Before Edmund had time to turn away from the balcony a large raven landed near the necklace, scooped it up in its beak, and flew off toward Orcas Island. Both men looked at each in shock and then Delroy laughed. “The old bastard took it back.”
“What?” Edmund said.
Delroy refilled his glass and shrugged. “That’s a story that would take more time to explain than either one of us has.” He started to bring the glass to his mouth, stopped, and then pointed at something down by the marina. “Who’s that?”
Edmund’s eyes followed to where Delroy was pointing. “Do you mean the young woman with the ponytail?”
“Yes, that’s the one. She appears to be engaged in some rather serious business.”
“Ah, yes. Tilda mentioned something about it to me. Apparently, she’s here to conduct an interview with Decklan Stone for her college newspaper.”
Delroy’s brows lifted. “Since when is Decklan granting interviews? He hardly speaks to me let alone anyone else. What’s her name?”
“I’m sorry. I don’t recall.”
“No matter,” Delroy said as he clapped Edmund on the shoulder. “I have a feeling I’ll be finding out her story soon enough. Wheels are turning and mysteries await. I just know it. Until then, a final toast?”
Edmund raised his glass. “Toast away, old friend.”
“To your son Lucas safely returned. To the continued success of Charles’s grandson Roland. To loves past and new loves made. And may we all sneak into heaven a half hour before the devil knows we’re dead.”
Delroy and Edmund downed their drinks and said their goodbyes, including a promise to see each other again soon.
It was another day in Roche Harbor.
That alone made it a better day than most.
End.
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The San Juan Islands Mystery series will continue with:
The Turn Point Massacre
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About the Author
D.W. ULSTERMAN IS A USA TODAY FEATURED AUTHOR WITH NEARLY HALF-A-MILLION BOOKS SOLD SO FAR.
He is the writer of the Kindle Scout-winning San Juan Islands Mystery & Romance series published by Kindle Press as well as the #1 bestselling family drama, The Irish Cowboy.
He lives with his wife of twenty-five years in the Pacific Northwest. During the summer months you can find him navigating the waters of his beloved San Juan Islands. He is the father of two grown children and is also best friends with Dublin the Dobe.
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