The Last Word (A Books by the Bay Mystery) Read Online Free PDF

Olivia the most. As a general rule, she didn’t find children very fascinating, but here before her was a pint-sized human being who shared her DNA.
    “Hi,” she said quietly, directing a small smile at the child. “I know someone who will be very pleased to see you again. Do you remember Haviland?”
    Caitlyn nodded once.
    “Would you like to feed him dinner? He’s waiting very patiently in my office, which is back through that door leading into the kitchen.”
    Kim nudged the little girl forward. “Go on, honey. We’ll be right out here.”
    Shaking her head, Caitlyn refused to leave her mother’s side.
    Unasked, Gabe moved forward and extended his hand. “Maybe I could show you how I make a very special drink for very special kids. It’s called a Shirley Temple. Have you ever had one?”
    “No, sir.” Caitlyn’s voice was a whisper.
    “I always put an orange slice and two cherries in mine. Do you want to help me? I might give you an extra cherry as payment, and you can still see your folks from behind the bar.”
    Caitlyn ignored Gabe’s hand, but she did detach herself from Kim and follow the bartender. Olivia felt a rush of pride and affection for Gabe. For a man in his midtwenties, he was skilled at reading people of all ages. With his all-American, surfer-boy good looks and gentle, earnest manner, he charmed everyone he met.
    “Can I get you anything?” Olivia asked the Salters, though she knew her offer would be refused. Hudson’s body language proclaimed his desire to escape the upscale atmosphere of the restaurant as soon as possible.
    Olivia sympathized with Hudson. He’d spent his entire life on the small island of Okracoke where he and Kim had run a small inn and café. He was a simple man and showed incredible talent in the kitchen, but he hadn’t been exposed to many cultural experiences, and Olivia suspected he often felt inferior to his older half sister.
    But Hudson and Olivia had bonded over one thing: the lack of affection shown to them by their late father. Luckily for Hudson, he had a sweet and patient wife and a lovely daughter to keep his heart from hardening, and Olivia hoped that by working together with her brother, she and he would come to truly care for each other.
    “We think we found a house today,” Kim said brightly and smiled at her husband. “It’s real cute, but it’ll be strange to not be able to see the sea out the window.”
    Olivia nodded. “I remember feeling that way when I lived in my grandmother’s house. It had dozens of rooms and beautiful gardens, but I had a hard time going to sleep because I couldn’t hear the ocean. There was no rhythm without the waves.” She paused. “Do you want to keep looking? I could get you a rental until you find the right place.”
    “We can’t afford an ocean view. Ever,” Hudson said grimly. “They’ve all been taken by folks that only live here a few months a year.”
    Kim put a placating hand on her husband’s arm. “The view’s not important. Really. What’s important is that there are a bunch of kids in the neighborhood. Caitlyn needs to make friends her own age. She’s been playing with make-believe ones long enough.” Worry creased her brow. “Caitlyn believes she can tell when folks are up to no good.” She put both palms on her belly and rubbed tenderly, as though trying to assure the child she carried that all was well. “Other kids think she’s weird and—”
    “Kim, we’re here on business.” Hudson’s dark eyes reminded Olivia so much of her father’s that she nearly flinched. There was a constant spark of wariness deep in both men’s pupils. Apparently, Caitlyn’s odd behavior had touched a nerve in Hudson.
    Olivia touched the starfish pendant that had once belonged to her mother and calmly asked her brother if he’d had a chance to work on the menu for The Bayside Crab House.
    Food was a topic that brought out the best in Hudson Salter. He was a gifted cook and was as particular and