Page 248 of Secrets Hidden In The Glass

“You’re settled in?”

She nodded. “I am.”

Captain Bob pulled a uey and started back down Route 1. “So, I heard about your troubles last night—the broken window and such.” He shook his head. “Can’t figure why anyone would want to go and do something like that.”

Apparently there was nowhere she could escape inquiring minds. “It’s hard to say.”

“He’ll get it figured out. Nate. Known that boy his whole life. He’s always been a funny one—good sense of humor. Real clever.”

She smiled. “He’s the best.”

Captain Bob nodded his agreement. “He and I still haven’t had a chance to meet up with all the foolery happening around here on the island.”

She petted Winston as he rested his head on her lap. “Nate certainly has his hands full right now.”

“That he does. I ran into him a few days back. We were supposed to head out to Brewster’s Forest Thursday morning—take another walk out by where I found your mother’s locket—but Kay called on his behalf and canceled.”

Her gaze flew to his as he took his eyes off the road. As far as she knew, the details of the case weren’t common knowledge.

He shrugged. “It’s not hard to put two and two together. I found it. So did you. Now Nate’s got a lot of questions.”

She nodded, not quite sure what she should say.

“You look a lot like her. Pretty blondes have always caught my eye.” He chuckled and winked. “Both of my wives were blondes too.”

They’d gone from pleasant small talk to uncomfortable conversation in less than a couple of minutes. “I, uh, I didn’t realize you’d been married before.”

“Shoulda learned my lesson the first time.” He shrugged and chuckled again. “Some people are better suited to the companionship of a good dog.” He gave Winston a solid pat. “Lucky’s the best pup I’ve ever owned.”

She looked behind her, watching as the wind sent Lucky’s ears flapping. “He’s a good boy.”

Captain Bob nodded as he flipped on his blinker and slowed, turning down Nate’s lane. “Can’t think of one better.” Moments later, he pulled into the driveway. “This looks to be your stop.”

“Yes.” She got out, shouldering her purse and bringing Winton with her. “Thank you for the ride.”

Captain Bob got out on his side. “It’s always nice when I can offer a helping hand, especially now when I’m feeling a bit of freedom since we’re not running the late ferry for the next few months—a little vacation time’s the way I see it.” He grabbed the bed and dog food from the back.

She reached for the remaining bag. “The late ferry starts again in March?”

He nodded. “When the season begins getting a little life into it again.” He stopped on their approach to the front door. “Looks like Jeremy did a fine job with the repairs.” He gestured to the window. “Buzz was telling me that whoever was up to no good smashed the thing to smithereens.”

Nate had several downstairs windows, yet Captain Bob seemed to know which one had been damaged. “Yes.” She sent him a small smile, more than ready for him to be on his way. Her phone alerted to a text and she pulled it from her pocket, reading Nate’s message.

How’s the view? Everything still okay?

“It’s Nate.” She took a second to type Truck broke down but I’m home. Captain Bob brought me.

He replied almost instantly. Uh-oh. I’ll be there soon.

“Nate’s on his way. He should be here any second,” she added when she had no choice but to take out her key and shove it in the lock.

Captain Bob followed her inside, setting down Winston’s stuff. “You’re comfortable being here by yourself with everything going on?”

She nodded, forcing another smile, growing more uncomfortable as she watched his gaze dart toward the living room window. “Winston and I should be just fine.”

“All right then.” He set down the dog bed and food. “I’ll go on and get Lucky his dinner. Have a good night.”

“I will. Thanks again.” She waited for Captain Bob to walk outside, then immediately locked the door, twisting the dead bolt into place. After setting her purse on the entryway table, she moved to the edge of the window and peeked out, watching Captain Bob staring at the house as he got in the truck but made no effort to leave. She eased away, pressing her back to the wall until he finally reversed from the driveway and the sound of the old grumbly engine faded, but even with him gone she felt little relief.