by Dana Mentink
“So what are we standing around here gabbing about?” Bitsy said, after a deep breath. “Let’s get a move on.”
And they did. Everyone from Stu to the hobbled Bitsy worked harder than they ever had in their lives. Paint was spread, floors were swept, decorations were staged and fresh flowers were arranged in antique bottles throughout the inn until the place was perfumed with the scent of mums.
There were things, to Rosa’s deep dismay, that did not get done. The entry hall cried out for the rustic sea-grass bench that had not been purchased due to evaporating funds. Of course, the pendant lamps that Rosa had spotted in a catalogue had not been bought or installed, and Cy hadn’t had the time to fabricate cheaper copies of the gorgeous things. To Cy’s chagrin, the perfect antique clock hadn’t found its way into the foyer.
She forced herself to look at the marvelous accomplishments as they did the final walk-through. The kitchen was now light and airy with splashes of blue, the window looking out onto a glorious garden revived by Stu and Rocky. Rocky had even managed to apply a coat of sparkling white paint to the frame of the chicken coop. The place was worthy of the proud Esmerelda. Perhaps best of all, Stu’s breathtaking stained glass gave a soft, welcoming glow to the foyer and front hallway, bathing the entrance in the comforting hues of home.
Pike nodded in satisfaction at the sitting room. “Curtains are perfect, striping spot on and the carpet is great. Manny is a texturing genius. You can’t even tell Rocky had to whack a section out of the wall, can you?”
She couldn’t. Nor could she discern that the West Bedroom had been dull and dreary only a few days before. Now it was splendid in a subtle pear color with sheer drapes that billowed ever so gently in the ocean breeze that whispered through the open window—just as she had pictured it in her imagination. Best of all was the collection of maps, which no one, except possibly Cy, would be able to identify as reproductions. They told the tale of Mr. Herzberg’s life, his family’s migration from England to New York, Harold’s perilous journey across the Isthmus of Panama, the goldfields that produced nothing for him except a will to succeed. And, finally, the map of the same rugged California coast where the Pelican had found a place to roost.
She breathed in deeply. It was not perfect, but it was home.
At least, for a little while longer, she told herself, fighting a sting in her eyes.
At quarter past seven, her stomach growling, she left her last-minute fussing and made for the kitchen. Bitsy had left a note along with a plate of tuna sandwiches. “Manny and I are running an errand. Don’t wait up.”
She couldn’t imagine what the errand might be at that hour. Cy wasn’t around, either, having decided to snag a few more pieces of driftwood, if he could find them, for the front porch display. Rosa sat down and ate a tuna sandwich, supplementing Baggy’s kibble with a few mouthfuls of fish.
“Do you think we’re going to win tomorrow, Bags?”
His tail wagged in an “of course there’s no one better in the whole universe than you, Rosa Franco” kind of way. She scratched him under the chin until his good eye began to roll in the same direction as the other. Since prowling the inn one more time would only result in a short trip to crazy town, Rosa picked Baggy up and trudged to the attic. Tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow, each step echoed, leaving her weary by the time she got to the top. Farther up the darkened stairway, the Captain’s Nest protected its treasures, the purloined bits of history to which Leo had helped himself. She wondered what Mr. and Mrs. Herzberg would have thought about the thefts. Happy their treasures were in their rightful home? Scandalized at the thought that they had been disbursed in the first place?
The old doubts niggled at her, pushing against the joy that had ballooned in her heart since the bonfire at the beach. Would they lose? Where would Manny go? What if the happiness she felt evaporated along with tomorrow morning’s fog?
She wished Pike was there, but everyone, it seemed, had a mission tonight except her. The smell of something delicious caught her attention as she opened the attic door. Baggy’s, too. His nostrils quivered and one ear rose to attention.
On the little table sat a plate with a foil-wrapped cylinder. The unmistakable aroma told her it was a hot dog, and next to it was a bottle of ketchup and jars of mustard and relish, complete with plastic spoons. A note was scrawled in pencil on the back of a receipt for ten rolls of masking tape.
The inn is perfect. You’re already a winner. Love you, P.
She laughed out loud. Love you, love you, love you.
“I love you, too, Pike,” she said out loud. Baggy seemed to nod, as if to add his canine blessing to the pronouncement.
Never had she tasted such a succulent hot dog as that one, cold though it was. Baggy thought so, too, she could tell. With a light heart, she lay down and slept.
* * *
WHEN BAGGY WOKE her after a couple of hours, Rosa sat up, confused.
Cy snored on the cot next to her, arm flung over his eyes.
A scraping sound came from the hallway. Rosa deposited Baggy on his bed and cracked the door. A flashlight beam flickered by her, moving towards the Captain’s Nest. Curiosity piqued, Rosa tiptoed up a few steps, coming behind the figure turning the doorknob.
“What are you doing?” she asked.
The figure jerked upright with a shout and dropped the flashlight. “Rosa,” Pike hissed. “You gave me a heart attack.”
She tried to hide her smile. “That’s what happens when you sneak around in the middle of the night.”
“I’m not sneaking, I’m...reverse burglaring.”
“Huh?”
“I’m returning the stolen goods to the history museum.”
She blinked. “You’re going to break into the museum and put Uncle Leo’s stolen goods there?”
“Well, yes.” He scratched at his knit cap. “Where else would they be better appreciated? Julio will have an out-of-body experience.”
Reverse burglaring. This was a crime that could only occur in the oddball town of Tumbledown. She giggled. “This I’ve gotta see. I’m coming along.”
“No. Bad idea. If I get caught, I don’t want any negative publicity for you. That’s why I didn’t tell Bitsy or anyone else, either. I’m prepared to take the fall.”
“Yeah, because it will look really good when it comes out that Aunt Bitsy has been hiding stolen goods, and her nephew, the man I love, who smuggles hot dogs, is also a reverse burglar.”
He grinned, twirling the flashlight in a perfect loop before he dropped it. “You love me, huh?”
“Yes.”
“And you liked the hot dog?”
She laughed and pressed a kiss to his cheek. “Yes, you nut. Let me get my coat.”
“And your keys.”
“Why can’t you drive?”
“A Nissan is the perfect getaway car.”
Of course it was. And Pike, lawyer-turned-reverse-burglar, was the perfect man to plan the reverse heist. Giggling, she prepared for her short-lived criminal career.
* * *
THE GREAT ESCAPES TEAM came at ten in the morning, all half dozen of them, Wanda trailing along behind, jotting notes and peering over the top of her glasses. In spite of the residual fatigue from their breaking-and-entering adventure the night before, Rosa wanted to sprint after them, urging them to notice the touches she and the others had poured into the inn with such love. Look here. Did you miss the multihued pillows? How about that perfect color palette?
Cy dragged her to the garden and made her sit on a charming split-wood bench, chewing her fingernail and tapping her foot until the team emerged once again on the porch, exactly an hour and a half later.
“Excellent job,” the suited leader of the pack said, shaking Rosa and Cy’s hands with great solemnity. “Amazing what you accomplished with five thousand do
llars.”
“Four thousand ninety-eight dollars and fifty-three cents,” Rosa could not help correcting.
He laughed. “Right. We’ll do a live stream from the Great Escapes office later today to announce the winner.”
And then they were gone.
She went back into the inn and flopped down on the couch on her back, eyes closed. “It’s over. We’ve done all we can do,” she said to no one.
Baggy leaped up to join her, perhaps thinking it was a bit early for a nap, but who was he to complain? She heard cupboards opening and closing in the kitchen. Perhaps someone might be starting on lunch preparations. She should assist, if she could just find the energy to haul herself off the cushions. A knock on the front door sent Baggy into barking mode.
Pike cracked the door and stuck his head in. “Hey. How did it go? I’ve been pacing on the beach, waiting until the coast was clear.”
She sat up, a torrent of words waiting to escape. “I don’t know,” she wailed instead. “What if they didn’t like it?”
He laughed and swept her into his arms. “How could they not?” he murmured into her ear, which sent her heart thumping. “We had mossy green stripes.”
Joy filled her up again. “I didn’t see your car in the lot.”
“So you’ve been checking for me?”
“Er, well...” Her cheeks went hot.
Another rap at the door cut off his reply. Baggy soldiered ahead and barked again at the next comer.
Nester stood on the front porch, peering over the top of a tall white cake spangled with pink flowers. “I’m not much of a cake baker, you understand, but I did the best I could. Sharma did the flowers. She’ll be by later. It’s the right time, isn’t it?”
Rosa stared at the puffy white confection. “Time for what?”
“In here,” Bitsy called from the kitchen.
Nester walked by her and slid the cake onto the dining room table. The next to arrive were Rocky and Stu, bearing a large bouquet of fresh-cut roses. Baggy was too fatigued to rally much more than one thin yap. “Time?” Rocky asked.
“I’m not sure what you’re talking about,” Rosa replied.
Julio entered from the kitchen, singing “That’s Amore” in a loud baritone. Baggy buried his head in Rosa’s armpit. When the last tone died away, Rosa dared ask.
“Why the serenade?”
“Because it is a moment of celebration,” he boomed. “A time when the long tradition of family started by Mr. Herzberg and his family way back in 1867 has continued on into the present, connected by the seamless threads of love. Not only that,” he said, round cheeks wobbling. “A miracle has occurred. What did I find when I opened up the museum this morning? Mr. Herzberg’s treasured possessions. His maps, his portrait. Returned, as if the hand of time plucked these missing gems from their secret dwelling places and deposited them in our museum. Of course, we’ll return the map to Nester, unless he would like to donate it to the museum.”
“Wow, that’s amazing,” Rosa said, ignoring Pike’s outlandish eye roll.
“It is, indeed. Mrs. Mendez can hardly stop talking about it. She’s been on the phone all day.”
“Okay, that’s pretty amazing.” Rosa tried again. “But why are you singing?” Her mind traveled on ahead. Cake. Flowers. Singing. All that was missing was a voluminous white dress.
Bitsy was not wearing white when she entered the room, holding hands with Manny, but the pink sweater brought out the roses in her cheeks and the spark in her blue eyes.
Cy strolled in from the beach. “What’s going on?”
“You’re all here. Excellent.” Bitsy scanned the room. “We weren’t sure when the Great Escapes people would clear out, so we had to improvise. Manny and I are so glad you could all make it for our reception.” She held up their hands, gleaming with plain gold bands. “Our wedding reception.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
PIKE, ROSA AND CY spoke at once. “You got married?”
Pike gaped. “Married? Like, as in...matrimony?”
Bitsy laughed. “Yes, married. It’s a legally binding agreement between two people. You, especially, should know that, Pike.”
Pike’s eyes were wide with shock. “You and Manny. Together.”
She nodded patiently at her nephew. “Yes. We managed to find a gentleman just up the coast who agreed to do the deed. Normally he doesn’t do these rush jobs, but he decided at our advanced age...”
Manny grinned. “He figured we didn’t have any time to waste.”
Rosa tried to think of something to say.
Manny raised an eyebrow. “Lost your voice, princess? That doesn’t happen too often.”
Rosa shook herself to life. “It’s just sudden.”
“Yeah,” Pike said, nodding vigorously. “Sudden.”
“When you’re nearly seventy-five, nothing is sudden,” Manny said with a chuckle. “Somebody’s knocking on the kitchen door. I’ll get it.”
Bitsy took Rosa’s and Pike’s hands. Cy joined them, his arm around Bitsy’s shoulder. “Well, I say congratulations,” Cy said, giving her a smacking kiss on the top of the head. “You two make an awesome couple.”
“Thank you, sweetie.” She kissed him before returning her attention to Rosa and Pike.
“Listen. I know what you two are thinking, but I understand completely what I’m getting into. Manny and I are going to enjoy as many moments together as we possibly can, and we’re going to care for each other no matter what comes, like married people do.” She squeezed their fingers.
“Yes, but...” Pike started.
“We waited a lifetime to be together, and I think we’re entitled to as much happiness as we can squeeze out of the years we have left, don’t you?”
Rosa breathed out a sigh. Her father had loved and lost, and had a chance to love again. Her mother would not have begrudged him another shot at happiness. Who was Rosa to say otherwise? “Yes,” she said, kissing Bitsy’s soft cheek. “There’s no one who deserves it more.” They both looked at Pike. Rosa watched his Adam’s apple bob up and down as he swallowed. Hard.
“Bitsy, Manny and I have been through some stuff, and it will take a while to straighten it out.”
They waited.
He cleared his throat. “I’ve recently learned a few things about people and love. It doesn’t always go the way you script it in your mind.”
That’s for sure, Rosa thought.
Pike shook his head. “I guess what I’m saying is that I wish you and Manny a long and happy life together.”
Bitsy let out a whoop of joy and threw her arms around Pike.
Rosa’s eyes filled. “When you find a place, I’ll help you decorate. My wedding present to you.”
Pike took a step back and then sucked in a deep breath. “There’s no need for that. The new owner will be delighted to let you stay here at the Pelican.”
Rosa stared. “Do you know him?”
“As it turns out, I do,” Pike said. “It’s me.”
The silence was so extreme that the ticking of the clock was the only sound.
“You bought the Pelican?” Rosa sputtered. “How? Why?”
Pike considered. “As to the how part, I sold my car and my condo and cashed in my stock portfolio and took out a loan, which I’ll be paying off until I’m an old man. The why...” He put his hands on his hips. “Well, Bitsy gave up her financial security to put me through school and...”
“Oh, Pike,” Bitsy moaned. “You didn’t need to do this.”
“I wanted to.” He laughed. “I think it just might be the smartest thing I ever did. I always thought I was the proud, practical type, but it turns out I’ve got a sentimental streak a mile wide.”
Bitsy gave voice to the thought running through Rosa’s head. “B
ut your law career. You can’t give that up.”
“No, not for a while, anyway. I decided I could run a law office out of one of these fabulous rooms. Aunt Bitsy, you and...” he swallowed again “...and Manny can continue to live here.” He waved a hand at Rocky and Stu, who stood quietly observing from the corner. “Rocky and Stu will stay on and tend the gardens and do any handyman work, including bee removal and such. We’ll rent out the rest of the rooms.”
Bitsy and Rosa stared at Pike, open-mouthed.
“Honey, I can’t believe you did that for me.” Bitsy hugged him tight and then pulled him to arm’s length. “But I can’t have it. Manny and I have already chosen a place.”
Manny rejoined them. “We got ourselves a sweet little trailer with a view of the water and everything. Close, so we won’t miss a single marshmallow roast. It’s the best thing, to start fresh together.”
Bitsy nodded, her eyes brimming.
Pike flashed a slow smile. “I understand, but the deal is done. The Pelican is mine. And besides, the extra room will be helpful for the second part of my plan.”
“What’s that?” Rosa wanted to ask. Instead, her throat seized up.
Pike seemed to intuit the question anyway. “I thought maybe it might make a good headquarters for Dollars and Sense Design, if you and Cy are up for it.”
Rosa’s pulse danced a merry jig and she looked past Pike to Cy.
He grinned. “An ocean view and plenty of bike paths and surfing weekends? You know I’m in, sis.”
Pike folded her in an embrace and she felt the strength of his arms, the gentle thud of his heart. “Are you sure you don’t mind sharing a space with a lawyer?”
“I’ll adjust,” she said.
Julio approached, a plate piled with deviled eggs and cookies balanced on his hand. “It’s on. The contest live broadcast. They’re announcing the winner.”
They all crowded around the kitchen table where Cy had set up his computer.
The Great Escapes offices sprang into view, the same dreary corridor hung with old photos, the plain walls covered by uninspiring prints. The president welcomed all viewers and thanked the contest sponsors and participants.