He’d raised his suspicions with Brandon and they’d decided to use this as a test. If Stonefish wanted to stop them, out at Muiron was the perfect opportunity.
They agreed to meet the next morning and then talk turned to the buried treasure. He had cringed when the topic had come up. Obviously Brandon hadn’t shared his concerns about Penelope with the rest of the family, otherwise they never would have mentioned the treasure.
The Stokes had made little progress since finding the journal, but since Lara was convinced the treasure was out there somewhere, and they were so desperate for money, everyone was still trying to solve the riddle.
“On the weekend, we’re going to the gulf to search for Clarke’s grave,” Faith said. “You’re welcome to join us.”
Penelope smiled, her face lighting up. “I can search for the treasure too?”
Amy handed her a photocopy of the journal. “We need all the help we can get.”
The redhead had a luminescence about her when she smiled. It was a pity it happened so rarely. Though, if she hadn’t been the type to get excited over the hint of buried treasure, then she wasn’t Sam’s type of woman.
Funny how it hadn’t taken long to go from irritation to admiration with her. He hoped she wasn’t involved with Stonefish, but he’d be foolish not to check.
Penelope stifled a yawn. “Thank you.” She started reading from page one.
So methodical. Sam smiled. While the others made plans for the weekend excursion, he watched Penelope read. She covered another yawn and Sam checked his watch. After nine, so not too late, but it was an hour’s drive back to town and the Ridge started work at sunrise.
“It’s time I made a move,” he said.
Brandon nodded. “I’ll meet you at the marina in the morning.”
Penelope gave another yawn and Georgie nudged him, nodding to her. She must have brought Penelope out because he’d only seen Georgie’s car when he’d arrived. Georgie waggled her eyebrows at him and he chuckled. He knew when he was being set up. Georgie had no intentions of driving back to town tonight, not when she could stay here with Matt.
“Hey, Penelope. Can I give you a lift back to town?”
Penelope looked up and blinked. “Oh, I got a lift with Georgie.” She glanced at Georgie, who had slid her arm around Matt and was resting her head on his shoulder.
Subtle, not.
Penelope grimaced as she reached the same conclusion he had. “A lift would be great. I don’t want to interrupt the lovebirds.”
Georgie smiled. “Thanks, Pen. I’ll see you at work tomorrow.”
As they made their way outside, Brandon pulled Sam aside. “See if you can talk her out of coming with us tomorrow.”
Sam nodded. “I’m pretty sure it won’t be an option, but I’ll try.”
He hugged Amy and Faith, and then murmured to Georgie, “You’ve got some explaining to do.”
She grinned, wide-eyed and innocent. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
He got into his white Ford Ranger and waited for Penelope to get settled before heading towards the main road.
Penelope sighed, long and heartfelt. “They’re a lovely family.”
“The best,” Sam agreed. “It was one of the reasons I decided to move here.”
“You’re not close to your own family?”
He thought about it. “It’s a different dynamic. The Stokes are just… easy.”
Despite everything they’d been through, they were still supportive and welcoming. To their detriment at times—trusting the wrong people.
He glanced at Penelope. She had seemed surprised by everything they’d told her, but it could be an act, or maybe Stonefish hadn’t told her much. He should investigate her background before he went down the path of trust. He could ask Sherlock to do that, if only to give him a mission. There had to be a good reason she would move all the way up here for work.
“Georgie was welcoming immediately,” Penelope said. “I was worried because Mitchell mentioned she’d applied for my job.”
