Page 79 of Secrets Hidden In The Glass

She nodded and kissed him again. “I will.” Walking to the door, she smiled at him, then headed down the hall, waving to Kay as Kay spoke on the phone. There wasn’t much more she could do except go home, start painting, and wait. Nate wasn’t necessarily going to have any more luck than she’d had, but it was worth a try. She wanted every answer she could get about her mysterious new locket.

~~~~

Nate stood by the large windows in Carter Island Ferry Service’s no-frills waiting area, watching the ferry making its approach in the deteriorating conditions. If he wasn’t mistaken, an occasional snowflake was mixing in with the rain in the bright lights shining off the building. Tonight had the potential to be eventful if the temperatures dipped much lower. He’d already responded to two more accidents since his conversation with Callie at the sheriff’s station a few hours ago. He glanced at his watch, then over his shoulder when the phone kept ringing at the front desk. He sent Tammy a polite smile, realizing that she was staring at him.

Tammy blinked and looked down, her cheeks growing pink as she answered the phone.

He gave his attention back to the big boat docking and the one car that eventually drove out of the ship’s belly despite the rocking waves. Twenty minutes later, Captain Bob and his golden retriever, Lucky, headed inside.

Captain Bob smiled and held out his hand. “Nate.”

“Captain Bob.” Nate returned Bob’s handshake. “Looks rough out there tonight.”

“I’m glad that was our last trip for today. Weather’s off—too cool for this time of year yet. Farmer’s Almanac’s predicting a bad winter. I’m thinking they’re right since we’re only in early October.”

“I imagine you’re on to something.” Nate shoved his hands in his pockets. “I know you and Lucky have put in a long day, but I’m wondering if you might be able to spare a couple more minutes.”

“I don’t think Lucky minds waiting for his kibble. He gnawed on one of those chewy bones all the way to the mainland and back.” Captain Bob bent down and gave his beloved dog a good rub before he stood again. “What can I do for you?”

“Callie mentioned she stopped by earlier today.”

“The pretty blond.”

Nate nodded.

“She was asking me about some locket,” Captain Bob supplied.

“She mentioned that too.” Nate pulled the locket out of his pocket and held it out in his palm. “Callie was saying you found it out in the woods.”

“That’s how I’m remembering it.” Captain Bob unzipped his plaid jacket. “Out there in Brewster’s Forest, I believe—on one of my treasure hunts, I’d have to imagine. To this day, no one’s found William’s stash he was hiding for himself and Mary.”

“That’s what they say.” He, Brad, and Molly had done their fair share of searching for the legendary chest when they’d been kids. “Brewster’s Forest is a pretty big place. Do you have any idea where?”

He shook his head apologetically. “Ah, Nate, it’s hard to say.”

“What about a time frame?

Captain Bob scratched at his beard as he sighed. “Honestly, I’d forgotten about that thing until your girlfriend brought it by.”

“So it probably wasn’t in the last five years?” he prodded.

Captain Bob shook his head. “Longer than that.”

“Maybe ten?”

He tilted his head to the side as he narrowed his eyes. “Could be. Probably around ten or fifteen.”

Nate nodded. “Ten or fifteen.”

“When I found it, I brought it over to Bess and she took it off my hands.”

“Huh.” Nate nodded again. Now what? He wasn’t sure what he’d expected Bob to say, but it certainly didn’t look like he and Callie were solving any mysteries tonight. “Thanks for the extra couple of minutes. Lucky, you’re a patient dog.” He crouched down and gave the retriever a friendly pat. “Yes, you are.”

Lucky licked his cheek.

“Thanks, buddy.” He stood again and extended his hand to Captain Bob for another quick shake. “Drive safe tonight.”

“We’re heading home in just a few minutes.”