The Old Cape Teapot Read Online Free PDF

painted orange and trimmed in turquoise, with palm fronds covering the roof.
    We entered into an attached lean-to that opened onto a sandy beach. Heady smells of spice mixed with the salty air. Four round tables were positioned in front of a long polished wooden bar. Six high stools divided its length, inviting the casual beach stroller in for a drink. Two men were drinking beers at the bar as we made our way to a table. They looked out of place to me; sporting crew cuts, dark glasses, and white boxy shirts. I laughed at the thought that maybe they were on a break from guarding some celebrity.
    Ms. Judith came out of the kitchen to greet us. She extended a slim, dark hand covered with gold rings. “Good to meet you, Brian’s Mom.”
    Our hands clasped together. “Nice to meet you, too.”
    “I have prepared a special meal for you. I hope that it will bring you pleasure.”
    “I’m sure it will.” I sat next to Brian at the table closest to the end of the lean-to’s roofline, giving us a wonderful view of the horizon. “This is so nice,” I said as balmy tropical breezes caressed our faces. “I guess we don’t get a choice of food?”
    “No, we just eat whatever she serves us.”
    “But you know I don’t like spicy foods….”
    “Mom, shhhh.” Brian placed his hand over mine, trying to calm my fear. “Please, just sit back and relax.”
    I felt a little irritated with his attitude but realized that he was probably right. But even after a nice long breath of ocean air, I still kept wondering about my mystery dinner.
    Nick finally showed up. “Sorry I’m late. Got held up in a meeting.” He sat next to me. “Great to see you again, Mrs. C. Did you have a good sleep last night?”
    “Not bad, except for the sirens and other surprises.” I gave Brian a friendly glare.
    Nick stared at my necklace. “Hey, I thought you weren’t going to wear it out?”
    “I couldn’t resist wearing it tonight. It’s perfect for a tropical evening on the beach. Besides, it’s pretty quiet down here.”
    He smiled. “Well, you be careful with it; you don’t want anything to happen to it that you might regret.” He ordered a beer and leaned in closer. “You know, I’m still so curious about that treasure you found.”
    So the inquisitive Nick is back. Actually, it was nice to have someone who was interested in my story; everyone at home was tired of me talking about it. “What do you want to know?”
    “Tell me everything.”
    He sounded enthusiastic. I leaned back, pleased to have a fan. “From the beginning, I never intended to be a treasure hunter. It just happened.” I noticed that Brian seemed disinterested, as usual. He got up to look out onto the sandy beach. One of the guys from the bar went over to talk to him.
    Nick scooted his chair even closer and distracted me from watching Brian. “It must have been unnerving to find the little baby’s skull in the root cellar. Brian said that’s when you also found the three pieces of gold?”
    “Yes, and as soon as the discovery hit the papers, all the intrigue started.”
    Our waiter, a tall young man, dressed in white, about 17 years old, introduced himself as Junior. After serving our drinks, he waited to be dismissed but kept watching me or maybe the necklace. I wasn’t sure. I thought again for a moment that I should’ve left it back in the house. My nerves began to ramp up higher on top of the anticipation of what I had to eat.
    Brian returned to the table. “Mom, this is John Julian’s oldest son.”
    That was a small relief. He wasn’t anyone sinister, just a local kid and someone Brian knew. I smiled at him. “I met your father today. We had a great lunch at his eatery.”
    Young Junior bowed his head. “I’ll tell him of your compliment. If you’ll excuse me, I’ll return shortly.” Turning on his heel, he left to fill a pitcher of water for us.
    Ms. Judith came out of the swinging doors that separated the kitchen from the dining area