Again the woman turned to her husband.
"If you're interested in seeing any of his work—"
"We'd like that very much," the woman said, cutting Maryellen off. "That would mean a great deal to both of us."
Maryellen walked over to the window. "If you stop at The Lighthouse Restaurant, which is just down the street, you'll see several of Jon's photographs on display." She pointed out the window. "Until recently, Jon supplemented his income by working at the restaurant."
"Doing what?" the man asked, sounding shocked.
"He was the chef."
"Jon?" The woman's tone was equally puzzled. "I... didn't realize."
This couple seemed to know Jon. "My husband is a man of many talents." Maryellen hesitated, almost afraid to ask if they were Jon's parents, uncertain what would happen if her suspicions proved to be correct.
"I—" The woman stopped abruptly and clamped her mouth shut.
Maryellen noticed how the man's arm tightened around his wife's; he seemed to be warning her that she was saying too much.
"Jon's an innovative chef. He could've made a name for himself in that field if he'd chosen to do so." Maryellen knew she was chattering, but it was the result of nerves.
"That's wonderful."
"Is there anything else I can show you?" Maryellen asked. 'There are several talented local artists whose work we have in the gallery."
"We were only here about Jon's," the man said, starting toward the door. "Thank you for your help."
"You said Jon's your husband?" The woman lingered as if she wasn't ready to leave.
"We need to go," her husband insisted.
"In a minute, dear."
Maryellen studied them, wondering about the silent tug-of-war going on between the older couple. It was clear the woman had more questions, no less clear that the man was eager to be on his way.
"Do you have children?" the woman asked.
Maryellen nodded. "A daughter named Katie."
The woman placed her hand over her heart. "I'm sure she's a delightful child."
"Oh, yes. In looks she resembles my side of the family more, but she has Jon's temperament and his personality." Maryellen gently tested the waters. The woman certainly was curious. "I suspect Katie possesses her father's artistic eye, as well, but only time will tell about that."
"Marion."
The woman nodded. "We do need to go. Thank you so much..."
Maryellen nodded and returned to her desk once the couple had left. It occurred to her a moment later that she recognized the woman's name—Marion. That, combined with the pointed questions about Jon, convinced her they had to be Jon's parents. The ones she'd written shortly before her wedding. Marion and Joseph Bowman. She'd asked that they not answer her letter and they'd abided by her wishes.
Instead they'd come to Cedar Cove. Maryellen's heart leapt into her throat. She could only imagine what Jon would say if he ever found out what she'd done.
Twenty-Two
Roy McAfee was intensely curious about the news that Hannah Russell was living with the Beldons. He wasn't a man who paid attention to idle gossip, but in this instance, he knew and trusted the source—his wife.
The last time Roy had talked to Hannah, she'd been on the road in search of a fresh start. Apparently she'd found what she was looking for right here in Cedar Cove.
Deciding to look into the matter himself, Roy drove out to the Thyme and Tide. Roy didn't have many close friends—a few cops and former cops, all still in Seattle— but over the last couple of years he'd taken a liking to Bob Beldon. Corrie got along well with Peggy, too. It was rare that they found a couple whose company they both enjoyed.
Peggy had the front door open by the time Roy climbed out of the car. She was waiting for him, her smile wide.
"This is a pleasant surprise," she said as she held the screen door. "Bob's golfing with Pastor Dave this afternoon." Checking her watch, she added, "He won't be much longer, though, if you can wait."
"I should have phoned."
"Can I help you?" Peggy asked, leading the way into the kitchen. Without asking, she opened the refrigerator and brought out a big pitcher of lemonade, lemon slices floating on top.
"You might be able to do just that." Roy pulled out a chair and sat down at the round oak table. He wasn't opposed to a glass of Peggy's lemonade, especially since she made it fresh every day.
"What do you need to know?" Peggy filled two glasses and sat across from him.
Roy stretched out his arms, folding his hands on the table. "Corrie told me Hannah Russell's living with you these days."
Peggy nodded. "She came in the middle of that lightning storm we had a couple of weeks back." She shook her head. "Nearly frightened us out often years, arriving half-drowned on our front porch. You should've seen her when she first showed up, Roy. She was exactly like a lost kitten in search of a home."
"Where is she now?"
"At work."
Apparently Hannah was more than a visitor. Roy reached inside his shirt pocket for a pad and pen. "She has a job?"
Peggy nodded again. "This is her first day, and she was really worried about it. She's washing dishes at the PancakePalace." Peggy frowned slightly. "I'd hoped for something better, but she was quite certain this job suited her. Unfortunately, she doesn't have much self-confidence."
Roy recalled his phone conversation with Hannah and remembered how timid her voice had been.
"She's due back any time. I'm curious as to how her first day went."
"I'd like to ask her a couple more questions if you don't mind?"