“Her strawberry tart is especially good,” Mrs. Bailey continued, as if he hadn’t spoken.
“I’m sure it is,” Olivia replied, a bit confused as to how she’d ended up in the middle of this crazy conversation. Glancing across, she saw Theo sitting back, sipping his beer as he watched.
“I’ll save you one,” Mrs. Bailey told her brusquely. “You be sure and stop by the store tomorrow to pick it up. You can share it with your young man here.”
Olivia offered a heartfelt smile, genuinely touched at the stern woman’s obvious support of her and her acceptance of Theo. After all, Eustacia Bailey was not known for tolerating strangers in her town.
“Thank you.”
Mrs. Bailey nodded curtly, but as she turned to leave, she paused. “And I’m sure Jonathan will sneak you a Tootsie Roll before you leave.” A ghost of a smile whispered at the stern woman’s mouth.
Olivia blinked back sentimental tears as Mr. Bailey threw her a warm wave before following in the wake of his formidable wife.
“Did I really just hear that?” Shelley stepped up to their table and slid their meals in front of them. “Was Mrs. Bailey actually being nice to someone?”
“I guess miracles really do happen.” Olivia laughed, shaking her head in disbelief.
“Listen, Olivia,” Shelley began, “I’m really sorry about Kaitlin earlier. She didn’t really mean it. She’s just going through a lot of stuff right now.”
“Uh-huh,” Olivia replied.
“Look, I shouldn’t be telling you this, and please don’t say anything to anyone else.” Shelley leaned in closer. “The truth is, Adam and Kaitlin were seeing each other.”
“Yeah, I kinda got that impression.” Olivia sighed.
“And she’s pregnant.”
“Oh, shit.”
“Yeah,” Shelley agreed. “She had it confirmed the same morning she found out Adam had been murdered.”
Olivia closed her eyes.
“Oh God.”
“She’s not coping real well at the moment. Her hormones are all over the place, and she doesn’t really have any family, so she’ll be on her own with the baby.”
“It’s okay, Shelley. I won’t say anything.”
“Thanks,” she breathed out in relief. “Can I get you guys anything else?”
“No, thanks. We’re good.”
“Oh, and, Olivia,” Shelley added, “I really do think all that crap Chief Walcott has been spouting about you is a load of shit. I’ve never thought you’d hurt anyone.”
Olivia watched quietly as the other woman walked away.
“Seems you have more people on your side than you thought.” Theo scooped up a forkful of pie. “This is really good.”
“I suppose I do. I have to say, Mrs. Bailey was a surprise. I guess if she’s on my side, I could do a lot worse.” She shrugged. “Let me try some of your pie.”
He loaded another forkful and held it out to her. “Are you going to tell Jake about the file and Mrs. Talbot?” he asked as she took a bite.
She chewed thoughtfully and swallowed. “Mmm, it’s good. I don’t normally like Guinness, and yes, I’ll tell him. I’ll call him later and get him to come by the house in the morning after he finishes work.”
“I see the chief still has him on the worst shifts.”
“Of course, he has.” She took a bite of her Dublin coddle. “He’s punishing him for being my friend. Here, try this.” She scooped up a spoonful and held it out.
