Meg thought about the contents of yesterday’s envelope and Tabitha’s comment about some relationships never dying before she answered. “I try to do the right thing, even when I feel put upon. Sometimes, though, the right thing is hard to determine.”
Lilly sank farther into her chair. “You’re very wise for someone so young.”
“I’m good with tidbits,” Meg corrected. She handed her the folder. “Here’s what I did. I hope you like it.”
“I appreciate your work. The nice thing about sending you on these wild-goose chases is that sometimes you catch a goose, which gets my creative juices going. This assignment’s a little different. I want some funny situations people get themselves into. The stranger the better, although the book is set in California, so you might want to use that as a parameter. But if you find a good ‘stuck in a snowdrift because you jumped out of a window when the husband came home’ story, I might be able to work something in. Or, like I said, it will get me thinking. And, hopefully, laughing.” Lilly handed Meg the folder.
Lilly began to talk about her characters for the book. Meg sank down on a chair and grabbed a pen from the cup on Lilly’s desk.
She took notes on the blank piece of paper that Lilly had included in the folder. But one thought kept ringing in her head like the Liberty Bell before it cracked. This was what she’d imagined the work to be like. Sitting here in this freaking amazing office and chatting about books and words and characters. Okay, there was coffee in the daydream, but Jolene was gone for the day. So no coffee.
“Do you have any questions?” Lilly leaned back, watching her.
Meg had been daydreaming about the office, and Lilly had caught her. “No. I mean, this is great. It will be fun. I don’t know that I’m funny, though.”
“That’s the benefit of research. You don’t have to be. I’m looking for funny situations for my characters. And you’re my second brain.” She stood and motioned to the door. “I’d ask if you wanted coffee, but Jolene’s not here, and I’m afraid I drank what she left me.”
“Do you need me to make another pot?” Meg turned as they were walking. “I’d be glad to help out.”
Lilly shook her head. “I’m pretty sure I don’t need any more coffee today. But thanks for offering. My chef will be here for lunch, and Jolene’s expected back from the ferry terminal anytime.”
“She took the ferry into Seattle?” Meg hated small talk, but she loved every second of chatting with Lilly.
“Yes. She had an appointment in town early this morning.” Lilly opened the front door and followed Meg outside. She smiled when she saw Meg’s bike. “It’s a beautiful day for a bike ride. We’re so lucky to live on the island.”
And with that, Lilly waved, turned, and disappeared back inside her mansion. Meg was dismissed.
She biked home to get Watson. After entering her apartment, she tucked her phone in her jeans pocket and grabbed Watson’s leash. “We need to take a quick walk into town. Then you can take a nap before Dalton comes over.”
She’d had Watson at the wordwalk.
When they got to the ferry terminal, they walked through the parking lot instead of taking the direct route to the ferry landing. A security guard glanced at her and Watson but nodded. He must have either recognized her as a local or thought she was more about walking the dog than breaking into cars.
When she found the BMW, it had a notice on the windshield. She took a picture of the vehicle and sent it to her uncle. Why had Robert Meade left his car here? Had someone picked him up and driven him to Summer Break? She could bike there, but Meade had thirty years on her and had not been in the best shape. She didn’t think he’d get up the first hill. Besides, during Uncle Troy’s press conference there hadn’t been any mention of the police finding a bike. Visiting a client on the island was an odd time to start an exercise routine. Someone had to have driven him to the house.
It felt like a clue.
She needed to get home and get ready for Dalton to “stop by,” whatever that meant. She was glad to have someone to spend time with. She’d been lonely when she’d moved home. Natasha was great, but she had a bakery to run. And Meg had a lot of spare time.
When she got back to the house, Mom’s car was in the driveway. Meg put Watson in the backyard, then knocked on Aunt Melody’s kitchen door.
“Come on in,” Aunt Melody called out.
When Meg walked in, her aunt and Mom were sitting at the table, playing cards. Wine had been poured, and there was a charcuterie board on the table. “I thought Wednesdays were for wine?”
“Don’t be a smarty-pants.” Mom rolled her eyes. “We’re adult women who like a little wine and cheese in the afternoon. And before you ask, Glory needed some hours. She’s hooked on fantasy romance right now, and she wants a few series in full before she starts reading them.”
“I’m not the boss of you.” Meg got a glass and poured a little bit of the wine for herself. “I think you’re my boss.”
“I know, but sometimes it feels indulgent to leave the shop in the middle of the day.” Her mom set down her cards. “Your dad always thought I was reading at the shop, anyway. He wanted me to work harder, like he was in his business.”
“Stephen never understood the joys of living. He’s still in the rat race, trying to buy a newer house or rack up more money, which he won’t spend while he’s alive. I’m sure you kids are going to be rich when he passes.” Aunt Melody refilled their wineglasses and then went to set the bottle on the counter.
“I don’t want to think about anyone dying.” Meg sipped her wine. “Especially not my parents.”
“Sorry, dear. Sometimes I speak before I think.” Aunt Melody nodded to the charcuterie board. “Eat. Have you even had lunch yet?”
Meg’s stomach growled in response. She made herself a cracker sandwich with pepperoni and cheese. “No, but Dalton’s coming over later, and I think we’re going to dinner.”
