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

had gotten sick at the last minute, so they’d canceled their reservation, and we’d booked their room to Joel Stanford. When Sydney called to say she wouldn’t be using the room for the entire week, I’d hoped Lonnie and Lacy could make it work for a shorter stay, so I’d called Lacy about the vacancy. “I really do feel bad for everyone involved. I told Lacy that we’d find a place to slip her and Lonny in another time if she can get a sitter. Maybe they can manage a long weekend. If not during the summer, then maybe in the fall.”

“I heard that Mary might have to have her tonsils out.”

I nodded. “Lacy mentioned that while both girls were sick, Mary seems to be the one who’s sick more often, and her pediatrician is looking at options.”

Georgia headed inside, and I finished watching the day awaken. It was mornings like this when I knew in my soul that no matter what the future might bring, there was nowhere in the world I’d rather be.

     

Chapter 4

Once I’d showered and dressed, I headed over to the inn to say hi to our guests. Sydney wasn’t due to arrive for hours, so I supposed once I’d done that, I’d head into town and take care of a few errands. I knew if I didn’t stay busy, the waiting was going to drive me crazy.

By the time I made it to the inn, Emma was sitting on the patio sipping a cup of coffee. I knew she was here to spend time with her memories and hated to disturb her, but she waved at me, so I waved back and headed in her direction.

“It’s a beautiful morning,” I said.

She smiled softly. “It really is. My Jasper would have loved sitting out here listening to the sound of the waves as the new day dawned. You really do have the perfect spot to while away a summer morning.”

“I have to say that I agree with you about that.” I motioned to a chair at the table she sat at. “May I?”

“Please.”

I sat down. “So, how has your trip been so far?” I thought it best not to dwell on the fact that it had to be depressing to take your fiftieth-anniversary trip alone.

“It’s actually been lovely. I went into town with Joel and Samantha yesterday. We did some shopping and then had a delicious lunch. Joel shared the story of his first trip to your inn during the storm last month. He made it sound both exciting and a bit horrifying.”

“I suppose both are true. Joel actually helped quite a lot. He kept other guests busy in the library during the worst of it. I think his efforts helped calm everyone’s nerves.”

“The man has an interesting past. He’s traveled extensively, and he knows a lot about many things. He kept Samantha and me laughing all through lunch. I know I appreciated the effort to distract me on what could have been a very difficult day, and I could sense that Samantha was relieved to have a diversion as well.” Emma leaned forward a bit. “She didn’t say as much, but I think Samantha is here to deal with her own loss. There’s something in her eyes that I recognize.”

“Yes, I had the same impression. I think it’s nice that the three of you have spent some time together. And Joel really is great.”

“The three of us are going to take a drive down to the national park today. I hear the scenery is spectacular.”

“It really is,” I agreed. “There are drives you can take and some outstanding hikes if you’re feeling a bit more energetic.”

“I’m not sure I’m up for much of a hike, but a drive sounds lovely. I understand there are some breathtaking views from within the park boundaries.”

“There really are. And the visitor center is worth stopping to visit as well. Have you traveled in this area before?”

“No. My Jasper always wanted to visit Maine, but somehow we never made the trip. When we started talking about a big trip for our anniversary, I knew I wanted to bring him here.” She paused. A faraway look crossed her face. “In a way, it feels wrong to be here without him, but I gave it a lot of thought and realized that he’d want me to enjoy the scenery for both of us.”

“I’m sure you’re right.” I offered the woman a smile.

I chatted with Emma for a few more minutes and then headed inside. After entering through the back door, I poked my head into the dining area and then wandered back into the kitchen where Georgia was preparing the morning meal. “It looks like the dining room is empty. Emma must be the only one up.”

“Actually, Chris is up and gone. I doubt he’ll be back until dinner. Maybe not even then. He indicated he’d text me later. I haven’t seen Samantha or Rodney yet, but Joel is in the library.”

I picked up a muffin and tore off an edge. “Emma told me that she has plans with Samantha and Joel to go to the national park today. It sounded like they’d be away most of the day. It looks like we should have an empty inn between breakfast and dinner, assuming that Rodney has plans as well.”

Georgia frowned. “When I spoke to him yesterday, he mentioned that Christy and Haley planned to give him the grand tour today. I know we’re supposed to be friendly and helpful toward all our guests, but I’m having a hard time liking the guy.”

“I know what you mean. It feels wrong that the man is here to steal Noah’s fiancée away from him, but the reality is that the only way he has a shot at stealing Christy is if