Page 7 of Spotted at Lighthouse Bay
She ended the call and pushed the kitchen door open. Sheila stood over their mother, hands on her hips. Sheila’s boyfriend Russell stood back by Rick, watching the scene unfold.
“Why are you being like this?” Sheila barked.
“Sheila,” Addy said, placing a gentle hand on her elbow. “If anyone walks in, they’re going to think you’re trying to fight an old lady.”
“Maybe I am,” Sheila muttered under her breath.
Addy led her back to Russell, who stood by the door, his face flat, his eyes watching them all.
He had to think they were all nutters. Her most of all.
Marilyn sat in her chair, her purse in her lap, her eyes round. “I’m just trying to enjoy my tea.”
“You said it tasted like poison,” Sheila said over her shoulder.
“I said I’ve had better.” Marilyn picked up her teacup and put it to her lips. “But I’ve traveled all over the world—what do you expect? For me to lie to spare your feelings?”
Eliza forced a smile. “Can I get you something else, Grandma?”
“No, no.” Marilyn tipped the cup back before setting it down with a clatter. “Don’t worry about me. I make do.”
Rick’s dark figure floated into the corner of Addy’s vision. She jumped.
“Is everything okay?” he asked.
“Yes, it’s fine,” Addy said. “This is my sister, Sheila.”
“Hello, Sheila.”
Sheila ripped her elbow out of Addy’s grasp. “Who’s that?”
“That’s Rick,” Addy said, trying not to smile.
“Who is Rick?” Sheila demanded.
“My bodyguard.” Addy turned toward him. “I spoke to Shane and –”
Sheila cut her off. “How do you know Shane?”
Big sisters, always so quick to demand answers. This was getting out of hand.
Addy’s shoulders dropped. “Sheila, come with me. Let’s talk.”
She led her into the kitchen. The door swung open and Rick stepped in behind her.
“I just needed to confirm there’s no door in here.”
Sheila’s jaw dropped. “Excuse me, Rick! Get out of here!”
He disappeared behind the door and Addy covered her mouth with her hand.
It was wrong to laugh, but if she didn’t she would lose her mind. “He’s my bodyguard, Sheila.”
“Yourwhat?Did I walk into another dimension, Addy? What is going on?!”
With a deep breath, Addy told her about the court case, the threat, and Patty interrogating Rick.
“Patty came to get me,” Sheila said, “and she didn’t even mention Rick. She said Mom is here and looking for money.”
