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Maggie and Sam walked through the park and along the path by the lake which led to the Lakeside Café.
Maggie said, “I’ve been here a few times with Oscar. He loved their ice creams, and would have happily eaten a dozen of them in one go.”
“I’m rather partial to an ice cream cone myself,” Sam admitted. “Maybe we’ll have time to partake of one.”
Maggie’s steps slowed as they walked across the wooden terrace at the front of the café. She looked through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the building, and said, “Look at those people inside. They’re all wearing similar clothes, almost like hiking clothes. And most of them have got backpacks with them. Do you think they’re treasure hunters?”
“They could be.” They stopped at the door of the café. Sam pointed to a sign which had been placed there. “This says it’s a private function, so I’m assuming it’s for the hunters only.”
“And us,” Maggie said. She took the rolled-up paper from her pocket, and re-read the words. “Let’s go in. I hope we don’t get thrown out for not being real hunters.”
She opened the door and entered the café. The familiar smell of cooked food and baked goods wafted over her. It was like stepping back in time. The gentle chattering noise made the café feel even more welcoming.
A smiling woman dressed in khaki-coloured trousers and a brown T-shirt beamed at them. She was holding an electronic tablet. She said cheerfully, “Welcome friends. If, indeed, you are friends? Do you have something to say to me?”
“Erm, hello?” Maggie ventured.
The woman’s smile fell a little. “Anything else?”
Maggie suddenly forgot the words she’d just read. She glanced at the paper in her hand, and said, “Likely Diva?”
The woman checked her tablet, nodded, and said, “You may enter.” She turned her attention to Sam. “Do you have anything to say to me?”
“Hiker Devil,” Sam declared confidently.
After checking her device, she gave Sam a wide smile. “You may enter too. Help yourself to the refreshments. Everything is free. We’ll be having a hunt soon! It’s so exciting. I hear it’s going to be a level seven. I can’t wait!”
“Neither can we,” Maggie said. She had no idea what the woman was going on about. None of the videos online mentioned levels of hunts.
The woman frowned at Maggie. “I hope you’ve brought a change of clothes. A white shirt is not ideal for a level-seven hunt. It’s not even suitable for a level one.” Her look suddenly turned suspicious. “You have done hunts before, haven’t you? This gathering is only for experienced hunters in Harvey’s group. You have met Harvey Chester, haven’t you?”
A sudden hush fell in the café. Maggie became aware of people watching her. She said truthfully, “Harvey Chester paid a recent visit to my home.”
The woman’s eyes went wide. “He did? An actual visit to your home? Then you must be a very special friend. Did you know him long?”
“Not long enough,” Maggie said. She let out a sad sigh. “May he rest in peace.”
The woman nodded. The chattering started up again.
Sam and Maggie went over to a table in the corner. There was a teapot on the table with cups next to it. A small, metal jug of milk was next to the cups along with a sugar bowl.
As they sat down, Maggie said quietly, “Where’s the cake? I don’t see any cake. The app said there would be cake.”
Sam stood back up. “Don’t panic. There’s some on the counter.” He walked away, and returned a minute later with a large plate. He set it down. “I didn’t know if you wanted Victoria sponge, lemon drizzle or chocolate. So, I got them all.”
Maggie smiled at him. “Bless your kind heart. Did you get some for yourself?”
“I was hoping to share,” he said with a look at the plate. He then glanced at the teapot. “I could do with a coffee rather than a tea.”
A silence descended again. Suspicious looks were shot their way like arrows. Maggie heard someone mutter, “Coffee? Did he just say coffee? Harvey never drank coffee.”
Maggie said loudly to Sam, “You and your jokes! Have a cup of tea. You know that was Harvey’s favourite.” She tutted at him, and rolled her eyes at the people who were watching them.
Just as loudly, Sam said, “Me and my jokes! Pass the teapot.” He quickly poured himself a cup of tea, raised it, and said, “Here’s to Harvey. May he rest in peace.”
“Here, here!” came voices around them as many cups were raised.
“Thanks for that,” Sam muttered to Maggie. “These hunters are a sensitive lot.”
Maggie leaned closer to Sam, and whispered, “Not everyone raised their cups. In fact, half of the people here didn’t. I don’t think this room is full of Harvey fans. Look at that man over there. He—” She stopped talking as she made eye contact with a young, bearded man with his hair pulled back in a man-bun. She hissed, “Sam, it’s him! The man who was in my tree!”
The young man jumped to his feet, knocking over his chair in the process. He fled from the café in three seconds flat.
Maggie stood up. “I’m going after him.” She raced out of the café.
“Wait for me.” Sam ran after her.