Last but not least, they’d moved on to the map in a large ornate frame—the impressive, hand-carved kind Kat suspected should be in a museum encasing a Rembrandt painting.
Taking each side, they carefully lifted it off the wall and flipped it over, checking the backing for a tear or incision indicating there could be something hidden inside the canvas.
While they combed every inch, Penny said in an offhand manner, “I heard Ashley left town today.”
“Oh?” Kat’s heartbeat skipped, but she managed to keep her expression aloof.
“Apparently, she came by the diner last night looking for Jack, and Colt told her he was on a date with you.”
Feeling her cheeks flush, Kat kept her head down, focused on their task.
“He said that for the rest of the evening, she sat at a booth facing the front door, ordering gobs of food while working on her laptop until closing.”
Kat didn’t have to guess why, assuming she’d been waiting to see when Jack returned. If she were in the other woman’s shoes, she might have been tempted to do the same thing. “Do you think she wants Jack back?”
“It appears that way. But besides the fact that she left town after high school and never spoke to Jack or any of her friends ever again, Jack’s affections seem to be elsewhere.”
Kat’s blush deepened.
Penny paused her search, gazing at Kat with gentle concern. “Jack was pretty devastated when Ashley left. I’d hate to see that happen again.”
Kat sobered, realizing the weight of her sister’s words.
“So would I,” she murmured softly. “But no matter how badly I want things to work out, I don’t see how they can. His life is here, and mine…” Her voice fell away.
Over the last several days, she’d had a niggling feeling that her life in Starcross Cove was only a shadow of what it could be. Or perhaps more accurately, a shadow of someone else’s.
“I know,” Penny agreed mournfully. “And I wish I had a helpful answer. But I choose to believe a miracle can happen that will allow you two to be together.”
Kat smiled, tears stinging her eyes. Her sister sounded so much like Fern in that moment.
Sniffling, she said, “We’re going to need a couple of miracles. Because I don’t think the brooch is in here.” With a sigh, she leaned the frame against the wall.
Penny took a step back, studying it with a contemplative squint. “I feel like we’re missing something. Can you read the clue again?”
Kat plucked the slip of paper from the side table. “‘North, south, east, west, they stretch from sea to sea. But which direction is the best? It’s always number three.’” For some reason, this time, the last line stood out to her. “Three… three…” She tapped her fingertip against her lips in thought. After a moment, an idea struck her. “Three!”
“What?” Penny asked. “What did you figure out?”
“It’s the line that says ‘the best is number three.’” Running her finger along the paper, she landed on east—the third direction listed. “Check the east side of the frame. For a nick or groove or anything out of the ordinary.”
After Penny searched for a few minutes, she frowned. “I can’t find anything. But it’s hard to tell with the intricate engraving.” Suddenly, her eyes widened. “Wait!” She removed an antique hair comb from her elegant updo and bent one of the prongs. Squinting, she inserted the tip into a tiny hole, and a small section of the frame popped open.
“You’ve got to be kidding,” Kat breathed, completely amazed.
“I should have thought of this sooner. Dad’s campaign desk has a secret compartment, too.” Penny wriggled the drawer out a little farther, revealing another note.
The girls exchanged glances.
“I love my dad, but even I’m getting a little exhausted,” Penny admitted with a shaky smile.
“He definitely seems to have gotten carried away. But I imagine he planned on doing the treasure hunt with you, helping when needed.”
“That’s true.” Her smile broadened, encouraged by the thought.
“What does it say?” Kat asked.
“‘The seven seas I used to sail, the sky was once my stage. But the greatest story I’ll regale, belongs upon the page.’”
