When we pulled into the parking lot of the inn, Helen was on the porch putting out some salt on the steps for safety. She smiled faintly when she saw us. “Jane put together a nice lunch if the two of you are hungry.”
Inside, the air smelled like soup and bread. William had papers spread across the dining table, adding notes to the ledger. Lydia sat at the end, listlessly scrolling through her phone. When she saw Lucy, she stood quickly.
“How bad was it?” she asked.
“The police have made a report and say they will investigate. We may have to answer more questions.We’ll get updates when they have them,” Lucy told her.
“So that’s it?” Lydia questioned.
“For now,” Lucy said gently.
Lydia nodded, shoulders slumping.
“Have you had lunch?” Lucy asked in concern.
“I couldn’t eat,” Lydia murmured.
“Then you can eat with us,” Lucy decided, putting an arm around her sister’s shoulders. She directed her to the kitchen and I followed because it really did smell good and I hadn’t eaten since yesterday. Jane saw us and immediately began ladling out the soup while Lydia got out plates and cutlery.
I took the parcel from under my arm, setting it on the kitchen table so that I could assist as well. Lydia noticed. “What’s that?”
“A gift,” I answered.
“For who?”
“For Lucy.”
Lucy frowned, eyeing the package. “What is it?”
“You’ll see,” I said.
“I don’t like surprises.”
“I know." I smiled a little. “I think you’ll like this one.”
Her expression softened despite herself. “You’re insufferable.”
“So you’ve told me.”
In short order the three of us were sitting at the small table, enjoying lunch while Jane mixed up something at the counter.
“If it’s a gift for me, can I have it?” Lucy eyed the package.
“You can have it later,” I replied.
Lydia picked it up, turning it over as she thought. “I think it’s a book of some sort.”
“A book?” Lucy frowned. “Why would you buy me a book?”
I shrugged and took the package back from Lydia before she could rip it open to satisfy her curiosity.
Lucy crossed her arms. “You’re impossible.”
“Sometimes, I’m certain I am. However, you will get your gift when lunch is done,” I decided.
Lucy set down her spoon, took a sip of water and held my gaze.
Her mouth curved, half-annoyed, half-amused. “Fine. I’m done with lunch. Give me my book.”
