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Slipping on our jackets, we returned to the truck feeling really good about the town. Glen made a great first impression.
The bed and breakfast was a half-mile away. It was easy to imagine the walk into town being a relaxing experience. It was now dark, but even in shadows, the place looked like a postcard.
The bed and breakfast had to be the highlight. It was a converted farmhouse and looked expensive. There was a large veranda surrounding the mocha, shingled, exterior, and a short flight of stairs that led up to it.
Standing outside the main door was a petite woman in her early 60s who wasn’t wearing a jacket. She had to be freezing as she hugged herself for warmth.
“Welcome!” The woman said with an engaging smile.
“Hello,” I said waiting for Quin and putting my arm around him as we approached. If people were going to mistake us for a couple and Quin was going to play along, I was going to make the most of it.
“Glen told me you would be heading over. Come in, come in. It’s cold out here.”
Stepping inside, the interior didn’t disappoint. It was quaint but clean and very well put together. The floors throughout and the walls of the entrance were dark honey wood. The living room furniture was beige with floral print and comfortable looking. And the small tables that lined the room were dark wood and elegant.
“We can’t afford to stay here,” I whispered to Quin before remembering that he summered on a private island. “I mean, I can’t afford to stay here.”
“Don’t worry about it,” Quin said sincerely. “This is the upside of having to worry about being kidnapped every day. Let me share it with you,” he said with a smile.
I felt uneasy watching him pay for our room without me being able to help. But I knew the only alternatives would be driving the two hours back or sleeping in my truck. I wasn’t about to make Quin suffer to satisfy my pride.
“Okay,” I told him knowing the only issues were in my head.
“Glen said you’re in town to see the falls,” the energetic woman said in a faint Jamaican accent.
“Quin?” I said not sure what he was going to say.
“We’re actually in town doing some family research for Cage.”
“Really? Do you have family in the area?” She said focusing her green eyes on me.
“We don’t know. We’re hoping but your guess is as good as ours.”
“Well, you know this town used to be a pirate bay.”
“Pirates?” I asked.
“Not the kind who sailed on water. The kind that ran on land. One man started the town and then invited his moonshine friends to take up residence to lower the cost of distribution. It was quite successful.”
“Really? Wow!” I said fascinated.
“Did you see the wall on the way in?”
“Yes, we saw that,” I volunteered.
“It used to surround the entire town. The school was the old distillery and warehouse. Glen’s general store was the financial offices. I could have Titus give you a tour in the morning if you want.”
“Titus?” Quin asked.
“He’s someone about your age. He’s a great guy. You’ll love him. I’ll let him know.”
It was then that someone descended the stairs. He had Dr. Sonya’s shiny dark hair and smaller build. He looked about 17 but could have been younger. And he didn’t have anywhere near Dr. Sonya’s rapid-fire energy.
“Mom, do you know where my sneakers are? I can’t find them,” he said intently staring at the two of us.
“If you put it back in the same place when you take them off, you wouldn’t have to go searching for them every other day,” Sonya said with the exhaustion of a mother.
“Mom!” He said embarrassed.
