“We totally need to go tell Ben.”
I nodded. “When are you done here?”
She checked her watch. “Like two more hours. I’ll text and see if he wants to have dinner.”
“Yeah, okay. I’ll head home and meet you back here when you’re done.”
“Okay.” She squeezed my shoulder and returned to the counter.
As I exited the shop, I watched as the speedboat Lukas was likely on raced across the water. He was exactly like the island he lived on. Alone, closed off from everything and everyone, and untouched. That was no way to live. I wasn’t deterred by his brash behavior. He’d come to shore again, and I’d seize the moment.
I got to my place just as Maggie was coming out of the bookstore.
“Hello, Sam.”
“Maggie, what are you up to?”
“I’m gonna get some mums in these pots out here. It’ll be festive, don’t you think?”
“It sure will. Need help?”
She shook her head. “I got it.”
I tilted my head at Maggie. She was in her sixties, and she likely knew who’d lived on Lancaster Island twentysomething years ago.
“Maggie, can I ask you a question?”
“Of course, dear.”
“I met the new occupant of Lancaster Island today.” She perked up as I spoke. “Yeah, he’s not very nice, but I think he needs a friend. What I wanted to ask you was, do you know who lived there before him?”
She pursed her lips. “Since I’ve lived in Brookridge, which is forever, there have been two couples, and now Lukas Farren.”
“Really, who?”
“A married couple was the first; I was a little kid at that time. They came to town sometimes, were nice. Constance and Willis, I believe their names were. Then they moved and another couple arrived—more closed off but kind, Berty and Ronald. After they left, the place was vacant until now.”
“Were the others Lancasters?”
“Indeed they were. But I never saw any kids, so I guess the name died. I’m not sure what happened.”
“Interesting.” I stared out toward the island.
Maggie chuckled. “I know that look.”
“Oh?” I smiled at her.
“You’re gonna make sure Lukas Farren and you become friends and while doing that, you’ll get all the details on Lancaster Island.”
I leaned over and kissed her cheek. “You’re a wise woman, Maggie.”
She squeezed my cheek. “And you, Sam, are a sweetheart.”
“Yeah, yeah. Okay, I’m going to take a quick shower. I’m having dinner with Nat and Ben tonight.”
“Tell them hello for me.”
“Will do.”
