Lauren. Ed. Mr. Carter.
She nearly groaned. She’d so desperately wanted all of this to simply be a nightmare. Reality felt like a cold slap in the face.
She needed to think of a way to convince Ed to let her stay. She needed to look for that information. She’d wasted time already. She should have started looking last night, but she knew that she was under Ed’s watchful eye and she was no good at being sneaky.
“I’m not sure when the ferry will start running again,” she began. “But I was thinking about sticking around for a little bit longer, until things settle down a bit.”
“I’m nearly certain transportation to the mainland will be back up today. Half of the island evacuated, and I’m sure residents will be interested in getting back to check out the damage.”
“Yes, and a lot of them may need help,” Bailey countered, desperate to sound natural, despite the anxiety racing through her. “I’d hate to leave everyone in their time of need.”
“That’s kind of you, but don’t feel obligated. I know you need to look for another job.”
“As a matter of fact, your father arranged to have me paid for a few weeks after his death. That was just one more reason I stuck around to help tie up loose ends. I almost feel indebted to stay here and earn my keep.” Her heart pounded. The excuse sounded believable to her. Would Ed go for it?
Ed stood. “Sounds like my father. He liked to take care of people.”
Bailey shrugged, not ready to give up quite yet on convincing Ed. “Well, the people on the island have become like family. You should be there for family when they need you.”
Ed did the stare. The look was becoming all too familiar.
Bailey grabbed an apple from the table and stood up, stretching. She immediately missed her blankets. She had to push aside any sign of weakness, though, and prove herself to Ed.
She needed to somehow earn his trust while keeping him at arm’s length. There were still so many uncertainties about him; he was hiding something.
“I almost dread seeing the damage outside. Mr. Wilkins, the groundskeeper, evacuated before the storm,” Bailey said. “I’m not sure when he’ll be back.”
Bailey strode over to the front door and pulled it open. She was expecting to survey the landscape outside. Instead, she stifled a scream at the towering figure standing there.
“I reckon since the power’s out, the doorbell’s not working. I’ve been standing here for five minutes. I’ve got a delivery for Ed Carter.”
Bailey nearly laughed at herself. The figure wasn’t quite as towering as she’d thought.
Alvin stood there. He was the town’s “chauffeur,” which really meant that he ran people around in his golf cart. He had two suitcases at his feet and, based on his tapping foot, he was in a hurry.
Ed stepped up behind Bailey. “Thanks, Alvin. I appreciate you bringing those by.”
“No problem.”
Ed reached into his wallet, pulled out some bills and slapped them into Alvin’s hands. “How’s the water level? Is the island still flooded?” Ed asked.
“It’s down right now, but only because it’s low tide,” Alvin said. “Come high tide, the bridge leading to your property is going to be covered again. That was one nasty storm. There’s no electricity on the island right now, and I can’t remember the last time that happened.”
“Let us know if anyone needs anything,” Ed offered, sounding halfway human for a change.
“Much obliged. Thank you.” Alvin tipped his hat and hurried back to his golf cart.
Bailey enjoyed hearing the accents of the locals. The island was once known to be a hiding spot for pirates. After the place was settled, the people who lived here had been so far removed from other civilization that the accent of the original English settlers had stuck around for decades. Only in recent years had it begun to fade as TVs became more popular and travel between the island and the mainland became easier.
Ed grabbed his luggage and set the suitcases inside the door. As he moved out of the way, Bailey got her first real glimpse of the outside in the morning sunlight.
The landscape looked as if a tornado had gone through. Tree limbs and leaves were everywhere. Part of someone’s roof was strewn in the distance, as well as some pickets and a trash can.
On the shore, mounds of seaweed and other “treasures” from the bay that often got washed onto the sand with storms were visible. No doubt there were sand dollars and horseshoe crabs and shells. There would also be litter—shoes, fishing line, pieces of damaged boats and piers.
It was going to take a lot of cleaning up to get this place back in order.
Now she just had to convince Ed that he needed her help to do so and that it was going to take more than an extra day or two.
“We’ve got a big job ahead of us this week,” she told him.
“We?” He raised an eyebrow.
She crossed her arms. “You need help. Admit it. You can’t clean all of this up on your own. You’re going to need to hire someone to help. It might as well be me. All I charge is room and board.”
He stared at her, that same incredulous expression on his face. “You want to help? After everything that happened last night? Even knowing that I still suspect you could have something to do with my father’s death?”
“I’ve already told you that I loved your father like he was my own. I’d never hurt him. And, yes, I really do want to help. I’m not one to leave things unfinished.”
Finally, he shrugged. “Well, I won’t turn it down. I will need help. At least for today.”
He walked over toward the fire and picked up a mug, taking a long sip.
Bailey leaned closer. “What are you drinking?”
The electricity was out, but it almost smelled like...
“Coffee. Why?” He took another sip.
She stepped closer, trying not to salivate. “How did you make that?”
“I’ve learned a few tricks while camping over the years. I made it over the fireplace.” He pulled the mug back, his eyes sparkling. “Would you like some?”
“All I charge is room and board—and coffee. I’m revising my earlier statement.”
“That’s good, because I wasn’t going to pay you anyway.” A hint of a smile tugged at his lips.
He poured her a cup of caffeinated bliss. The man could go from irritating her to charming her in 5.2 seconds. But when he placed the mug in her hands, gratefulness was all she felt. She took a long sip, hoping the caffeine would give her the boost she needed to get through the day. She’d hardly slept at all last night, and she felt it now.
She took another sip of her coffee. She had to figure out a way to find the “information” the man had mentioned. Did Ed know what it was? Even if he did, it wasn’t likely he would tell her. She needed a plan, and she needed it now.
Ed grabbed his suitcase and took a step toward the stairway. “I’m going to get changed. Meet me outside in twenty?”
“I thought I might start in the library since it’s such a mess from last night. Is that okay?”
He stared at her a moment. “Good idea. I’ll help you. We’ll work together.”
She nodded stiffly. He didn’t trust her, either.
The fact remained that she’d need a lot more ideas than helping