Page 43 of Fast Currents
“Not quite.” I dropped a quick kiss on her forehead. “One box is a thank you for Anya and Vi. And I couldn’t leave Rae out.”
Lucy arched one brow. “And the other?”
“All for you, honey.”
“You can’t buy me with chocolate, Robertson.”
I’d take her any way I could get her. Whatever reply I was about to give died on my tongue as Zach and Rae tumbled through the door, laughing and wet. They shed their rain jackets and boots on the mat.
Vi emerged from the kitchen, taking drink requests. In a matter of minutes, the tiny living room was full, minus one of the usual suspects.
Drew had pulled Anya into his lap, sharing one chair. Lucy snuggled next to me on the couch. Vi stood at the entry to the kitchen, wine glass in hand. Rae and Zach stood in front of the fireplace, hands out for warmth.
“No Lee tonight?” I asked.
“He’s on deadline,” Zach said, shaking his head ruefully. “I tried to tell him he still needs to eat, but he said he was on a roll and couldn’t stop until he met his wordcount for the day.”
“Maybe I’ll drop off a care package after dinner,” Vi said.
Did she even realize she turned her body in the direction of Lee’s house as she mentioned him—like he was her north, compass be damned?
“Good luck,” Drew said. “When he’s writing, he can tune out anything. I doubt he’ll even hear the door.”
“That’s why I have a key,” Vi said smugly.
Drew narrowed his eyes. “He and I have been best friends for the better part of two decades, and you’re the one with a key?”
Vi patted her oldest brother’s arm. “I guess some of us are just more responsible and trustworthy than others.”
Drew huffed, scowling. “Have you met me?”
Vi rolled her eyes at her older brother. “Yes. I have. Need I remind you of the manure incident when I was sixteen?”
“Clark Wallace deserved that.”
“Whatever you say, Drew. Dinner’s ready. Come dish up.”
We followed Violet into the kitchen. She, Drew, and Anya had put together a feast of epic proportions. Two roasted chickens, mashed potatoes, rolls, and steamed broccoli filled the counter. We dished up quickly, settling in the living room to eat.
“This is so good. Thanks, guys,” Lucy said, inhaling her dinner.
Vi smiled innocently. “You say that like you worked upquitean appetite.” She shifted her gaze between me and Lucy, making it clear exactly why she thought Lucy was so hungry.
“Yes, Roberston and I are knocking boots. Tell Lee. Tell your Gran. Tell anyone you feel needs to know our private business,” Lucy said with an edge in her voice.
“Okay then,” Drew said mildly, gaze sliding from my face to Lucy’s.
For once, I was glad Lucy wasn’t one of the Fenwick siblings. Drew, Zach, and Violet were all up in each other’s business, with plenty of opinions on who each other should date or be with. Watching Drew pair up with Anya and Zach admit his feelings for Rae made me grateful I was an only child.
After dinner, Lucy broached the topic of the art gallery. “Drew, you remember that case you found down at the beach? Do you recall if it had any identifying markers?”
Drew shrugged. “I didn’t inspect it that thoroughly. There was no ‘property of’ stamped on it, but it was etched with the initials J.D.”
“For Jordan Dawkins?” Lucy asked.
“Who knows? I regret not busting it open when I had the chance. It was probably empty, but now we’ll never know.”
Lucy held up a finger. “Oris it nestled in Chaz Underwood’s back room at the gallery?” She pulled out her phone, holding out the photo she’d snapped in Chaz’s back room. “Do you recognize it?”
