Cindy Bell - Tides, Trails and Trouble

M ary turned away from the kitchen sink as she heard footsteps behind her. She saw Suzie, carrying a few bags of groceries .

Oh, Suzie you should have let me know, I would have helped you through the door .

Its all right, I made it okay. Suzie smiled. I checked the voicemail while I was out, and one of the guests requested a large birdcage. Suzie raised an eyebrow as she set down the bags of groceries on the counter. Any idea where we can get one ?

I already got one, actually. Mary smiled proudly. I listened to the voicemail this morning while you were out, and I searched through some local sales pages and came across one for sale. It wasnt too much. Wes was coming over for a coffee anyway, so he picked it up for me on his way here. I hope thats okay .

Of course it is, youre a lifesaver. I wasnt looking forward to having a conversation with Mrs. Panner about why we couldnt get her a birdcage. The strange thing is, when I called her back, I asked her what kind of bird she would be bringing, and she said she wasnt bringing a bird. So, what could she possibly need the cage for ?

I have no idea, but Im looking forward to finding out. Mary laughed as she began to unload the groceries from the bags. Nothing made her more cheerful than new guests. In this case, they were part of a birdwatching group .

Me too. Before I went to the store I stopped by the library and picked up all of the local bird information I could find. I think Louis thought Id lost my mind. She pointed to one of the bags near the end of the counter. Theyre in there. I also asked Jonathan to host a nature walk through the woods on the beach. Theyll be by themselves for most of the birdwatching, but I thought with his local knowledge it might be a good way to introduce them to the area .

Good idea, Suzie. Mary put the last of the groceries on the shelf, then turned back to face her. Im sure they will all be thrilled. Was Jonathan any friendlier this time ?

A bit. She grinned. I managed to coax a smile out of him. I think hes just a little shy .

Thats possible. Hes so young, hes probably still defining his role in life. Mary smiled to herself. My son struggled at his age. Ben was so shy .

Im still trying to define mine. Suzie laughed. If it werent for inheriting this house and turning it into a bed and breakfast with you, I have no idea where I would be .

Its changed my entire life, too, Suzie. Were very lucky .

Yes, we are. She gave her friend a quick hug. Im going to check over the rooms one last time. Our guests should be arriving in the next hour or so .

Let me know if theres anything you need help with. Im just going to be putting together a welcome tray. Mary started towards the refrigerator. She usually put out a spread to welcome new guests. It was a warm way to greet them, and a great way to get to know them. People were much more talkative when there were snacks .

Suzie headed up the stairs to the guest rooms. On the second floor, she checked each room and bathroom to be sure it had fresh linens and towels available. She knew everything would be fully stocked, but it was a routine she always went through before guests arrived. Even though there were no guests staying on the third floor, she checked that nothing was out of place. Guests often went up to the third floor to look at the view .

As Suzie walked down the hallway she paused to gaze out through one of her favorite windows in the house. It was in between rooms and larger than most of the others. It provided a view of the open expanse of beach beyond the back of the house. It still surprised her that she lived in such a paradise, all because of an uncle she barely knew .

A little further down the beach she could see the colorful tops of tents pitched by a group of surfers. That area of the beach allowed camping, and the group spent most of their time out on the water. She could see a few people in the distance riding the waves .

Even though Garber didnt attract many tourists, it was the type of place that people loved to visit, and she was lucky enough to live there. She tore her attention away from the beach and headed back downstairs to help Mary with last-minute things in the kitchen .

When she reached the bottom of the stairs a familiar nose nudged the palm of her hand. She drew back a bit at the wet touch, then laughed .

Hello, Pilot. She rubbed her hand across the dogs golden fur. How did you like your new bed, hmm ?

He didnt use it. Mary smiled as she set a tray down on the butchers block in the kitchen. It was filled with sliced vegetables, crackers, cheese, and assorted fruit. He slept in my bed, again .

Oh, Mary. She wagged her finger at her. If you dont break him of that habit hell never be out of your bed .

I dont mind. She reached down and stroked the yellow Labradors back. When my kids were little they would pile into bed with me. It was the best feeling ever to be surrounded by love. Pilot keeps me warm, and you know, hes still grieving .

Thats true. Suzie studied the dog with a bit more empathy. Hed lost his owner recently, and had since barely left their side. If he wasnt with Mary, he was following Suzie around. Now and then he would chase the seagulls away from the property. Most of the time he was a very mild-mannered dog with a friendly lick for anyone that offered their hand. Shed double-checked with all of their guests to be sure the dog wouldnt be an issue, and all seemed quite enthusiastic to meet him. Hed become more than just a pet. He was a member of the family, and even of the town. Often people from the town would stop by just to pet or play with him .

Did you check with Jason to make sure that he and Summer will be joining us for dinner? Mary washed her hands in the sink then grabbed a towel to dry them .

Yes, I texted him earlier. He said theyll be here unless disaster strikes. It must be tough that when theres a suspicious death they both get pulled into it. Jason investigates, and Summer examines the body. I wonder what they talk about at night. She raised an eyebrow. Murders ?

Or maybe anything but. I bet they need a break from the tension in their days. Maybe Jason rubs her feet. Mary grinned .

Jason does what? His familiar voice greeted them just before Pilot raced towards the door. Jason stepped inside with a grin .

Some watchdog. Suzie rolled her eyes and laughed. She hugged her cousin. How are you today, Jason? In his thirties, it still felt as if he was young enough to be her son, and that sense of family pride welled up within her every time she saw him .

Just checking on you two before the birdwatchers get here. I hope theyre a tamer bunch than the surfers camped out on the beach. That group has been keeping me busy. He rubbed the back of his neck .