Southern Hospitality
Kat sprawled on the queen bed. “I could get used to this.”
“It is a beautiful room.” Grandma studied the aqua-colored walls. A painting over the bed depicted a contented-looking man poised to throw his fishing line into still, green waters.
“So, now what, Gram?”
Gram shook her head. “I wish I knew.”
“You think we’re in for a battle again?”
“Yes.”
“With Iconoclast?”
“Yes.”
“You think Josiah’s here in Hayden?”
Grandma frowned and narrowed her eyes. “I don’t know where that stubborn old goat is. If I get my hands on him, he’ll wish he’d never been born.”
“Right after you give him a big hug you mean.”
Grandma smiled. “Yes, right after.”
Kat turned to a knock on the door.
“Are you lovely ladies ready to go out for a bit?” Ken asked.
Grandma nudged Kat with her elbow and winked. “He’s a smooth one.”
“Out? I’m ready to eat and go to sleep.” Kat opened the door and took in beige linen pants and a tropic shirt splashed with green palm leaves.
“Well, aren’t you the native son? Where did you get those clothes?”
“Had them for years. I used to live here, remember?”
“Right. When are we meeting your aunt?”
“Tomorrow afternoon.”
“She lives in Hayden?”
“No. About an hour away.” Ken held up and rattled a set of keys.” Have car, will travel. Now let’s go take in the sights.”
“You young people go enjoy. I’ve had enough for today, and I’ll be turning in soon.”
Kat looked at Grandma. Dark circles ran deep under her emerald-green eyes. “I’ll stay here, Gram.”
“Don’t be silly. You need to find a store and put some beverages in our refrigerator.”
“I suppose so.” Kat kissed her grandmother’s weathered-brown cheek. “Back soon.”
Ken pulled Kat into the hallway, drew her close and kissed her long and hard. “I’ve been wanting to do that for an eternity.”
“And you can wait until we get back to the Cove to do it again, brother.” Bart joined Ken and Kat.
“Too long a wait. Not happening.”
“Stop you guys. Now where are we going?” Kat headed down the stairs to the hallway.
Bart and Ken followed.
“Heard there’s some good music and food a couple of blocks over on Austin Street,” Ken offered.
“I think we should get food for the room. Grandma hasn’t had a thing to eat since lunch.”
“You’re probably right.”
“I’m always right,” Kat grinned into Ken’s blue eyes. “Don’t forget it, FBI.”
“I’ll work on that.”
Letty joined the three in the entry, balancing a gleaming, silver tray on her right hand. The aroma of coffee filled the hallway. Fresh strawberries dipped in chocolate accompanied the hot beverage. “Best thing I know of to help with jet lag. Thought Mrs. Bricken could use a pick me up.”
Bart accepted the tray. “You are very thoughtful, Ms. DeLonge.”
“Not at all. I’m hoping she’ll join me in a short conversation. I’ve always been interested in Alaska. Do you think she’ll share some of her stories about home?”
“I know she will.” Kat walked up the stairs and poked her head in the bedroom. “Letty’s here,” she announced.
“Oh, my, those strawberries look wonderful. We don’t see those much in Ravens Cove.” Alese Bricken took a bite. “As good as they look.”
Letty turned to Kat. “Bye now. We’ll enjoy a nice chat while you’re gone.”
“Okay, then. Guess we’ve been told.”
“Oh, I almost forgot. Would you tell Mr. Melbourne there’s a note addressed to him on the entry table?” Letty asked.
“I heard you, Letty. Found it.” Ken called up the stairs.
“What’s it say?” Kat asked.
“It’s from Jonathan. He wants to meet us this evening.”
“Why?”
“He says he took a liking to us and wants to show us the dark side of Hayden.”
“Seriously?”
“Oh, you mean Jonathan Wilde?” Letty called out from the stairwell. “He’s a hoot. You should join him. He’ll show you one heck of a time.”
“Where’d you come from? Thought you and Gram were chatting.”
“We are. Just coming down for a full pot of coffee so we can get good and settled.”
“You know him?” Ken asked.
“Our families go way back.”
“Think I’ll pass. I’ve seen enough dark things for a lifetime.”
Letty’s eyebrows lifted. “You have?”
“He means because he was in the FBI,” Kat blurted out.
“Oh, I see. Well, the legends of Hayden are spine-chilling and interesting. Even in this old house.”
“I heard it was haunted,” Kat answered.
Letty laughed. “Good for business. To tell you the truth, though, I’ve never seen a ghost, and I’ve lived here for fifteen years. Now, give Jonathan a call. He’ll give you a time to remember.”