Arabella felt a stab of guilt. “Honestly, please don’t feel bad. I’m a grown woman who can take responsibility for her own actions.”
“We better keep moving, baby, if you want to get a few things and go to the electronics store,” Eli told her.
Iona gave Kellan and Eli curious looks, but didn’t say anything. “You don’t know who might have broken into your place?”
“I’m not sure exactly. But they broke everything and I need to get some recording stuff and a laptop for editing.”
“Recording stuff?” Iona asked.
“I record content for social media sites,” she said. “Of me baking and creating cakes. Of course I won’t be able to create new content until I get a kitchen.”
“Use mine!” Iona said loudly, causing a few people to startle near them. She didn’t seem to notice the reaction. She was too full of enthusiasm for her new idea.
“What?” Arabella asked.
“Use the kitchen here. That would work, right? After hours?” Iona bounced around.
“I mean, that’s really generous. Yes, it would work but only if it’s good for you. It would just be temporary of course. I could pay?—”
“No payment!” Iona jumped to her feet and took hold of Arabella’s hand. “Done! You’ll use my kitchen. Tap your phone to mine so I get your number. I’ll text you.” Then she looked at Kellan and Eli firmly. “Make sure she stays safe. I’ve got to go back to work. Bye.”
And then she was gone.
“She has too much energy,” Kellan said. “It’s disturbing.”
Arabella ignored him. She had a place to do her baking.
That was one big thing off her mind.
“I need to go shopping and then to see Abe. I want to make sure he’s all right.”
Kellan wishedhe could figure out what was off.
He was standing in the backyard of Arabella’s grumpy old neighbor.
Well, he was grouchy to Eli and Kellan. With Arabella he turned into a soft old man, fussing over her and letting her fuss over him.
Kellan glanced at Arabella’s place. It was visible from here, but still a fair distance. There should have been cameras and a security system at the house.
Should be mandatory for all women living alone in Haven.
“What are you thinking?” Eli asked.
“Do we know what is beyond there?”
“No. I’m not sure it’s even part of Haven beyond that treeline. Let’s ask the old man.”
They walked in to find the old man scolding Arabella for not telling him about her peanut allergy.
“That’s the sort of thing you tell people, young lady,” he said to her.
“I’m sorry, Abe,” she said. “It won’t happen again.”
“Who owns that land back there?” Kellan asked abruptly.
Eli sighed. He really should leave the talking up to him.
“That land? Valerie does.”
