Page 25 of Kindred Lies
Chapter 14
They strolled toward the Marchant house in a peaceful silence. It amazed Amethyst how comfortable they were in each other’s company after only being acquainted with each other a handful of days. Less than that really… Something about the town spoke to her and Cooper Marchant made her heart sing. He was the only male she’d ever encountered that made her crave more. Of course she never tried to get close to anyone before, male or female.
She’d given up on any type of relationship before she turned ten. That was the last time she’d attempted to make a friend. Kids could be cruel and a girl in elementary school had made a lasting impression. Regina Cook… She’d snickered at Amethyst and snidely replied,“That’s the way the cookie crumbles,” during a game of four square. She’d been the most popular girl in her fourth grade class. Well the entire fourth grade really. Regina had taken pleasure in making Amethyst as miserable as possible. After they moved from that town she’d never tried to fit in again. Amethyst had found it much easier to keep to the shadows and carve a path all on her own.
“My dad is probably in the kitchen,” Cooper told her. “We should stop in and let him know where we’re going. It wouldn’t hurt for someone to be aware of our plans. Just in case…”
“Something dastardly happens to us?” She lifted a brow. “Do you really think that might happen? This seems like an innocuous little town where nothing bad ever happens.” Had those words actually left her mouth? She sounded like an idiot.
“Well,” he began. “It usually doesn’t. That’s true, but…” He frowned. “That one time it did still lingers on everyone’s mind. You know… Easton Hill…”
Ah, yeah… How could she have forgotten about that already? The ghost of Easton Hill was one of the reason’s she had decided to visit the little town of North Point. His story, or what she’d been able to dig up before traveling to the town, had been compelling. Actually it was the story of him haunting the little island that had caught her interest. Reading Marianne’s journal had spiked her interest in the man himself. She’d seemed to really adore her husband. Amethyst wanted to do justice to their tale and make sure everyone understood their love and the tragic ending to it.
“Right.” She nodded. “So lead the way. We will pop in and say hello to your dad.” Was it too much to hope that Nicholas Drake had left? He made her a little uncomfortable and she wasn’t in the mood for another interrogation.
They walked into the kitchen and found both Roman Marchant and Nicholas Drake sitting at the table. Roman had the paper spread out in front of him and Nicholas was sipping something from a mug. They didn’t have power either, but apparently the Marchant household could still brew coffee. It smelled wonderful.
“Hey, Coop,” Nicholas greeted him. “There’s coffee on the stove if you want some.”
“No,” he replied. “We are going out on the boat and will stop for a picnic on the island.” He nodded at his dad. “How did you guys fair last night during the storm?”
“We did all right,” his dad answered. “The generator is keeping the essentials going. I expect it will take a good portion of the day for the lines to be repaired. An outing is probably a good idea. Is your phone charged? Can we get ahold of you if necessary?”
Cooper nodded. “It’s good to go.”
“How about the inn?” His father folded the paper and set it on the table. “Are we expecting any guests?”
“Only Amethyst’s mom,” he answered. “But we will be back long before she arrives.”
Nicholas sat forward and set his coffee cup on the table. “I can wait for her at the inn if you want. You two look like you could use a long day of fun.”
Amethyst had been quiet and let Cooper handle his family. She wasn’t used to the dynamic of having more than one person care about her. Nicholas seemed a little too eager to wait for her mother though. He had seemed interested when she mentioned her before too. “I don’t think that’s necessary, Mr. Drake,” she told him. “My mother will be expecting me and she doesn’t know you.” Though she’d probably fall at the man’s feet. He was a pretty good-looking man and if she were into older gentleman she might find him attractive. He seemed like her mom’s type—minus the lack of wealth.
“Are you sure?” Cooper asked her. “Nick can help your mom and give her a key to your room. It isn’t that much of a trouble.”
Amethyst didn’t like it. “I don’t know.”
“I assure you,” Nicholas said earnestly and then smiled pleasantly for good measure. “I don’t mind. There is nothing pressing keeping me active. You’d be doing me a favor. Boredom doesn’t suit me.”
She narrowed her gaze. He was trying to act harmless and innocent but she didn’t buy it for a second. There was a reason he wanted to let her mother into the inn, but for the life of her she couldn’t figure out why. Amethyst sighed. There was not a good reason to object. Besides her mother would love having a handsome man catering to her. “Fine,” she reluctantly agreed. “Tell my mother that I won’t be out too late.”
“Wonderful,” Nicholas said. “What room are you staying in? If the computer isn’t on I will need to know what key to make available to her.”
“Thirteen,” she answered.
“Now that is settled,” Roman interrupted. “You two be careful on the island. There is no telling what damage the storm created out there.” He turned his attention to Cooper. “And make sure that phone of yours stays on. I worry.”
“I know dad,” he said and then hugged him. “I promise we will be careful.” Cooper held his hand out to her. “Let’s go.”
With those words they exited the house and headed to the dock where his boat was located. This time there was nothing preventing her from exploring the island. There was gas in the tank and no diversions. Amethyst sat back and let the wind blow over her and she reveled in the feel of it.
* * *
They reachedthe island and Cooper made sure to tie the boat to the dock. He reached down and took the picnic basket from Amethyst then assisted her out of the boat. He didn’t let go of her hand as they headed on to the island. There was a small cabin not far from the dock where he planned on leaving their basket.
He led Amethyst to the structure and they went inside. It was sparsely furnished. Cooper had built the cabin on he island when he was fourteen. It had been his fort and place to go when he needed to escape. It had a table, two chairs, and a small cot in the back corner. There were blankets and essentials in a cedar chest next to the cot. Inside he made sure he had always kept batteries, matches, candles and flashlights. There was one cupboard in the cabin and in it was some canned food and bottled water. He hadn’t been out to the island since the fall, but he expected most of the supplies would still be there if they were ever needed.
“This is a nifty place,” Amethyst said as she studied everything. “How long has this been here?”
