by Bobbi Holmes
“I think it’s sweet Heather agreed to hang around while Marie watched him,” Lily said. “And while I love being a mom, I have to admit, sometimes it is nice to take a little break.”
“Do we have to eat here again?” Forrest asked Marcella as they walked up the pier.
“It’s close to Marlow House. We need to keep an eye on the place and look for our next opportunity,” Marcella said as he opened the door to the café.
The moment Marcella stepped into Pier Café, she spied Walt and Danielle sitting at a booth with another couple. She gave Forrest a little nudge and motioned for him to follow her. He silently obeyed. A moment later they sat in the empty booth next to Walt and Danielle. Marcella picked up a menu and leaned closer to the next booth, listening.
“So you’re a B and B again?” Lily asked.
Danielle laughed and said, “Don’t say that too loud. Pearl might overhear.” Danielle then repeated their morning conversation with Brian.
“Are your guests in town visiting family?” Ian asked.
“Only Noah. Our Seahorse Motel refugees are just spending Christmas in Frederickport. Which sounds kind of sad to me. Checking into some motel all alone at Christmastime,” Danielle said.
“You don’t think they’re serial killers, do you?” Lily asked.
“Not both of them,” Danielle teased. “Nah, one is an older gentleman. He’s probably in his late seventies. Seems in fairly good shape for his age. I don’t think he has anyone left in his life, from what he said at breakfast. And the other one, I think he might be in his late thirties, maybe forties. Kind of a drifter, maybe. But I didn’t get any negative vibes off him. He seems like a nice enough guy, but there is something really familiar about him.”
“Both Noah and I thought there was something familiar about the other one—Mr. Bari,” Walt added.
“It got me thinking, since they are both alone and staying with us through Christmas, I would like to invite them to Christmas dinner and to the white elephant gift exchange and, of course, the Christmas Eve open house. Is that okay with everyone? I’d like to buy the two gifts they would need to bring. I don’t want to ask them to bring anything,” Danielle said.
“I think that would be fine. I got our gifts already,” Lily said.
“I thought I was done shopping for the party. But I think we’re going to need to get another one anyway. So I guess I’ll look for three more—providing they agree to come,” Danielle said.
“You decided not to use one of the things you bought in Astoria?” Ian asked.
“One of those needs to go to Adam,” Walt explained.
“Adam?” Lily asked.
“It’s a framed picture of Adam’s great-grandfather—George Hemming. Walt recognized him. I don’t know what we were thinking. We both thought it would be a perfect gift for the white elephant game for Adam.”
“But there is no guarantee he would get it,” Lily reminded them.
“Exactly. We both zoned out and forgot that part. So we’re going to give him the framed picture as a Christmas gift and give it to him on Christmas night. But we need to find something else for the game,” Danielle said.
Carla walked up to their table and asked about Chris before taking their order. Later, when she removed their plates, she lingered a bit to chat some more.
“You’re friends with Elizabeth Sparks, aren’t you?” Carla asked Danielle.
“Yes, why?” Danielle asked.
“I think you need to talk her into going to the police about her stalker,” Carla began.
“Stalker?” Lily gasped.
Carla went on to recount the conversation she’d had the previous day with Elizabeth Sparks.
Forrest and Marcella ate their lunch in silence as they listened to every word said in the next booth over. Finally, the four diners finished eating, paid their bill, and stood up to leave. When they walked out of the diner, Forrest looked to Marcella and asked, “Did you hear what they were saying about Elizabeth Sparks?”
Marcella pushed her empty plate to the center of the table and looked at her husband. “I wonder who’s stalking that little opportunist.”
Seventeen
When Walt and Danielle returned to Marlow House after having lunch with Lily and Ian on Monday morning, they found Chris in the living room with his brother, Noah. Hunny enthusiastically greeted them both when they entered the room.
“I rather like having a dog greet me when we come home,” Danielle said as she petted Hunny.
“Doesn’t Max greet you?” Chris teased from the sofa, not standing up when the couple walked into the room.
“Actually, Max can sometimes be very uncatlike and does greet us when we get home. But I have a feeling he’s sleeping upstairs,” Danielle said as she took a seat next to Chris.
“Have you seen our guests?” Walt asked as he sat on the chair next to Noah, facing the sofa.
“Owen left not long after you did,” Chris told him. “And about five minutes later Mr. Bari left. I know he told us to call him Colin, but I feel odd calling him by his first name. He just seems like someone you should be more formal with.”
“I sort of know what you mean. I feel the same way too. But he seems very nice,” Danielle said.
“Not saying he isn’t nice,” Chris argued. “There is just something about him—I don’t know, like a favorite teacher that you would never call by his first name.”
“Did Owen come back and go upstairs?” Walt asked. “His car is parked out front. In fact, it doesn’t look like it has moved.”
“They both said they were going for a walk,” Noah explained. “Surprised you didn’t see them.”
“Not a terrific day for a walk. It’s cold out there,” Danielle said with a shiver.
“Didn’t you guys walk to the pier?” Chris asked.
“Exactly,” Danielle said.
“So how was lunch?” Noah asked.
“We had a nice visit with Lily and Ian. They left Connor at home,” Danielle explained.
“Who watched him?” Chris asked.
“Marie,” Danielle said with a grin. She went on to explain how it was actually Heather and Marie.
When Danielle finished her story, Noah laughed and said, “One thing I love about being here—aside from getting to hang out with my baby brother—is talking about subjects I could never share before.”
“Like babysitting ghosts?” Danielle teased.
“To be honest, I’ve rarely come across a spirit who is able to do what Marie does,” Noah said. “A few have made doors slam, and of course, there is the old classic, lights flickering.”
“Marie couldn’t always do what she does. It’s something she developed over time—the same for Walt. Back when he was a ghost,” Danielle said.
“I like to think of myself back then more as a free spirit, not a ghost,” Walt said with a grin.
“Whatever you were,” Chris began, “ghost or spirit, I’ve often thought it would all make a fascinating study on paranormal activity. Can all spirits develop powers like Marie—is Eva right and some higher power limits what a spirit can do depending on intent—there is so much to learn. I would love to finance such a study.”
“Are you serious?” Danielle asked in surprise.
“Serious about wanting to fund such a study? Yes. Serious about ever actually doing it? No. As it is, I find it difficult enough to keep flying under the radar these days. If a study like that leaked out—that I was funding it—no, instead of being known as the elusive philanthropist, I’d be labeled the crackpot rich kid, and I imagine even a greater target for people wanting to exploit me,” Chris said.
“Crackpot rich kid?” Walt said with a grin. “I think that should be my new nickname for you.”
“Oh, shut up,” Chris returned with a laugh.
The next moment Max sauntered into the room. Hunny greeted the cat, her butt wiggling, yet she respectfully kept several inches between her and the cat, not wanting to be swatted. Max walked up to
Walt, sat down, looked at him, and then meowed. He stood back up and walked over to the Christmas tree to find another sleeping place.
“Max tells me one of our guests is back. He must have come in through the kitchen door. He’s upstairs in his room.”
“Did he say which one?” Danielle asked.
“Sounds like Owen,” Walt told her.
“He is not nearly as friendly as Colin,” Noah said in a soft voice.
“I wouldn’t call him unfriendly—more reserved,” Danielle said.
“Isn’t that about the same thing?” Chris asked.
Danielle shrugged. “Not necessarily. Someone who is unfriendly, well, I think of our neighbor Pearl.”
“She’s just mean,” Chris corrected, reaching down to pet his dog.
“But a reserved person—I guess it is about the same as being shy,” Danielle suggested.
“Not sure I would call Owen shy,” Walt said. “He just seems like someone who likes to keep his business to himself. Not a bad quality.”
Hunny jumped up and let out a bark. She ran to the open doorway, but instead of going to the hall, she stood with her butt and tail wagging.
“I think someone just came in the front door,” Walt said. He looked at Hunny and silently conveyed for her to come back to the sofa and sit down. The dog reluctantly obeyed.
They all glanced to the doorway. A few moments later Colin walked into the living room, cane in hand.
“Did you have a nice walk?” Danielle asked Colin.
“Yes, I did, thank you.”
Walt stood up and motioned for Colin to take his chair, and then he walked over and sat on the sofa with Chris and Danielle, with Danielle sitting in the middle.
“But it is a little chilly out there,” Danielle noted.
“I found it exhilarating,” Colin said. “I love the smell of the ocean.”
“Chris told us you left not long after we did. Surprised we didn’t see you,” Danielle said.
“I saw you. You were almost to the pier when I started down the street,” Colin explained.
“Did you go to the pier?” Walt asked.
“No. I walked to town,” Colin told them.
As Colin sat down, Noah asked, “I’ve been trying to place your accent. You aren’t from this country, are you?”
Colin grinned at Noah. “No. I was born in a little port village along the Mediterranean Sea. I suppose that’s one reason I so love walking along the ocean.”
“Really?” Danielle perked up. “So when did you come to America?”
“Seems like over a hundred years ago,” he said with a laugh.
“Do you still have family back there?” Danielle asked.
He shook his head. “No. I was an only child. My parents died when I was young—I wasn’t a child, but barely a man yet. I was fortunate though; financially, my parents left me well off. It allowed me to do what I wanted, which included travel.”
“Sounds like you’ve had a fascinating life,” Chris said.
“I’ve been blessed,” Colin replied.
“So what brings you to Frederickport? You said yesterday you don’t have family here,” Danielle asked.
“No, I don’t have family here. I never married, never had children. As for what brought me to Oregon—I just felt this is where I needed to be for Christmas. Christmas is such a magical time of year.”
“It’s always been my favorite holiday,” Danielle said.
“Mine too. It’s the one time of year that even the most closed hearts can open—when even the ungenerous can find themselves giving.” Colin looked at Chris and added, “Not everyone is as generous as Chris Glandon. Others need Christmas to remind them to give.”
Chris shrugged uncomfortably. “Umm…yeah, I guess my boss tries to do what he can.”
“Mr. Bari—”Danielle began.
“Please, call me Colin.”
“Okay…Colin, I know Ruby told you the rooms only included breakfast, but we’d love for you to join us for Christmas dinner. In fact, for you to join us for all the festivities. We’ll be having an open house party here on Christmas Eve, as well as having some friends over for Christmas dinner. And on Saturday, my friend Lily, who lives across the street, she and her husband are having a Christmas party. We’d love for you to join us.”
“That’s very generous of you. I’ll be happy to share the Christmas festivities with you.”
“I love having a full house this time of year,” Danielle said.
Their conversation was interrupted a moment later when Owen walked into the room. Hunny started to stand up to greet him, but once again Walt silently told the dog to remain where she was.
I just want to say hello, Hunny conveyed to Walt.
Yes, but I told you, some people are intimidated by you. Let them come to you, Walt silently told the dog.
It is not fair. I can’t help how I look. Hunny let out a little grunt, resting her head on her front paws.
“Did you have a nice walk?” Danielle asked Owen when he walked into the room.
“I forgot how miserable cold it can be up here,” Owen said with a shiver.
“How would you like a cup of hot coffee or tea to warm you up? Maybe hot cocoa?” Danielle asked.
“I would kill for a cup of hot coffee,” Owen said.
“You don’t need to go to those extremes,” Danielle said with a laugh as she stood up. She glanced around the room and asked, “Would anyone else like something?”
A moment later, after taking requests, Danielle left the room with Owen, who offered to help her bring back the warm beverages. Just as the pair stepped into the hallway, Colin asked Chris, “What’s your dog’s name again?”
“Hunny.”
Colin looked at the dog and smiled. He reached out and said in a gentle voice, “Come here, Hunny.”
As if seeking permission, Hunny peeked up at Walt.
Go ahead, Walt silently conveyed.
The pit bull jumped up and ran to Colin, who sat in one of the chairs across from the sofa. Her body practically folded in two as she excitedly wagged her stub tail, pressing up against his legs as she tried to kiss his hands, which now scratched behind her ears.
“She is a sweet dog,” Colin noted.
“Unfortunately, that breed can be intimidating for some people. I know Danielle’s next-door neighbor loathes her,” Chris said.
“I doubt she actually loathes Hunny,” Colin argued. “She is simply afraid. What looks like hate is often rooted in fear.”
When Danielle and Owen returned to the living room carrying a tray with hot beverages and chocolate drop cookies, they found Hunny now sleeping by Colin’s feet.
“I see Hunny has made a new friend,” Danielle said as she set her tray on the coffee table.
After Danielle distributed the beverages, she said, “I was just telling Owen we would love for him to join us for our Christmas festivities.”
“I appreciate the offer,” Owen said, sitting in the rocking chair Lily normally used when visiting with Connor. “But I’m not sure I’ll be staying through Christmas.”
“Are you planning to go home and spend Christmas with your family?” Colin asked.
Warming his hands with his mug of coffee, Owen didn’t answer immediately. Instead he sat quietly, staring into the coffee cup. “I don’t think so.”
“I take it you’re not married?” Colin asked.
Owen looked up and gave a little shrug. “I suppose technically I am. I’m separated. But I imagine by this time next year, I’ll be officially divorced.”
The room grew quiet. Owen looked up and smiled. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to sound like a drama queen.”
“I don’t think any of us thought that,” Danielle said in a gentle voice. “I can understand how this time of year might be a little rough for anyone facing a divorce.”
Eighteen
Monday’s afternoon sun pushed aside the drizzling clouds, revealing a portion of blue. The change of weather coaxed C
hris and Noah outside with Hunny. They took the dog across the street, where they intended to pick up Sadie, Lily and Ian’s golden retriever, to let the dogs play some ball and run along the beach. Chris had learned to grab the Oregon sunshine at any opportunity, even if it only lasted fifteen minutes.
Back at Marlow House, Walt had agreed to a game of chess with Colin, while Owen sat on the sofa, reading a book. Flames crackled in the nearby fireplace, and Max slept under the bottom limbs of the noble fir Christmas tree. Danielle was just heading to the closet on the second floor when Marie appeared, following her upstairs.
“That was sweet of you babysitting Connor,” Danielle told Marie as she continued up the staircase, holding onto the handrail.
“It was a joy. But that Heather…” Marie chuckled instead of finishing her sentence.
“What about Heather?” Danielle asked.
“Heather had gone on and on about how all she wanted to do was read her book and relax. But once we were across the street, that girl could not keep her hands off Connor!”
Danielle paused a moment and looked at Marie. “Really?”
“He had just woken up from a nap and was ready to play. Heather spent most of her time on the floor with him in the nursery on a quilt, the two of them playing peekaboo. Goodness, you should have heard those two giggling! I wish I had a camera. Of course, when it was time for a diaper change…”
“I guess you did that?” Danielle asked, continuing back up the stairs.
“I didn’t really mind.”
“I think Lily enjoyed her little break. Connor’s usually pretty good when she takes him out, but still…”
“So what are you up to today?” Marie asked.
“I’m going to grab some things I bought and take them down to the parlor so I can wrap them later. I shoved the packages in the hall closet up here after we got home from Astoria. I’m trying to figure out how many gift boxes I’m going to need to pick up.”
When they reached the second floor, Danielle paused a moment and looked at Marie. “There is something I have been meaning to ask you.” Danielle glanced down the staircase and then realized she probably should not be standing there seemingly talking to herself. One of her guests could walk out of the living room and see her. She motioned for Marie to follow her, and they walked down the hallway so as not to be seen.
