That was what I loved most. It was a feeling
of freedom like no other, and yet a feeling of communion
with all the other places the water touched.
― Ann Brashares
Edgewater Manor
It was a good day but it wasn't over. I met Tess Woods, or rather, Fate threw us together and again, there was this sense of meaningful coincidence at play, what Jung calls synchronicity.
The fact that Tess was a flesh and blood woman and not a glassy ghost meant something, but she was also incredibly beautiful as well and another part of the puzzle of my life.
She knew something about the Yardleys so I needed her, but I suspected my needs ran deeper and that scared me.
I was barely over Marla and deeply involved with Lillian―admittedly our relationship was somewhat rarefied, but I was determined to be loyal to her nonetheless.
As I drove to the library to pick up Nat I debated whether or not to tell him about Tess, but thinking about it filled my brain with such bumblebees I deferred making a decision and opted to play it by ear.
Nat was waiting outside the library doors and I had to smile―he was no doubt hungry and thinking of dinner.
I made reservations at The Edgewater Manor as a reward for his taking the time to research the names I gave him.
I knew he was doing it from friendship but I wanted to show him I appreciated him and enjoyed his company. And in truth, he was the only person in West Harbour I was sure didn't have a hidden agenda.
I picked him up and headed out on the highway. He looked surprised.
"I thought we were going to McDonalds for a bite to eat," he said coyly, hinting I probably forgot.
"No Golden Arches for you tonight, Pal--I'm treating you to a really good meal with spectacular view of the lake."
"Really? I didn't know any place like that existed in West Harbour."
"It's not in West Harbour. It's a bit of a drive but you won't be sorry. Maybe while we're en route you can tell me what you found."
"I will if you assure me you won't be shocked and drive off the road. Some of this information is really intriguing."
I laughed, "Yeah, things are getting curiouser and curiouser. Well, don't worry, I'm getting used to it. My whole life keeps getting stranger with each day that goes by."
"You know that tour guide at Whitehern? Her name is Edna Clove―the same name as the McQuesten family's maid. She even looks like her―I've seen photos of them both."
"You mean she's not a McQuesten as she claimed?"
"Not even close," Nat chuckled.
"You know, in my dream, this Edna was really hostile toward me―just like the tour guide―and really protective of the family name. I thought she was Lillian's sister."
"Well, guess again, Guy―she's not even related to the family as she told you. And get this, she's been warned several times by the heritage foundation not to react harshly when visitors criticize the family's history."
I whistled softly. "That is so weird―as Hamlet said, a little less than kin and less than kind. How did you get so much dope on this woman?"
Nat smirked. "I've got people. I know some ex-classmates that serve on the historical society's advisory panel. "
"You really are a font of information on local trivia!" I enthused.
At this point, we were at the restaurant so Nat had to curtail his reporting until we got settled.
I was about to exit the vehicle when Nat grabbed my elbow and whispered conspiratorially. "This isn't caviar for the general," he said solemnly. "Don't share this around. It's privileged information for your ears only."
"Don't worry," I assured him, "your secrets are safe with me."
But no sooner did I utter those words when I spotted Arthur Reid and Ray Hull exiting the restaurant.
Damn! I hissed.
"What's wrong?" Nat asked, alarmed by my change of tone.
I pointed to the main doors. "See those two men walking out? Well, one's my family's lawyer and the other man owns the marina where my boat is docked. I think they're conspiring against me."
Nat's eyes grew huge. "You really are a man of mystery, aren't you?"
"More like an open book, I'm afraid. Let's wait in the SUV until they go."
Seeing Arthur and Ray together was both a blessing and a curse. I was glad I spotted them meeting together, but on the other hand, it confirmed my suspicions that with the exception of Nat, I couldn't trust anyone in West Harbour.