Page 75 of Smuggler's Cove

“Just got off the phone with Irene. She said the owners told her we can move in any time we want. We don’t have to wait a month.”

Olivia turned her attention back to her conversation with Madison. “Did you hear that? We can move in sooner.”

Madison sat up like a rocket ready to take off. “Really? That’s great! Let’s go with Lincoln on Saturday. Give the place the once-around.”

Olivia conveyed Madison’s thoughts. Madison could hear Lincoln’s response. “Sounds like a plan!”

Olivia put the call on speaker. “Should we drive?” Madison asked.

“Charlie and I should take a couple of hours. Is there anything in particular you want to do?” Lincoln asked.

“No. The ferry is fine. If we are only going to be there for two or three hours, there is no sense spending four hours on the road when the boat takes forty minutes.”

“I agree. We can deal with driving when we have a few things packed,” Olivia chimed in.

“Sounds good, my sister.” Madison was all atwitter. “See you in the morning.” She realized it was Thursday night. One more day in the office, and then the weekend was upon them. In less than a week, her life changed course, but this time was much more exciting. Funny how one family member can disrupt or improve the life of others. Madison looked up at the ceiling again. “Thank you, Uncle Kirby.”

Madison was in a courageous mood. She scrolled through her phone and found Viggo Eriksson’s number and hit the green button. Two rings.

“Ms. Wainwright?” Viggo answered.

“Captain, you must call me Madison.”

He chuckled. “And you must call me Viggo.”

“I believe we can agree on that,” Madison added.

“To what do I owe the pleasure?” he asked.

“The Kramers offered to let us have use of the house beginning next month.”

“As in two weeks.” It was more of a statement than a question.

“Yes. The three of us are going down on Saturday. Linc is meeting with Charlie, and Livvy and I are going to check the house—get a feel of the place.”

“Excellent idea. I think you are going to like it there. The view at night is spectacular.”

“I can only imagine. It is quite spectacular during the day.”

“There is something ethereal about viewing the city at night from a peaceful, quiet place,” Viggo added. “It’s kind of hard to describe.”

“I hadn’t thought about that perspective. I suppose I have become impervious to the noise. That is not necessarily a plus. One night I was staying at a hotel, and the next day, everyone kept asking me where I was during the fire alarm. ‘What fire alarm?’ I asked, then realized I had slept right through it. Not a good thing.”

“Most definitely not a good thing. Glad you are here to tell about it.” Viggo chuckled.

She pulled up another dose of courage. “I wanted to take you up on your offer to tutor me in maritime lingo.”

“I would be happy to. Did you have a particular date in mind?”

Madison froze on the worddate; then she regrouped. She double-checked her planner, even though she would change whatever plans she had, if any. “Two weeks from Saturday?”

“That works for me. Any particular time you care to dine?”

“Not really. I shall leave all of those decisions up to you.” Now there was a big step for Madison Wainwright: putting someone else in charge. And it felt good.

“Let’s touch base the beginning of that week.”

“Will do. Have a good night,” Madison signed off.