Page 55 of Smuggler's Cove

“Ha! That is on the exterior, and you know it.”

Olivia smiled. She was happy to see Madison excited again. The disappointment about the marina knocked her a bit, but Madison was resilient.

Olivia pointed to Madison’s phone. “Dial.”

Madison sat up straight and hit the redial button. It rang twice. Each time, a line of goosebumps ran up her arm. She shook them off.

“Captain Eriksson,” a smooth, deep voice answered.

“Hello, Captain Eriksson. Madison Wainwright returning your call.”

“Good morning, Ms. Wainwright.”

“Please, Madison, remember?”

“Yes, of course. Madison. What can I do for you?”

“I am returning your call. You identified the person?” She really did not want to refer to him asthe body. It sounded so indifferent.

“Yes. Name is Dennis Farrell. Treasure hunter.”

“Treasure hunter?” Madison asked.

“There is a group of them in search of a treasure map that is supposed to show where Captain Kidd buried his gold. Supposed to be about a million dollars’ worth.”

“How intriguing,” Madison said slowly. “Do you know what happened to this treasure hunter?”

“Not yet, but at least we know who it is. Was.” He paused. “They found his car about a mile downstream. They haven’t found any watercraft, like a canoe, or kayak, which is what a lot of them use to navigate along the shore. No one has seen any of his fortune-seeking buddies either, so we don’t know if he was on his own.”

“Are they looking for the map or the treasure?”

“Both. There are a few books that describe certain areas, but they think if they can get their hands on this phantom map, they’ll hit the jackpot. Did your uncle ever mention a map to you or your brother?”

“No. As I told Detective Burton, we had no communication with him for several years, but there were several maps pinned on some fishing line in the shack.” She shuddered at the thought of the odoriferous ramshackle structure.

“I see. Yes, I noticed them when I was on the scene. I thought he may have kept a log or a journal. Most anglers keep a log.”

“Captain, believe me. If I thought I had any information that would help this investigation, I would happily provide it. But unfortunately, I do not.”

“It was worth asking. Sometimes people don’t remember things right away. In any event, I thought you’d be interested in knowing that the investigation continues, but now we have one piece of the puzzle.”

“Does this meanyouare off the case?” Madison crossed her fingers, hoping for a negative response.

“Not yet. Not until the coroner sends over the report.”

“Then I suppose we’ll be seeing each other again?” Madison cringed at her forwardness.

“If you’re in the neighborhood.”

An awkward silence hung in the air. “I am sure my brother will drag me down there at some point,” she said with a nervous giggle.

“You sound as if you don’t appreciate our little enclave.” He was half teasing.

“Oh, it is lovely. But I know nothing about docks, decks, jetties, wharfs, or piers.”

“You seem to have the lingo down.”

“Well, just don’t ask me to describe what they are. All I know is that they are things in the water.” She tilted the phone so Olivia could hear what he was saying.