We found a flat granite ledge for our picnic, the lighthouse to our right, and in front of us the never-ceasing surf against the rocks. Golden light touched the rippling waves and glinted off sailboats in the bay. There were a few other visitors to the park but they were wandering around near the lighthouse.
“Let me help.” I took one end of the red-and-white gingham cloth Sophie was spreading on the ground. She really knew how to do a picnic right. Once the cloth was down, we anchored the corners with rocks. The wind was calm right now but it could kick up any time down here at the shore.
“Beer in the cooler, guys,” Sophie said to Lukas and Ian. Without being asked twice, they opened the smaller cooler and retrieved ice-cold cans. For us, she had a chilled bottle of white wine and glasses.
While we lounged on the cloth, enjoying our cocktails, Sophie unpacked the large cooler holding our dinner. There were chicken-and-pesto sandwiches on crusty bread, a grilled-corn and bean salad, potato salad, and a veggie platter. A bag of salty kettle chips too. We all helped ourselves, piling paper plates with food. Then we settled back and ate, enjoying the view and the warm summer evening.
I pushed all my questions and concerns to the back of my mind and tried to focus on relaxing with Ian and my friends. We chatted about the Graham house, the store, and the Bean, avoiding mention of the seaweed project as if it were a landmine.
“I might have a teaching job at the University of Connecticut.” Lukas made an abrupt announcement. “They are building their aquaculture program and are very interested in my work.”
I glanced at Sophie to see how she was taking this announcement that Lukas might be moving to the United States. Connecticut was only few hours away.
She seemed startled at first, followed by trepidation. But then she smiled and said warmly, “That is wonderful news. I mean, I assume you are happy about it?”
Lukas ate a last chip then set his paper plate aside. “I am. They told me I could design the program any way I want, which is huge. I would be able to expand upon what we are doing here this summer.”
“Sounds like a good career move,” I said, to reassure Sophie that he probably wasn’t moving to this country for her. That would be a lot of pressure for anyone.
“It’s an excellent opportunity.” He waved a hand, his gaze pensive as he studied the water. “But in light of what’s going on here, I’m hoping they don’t withdraw the offer before I decide.” No doubt, being suspected of killing a student would be a real deal-breaker for any hiring committee.
Ian gave us a puzzled look. “Did something happen I don’t know about?” And just like that, the subject we’d been trying to avoid was under discussion. While Lukas filled Ian in, Sophie and I packed up the leftovers.
“This was really nice,” I said. “I hope we can do some more picnics this summer.” And hopefully with Jake, not Lukas, but I tactfully didn’t say that. “Next time I’ll make the food.”
Sophie snapped a lid on a Pyrex container. “That would be great, but I didn’t mind.” She gave me a mischievous smile. “I was testing new recipes on you three.” She held up the bowl, which was almost empty. “And I’d say they were a success.”
“I’ll be your guinea pig anytime,” I said lightly. “So, are we still heading down to the park?” A great band was playing tonight and we’d talked about going.
“Sure,” Sophie said. “If the guys want to.” As she stowed containers in the cooler, she said in a careless tone that didn’t fool me, “At least I know a certain someone won’t be there tonight. It’s his father’s birthday.”
This mention meant Sophie was still mentally keeping tabs on Jake, and I chose to take that as a good sign. And I was also glad he wouldn’t be there. I didn’t think my nerves could take another tense situation like last night at the clambake. Ian and Lukas were still talking, so I changed the subject. “Guess what? I made some progress on the mystery of Eleanor’s mother. And you’re the first to know. Well, except Grammie.” I hadn’t even told Madison yet. We’d been caught up in the boat situation this morning and after that, talking about her dinner date with Anton.
I filled her in while we sipped a second glass of wine. “I hope someone has the passenger list I need,” I concluded. “When I started this project, I had no idea you could access those.”
“It is amazing, all the information people have gathered and put online.” Sophie shook her head. “And most of the time it’s free.”
“A labor of love.” Sitting with my legs crossed, sipping wine and gazing at the glorious sea, I had an inspiration. “I think I’m going to add an apron-of-the-week feature to my website and social media. Short posts, with pictures. It’s a way to share what I know, plus some really beautiful garments.” I could start with the domestic aprons from Shorehaven. They’d be good for three or four posts. And some of the hostess half aprons I kept finding were too cute not to share.
“I like that,” Sophie said. “I’m sure people will enjoy reading about the aprons and their histories.”
Ian popped his empty beer can back into the cooler. “Ready to head out? I’d love to catch the first set down at the park.”
“We are,” I said. “Would you and Lukas please fold the tablecloth? Then we can go.” Normally Ian was great about helping clean up so I wasn’t busting him too heavily. Plus they’d been having a serious conversation and I hadn’t wanted to interrupt.
We were stowing the coolers and other items in the back of Sophie’s SUV when Lukas said, “Do you mind swinging by the lab for a minute? I need to pick up something.”
“I don’t mind,” Sophie said, shutting the hatchback. “It’s on the way downtown.”
Ian looked at me. “Do you want to ride with me?” His truck was still parked at the jobsite. He’d loaded his tools already so we wouldn’t have to wait.
“I’d love to,” I said, opening the SUV’s back door. I’d take any excuse to spend time with Ian, even if it was only the ride back to town.
In the end, we followed Sophie, even stopping at the old mill building where the lab was housed so we wouldn’t get separated. As we pulled into the wide drive, I saw Patrick at the wheel of a late-model pickup truck, leaving the facility. He waved at both vehicles in turn before wheeling out onto the road after a brief stop. He must have traded in his old truck.
Sophie parked near the front door and we pulled into the next spot. I unrolled my window. “We’re going to wait here,” I told Sophie as she got out of the Forester.
“That’s fine,” she said. “It should only take a minute.” She waited for Lukas to skirt the front of the SUV to join her.
The building’s front door flew open and Jamaica ran outside. Frowning, she glanced around the parking lot, her hands resting on her hips. Was she looking for Patrick? Even from here, I could sense her distress.
“I wonder what’s up.” Changing my mind about getting out, I pulled on the latch. “I’m going to go find out.”
“Me too,” Ian said, opening his own door. As we hurried toward the entrance, Jamaica put her hands over her face and burst into tears. Now I definitely knew something was wrong. “Are you okay?” I asked, knowing it was a stupid question.
“No,” she said, rubbing at her eyes. “I’m not. My ex is a jerk and even worse, my seaweed crop is ruined.”
“What?” I wasn’t expecting to hear that. Ian gave me a look of consternation, and Lukas and Sophie, who had now reached us, appeared equally stunned.
“Show me,” Lukas said, his hand on her elbow. “Maybe we can save the plants.”
We followed as Lukas escorted Jamaica into the building. Inside, Jamaica and Lukas began trotting down the hall to Jamaica’s lab, the rest of us on their heels. When we arrived at the lab, the two of them were standing at the grow tank. Even a novice like me immediately saw the problem. The tubes where the brown seaweed had sprouted were now covered in green slime.
“It’s contaminated,” Jamaica said. She glanced around wildly, checking gauges and equipment. “But I can’t imagine how. The temps are right and the filters are still working.” She groaned deeply, her hand going to her forehead. “And it couldn’t have happened at a worse time. I have a big customer coming tomorrow. They want to buy my whole crop, an advance order for everything I’m growing this year.”
My heart sank. And now her crop was ruined. “Can you start over?” I asked, hoping the season could be saved. The seedling seaweed went into the water in the fall, so maybe there was time.
Jamaica’s eyes met mine, a bleak expression in their depths. “Maybe. But once the customer sees this mess, they won’t want anything I grow.” Biting her lip, she shook her head. “The timing couldn’t be worse.”
An inkling of suspicion trickled into my mind. Had the tanks been sabotaged? I had a hard time believing she’d made a mistake, not after hearing about the exacting processes she followed during our tour. “Do you think someone did this?” I asked.
“What?” Jamaica reared back in shock. “You mean contaminate my tanks on purpose? Who would do such a thing?” A heavy silence fell as the obvious answer chimed in my mind. Patrick. Shaking her head, Jamaica put up both hands. “No. No, he wouldn’t do that. Surely he wouldn’t stoop that low—”
“Jamaica.” Lukas’s voice boomed out over her torrent of words. “We can figure that out later. We need to move fast.”
She whirled to face him, her expression taut with anger and anguish. “You’re right. Tell me what to do.”
Lukas pointed at the tank. “We need to change the water and add an additional UV sterilizer unit. We’ll know overnight if it’s going to work.”
“Good idea. Better yet, we’ll put the tubes into a new tank and start over,” Jamaica said. “I have an extra, all sterile and ready to go.” The volatile emotions on her face cleared, replaced with determination.
Sophie stepped forward. “I take it you’re staying here, Lukas,” she said.
His brow furrowed. “If you don’t mind. I want to try to save the crop.”
My friend put up her hand. “Say no more. That totally makes sense. We’ll hang out another night.” She gave him a brief embrace, then hugged Jamaica too. “Good luck.”
Jamaica laughed. “I’ll need it.” She smiled at each of us in turn. “Thanks for your support. I’ll see you later.” She and Lukas were already deep in discussion by the time we reached the lab doorway.
The three of us were silent as we trudged down the hallway, our shoes squeaking on the polished tiles. “Wow, what a bummer,” Ian said as he held the front door open for us. “It would be devastating to lose a whole crop.”
“I can’t imagine,” Sophie said. Then she added, “Well, yes I can. Last winter, during that huge ice storm, we lost everything in the walk-in because the power went out for two days.” She grimaced. “Now I have a back-up generator.”
“And Jamaica needs a security system,” I said. “Despite her protests, I think someone sabotaged her.”
Ian’s gaze narrowed as he thought about that. “The timing is weird. The day before she meets with a big customer? I find that strangely coincidental.”
“As do I,” I said, glad he hadn’t dismissed my theory completely. “And I think Jamaica sees it too.”
Sophie moved slowly toward her car. “Who was she talking about when she said, ‘He wouldn’t stoop that low.’”
“I hate to say it, but Patrick, who is her ex-business partner. They have a pretty acrimonious relationship.” I gave them the gist of what I’d overheard in the hallway after the lab tour.
“It all fits, sad to say.” Ian studied the building. “I didn’t see a security system in the lab. I’m definitely going to suggest she put one in.” He put his hand on the door handle and tugged. “Right now. Be right back.” He disappeared inside the building.
“He’s such a good guy,” Sophie said, her tone wistful. “You two seem really happy together.”
“We are,” I admitted. “But taking it slow … no more leaping before I look for this girl.” Even as I said this, my innards squeezed at the lie. I was falling in love with Ian, but right now even he didn’t know that, unless he could read minds. I hadn’t seen any signs that he’d guessed my secret, which meant what? That he didn’t feel the same way? Grrr. I thought I’d moved past the “Does he, doesn’t he?” of high school.
Sophie smoothed a lock of long hair. “You guys were right.”
“Wait, what?” I thought I’d heard what she said but my mind was still full of Ian. I finally caught up. “Right about what?”
“I love Jake,” she whispered. “Ever since we broke up, it’s like I’m missing a limb or something.” She laughed but her eyes shone with regret. “You never know what you’ve got until it’s gone.”
I put a hand on her arm. “I don’t think it’s gone, Sophie. Honestly.”
Ian emerged from the building. “We’re going to talk tomorrow about which system to get,” he told us.
“You’re helping her put one in?” I asked. He was so good that way, always offering his expertise and assistance to friends. “That’s so nice of you.”
He shrugged at my praise. “I installed one for my parents, so I’m up-to-date on what’s out there. You don’t need to spend a lot of money nowadays. A couple of cameras and alarms on doors and windows are pretty inexpensive. You can even monitor the system on your phone.” He reached for the driver door. “Ready to head out?”
“You know what?” Sophie said. “I’m going to go home.” She tipped her head toward the building. “Lukas is busy and, well, I don’t feel like dancing anymore. Or seeing people.” She gave me a wan smile. “I’ll see you tomorrow for dinner.” Grammie and I were hosting a girls’ night.
“Don’t brood,” I said as I climbed into the truck’s passenger seat. “That’s an order. And call him.” She pretended not to hear me as she got into her car. But I hoped she’d take my advice.
Ian inserted the keys then paused. “You know what, Iris? I’d just as soon not go to the fest. We haven’t had much time alone over the past couple of weeks.”
My heart began to thud. “No, we haven’t,” I managed to say. Focus on the moment, Iris. My relationship was important too, and besides, there was nothing further I could do tonight to solve my nagging questions and concerns.
He turned in his seat and leaned closer, brushed a lock of hair out of my face. He gave me a crooked smile. “Want to hang out at my place? I’ve got a bottle of your favorite wine chilling. We can listen to the band from my balcony.”
“Why, Ian,” I said, batting my lashes. “It sounds like you’ve been planning this all along.” My pulse thumped in my ears. I was dying for him to kiss me.
Ian shifted even closer. His mouth almost touched mine, teasing me. “Not planning,” he whispered. “Hoping.” And then his lips met mine.