“It’s a long story, but he stole the money from the company to pay for some medical procedures for his daughter. She was dying. Anyway, he promised me he’d come back and turn himself in after she had one more surgery.”
“And?”
“And he’s back and scheduled to be arraigned this week.”
“I haven’t heard any news of it.” Mason frowned.
“I’m sure once the press gets ahold of it, it will be all over the news.” His father pushed a piece of paper across the table toward him. “And he still had stock in the company and turned it over to me. Looks like you and I have controlling interest again.”
Mason frowned. “So he did it—stole the money—for his daughter?”
“Yes, and it didn’t make it right, but honestly, I’d do anything for you too, son.”
Mason looked at him for a moment. “Even come back as CEO for the company?”
“Why, do you want to step down?”
“I— I didn’t plan on having this position. Not for years anyway.”
“But you’re doing a fine job with it.”
Mason leaned back in his chair, choosing his words carefully. “You know how you and mom were? Working all the time? It consumed your lives.”
“I know it did. And I’m sorry about that. We weren’t the best parents.” His dad leaned forward. “Is this about Zoe?”
“No. Well, kind of.” He raked his hand through his hair. “I just… I was caught off guard. I wasn’t looking for… anything. But then… I found Zoe. And I care about her. When that tree was falling and I thought for a second that I’d lose her… I couldn’t breathe. Couldn’t move.”
“Have you told her how you feel?”
“No.” He looked down at the stack of papers before him and let out a long sigh. “No, I didn’t tell her. And besides, I have responsibilities here. She has a job there. Well, not on the island, but all the way across the country from here.”
His father studied his face for a long while, then reached out and touched his hand. “You know, son. Sometimes you need to do what you want to do instead of what you think you’re expected to do.”
He looked at his father and felt his face break into a wry grin. “You know, Dad, you could take your own advice.”
His dad’s eyes twinkled, and a slow smile spread across his face. “About that. I have an idea.”
Chapter 28
Betty sat out on the front porch of the retirement center. She’d been sitting outside for about half an hour. Jay had called to say that he and Robin were bringing Barney for a visit when they came over on the ferry to pick up some supplies for the inn. She couldn’t wait to see Barney. She’d missed him so much.
And she knew Barney hated storms. She hoped he’d handled the hurricane okay.
She pushed to her feet when she saw them pull up in the parking lot and waved her hand, a smile sweeping across her face when Jay got out of the car with Barney in tow.
Barney barked and wagged his tail, tugging Jay across the lot and up the stairs. She collapsed back into her chair and leaned down to wrap the dog in a hug. “Oh, Barney. You made it through the storm. It was a bad one, wasn’t it? I bet you weren’t very happy.”
“He doesn’t like storms much, does he?” Robin asked.
“Not at all. But he did okay?”
“He was fine,” Jay answered.
But she didn’t miss the looks that passed between Robin and Jay. Who knew what mischief Barney had gotten into. She petted him again. “Now, Barney, you need to be good for Jay.” Barney wagged his tail.
“Here, come sit down. I got us some lemonade.” She motioned to the tray with a big pitcher of lemonade and three glasses.
Robin poured them all drinks and settled beside her while Jay lounged against the porch railing. Barney sat right at her feet. She’d missed that. She petted him again and heard the resounding thump of his tail on the wooden porch.
“I heard the bridge was out during the storm.” She shook her head. “I didn’t know if you’d be able to come over here this soon.”
“We took the ferry. But they’ve inspected the bridge. It wasn’t as bad as they feared. I think the bridge will be open before long. But for now, the ferry runs regularly and a few tugs are bringing over flat barges of supplies.” Jay took a sip of lemonade.
“But the town did okay? Not much damage?”
“We were really lucky with this storm,” Robin said.
“I was worried about all of you. I’m so glad you’re okay.” She reached down to pet her dog. “And Barney is adjusting?”
“He’s doing fine,” Jay assured her.
“I’m sure he misses you, but he’s quite taken with Jay,” Robin added.
“I’m so grateful you could take him.”
“I was glad to. I’m glad for his company.”
“Oh, did you know that George and Ida live here? They were talking about a journal Lillian found in their old home, Magnolia House. Some kind of mystery surrounding it while Lillian tried to figure out who wrote it?”
Robin paused the slow rocking of her chair. “Well, that’s kind of sad. Lillian has found out more. The journal was written by an Anna Smith. And she had a secret boyfriend, Johnny. His dad was the lightkeeper.”
Betty frowned. “The lightkeeper?” A slow recollection flowed through her. Anna Smith. Hadn’t heard that name in a very long time.
“But it looks like both Anna and Johnny were listed as missing in a big hurricane that came through the town. Lillian is kind of sad about it. She was hoping that Anna and Johnny found their happily ever after. But Anna died.”
Betty broke into a wide grin. “Oh, no she didn’t. Do I have good news for Lillian.”
“What?” Jay frowned and looked at her.
“I know you’ve done so much already, but do you think you could take me to the island so I can see Lillian?”
“Of course. You can
