat, and we had to outfox ‘em.”

“So, he’d write in code? But why with a pen with a plume?”

Mr. Williams winks. “It wasn’t used with normal ink.”

The three of them turn their attention back to their watch over the sea.

We thank them for their help and take our leave.

When we’re nearly out of earshot, I hear Mr. Williams add, “Storm is coming. Best prepare.”

I shiver as a gust of wind blows. A dot on the horizon gets closer and I realize Ryan and the others are on their way back.

There’s no denying the treasure hunt is getting intense and could become dangerous. Not only do I need to protect myself, but my heart too. Like Mrs. Lipman was saying about friendships and relationships being ruined by the hunt, I don’t want to see something happen to the something-ship I have with Ryan.

Ryan

CHAPTER 18

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