Page 9 of Spotted at Lighthouse Bay
“That’s not yours!” Adelaide said, stepping forward.
Marilyn shrugged. “It’s not yours, either.”
“I found it,” Adelaide countered.
“Don’t be selfish. My goodness.” Marilyn shook the bottle, the paper inside making a soft clink. “Can’t we all enjoy whatever fun the tide brought in?”
Adelaide looked up, her eyes scanning the room. “I just…”
Patty and Eliza were dealing with a customer at the front of the store. No one seemed threatening, but something wasn’t right about this bottle.
Rick reached out and pulled it from Marilyn’s hand. “Let me try.”
Marilyn turned, a smirk on her face. “See? Some people have manners.”
“Some people weren’t raised by wolves,” Sheila said in a low voice.
Rick tucked the bottle under his arm. “On second thought, this could be a threat to Adelaide. I’ll have to investigate it.”
“A threat!” Marilyn let out a tut. “You’re being ridiculous. Don’t spoil the fun.”
Adelaide took a breath and looked away.
So it was the bottle.
Rick shook his head. “It won’t be any fun if there’s an incendiary device inside.”
Russell laughed. “You’re a serious guy, Rick.”
“That’s what they pay me for.”
“I’m Russell Westwood,” he said, extending a handshake. “I’m not a serious guy, but sometimes I play one on TV.”
Rick smiled. “I’ve seen your movies. They’re good.”
“Thanks. I appreciate that.”
More important than the movies, Rick hadn’t heard any negative stories about Russell. That was rare, especially as famous as he was.
“Rick is my new bodyguard,” Adelaide said. “Shane is on a big case and there were some threats.”
“I already told Russell about it,” Marilyn said, waving a hand.
Russell cleared his throat. “You’re welcome to stay with me, Rick. I’ve got an open room right next to Addy’s. You can keep an eye on her.”
“What about me, Russell?” Marilyn dropped her hands onto the table, her rings making a clank. “I’m practically your mother-in-law and you haven’t offered me a room yet.”
“Hm, I wouldn’t gothatfar,” Patty said, scooting by with a tray on her hip.
“We’re not married, and you have no right to demand to stay in Russell’s house,” Sheila said. “Or, for that matter, Patty’s either. We’re full.”
“I came here to tell you I’ve been robbed and all you can think about is technicalities. So what if your boyfriend didn’t give you a ring?” Marilyn shook her head. “You’re fifty years old, Sheila. It’s –”
“I’m fifty-one, Mom.” Sheila crossed her arms over her chest. “Didn’t you bring anything for my birthday?”
Marilyn sighed. “How could I? I keep telling you, I was robbed!”
Adelaide took a seat next to her. “What happened, Mom?”
