The Inn at Holiday Bay: Clue in the Clam, Kathi Daley [early reader chapter books TXT] 📗

been looking for any excuse to spend time away from the Christy and Noah drama.”

“Boy, do I understand that. I feel like things have gone from bad to worse ever since Rodney arrived.”

Jeremy shook his head. “Mylie said it’s really getting bad. First, Noah and Christy were fighting over the wedding and the growing divide between them about the type of ceremony they wanted to have, and then Rodney shows up and announces that he’s moved back to the States and wants to pick things up with Christy where they left off.”

“That’s ridiculous. Christy has been married and had a child since they dated. She became a widow, fell in love again, and is engaged to Noah now. The fact that this guy thinks he can just swoop in at the eleventh hour is sort of frustrating.”

“Yeah,” Jeremy agreed. “Mylie has tried to talk to Christy about things, but if she thinks someone is trying to pressure her to do one thing over the other or make any decisions, the harder she seems to push back. I think there’s a long history of being dominated in her past, and if you ask my opinion, I think she’s over it. I hope she can work things out with Noah, but I honestly won’t be surprised if she doesn’t.”

“You don’t think she’d actually give Rodney another chance, do you?” I asked.

Jeremy shrugged. “I wouldn’t think so, but I guess you never know what a person is thinking. By the way, I know this is off topic, but I keep trying to remember to ask you if you picked out the flowers that we’re going to add to pots on the patio for this weekend. I thought I’d stop by the nursery the first thing in the morning and pick them up. I’d like to get them planted, so any shock they undergo from the replanting will be corrected by the time Friday rolls around.”

“I actually went by and picked them out this morning. The nursery is going to deliver the flowers this afternoon. I don’t think they planned to be by until later in the day. I’ll just have them stack the pallets near the garden shed, and you can get everything planted tomorrow.”

“Sounds good. What colors did you go with?”

“Blue and white. I think it will be simple, yet really pretty.”

“I agree. Blue and white will be simple, yet nice.”

After I wrapped up my conversation with Jeremy, I headed toward the cottage to get ready for the evening. Once I’d showered, I dug around in my closet for something to wear. It might be chilly on the water, especially once the sun set, so I figured I should wear capris rather than shorts and tennis shoes rather than sandals. I added a blue and white short-sleeved top to my dark blue capris and white tennis shoes, and then I grabbed a white zip-up sweatshirt should I need it.

Once I was ready, I looked toward the two dogs and one giant cat, who were watching me. “I suppose I should take you all out.”

Ramos turned and headed directly toward the front door as if to let me know that letting him out was an excellent idea. After exiting the cottage from the door leading to the front walkway, I took the path to the right that led to the bluff rather than the one to the left leading to the inn. By the time we got back to the cottage, Georgia had returned from the studio and was getting ready in her bathroom. I had to admit that with the bright sunshine and calm sea, I was really looking forward to tonight’s errand, even if I was somewhat annoyed by the last-minute request. We’d booked the actors for the murder mystery months ago, and while we’d only changed the venue from the inn to the island a little over a month ago, if the company needed photos of the space, you’d think they would have asked for them before this.

     

Chapter 2

The ride across the calm sea to the island was fun. Tanner’s boat was fast and sleek, and it seemed to glide effortlessly over the still summer water. Tanner drove, so Georgia sat near him at the center of the vessel while Colt and I cuddled up on the bench seat that ran across the back. We were fortunate that not only was it a calm day, but it was a warm day as well, although even in the direct sun, it wasn’t too hot.

A man named Belmont Salinger owned the island we were heading toward. Salinger had purchased the island with the idea of renting it out to groups looking for a private setting for an event or party. The island was uninhabited, although Salinger had put in upgrades such as a sturdy deep water dock, composting toilets, a fire pit with benches, and a flat area sufficient in size to set up the long tables and plastic chairs which were kept stored on the island.

Salinger also sent a maintenance crew out to the island after every event, which we really appreciated since it appeared the island was as pristine as we’d been promised it would be.

When we arrived at the island, Tanner tied up, and we all climbed out onto the dock. The main drawback I saw was that there wasn’t a lot of natural shade on the island. I assumed one of the reasons no one had ever built a home or resort on the island was due to the lack of fresh water.

“Those large metal buildings you see in the distance house tables, chairs, grills, and other supplies,” Georgia said. “On Saturday morning, Jeremy and I plan to meet the two men provided by Salinger. The two men will stick around to make sure the equipment is being treated with respect