Page 53 of Sunset Cove
Lucy looked over to Chip, sitting at the large, stately desk at the back of the room. Squarely behind him she spotted the fax machine, which was sporting a black-and-white printout of Marty’s face.
So fax wasn’t a code word. Who even used fax machines anymore? Ridiculous.
“We just had the loveliest brunch, and I was hoping that you two might want to come and join us for a walk along the water?” Margie said, casually strolling over to Chip and putting a hand on his shoulder.
Chip turned and looked up at her. “I’m glad to hear that you enjoyed the Plum Spoon, but I’m going to have to skip the walk. Claire’s putting me to work today. I’m getting bids for some hotel improvements.”
“What a shame!” said Margie, giving Lucy a stern stare.
Lucy took the hint, and started slowly moving toward Chip’s desk.
Margie kept talking. “I know a wonderful photographer who could take new pictures of the property, if you’re interested?”
He looked at Claire, then back at Margie. “Sure. That’d be great.”
How was Lucy going to get behind that huge desk without looking suspicious? She walked slowly, careful not to bump any of the leaning towers of papers on the surrounding bookshelves.
As she rounded a chair, Lucy’s foot got caught on a rug and she went tumbling to the ground.
“Lucy!” said Claire, getting up from her seat. “Are you okay?”
“Oof.” Lucy did her best impression of a professional soccer player, sprawled and immobile.
Chip stood up from his desk and rushed over. “I’m so sorry! It’s an old rug and people hardly ever come in here. Are you all right?”
Lucy sat up slowly. She could see Margie silently inching toward the fax machine before snatching the paper and shoving it into her pocket.
“I’m fine, just a bit...surprised.” She stood up, dusting herself off.
“You have to be careful,” said Claire, genuinely concerned about Lucy’s health.
“I’m sorry, I’m just clumsy,” she said, patting Claire on the hand. “Will you be working all day?”
Claire nodded. “Yes, I think so. If you want to head back to the cabin, I could meet you there later?”
“Sure.” Lucy nodded slowly. “I’ll go back now?”
Claire shrugged. “Yeah, that sounds good.”
Margie and Lucy said their goodbyes and made their exit. Chip seemed none the wiser, cheerfully waving them off and making them promise to return soon.
Once they were back in the parking lot, Lucy asked to see the printout.
“Why are they using ancient technology to torment us?” Lucy groaned.
“It’s not ancient, it’s useful. Especially if they don’t have an email for the hotel.” Margie paused. “Do you think they might’ve emailed it, too?”
“They must have, but maybe Claire can take care of that? I’ll text her.” Lucy pulled out her phone and sent a less-than-cryptic text to Claire that read, “Check your email, too. I bet the hotel gets lots of SPAM!”
“I unplugged the fax machine,” Margie said. “There won’t be any more surprises.”
Lucy nodded, impressed. “Nice.”
“Now what should we do?”
Lucy looked around. It still didn’t seem like the FBI was descending upon them. At least not yet. They had some time.
“I think Claire wanted me to go back and check on Marty, so I’ll do that.”
