“In our . . . vision we came down the street from the Solomon Clinic,” Rachel said. “It was only a few doors away.”
“The restaurant’s still here.” She gestured toward what she thought was the location of the clinic. “But that building doesn’t look like what we saw. Does it to you?”
“No.” He eyed the structure. “It looks like newer construction.”
“They must have torn the place down.”
He made a rough sound. “Maybe they thought it was haunted.”
“Or something.” After a long moment, Rachel cleared her throat.
Before she could speak, Jake said, “You’re right.”
“What are you, a mind reader or something?”
She laughed, and he went on.
“The clinic’s gone, and we’re not going to find out anything unless we start asking some questions.”
“But where should we start?”
“Maybe a casual conversation in a restaurant.”
They stopped at a place called Big Ralph’s where the decor was simple and rustic, and a sign told them to seat themselves.
After they’d claimed a wooden booth in the back, a short, plump woman who looked to be in her fifties came over to take their order. Her name tag identified her as Maddie.
By mutual agreement, Rachel was the one who struck up a conversation. “We’d just like a snack. What do you recommend?”
“The shrimp gumbo is excellent.”
Rachel looked at Jake. “We could each have a bowl.”
“Sounds good to me.”
“And sweetened iced tea.”
After they’d placed their order, Jake sat back and stretched out his legs.
When the waitress brought the tea, he said, “So what do you recommend for someone with a few days in town?”
“Do you like to fish?”
“Uh huh. Do you have nature walks?” Rachel asked.
“Sure do. You can pick up some brochures by the door.”
“What about a bed and breakfast with cottages?”
She thought for a moment. “The Magnolia House would be perfect. It’s very charming. Mrs. Madison runs the place and cooks wonderful breakfasts. Do you want me to call and find out if they have a cottage available?”
“That would be very nice of you, but we don’t want you to go to any trouble.”
“No trouble at all.”
“Then thanks so much,” Rachel answered.
The woman was back with their gumbo and a smile on her face in a few minutes. “Mrs. Madison is holding a cottage for you,” she said as she set down their bowls. She alsohad a slip of paper with the address and phone number of the B&B.
