by Tena Stetler
“Steak and lobster for me,” Pepper said. “Mom used to say there was no better place for surf and turf than The Cliffside.
“With that endorsement, I’ll have the same.” Gwen closed her menu and laid it on the table on top of the others.
The waiter returned with a bottle of champagne, showed the label to Lathen. When he nodded approval, the waiter poured the rich amber liquid into the crystal wine glasses and set the bottle on the table. “Enjoy. May I inquire what are you celebrating this evening?”
“Pepper McKay’s application to the town council for Lobster Cove’s Wildlife Rescue and Rehab Center was approved this afternoon.” Lathen beamed and motioned to Pepper sitting next to him, covering her hand with his.
She felt her cheeks warm and grinned. “It was an exciting day.”
“So I heard.” The waiter leaned over and said quietly, “Most the town was pulling for you. Look forward to your grand opening.” He straightened. “Are you ready to order?”
“Yes. We’ll all have the steak and lobster,” Lathen said.
“Excellent choice.”
The dinner was delicious. They talked about Pepper’s early days with Gwen, about the days before Pepper, and everything in between. But Pepper still couldn’t shrug off the uneasy feeling that followed her since her conversation with Ashling. Maybe it was time to drop all this in her father’s lap.
Chapter Eleven
Ever Wonder What Boat Tours
and History Lessons Have in Common?
Not a Thing—as It Turns Out
Saturday morning, dressed in black jeans, gray sweater, and boots, Lathen stood back as Gwen and Pepper said their goodbyes. Gwen promised to try to return for Lobster Cove’s Fourth of July Celebration as she checked him out from head to toe. Gave his male ego a boost, though he would never admit it.
Astounded at Kaylee’s progress, Gwen asked that Pepper document her rehab techniques for the bird. Giving her one final hug, Gwen descended the porch steps and got into her SUV. With tears in her eyes and Lathen’s arm around her waist, Pepper waved to Gwen as she drove out of sight. Ember stood at the edge of the porch, and Kaylee soared overhead.
Pepper finally turned from the porch railing and nudged Ember inside, whistling for Kaylee to come in also. The osprey flew through the open door, across the living room, and banked a sharp turn down the hall into the aviary and settled on her favorite branch, blinking slowly as Pepper followed her in.
Pepper tossed a fish for Kaylee, grinning as the bird swooped and dived with precision for the meal. Lathen watched her for a few minutes, then returned to the kitchen and filled the dog’s food and water bowl. Turning as she stepped behind, she leaned against him and wound her arms around his neck. “So what is this surprise you have for me?”
“You just have to wait and see. Grab a coat and your slicker. Rain isn’t predicted, but…” Lathen said holding the door, waiting for her to grab her stuff.
The fog was beginning to lift as he pulled into the parking lot for Claws and Effect Boat Tours. “I thought you’d enjoy a boat tour along with a history lesson of these parts. And it looks like the perfect day for it. Robert Mathison, he owns the place, is knowledgeable about Lobster Cove’s colorful history. Might be a great place to start your investigation and research into who’s after the McKay’s magic.” He rubbed the back of his neck. A feeling of uncertainty washed over him again.
“Do you know if anyone involved in the Salem Witch Trials in 1692 and ’93 settled here? Maybe their descendants still live here,” Pepper asked.
“Nope. I’m fairly new to the town, but if there is, we can probably start at the town hall, take a look at the birth and death records. But you might want to keep your reasoning to yourself until you find something. Don’t want to go around…well, you know.”
She quirked a brow and smirked. “I thought you said they all know.”
“There’s a difference between enjoying colorful folklore about your town and knowing it’s true.” He shrugged. “Ashling said things could get dicey.”
“Did you know that Maine was part of Massachusetts until 1820? So it kinda stands to reason that maybe the rumors are true. The witch could’ve fled from Massachusetts into the arms of a McKay who exploited her and took her powers on the promise to return them. When he never did, a disgruntled descendant or maybe the witch herself is looking for retribution? Far-fetched, I know, but…”
“This area wasn’t even settled until early 1780. Call your father. See what he has to say about Ashling’s recollection. That’s where I’d start.” Lathen opened the door to Claws and Effect, where several people milled around waiting for the first tour of the day.
“Good morning, everyone. If all of you will follow me, we’ll get this tour started.” Robert led the little group past a lobster boat, to a large forty-foot fishing boat moored at Pier 1. Getting under way, he pointed out the large trawlers on the opposite side explaining the different types and how they were used. Mr. Mathison was a wealth of information on the fishing industry and Lobster Cove’s part in it. Also on boats and equipment used today and as far back as the 1800s. When the tour boat passed within sight of her property high on the cliff, Pepper asked about the town’s history and the McKay property in particular. He was evasive and joked that every town had a colorful group of characters and Lobster Cove was no different.
In his jovial booming voice, he changed the subject. “Pepper, I hear that your petition for the wildlife refuge and rehab was approved. Excellent use of your land,” Robert said then lowered his voice. “Maybe put the longtime rumors to rest.” Resuming his announcing voice, he pointed toward her land. “Can we expect Lobster Cove Wildlife Rehab and Rescue to have a grand opening early fall?”
Pepper nodded. “Provided we’re done with the construction and everything is up and running. Barring no large-scale emergencies.”
“Well, you’ve got the best man for the job. Lathen will have it finished ahead of schedule, mark my words.” Mathison turned the boat around and headed back to port, pointing out the geographical features and wildlife of interest along the way.
The group disembarked, Pepper and Lathen thanked Robert for a wonderful tour and said they’d keep him informed of the grand opening. On the way to the parking lot, Lathen noticed Pepper seemed to be in a much better mood and more relaxed than she’d been since Ashling’s appearance.
“How about a late lunch? I’m starved.”
“Fine with me,” Pepper said.
“We can stop by Ned’s Lobster Shack, grab a bite. Then on the way to your place, pick up dessert and a couple meat pies for later at Sweet Bea’s. At the cabin, we can brew up some coffee and relax a bit.”
“Sounds good. I’d like to get home before it gets too late, so I can call my parents. I haven’t talked to them since I called my mother on the first day here. The conversation was a little odd,” she said climbing into the truck.
“How so?” Lathen started the engine and drove a couple of blocks to Ned’s.
“I can’t put my finger on it. My parents have always been supportive, but it was like she wasn’t telling me something.” She grimaced. “But I was so tired, I could have imagined it.” She pushed on the truck door as he came around and opened it for her.
“Where do your parents live?” He grabbed her hand and twined his fingers through hers as they strolled to Ned’s.
“Colorado.”
“Wow, that’s a long way from here, as well as in culture and lifestyle.” He pulled open the door, and the enticing aroma of lobster and homemade biscuits wafted out as they walked in and sat at a table.
After reviewing the menu, they placed an order and Pepper continued. “Yeah, Mom said Dad was tired of the sea, and the Rocky Mountains seemed to have a draw for him. I grew up on the western slope. Learned to ski almost before I walked. Loved river rafting, camping, hiking, all the Colorado-type things until I was sixteen and spent a summer with Aunt Ashling. After that, it was all about the anima
ls, marine biology, and the ocean. Mom and Dad weren’t happy, but…never objected when I wanted to spend every summer with Ashling. Dad would roll his eyes and Mom would make other suggestions while giving Dad a strange look. But in the end they supported my choice.”
“Bet they’re proud of you,” Lathen said as the waitress brought their order.
“Yeah, I think so. They came to Salem to visit a few times, but Dad always seemed antsy after a few days to get back. Mom loved the history and wanted to see and revel in all the famous places. Mom and I took a little side trip to Boston a couple of times. She was a history professor, retired now.” Pepper took a bite of her lobster roll. “These are really good.”
“Good thing you like lobster.” He took a drink of coffee and waved the cup toward her. “What did your dad do?”
“He was a biology professor specializing in zoology.”
“So you took after your dad.”
“Guess so, never thought about it.” Finishing her last bite, she pushed the plate away. “Ready?”
“Yep. Can’t wait for vanilla cake with raspberry filling, huh?”
“You got it.” She smiled at him as they walked to the truck.
The stop at Bea’s was short. Lathen purchased four meat pies, two for later tonight, two for the freezer, and two pieces of vanilla cake. By the time they arrived at Pepper’s place, it was closing in on six o’clock. Ember was on the back of the couch watching out the window. She jumped down and met them at the door. Pepper paused to scratch the dog’s ear and watched her race outside. Lathen kept an eye on the dog as Pepper checked on Kaylee. He heard Pepper open the holding tank and toss the bird a large fish. When Pepper returned to the living room, he was relaxed in the rocker recliner with a piece of cake. Pepper’s piece sat on the coffee table beside the reclining sofa. Ember lay next to the sofa eying the plate of cake on the table.
“Did you want me to start a fire?” Lathen asked around the bite of cake he’d just popped in his mouth.
****
“That would be great, if you don’t mind.” Pepper sat down on the sofa with her piece of vanilla cake, forked up a piece, and slid it into her mouth.
“Don’t mind a bit.” He pushed up from the rocker and stoked the fireplace with wood and took off in search of newspaper to get it started.
With a snap of her fingers, Pepper had a roaring fire in the hearth when he returned. “Figured you were as tired as I am.” She smiled at him, closed her eyes, and reached for the phone.
“Appreciate it.” He reclined the section of sofa completely and took another bite of cake.
After tapping in her parents’ number, she held the phone to her ear. Her dad answered on the first ring.
“Hi there, Pep, everything all right?” His voice was calm but with a slight edge to it that Pepper detected immediately.
“Of course, why wouldn’t it be?” she said soothingly.
“Oh, no reason.”
“Pops, I got a few questions for you. Would now be a good time?”
“If you mean is your mother here, she is not.”
“Good. She told you I inherited the McKay property in Lobster Cove. Right?” Pepper chewed on her bottom lip while considering how to broach the subject of Aunt Ashling’s ghost. She was sure other magic families had ghostly relatives that popped up from time to time, but not hers.
“She did. Congratulations on your plans for the wildlife center. Your aunt would be proud.”
“As a matter of fact, she is.” Pepper paused for a couple beats, then charged ahead. “A few unsettling things have happened around here. I was sitting on the bench by the pond, you know the one, and Ashling materialized leaning against the big pine. When Mom visited Colleen after Ashling’s death, did she ever mention seeing her?”
“Nooo.” There was a long drawn-out pause, then he sighed. “I wondered if Ashling would stick around, especially with Colleen alone on the property. What else is going on?”
Pepper told him about Tom Green, omitting the last encounter, her telephone call to Colleen, and the conversation with Ashling. “Do you remember anything like that going on at the family reunions?”
“Yes, vaguely, I was pretty young at the time. But over the years, Ashling brought it up once in a while, especially when the last McKay on the property died, and it required either her or me to take up residence. By that time, I’d married your mother, and she was leery of the McKay magic. Not that the Abbott magic is any less, but she always said it was more dignified. Whatever that means.” He chuckled. “Partially my fault for dragging her to the family reunions where tales such as Ashling told you abound. Our large Irish family tended to embellish stories of long-gone relatives, good and bad.”
“Gee, I seem to remember tales you spun while I was growing up. I believed wholeheartedly…”
Her dad snorted. “Me—never.”
“Until Mom set me straight.”
“She always was a killjoy. Not that it mattered. Your mom always said there was too much power, especially on the family property. Besides, it was Ashling’s choice since she was the eldest. As far as I know, she never had any problems after moving onto the property.”
“I wondered why the land went to me rather than you. From her cryptic remarks, the trouble started after she died and allowed Colleen to live there for as long as she wanted. Ashling said it was her fault for leaving the property without a McKay witch. Does that make sense to you?”
“If you believe any of the tales handed down generation to generation, yes. Separating fact from fiction could be a daunting task.”
Pepper groaned. “Wrong answer. I’m up to my eyeballs with the wildlife center construction. I got the final approval necessary on Friday from the town council. Now, my goal is to get it up and running before cold weather sets in. And magic snafus are not part of the plan,” she said firmly.
“May I suggest we bring your mom, the historian, in on this to research the McKay family and any caveats regarding who lives on the property? With my help, of course.”
“Think she would? It could validate her opinions of the McKay magic. Tough on you.” Pepper teased, kicking back in the recliner, taking another bite of cake.
“Or it could put to rest her misgivings. Either way, being involved may alleviate her anxiety over you living on the property alone. The Tom Green incidents are just going to increase her desire to pop out there and protect you.”
“Couldn’t we just leave that part out for a while? Concentrate on confirming Ashling’s suspicions. Protecting the magic? Everything else should fall in line.”
“Don’t think that’s a prudent plan. If your Mr. Green is after the McKay magic, he could be dangerous. Your safety is my number one priority. If something happened to you, I would never forgive myself and your mother—I shudder to think…”
“Pops, Lathen has installed a state of the art security system. The magic is also working to protect me and…”
“Who’s Lathen?”
“He’s the handyman that the estate hired to maintain the property after Colleen left and before they found me. I’ve secured his services for the wildlife center’s construction.” She scraped the last remains of extra frosting and cake crumbs from her plate with her fork and slipped it into her mouth.
“Hold that thought. We’ll get back to Lathen in a minute. Are you telling me there was no one with a connection to the McKay’s on the property for a period of time?”
“Yes, but only a couple weeks…”
“There’s your part of your problem. If Tom Green was aware the magic was without a McKay witch…You need to research Tom Green.”
“I have, there’s nothing to indicate he has any magical connections. By all accounts, he’s a well-to-do widower who runs a grocery store, a good golfer, and this whole situation is way out of his behavior pattern.”
“Then someone or something is controlling him. Check out acquaintances and friends.” Her father paused.
Pepper could hear him tap
ping a pencil on the desk or table top. A habit he’d had ever since she could remember when he was thinking about something. She smiled at the memory. “I don’t really…”
“Better yet, send the research to your mom. She’ll get to the bottom of it. I bet you’re planning a big celebration on Halloween in Lobster Cove, huh? The town has always gone overboard at Halloween, so you’ll fit right in.” He chuckled. “You know, you may be able to use that to your advantage, if what Ashling suspects is true.”
Her dad’s quick change of subject caught her off guard. She’d forgotten how often he used to do that, especially when he was mulling something over unrelated to the conversation at hand. He’d always taken multi-tasking to a new level. Quickly she caught up with his thinking and asked, “How so?”
Duncan’s voice turned conspiratorial. “Your mom just drove up. Let me bring her up to speed—and deal with her misgivings, then get back to you.”
“Sure. Hey Dad, why don’t you and Mom plan on coming to the grand opening around the end of September and stay for Halloween? You wouldn’t have to stay at the cabin. The Sea Crest Inn has wonderful rooms and a fantastic view, as you know. Or there could be cottages available.”
“Sounds like a plan. I’ll be in touch. If you need any help with the center, we are available for that too. It’s been quite a while since I’ve been on my old stomping ground.”
“Oh, I have someone helping me. He’s got things under control so far.”
“He? Oh yes, Lathen. What do you know about…”
“Enough.” She giggled. “Talk to you later.” Pepper ended the phone call. Wish I hadn’t let that slip about Lathen, yet. Since leaving for college, she’d not shared a lot of her personal life with her parents. Usually, because there was nothing to share but work.
“Informative talk with your dad?” Lathen asked.
“Yes. Hey, I’ve meant to ask. Do you know a Benjamin Bonchard?”
“Sure, Ben works in the clerk and recorder’s office at the courthouse. Been there forever, so I’ve been told. Why?”