Page 83 of Smuggler's Cove

“Ha! Can’t say I disagree.” Charlie laughed.

They finally wrapped up their business for the day and headed to the house, where Lincoln left the bag of memorabilia. “I think Madison is coming down next weekend.”

“I think she’s gonna really like it here.”

“I think you are right,” Lincoln replied.

* * *

Charlie brought him back to the ferry landing, and Lincoln boarded the boat. He asked a crew member how long a ten-trip booklet would last.

“Ten trips,” was the answer.

“Sorry. I should have asked, does the book expire?”

“Ha! Yeah. But not for a couple months. It says on the back.”

“Thanks.” Lincoln decided it would make sense if each of them had a book and purchased three. It would save a little money and time, especially if they were “runners” again. He ordered scotch and soda, settled into a booth, and stared at the passing scenery. It was a very civilized means of transportation.

When they reached the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, he called Madison to see if she was going to be home. He wanted to show her the map.

“Ooh. Do you think it might be the mysterious treasure map?” Madison said with excitement.

“Don’t get too excited. We can take a look at it together.” He checked his watch. “I should be at your place within the hour. Is Livvy there?”

“Olivia is on her way. I will order food. Greek?”

“Works for me. See ya.”

Olivia, Lincoln, and the food delivery arrived at the same time. Madison brought out dishes, napkins, and flatware, while Olivia put the food in serving platters and bowls. It was one of the house rules. Even if you have food delivered, you eat it in real dishes. Lunch in plastic containers was as uncouth as Madison would allow.

Lincoln filled them in on the progress and how surprised he was about Charlie’s level of technology.

Madison chastened him, “I know I have done the same thing. We have truly underestimated those fine people.”

“I couldn’t agree with you more,” Lincoln replied.

“I’ve been thinking about this and the recent discussions about nature verses nurture.”

“My money is on Mom as far as our values are concerned. And let’s not forget about Jackson.”

“I would rather forget about him altogether.” Madison frowned.

“What I am trying to say is, perhaps we got some preconceived ideas from him. He was always touting how we are better than other people. Richer. Smarter. It had to have an impact in some way,” Lincoln noted.

“You make a good point. For him, it was about more—but not necessarily more tolerance, more patience, more compassion,” Madison stated.

“I will take kindness over refinement. Just think about those stuffy neighbors we had on Sutton place,” Lincoln contemplated.

“Their refinement was a mask for their narrow-mindedness,” Olivia chimed in. “I could see it in their eyes when I would visit. I didn’t look like any of them.”

“You are far too beautiful to be a tight-lipped grump.” Lincoln put his arm around Olivia and gave her a kiss.

“All these years, you never said anything,” Madison scowled.

“I didn’t have to. You didn’t treat me any differently. Neither did your mother. And that was all that mattered.”

“What about me?” Lincoln pulled back.