Wandering through the buildings…the bathhouse, the office, and the quartermaster’s storehouse offered glimpses of what the soldiers’ lives had been like. It was a stark reminder that even on a rough day, Harlow’s life couldn’t come close to what the soldiers had suffered and lived through.
“I see the block house.” She picked up the pace, hurrying to what had been her favorite part, the towers the soldiers used to protect the fort during attacks. Climbing to the second story platform, the views of the harbor were the best on the island, not counting the views from Arch Rock.
Their last stop was the soldiers’ barracks, which had been built in the mid-1800s.
“My contributions are in here.” Lottie led Harlow to a display case and pointed out the pieces she’d donated. Next to each one were small slips of paper, acknowledging the woman’s generous donation.
“Speaking of donation.” She fumbled around inside her purse and pulled out a coupon. “I have a complimentary tea for two at the tearoom. My tummy is grumbling. Are you in a hurry?”
“Not at all.”
Exiting the barracks, they walked catty-corner to the officers’ quarters, a two-story building overlooking the walkway and park. The few diners seated inside barely gave them a passing glance.
Lottie ordered a fruit and cheese platter along with tea for two. An empty table with a window view offered the perfect quiet spot to enjoy their snack.
“Thanks for letting me tag along.” Lottie slid the food to the center of the table.
“I think I got the better end of the deal. Free admissionandfree food,” Harlow said. “I meant to tell you the gardens look fantastic.”
“Thanks.” While they munched, Lottie chatted about her future gardening plans.
“Do you change it up or stick to the same flowers each year?” Harlow plucked a grape from the plate and popped it into her mouth.
“It depends on what flowers are on sale. I like color so I try to mix and match.”
Harlow absentmindedly ran her finger along the rim of her teacup. “I’ve been wondering, have you ever dug up anything odd or unusual in the gardens?”
“Odd or unusual,” Lottie echoed. “Besides the items I’ve donated to the fort?”
She mentioned the pin found in the inn’s fireplace. “Anything that could be a potential clue.”
The woman thought about it. “No, but if I think of anything, I’ll let you know.”
“Thank you. I like getting my hands dirty so if you need help.”
“You’re welcome to assist anytime you want.” Lottie started to say something and abruptly stopped.
“What were you going to say?”
“There is an area that’s strictly off limits I’m not allowed to touch.”
“Mom’s gravesite.”
“Your dad tends to it but must be busy because it hasn’t been spruced up yet.”
A tinge of guilt filled Harlow. She thought about how he’d dropped everything and gone over to Lighthouse Lane to install cameras.
She knew the place where her mom was buried held special meaning for her father. It was Ginger’s favorite spot and had, for many years, been a family joke. Ginger would putter and obsess over the plot of land.
Occasionally, Harlow was allowed to help. One day, not long before her death, Ginger finally told her daughter why the spot held special meaning. It was where David had proposed to her back when Harlow’s grandparents were running Wynn Harbor Inn.
And now, it was Ginger’s final resting place. “I’ll surprise him and take care of it.”
“Don’t tell your father I said anything.”
“I won’t.”
The afternoon sun faded and the fort was getting ready to close for the day.
