Page 68 of When She Dreams

“It is when it comes to lucid dreaming and legends.”

“Thanks, Pru, I appreciate the information.”

“Anytime. But I’m worried about you. It sounds like things are getting complicated and dangerous there in Burning Cove.”

“They are certainly getting weird.”

“Do you feel comfortable with your private detective?”

Maggie looked at Sam, who was still propped against the car. “I told you, he’s not my private detective, andcomfortablemay not be the appropriate word, but he is very... competent. Listen to this, Pru. Last night I met the owner of the hottest nightclub in town and his lover, who just happens to be a private investigator herself.”

“How thrilling. I knew you were going off on an adventure. I just wish I was there with you.”

“When this is over we will both find a way to spend some time here in Burning Cove.”

“Absolutely. Meanwhile, please be careful.”

“I will. Thanks for the information.”

The operator interrupted to request more money.

“Goodbye,” Pru said quickly and hung up.

Maggie replaced the receiver and scooped up the leftover coins and the notepad. She stepped out of the booth.

Sam unfolded his arms and straightened away from the fender. “Anything new from your friend?”

“Maybe.”

Maggie adjusted the strap of her handbag and walked around the hood of the Packard, heading for the passenger side. Sam followed her and opened the door. She had decided to give up trying to persuade him to let her drive. She would have plenty of time to zip around in the Packard once they were back in Adelina Beach.

All the time in the world. It was a depressing thought.

She did not want to contemplate the very distinct possibility that once Sam’s work was done she might never see him again, except perhaps on the streets of Adelina Beach. Or in a restaurant. At the grocery store. In a theater. The gas station.

Adelina Beach was a small community. She might have to move.

Apparently oblivious to her mood, Sam closed her door, got behind the wheel, and drove back toward the hotel. He was a very good driver, she decided. Not an exciting driver, but a calm, careful driver. There was something to be said for calm and careful.

Last night she had witnessed a very different side to Sam Sage. He was not calm when he made love. He had been very, very careful, however—careful to make sure she was completely satisfied.

“Well?” he prompted.

“Pru filled me in on the legend of the Traveler, most of which we already knew, but she came across what looks like a reference to Virginia Jennaway’s death in a journal dedicated to dream research. The article was written by a distinguished authority who was apparently extremely anxious to squelch the rumors of the Traveler’s involvement in Jennaway’s death. Dr. Emerson Oxlade.”

“Interesting.”

“Oxlade is very keen to make sure his professional reputation remainsunsullied. He doesn’t want the other experts in the field concluding he’s a quack.”

“Yet he’s now affiliated with the Guilfoyles, who are walking a very fine line when it comes to respectability.”

Maggie considered that for a moment. “Dolores Guilfoyle is certainly skilled when it comes to selling dreams. She obviously has a talent for promoting the business. Arthur is a good actor.”

“It’s safe to say both of them are in it for the money, but Oxlade has a different agenda,” Sam said. “His research and his reputation are more important to him than making a profit, and he holds all the cards because he controls the drug.”

When they returned to the hotel, the front desk clerk handed Sam a message from Raina Kirk. Sam read it quickly and handed it to Maggie.

Expect to have news of your aunt tomorrow.

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