“Hey, bro.” A sturdy-looking guy with sandy-blond hair and a deep tan walked in and patted Jake’s shoulder then went around the table to plant a kiss on Peggy’s lips. “Sorry I’m late, hon. I got tied up with the powers that be at city hall. Man, those people must take lessons on how to make our lives miserable.”
Jake chuckled. “It’s taken you this long to figure that out?” He leaned back and gestured toward Abbie. “This is Abbie Campbell, the new owner of Cold Creek. Abbie, you’ve already probably guessed, this is Brent.”
Abbie reached over to shake Brent’s hand. “Hi, Brent. Nice to meet you.”
“Back atcha.” His wide grin lit up dark brown eyes. Honest eyes. “Jake says you bought Cold Creek and want some remodeling done.” Unlike Jake, who wore slacks and a dress shirt—he’d discarded his tie earlier—Brent had on an orange rugby-style shirt and khaki shorts.
“Stop right there.” Peggy stood and slipped an arm around her husband’s waist. “No shop-talk until after dinner. I want a chance to get to know Abbie before you steal her away with business stuff.” To Abbie she said, “Once these guys get started on building projects, it’s impossible to get them away.”
Abbie, Emma, and Jake ended up spending the rest of the evening with Brent and Peggy. Abbie loved the easy camaraderie between them and especially liked the way they included her. From time to time, she let herself wonder what it would be like to be part of the family unit as Jake’s wife.
She discarded the idea each time it tried to take root. As much as she liked Jake, she couldn’t let herself get involved romantically. Abbie watched him now as he and Brent played ride-the-horsey with the twins. She remembered the night when he’d asked her to dance and how she’d momentarily mistaken him for her childhood idol. Abbie could easily imagine herself falling in love with Jake. But she couldn’t allow herself that luxury. She’d only been a widow for two years. And even though Jake had told her there was no warrant against her, she had kidnapped her child from the woman who had legal custody. Now she’d come out of hiding. She’d plunged into a dream but feared it might end up a nightmare.
Panic spread a tangle of vines through her mind. Her heart leapt into her throat and she had the urge to take Emma and run. This was a mistake. What if Leah found out where she was?
“Abbie?” Peggy’s voice filtered in through the jumble of thoughts. A touch on her shoulder made her jump.
“Oh, you startled me.”
“I’m sorry.” Peggy grinned. “You seemed far away, are you okay?”
Abbie nodded. “Just thinking.”
“And feeling overwhelmed, I’ll bet.”
“A little.” Abbie laughed. “I’m having trouble believing that we actually bought a town.”
“I can only imagine.” Peggy touched her arm. “I have just the solution to bring you back to earth. How about helping me bathe the kids and get them into bed? Emma too, if you’d like. She can spend the night or just sleep until you and Jake are ready to go.”
“I’d love that.”
At nine, having tucked in the children, Peggy and Abbie descended the stairs. Jake and Brent sat at one end of the large oak dining room table and waved the women over. Abbie grabbed her bag from beside the couch and took the chair beside Jake. Looking over the papers scattered on the table, she said, “Did you start without me?”
“Not really. We were talking about Perkins.”
“Coffee, anyone?” Peggy went into the kitchen. “Cookies?”
They all waved an assent. “I can’t believe this is really happening.” Abbie opened her notebook and took out a pen.
“I have to tell you, Abbie,” Brent said, “I already like your ideas. Just tell me where to start.”
“I think it might be best to start with the Victorian on Spring Lane. Samantha told me that a doctor used to live there. I’m hoping you can get the original blueprints. I could be wrong, but I think the pantry seems to be off—narrower than you’d think by looking at the kitchen.”
Jake looked impressed. “I’m surprised you’d notice something like that. I’ve only been in it a couple of times—never noticed.”
Abbie smiled. “Artists are trained in perspectives. I’ve always had a good eye for that sort of thing.”
“Could be it was assembled wrong.” Brent wrote something on the pad he’d taken out. “I’ll look into it. The house was built around 1923. It’s one of those Sears and Roebuck houses you could order from their catalog.” He chuckled. “I love those old places. They were surprisingly well built, as long as the builder knew what he was doing.”
“I’d like the hotel done as soon as possible too. I’ll need places for artists to stay, and in some cases to live. I noticed that some of the hotel rooms are fairly large, and I’m thinking they can be converted into studio apartments.”
“I suggest we work on both the Victorian and the hotel at the same time.” Brent rubbed his chin. “I’ll get a cleaning crew into them first so we can better assess what needs fixing and rebuilding.”
Abbie nodded. “And then there’s the retreat center I’d like built on the lake where Travis’s trailer is. Maybe we could move the trailer and he could stay in it while the retreat center is being built.”
“That’s doable. Travis and I work together quite a bit. In fact, Keith might be able to help out too.” Brent tapped his pen on the legal pad. “It’ll take me some time to draw up the plans. Since you’re an artist, maybe you could sketch out what you want.”
Abbie’s enthusiasm ratcheted up several notches as she described what she’d been imagining. There would be large studio apartments on the second floor of the retreat center. On the lower level, she wanted four meeting rooms or classrooms, each with a view. There would be a library and offices and a reception area and a dining room. “I also want a caretaker’s cottage off to one side that has a view of the lake.”
“By the way, Abbie.” Jake grinned at her. “I told Travis what you said about his artwork and about him possibly staying on as caretaker. He loves the idea. Said he’d be happy to teach woodcarving, if that’s what you have in mind.”
Abbie clasped her hands together. “Perfect.” She squeezed Jake’s hand. “It’s going to work, isn’t it?”
The percolator perked, announcing the coffee was ready. Abbie helped herself to a chocolate chip cookie and felt as if the world had finally become a friendly place.
When Abbie arrived at the B&B that evening, it seemed that everyone had retired for the night. She used her key to get in and locked the door behind her. She’d fully expected to have Emma stay at the B&B with her, but hadn’t had the heart to wake her. Peggy promised she’d bring Emma out to the B&B first thing in the morning when she brought Patti and Tess to school.
As Abbie stepped from the entry to the living room, a light near one of the chairs caught her eye. A portly man sat in the chair, his head tucked down and resting on his chest. Apparently, he’d fallen asleep.
She hesitated, wondering whether or not to wake him. Sleeping in that position would be uncomfortable. At that moment, he snorted and woke himself up. His eyes opened and he shifted in his chair, picked up the book from his lap, and began to read. He hadn’t seen her and she didn’t especially want to be seen.
Abbie continued down the hall to her room. She was curious about the man, but not enough to disturb him. When she reached for the door handle, she was surprised and startled to find it unlocked. Had she forgotten to lock her room? Had Dawn forgotten to lock it after cleaning it that morning?
Had Skye come back? That thought spurred her forward. Abbie pushed open the door. The room was dark except for the dim light from the patio door and windows. She snapped on the light and stepped inside. After closing the curtains and checking things out as she had done the night before, Abbie let herself breathe. As far as she could tell, everything was as she had left it.
She checked the locks once more before changing into her pajamas and climbing into bed. She was exhausted, but her mi
nd churned with random thoughts—fears, concerns, questions. Had she made the right decision? Should she stay at the B&B or go home to her parents? Where was Skye and was she safe? And who was the man sitting in the living room?
Despite the rambling roads her brain took, Abbie managed to fall asleep some time after midnight.
CHAPTER 25
Jake sat outside the B&B for over an hour that night. The dark blue sedan parked in the lot unnerved him. He’d seen the vehicle or one like it before—or thought he had. At any rate, its presence troubled him. Undoubtedly, the car belonged to a guest, and normally the idea of a new guest at the B&B wouldn’t be a problem or cause for concern. Normally, there wouldn’t have been a murderer on the loose either.
Jake stepped out of the car and walked around the grounds. Finding nothing out of the ordinary, he got back in the car and headed back to Oceanside and home.
Abbie awoke feeling refreshed and ready to start the day. At ten she would meet with Brent to go through the buildings and discuss remodeling plans. First, however, she wanted to talk with Dawn and bring her up-to-date. As expected, she found Dawn in the kitchen making breakfast. Dawn greeted her with a cheery “Good morning” as she placed a cup on the counter. “Coffee or tea?”
“Tea—Earl Grey if you have it.”
Dawn poured hot water from the kettle and handed Abbie a tea bag. “I’m surprised to see you up and about so early.”
“I’m too excited to sleep in.” Abbie told her about signing the papers and of her plan to live in the doctor’s house.
“So you really did it.” Dawn bit her lower lip.
“What’s wrong? I thought you’d be happy.”
Dawn gave her a wan smile. “I am, I suppose. The artists’ retreat will be great for business and for Cold Creek. It’s just that the note and Barbara’s death—I’ve been worried for you.”
“Thank you.” Abbie dunked the teabag into the hot water several times. “It’s meant to be, Dawn. It really is. Things are coming together already. Brent is going to be the contractor.”
Dawn nodded. “You might have him hire Keith. The job in Lincoln City is coming to a close, and it would be a good idea to have someone here in Cold Creek to keep an eye on things during the remodeling.” Frowning, she added, “You said you were planning to remodel and live in old Doc Carlson’s house?”
“Yes.” Abbie set the teabag on her saucer. “I know it might seem silly, but there’s something about the place that draws me to it. It’ll be awhile though, since it’s going to need a fair amount of work.”
“It’s spooky.” Dawn took a sip of her coffee and checked whatever she had in the oven. The scent of fresh bread spilled out of the oven and filled the room. “The rumor is that Doc’s ghost is still there. He hung himself in there, you know.”
“Sam told me. I’ve been reading the story about his mail-order bride.”
“It’s sad. He died poor and brokenhearted. Some say his ghost wanders through the place, looking for his wife.”
Abbie smiled. “I guess I’ll have to see if Brent can evict him.”
“Suit yourself, but that’s the last place I’d choose.” Dawn pulled a skillet out of a lower cupboard.
“I won’t let myself be scared away by the person who left me that note, and I doubt I’ll let a ghost story stop me either.” Abbie sighed. “It’ll be awhile before I can move in though. In the meantime I’ll need to find a more permanent place to stay.”
“You could stay here. You and your little girl. Skye too, if she decides to come back.”
“Are you sure there’s room?” Abbie had counted six rooms in her wing but wasn’t certain all of them were for guests.
“Of course.” She laughed. “It’s a B&B, remember? I’ll work up a monthly rate for you.”
“That’s so kind, but what about other guests?”
“What guests?” Dawn shrugged. “This is Cold Creek. Even with Skye, I’d have four extra rooms. It’s not like people are beating down the door to stay here.”
Abbie noted the melancholy in her voice and suspected a bit of cynicism as well. “I hope that will change soon. I see the day coming when you’ll have a waiting list.”
“I wish I had your optimism.”
“What about the man I saw here last night?”
Dawn shrugged and leaned toward Abbie. “Him I could do without. He’s rude and ungracious. But he paid in advance for a week, so I shouldn’t complain.”
The phone rang and Dawn hurried to pick it up.
Abbie laughed. “That’s probably another guest calling for a reservation.”
Dawn shook her head and smiled as she answered with her professional greeting, “Cold Creek Bed & Breakfast.”
Abbie left the room to give Dawn privacy and to freshen up before breakfast. When she came back, Peggy had arrived with Emma.
Emma flew into Abbie’s arms. Peggy greeted her and Dawn.
Peggy set Emma’s bag just inside the door. “She was upset this morning when she woke up and you were gone.”
“I’m sorry, honey. I thought you liked the idea of staying overnight at Peggy’s.”
“I did, but I missed you.”
Abbie held her closer. To Peggy she said, “Thanks for bringing her.”
“No problem.” She chuckled. “She’s already had breakfast.”
“Would you like to stay for coffee?” Dawn asked. “I have a fresh pot.”
“Thanks, another time. I need to get the girls to school.”
“Peggy”—Dawn raised her arm to stop her—“I’m running late this morning, would you mind dropping Cassie off as well?”
“Be happy to.”
Dawn opened the door to their private quarters. “Cassie, are you ready to go?”
“Coming.” Shoes clattered on the steps and a moment later, Cassie, dressed in a navy and white school uniform, burst into the room.
“Peggy’s taking you this morning.”
“Yea!” Cassie kissed her mother good-bye then stopped in her tracks when she saw Emma. Looking from Abbie to Emma she asked, “Is she yours?”
Abbie introduced them. Cassie came closer and took hold of Emma’s hand. “Do you like to play dolls?”
Emma nodded, her eyes wide with wonder.
“We can play when I get home from school. Okay?”
“Okay.”
“See you later.” Cassie waved and hurried out the door.
Emma waved back and turned to her mother. “Can she be my new friend?”
Abbie chuckled as she kissed her daughter’s cheek and lowered her to the floor. “I think she already is.”
“Breakfast is almost ready,” Dawn announced.
“Wonderful. I’ll put Emma’s suitcase away and be right back.”
A few minutes later Abbie came back to the dining room. The man she’d seen from the night before was sitting at the head of the table. He stood when she entered. “This must be Abbie Campbell.” He reached a hand toward her.
She let him shake her hand, but when he seemed intent on holding on to it a bit longer than appropriate, she pulled back.
“Abbie,” Dawn said as she set a platter of scrambled eggs on the table, “this is Douglas Perkins.”
CHAPTER 26
Morning brought clarity and an answer to the question of where Jake had seen the sedan that had been parked at the B&B the night before. He kicked off the covers and hurriedly showered and dressed. He needed to go out to the B&B to warn Abbie. Of course, he could have simply called, but he wanted to go in person.
Once he’d gotten into his car and begun the drive to Cold Creek, he realized it was too late to warn her. They were probably eating breakfast together at that very moment. He lifted his foot off the gas pedal a bit, slowing the car to within the legal speed limit.
Before leaving the house, he’d called Jeff to let him know about Perkins staying at the B&B. Jeff hadn’t been impressed. Jake supposed he was right. It was a free country, and if Perkins wanted to check into
the B&B, there was nothing Jake could do to stop him.
Still, the man’s actions vexed him. He had no business being there. He pulled into the parking lot at the B&B, but before getting out of the car he took several deep breaths and offered up a couple of prayers to get his emotions under control.
Abbie stiffened but managed to maintain her composure. “Mr. Perkins.” She focused on helping Emma onto the chair.
“I feel as if I already know you,” Perkins said.
“Oh?” What was he doing here? Had he come to make good on his threat? If so, why check into the B&B? She perused his face as he helped himself to a large portion of eggs and sausage. He didn’t seem threatening, and after dishing up servings for herself and a small portion for Emma, Abbie decided she was in no immediate danger.
“I understand you and your parents are the new owners of Cold Creek.” His tone was pleasant enough, but did she detect a sliver of aggravation?
“Yes.” Abbie pasted on a smile. “And I understand you were hoping to buy it.”
“I was, but apparently there was some misunderstanding. These things happen.”
Abbie nodded. “I’m sure you’ll be able to find another property suitable for your plans.”
“I’ll be looking at a number of them today.”
The door opened and closed. Perkins looked up, surprise registering in his eyes. “Jake. I didn’t expect to see you out here. I’d planned to meet you at your office in town. Didn’t you get my message?”
Jake seemed taken aback by his comment. “No, I didn’t.” He didn’t wait for an invitation before seating himself at the table between Abbie and Perkins. He shot her a questioning look.
“Hello, Jake.” Dawn set a steaming stack of blueberry pancakes on the table. “Would you like some breakfast?”
“I would, if you don’t mind.” He turned toward Perkins. “You wanted to look at some property?”
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