Beach House Mystery

Chapter 4

A TAPPING ON THE WINDOWPANE next to their table diverted Morgan’s attention from the children and their amusing attire. Turning in her seat to look out the window, she saw two police officers waving back at her.

Jenny Colbright grinned through the glass, looking casual, even in her uniform. The senior of the two officers, Jenny was also an island native, used to the laid-back pace of living on Pearl Island. In deference to the chilly wind, an old-fashioned fisherman’s sweater covered the top half of her uniform. Next to her stood Nate Hastings, new to the island, her partner. Nate was still new enough that he had a hard time appearing causal, even off duty, and he was clothed in full uniform, including a jacket with the emblem of the island police department. As Morgan waved back, she wondered where he had found the jacket. She didn’t remember it hanging in their small office adjoining the post office.

Gabe turned to see who she was waving to, and a smile broke out across his face as he saw the two. Taking that as an invitation, Jenny pulled on Nate’s elbow, leading the way into the pastry shop. They moved as a unit across the shop to join Morgan and Gabe, responding to the greetings tossed their way from the other patrons. As they pulled out chairs to sit, Kayla approached from the other direction, two steaming cups of coffee in hand.

“Good morning, Jenny, Nate. Mind, this is hot,” she warned, placing the coffee cups on the table, holding a carafe of fresh coffee in the other hand. “Do you want anything to eat with your coffee?”

Jenny thanked her and declined the offer of food, but Nate was eying Gabe’s plate, and his growling stomach answered for him.

“Right. One breakfast sandwich coming right up, Nate.” Kayla answered her own question with a chuckle. “Can I get anyone anything else?”

“Just top off our coffee, Kayle. That would be great.” Morgan answered for her and Gabe, shooting him a look that warned they didn’t need seconds. With a shrug, Gabe grinned and held up his cup for a refill. While they waited for Nate’s sandwich to arrive, they caught up with each other.

Morgan wasn’t at all surprised to look up and find Cordelia silently staring at her. The young girl had a habit of doing this, at least with Morgan.

Giving the pretty girl with ringlets her attention, Morgan smiled and said, “Good morning, Cordelia. Are you getting excited about Christmas?”

Cordelia lost her serious look, grinning back at Morgan, her excitement clear. As she grinned, Morgan had to hide her own smile. It seemed the tooth fairy had beat Santa Claus to the island this year. Cordelia had lost her left incisor, and the gap in her smile was endearing. By now, Sam and Grace had joined their friend, and the chatter about the holidays took over the conversation. Then, when the children stopped to catch their breath, Nate pointed to their clothing accessories.

“What’s with all the pirate gear? Shouldn’t you be dressing up as elves at this time of year?”

The others stared at him. They’d forgotten he wasn’t a native to the island and didn’t know the special story for the season. Morgan knew the story, even if she had forgotten most of the details; she hadn’t been to the island for the holidays since she was Cordelia’s age.

It was the little girl who responded first, shaking her head in displeasure as she did. “Seriously? Everyone knows about the pirates and Christmas.” Cordelia was like a walking reference book on all things pertaining to the history of Pearl Island, often sounding condescending to anyone else who might not share her knowledge.

Giving him an exasperated sigh, Cordelia walked over to stand next to Nate, ready to give him his history lesson.

The adults exchanged looks with each other and waited to see how he would respond to the little-miss-know-it-all.

“But I don’t. Maybe you should tell me,” Nate said with a serious tone as he looked the girl straight in the eye, not sounding at all patronizing.

“It all happened many, many years ago. Back when real pirates roamed the sea.” Cordelia leaned against the table, getting serious as she began the tale. “It was a time when the kings sent their ships to gather vast treasures from far-away countries to return to the homeland. Or sometimes they would send the ships to bring splendid gifts to other kingdoms. That’s what happened in this story. The Rose was a mighty ship, the finest the king had. And it was full of treasures to be delivered to the kingdom of the princess he was to marry.”

Sam and Grace were now also leaning against the table, listening intently. Even though the kids knew the story by heart, Cordelia"s voice captivated them. The girl was a natural-born storyteller. The adults also gave her all their attention.

“But as mighty as The Rose was, there was a powerful ship following her. It was a pirate ship. And there was a huge storm heading their way, too. The Rose was no match for either and they captured her crew, stole the treasure, and then sank The Rose.”

Cordelia paused and looked around to make sure everyone was paying attention before she continued. “But The Rose was also being watched by a beautiful mermaid. The mermaid was mad about the sinking of the ship and felt bad for the crew. So, she struck a deal with the pirate captain. Since it was Christmas Eve, she asked the captain to be kind and let the hostages go. The mermaid got her deal with the pirate. Because it was Christmas, he released them into a rowboat and left them behind, sure they would die at sea. But the mermaid was smarter than the pirate, and she called to the ocean’s dolphins. Together she and the dolphins guided the boat to shore.”

Pausing for effect, Cordelia pointed a finger at Nate. “And guess where they landed? Right here on Pearl Island.”

The others gave Cordelia a round of applause for a story well told, and then Jenny continued.

“That’s why there is a big celebration during the holidays and everyone around here gets a bit pirate crazy. We have a party for the kids in honor of the rescued crew and the mermaid.”

“Cordelia, are you bothering the adults?” Dr. Wright"s amused voice sounded from behind his adopted granddaughter, and everyone hastened to assure him the kids were not a bother.

“Well, it’s time we leave, anyway. Come on you three, say goodbye,” added Mrs. Wright, gathering the three kids around her like a mother hen. A few minutes later they left, and Jenny and Nate were on their feet, pushing the chairs back in place.

“Yeah, we need to leave too,“ Jenny said.

Morgan finished the last of her coffee. “We do too, Gabe. Ben will be at the beach house soon. And there is still lots more decorating to do.”

“What do you have Ben roped into doing this time?” Jenny asked.

“Nothing. Yet,” Morgan answered with a devilish grin.

“Poor Ben...” said Nate.

“Poor Ben? It’s more like poor Gabe,” Gabe said in a stage whisper that everyone could hear.