Page 24 of Harbor Lights

Surprisingly she meant it. A trip out with her new little friend sounded fun.

Christy dropped her at the hotel car park, and she entered, pleased to find Tierney sitting in the lobby reading a book.

“Hi, cuz.”

She ignored the now familiar term. “Hey. I wanted to ask you about a path Con told me about.”

Tierney looked confused for a moment. “Oh, Doc?”

“Yeah.” It wasn’t Shiv’s place to reeducate people on their GP’s name. “She said there’s a track near the cabin down to a little beach I might enjoy, but I’d find it difficult to locate without being shown.”

“Yeah, it’s easier to find if someone shows you.” Tierney unfolded herself from the chair. “Wanna go now?”

“Oh, no you don’t.” Kasia appeared in the doorway, Peggy toddling along behind her. “You said you’d watch Pegeen while I finish the laundry.”

“We’ll take her with us.” Tierney leaned down and held out her hands. “Want to go for a drive, sweetie?”

Pegeen let out a stream of babble that sounded like nonsense to Shiv, but Tierney swung her around. “Clever girl, that’s right. Brum brum.” She carried the child on her shoulders to the door.

Kasia rolled her eyes at Shiv. “How are you getting on? I heard you did some work at the surgery in Portrinn.”

Of course you heard.“Yeah, I’ve finished the work my granddad’s prepared to pay me for, so I’m picking up jobs where I can.” No one need know she’d done the work for Con for free.

“Well, we struggle to find people to do work here, so if you’re happy to turn your hand to anything, I’ll give you a call.”

“Yeah, thanks I’d appreciate it.” A few days ago, she’d been worried about how to feed herself. Looked like soon she’d be beating off work offers with a stick.

A car horn sounded from outside.

“That’s Tierney out front. Please don’t let her get distracted for too long. We’ve guests arriving tomorrow.”

“I’ll send her straight back when she’s shown me the beach. Thanks, Kasia, see you soon.”

Shiv ran outside to a tiny white car with a blue kayak strapped to a rack on the roof.

“Do you carry a kayak everywhere?” She slid in next to Tierney and waved to Pegeen, who chattered back.

“No. Well, yes, sometimes. But this one’s for you to borrow, if you want.”

Shiv was speechless for a moment at the kind and thoughtful gesture.

“I can take it back if you don’t like paddling. It was just a thought.” Tierney glanced at her. “Sorry, Kasia says I’m too enthusiastic sometimes. That not everyone shares my passions. But it’s great paddling up there at the cliffs if you know what you’re doing, and I just thought?—”

“No, it’s a great idea, Tierney, thank you. I’ve done some technical river kayaking, so I’d love to give it a try.”

“Cool.” Tierney beamed as she pulled up outside the cabin and they got out.

“I brought you a helmet and a life vest as well.” Tierney lifted them from the back seat, along with a paddle broken down into two parts.

“How far is the walk down to the beach?” Shiv wondered how they were going to navigate a kayak and a small child down a cliff path.

“Not too far, but there’s somewhere you can tie it up safely, so once it’s down there you can leave it. Don’t worry, I come fully equipped.” Tierney pulled out a set of wheels for the kayak, then together they lifted it down from the roof and attached it. Tierney then pulled out a backpack with a stand attached. Shiv wasn’t quite sure what it was until she lifted Pegeen out of the car seat and slid her in. She added a couple of water bottles, then hoisted the pack onto her back and strapped it on. Pegeen waved from over her shoulder.

“You’re pretty good at this baby thing.” Shiv lifted the end of the kayak and wheeled it toward the cliff path, Tierney walking alongside.

“I guess so. I always enjoyed activities that required a lot of equipment, so I was well prepared for the biggest adventure of my life.”

Pegeen giggled and pulled at her ear.

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