"What's up with her name?" Colton asked. "You two had quite an affinity for London."
"And she stuck the 'y' in there instead of spelling it right."
"I have no idea. Valerie is on edge about something, but I can't get her to open up to me. She'll start to say something but then veer off and not finish, so I don't have anything to go on yet. Maybe if I can get her alone, I can get some answers."
Vinia gestured toward Sarah's cabin. "Why don't you ask your sister to talk to her? They were pretty tight back in the day. Maybe Sarah can have Londyn come help her bake or something, if she plans to stick around long enough to do her job."
Colton huffed. "We were just talking about that, too. I'll have to say something to her again."
"I'm sorry your father isn't here to handle it. I know it's not your job to play father." Vinia stared at her daughter's cabin. "I don't know what's gotten into that girl."
Tyson grumbled. "Whatever it is, she's putting stress on you, and that isn’t right."
"I'm not worried about my stress, "Vinia corrected.” But whatever she's into may not be very healthy for her."
Colton snorted. "I don't think she's doing drugs or drinking. I've been watching for signs."
Vinia swiped at his leg. "I meant her heart, you fool. I know she's not doing drugs. But obviously whenever she goes to see this someone, she doesn't feel it is fit for us to know anything about it. Sarah’s’ emotional health is just as important as her physical health."
She turned to head inside. "I better go help Ellie. I was actually hoping Sarah was up here providing a little assistance since it's her responsibility in the first place, but I know better with that girl."
Colton stopped her at the door. "Have you heard anymore from your contact?"
"No change." She disappeared inside.
"What contact?" Tyson asked.
"To see if anyone has found the idol yet that Dad was accused of stealing."
Tyson thought of his dream but didn't bring it up. He rose and stretched. "I'm going to go talk to this sister of ours."
"Find out where she's been while you're at it," Colton teased.
"Haha. I'll get right on that."
Sarah was throwing in a load of laundry when she hollered at him to come on in. She gave him a quick hug and headed for the kitchen. "Coffee?"
"Yeah, thanks. Good of you to come home to do your laundry."
Sarah groaned. "Did Colton send you?"
"No, actually, but if you want to tell me where you've been, and with whom, it'll save him a trip."
Sarah put both hands on the counter. "If I thought I could, I would. But right now, there's really nothing to tell."
Tyson started to argue, but right now he needed a favor so he let it go. "Valerie's here."
"Valerie?" Sarah's eyes widened. "You’re Valerie?"
"Not my Valerie anymore, but one and the same." He realized that he hadn't told Colton about the kiss. Maybe Sarah was on to something. Some things were better kept secret for now.
"What's she doing here after all these years?"
"That's what I'm hoping you can find out."
She giggled. "You want to go ask her?"
He told her about the fear he felt. "If she doesn't want to tell me, fine. But if there's something I can do to help with whatever her problem is, I'd like to do it. Especially for Londyn."
