“That’s the weird thing,” Abby said slowly, still in a daze. “I didn’t even get a chance. She confessed to making up the whole thing. She went upstairs to pack.”
“Huh.” Logan frowned, then shrugged. “Well, I guess she saved you the trouble. At any rate, she’s finally out of our hair.”
For some reason, Abby couldn’t bring herself to share his enthusiasm. Something about the whole bizarre exchange didn’t sit quite right with her.
He picked up on her reservation. “Don’t worry, Abs. I’ll check in with Piper before she leaves. I’ll make sure the money she made working here is enough to get her back on her feet. We won’t send Tyler back on the road without a game plan, okay?”
Nodding, she attempted a smile.
She should be happy the nightmare had finally ended.
And yet, she couldn’t shake the uncomfortable feeling that there was something else going on.
Something she’d missed.
Chapter 28
LOGAN
Logan watchedAbby move around the kitchen tidying up the mess in dazed, mechanical movements, her brow knit with worry. Why wasn’t she happier that Piper finally came clean?
He was about to ask her when there was a knock at the door.
Abby’s eyes widened, increasing from worry to full-on panic mode. “That must be Sadie and Lucy. They’re early.” She froze, a damp dish towel hovering over a glop of cookie dough on the counter as if she didn’t know what to do next.
“Hey.” He crossed the kitchen and placed both hands on her shoulders, peering deep into her eyes. “Everything’s going to be great. You’ve got this.”
Her features relaxed as he drew her into his arms for a quick, reassuring hug. “You’re right,” she sighed. “I just need to put Piper out of my mind for the moment.” She straightened and slid two warm cookies onto a plate. “I can do this. Welcoming guests to Blessings on State Street is one of the best parts of the job.”
“That’s the spirit.” He flashed a grin, adding, “I’ll come with you and help carry their luggage,” and followed a few steps behind for moral support.
But when Abby opened the door, they didn’t find Sadie and Lucy standing on the front porch.
Instead, Donnie’s lawyer, Victor Fuentes, skulked in the shadows like a neighborhood kid about to apologize for hitting a foul ball through their window.
Logan had met the guy only once, almost six years ago when he’d accepted the job as caretaker of Donnie’s beach house in Blessings Bay. Victor, not Donnie, had been the one to meet him at the house, go over the paperwork, and give him a rundown of his responsibilities.
And over the last six years, Victor had been his go-to guy, the one to cut his checks and answer any questions he had about the property and his duties. Through all their dealings, he’d seemed like a no-nonsense, genuine guy. Not cocky, but confident. Nothing like the sheepish man currently avoiding his gaze.
“Victor. Hi.” Abby couldn’t hide her surprise but still managed a welcoming smile. “It’s so nice to see you. Please, come in.” She stepped aside, and Victor shuffled inside. “What brings you all this way?”
“I have the financial documents you requested.” He pulled a thick manila envelope from his briefcase, but Logan wasn’t buying it. He could’ve sent the information Abby needed electronically or by registered mail. There had to be another reason for his impromptu visit. A reason he probably wouldn’t like.
Logan stood by Abby’s side, waiting for the other shoe to drop. And from the way Victor kept shifting his feet, the sole would be worn clear through to the floor.
“Thank you. But personal delivery really wasn’t necessary.” She tucked the envelope under her arm, then held out the plate. “Cookie? They’re snickerdoodles, straight from the oven.”
“Uh, no. No, thank you.” Was Victor sweating?
Whatever it is, just spill the beans already, Logan silently urged.
Victor swallowed, and his Adam’s apple protruded as if he’d gulped down a golf ball.Yeesh. The guy was a wreck.
“Th-there’s actually another reason I’m here.” He tugged on his collar. “It’s rather embarrassing.”
“What is it?” Abby’s voice rose warily.
“I’ve been practicing law for over twenty-five years, and nothing like this has ever happened.” Victor glanced between them, then down at the floor.
