“Would you fellas like some dessert?” the waitress asked.
Hiram looked up at her. If his mood had been different, he might have flirted with her or tried to get her to meet him later, but right now neither idea held any appeal.
“No dessert.”
She smiled and put his bill on the table. “Just pay up front at the counter.”
Shep finished the last spoonful of his stew and plopped the spoon in the bowl. “That will stick to my ribs awhile.” He pulled off the napkin he’d tucked into the top of his shirt. “What do you want to do now?”
“I don’t want to do anything,” Hiram admitted.
“We can’t sit here all night.”
Hiram fixed his brother with a glaring look. “I know that. Just as you know we can’t afford to do much of anything.”
“Look, why don’t we just go up to Addie at the fair and demand she give us her necklace? At least then we’ll know if she has it.”
“She’s got friends. Too many of them, as far as I can tell. She’s off staying with some of them since we wrecked her place. I thought maybe she’d come back, and we could pin her down there, but that’s not the way of it. I’m not sure what to do about it.”
“Addie’s bound to be alone sooner or later. I think we should just walk right up to her and take her in hand. She’s not expecting to see us at the expo, so it’ll be a surprise, and you always say that surprise gives you the advantage.”
Shep was right about that. Hiram imagined the surprise of presenting himself to Addie would cause her to be a bit reckless, maybe not think so clearly. She might even wantto do whatever she could to avoid her friends meeting her brothers. Who could say?
“I suppose we really don’t have much of a choice. We’ll keep an eye out and do what we can. We need to get her alone. I don’t think she’ll come clean unless she feels threatened.”
13
After church on Sunday, Addie was anxious to get back to Pearl and Otis’s place before heading to work. Pearl had mentioned they were thinking of going out for lunch, and since church ended at eleven, Addie figured she could have an hour to herself before having to head out for the trolley.
“Addie, Pastor Jenkins and his wife have invited us for lunch at the parsonage. Mrs. Jenkins has everything warming in the oven, so we won’t have to wait long.”
“I hope you have a good time,” Addie replied.
“No, silly. They intend for you to be there as well,” Pearl countered. “I told Selma that I was sure you could make it.”
Addie didn’t want to show her disappointment and forced a smile. “But what about the photography shop?”
“We’ll get there in plenty of time. As I mentioned, the lunch is ready and waiting. We’re heading right over, and Selma has already gone ahead. The expo doesn’t even open until one, so don’t fret.”
“Well, at least I wore my uniform.” The black skirt and blouse were topped by a tailored red-and-black coat thatAddie had found at a secondhand store. Pearl had taken it in for her, and it fit Addie quite well. She added an older Marquis hat with a red feather trimming and felt quite smart.
They waited until the pastor had bid his congregation good day before heading off together to the little parsonage that sat next door to the church. Addie was just starting to relax and enjoy the conversation when Isaac appeared.
“Sorry I’m late.” He gave Addie a boyish grin and tipped his hat at her and the other women. “Ladies.”
“Glad you could join us,” Pastor Jenkins said. “Otis, Pearl, in case you haven’t met, this is Dr. Isaac Hanson. He has a PhD in history and is soon to teach at the University of Washington. He’s new to the church but mentioned knowing Addie, so I thought it only right that he join us.”
Pearl gave Addie a look of concern. There was nothing to be done but face the situation bravely. “Good day, Isaac,” she murmured.
The pastor directed them toward the house. “Isaac tells me that you were both in the Yukon, Addie. I want to hear all about life in the far north.”
Addie swallowed the lump in her throat and forced a smile. Isaac, however, seemed more than happy to accommodate.
“I’m sure we have stories enough to entertain you through a dozen lunches,” he promised.
“That’s good. Very good.” Pastor Jenkins chuckled and held the door open for Pearl and Otis. “Come on inside. Lunch is already waiting to be served.”
Addie followed Pearl and Otis with Isaac right behind her. She could feel his presence but refused to turn around. Oh, but this wasn’t going to be easy.
