Page 64 of Smuggler's Cove

“Detective? This is Lincoln Wainwright. Sorry to be bothering you at this hour. First, I want to thank you for keeping Uncle Kirby’s legacy alive.”

“He was beloved by the community.”

“Well, since we most likely won’t have an outcome about the water rights for a while, we would like to go ahead and refurbish the place and keep it open for the summer.”

Burton became interested. “I think your uncle would be happy to hear that. I know Hannah and Charlie will be.”

“I am glad you approve. Which brings me to the next thing.” Lincoln paused, then said, “We’re thinking about renting a place for the summer. There is a house on Portland Road that we are interested in, but I was hoping we could get your opinion on it.”

Burton was surprised. “What’s the address?”

Lincoln read it to Burton.

“Nice place. The people who own it live in Colorado now and rent it out for the summer.”

“Is there any reason we shouldn’t pursue this? The rent seemed more than reasonable, and it made me wonder why.”

“They want to cover the property taxes until they know where they will be living permanently. They work for a government contractor and are in Colorado for the next two years.”

“Oh, I see. Do you know the agent who is overseeing it? Irene Mariska?”

“Sure do. She’s been around here longer than most people. Knows the area like the back of her hand.”

“Great. I will give her a call tomorrow to arrange for a walk-through,” Lincoln said.

“Sounds good. Let me know if you need any help with anything.”

“Thanks. We will try to stay out of your hair.”

Burton laughed. “That should be relatively easy.”

That’s when Lincoln realized what he said to a bald man. “Sorry. No offense.”

“None taken.” The detective chuckled. “Enjoy the rest of your evening.”

“Thanks. You do the same.” Lincoln turned to his siter and his wife. “Well, gals, looks like we may have a summer house.”

“Yippee!” Madison screeched, sending Mario and Luigi running. “Sorry, guys. Mommy is excited.” Then she paused. “What about your nephews?” she asked, looking at Lincoln.

Lincoln gave her a quizzical look. “Nephews?” Then it dawned on him she was talking about her cats. “Let’s see what the place looks like, and then we can ask about pets.”

“As long as there’s a space where they won’t be able to get out.”

“You could leave them here over the weekend, no?” Lincoln asked.

“But what if I decide I want to work remotely?” Madison asked, doodling on the paper in front of her.

“Let’s take this one step at a time,” Lincoln urged his impatient sister.

Olivia reached over and touched Madison’s hand. “Everything in its own time.”

“Yes. I know. But everything is happening so quickly. One minute, we are unaware there is a marina, then there is one, and then there’s a dead body, and now we are going to rent a place for the summer. If my calculations are correct, dear math-genius brother, all of this has happened in less than three days.”

He mocked her by ticking off the days on his fingers. “Yes, you are correct. But you have always been resilient, and quickly adapt. Why not now?”

“Because I’m not as young as I used to be?” she mocked herself.

“Stop,” Olivia urged. “You don’t look a day over forty-ish.”