Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 76782 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 384(@200wpm)___ 307(@250wpm)___ 256(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 76782 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 384(@200wpm)___ 307(@250wpm)___ 256(@300wpm)
“Doing well. She’s been moved to a physio hospital. She’s determined to walk again—even with a walker. The fall caused damage to other parts of her leg, but she is pushing it.”
I didn’t mention the mental challenges. The fall had caused some short-term memory loss, and it remained to be seen whether she would regain it.
“Good.” He stood. “We’ll meet later with all the particulars.”
I shook his hand. “Thank you again.”
I headed to my office, trying to tamp down my excitement. Another hurdle cleared to get to Sully. He would be so pleased when I told him. It had been less than a week, and he complained about time going slowly whenever I spoke to him.
I called him, but it went straight to voice mail. I walked to the window, looking down at the busy streets. I wouldn’t miss the craziness of the city. The constant hustle and bustle. The noise. Edinburgh, although a major city, had a peaceful vibe. I could walk to work. Where Sully lived was a quiet area, yet so close to everything we needed.
And he was there.
My days quickly fell into a rhythm. Mornings at the office, afternoons spent visiting Lynn, and then to her place or to spend some time with Anna and Una. We had become quite close, and I was going to miss them. They liked to come to Lynn’s and help me sort through everything. I had a pile of things to give away, but there were a lot of items I could sell.
“Can you have a garage sale in the winter?” Anna asked.
“No. I’ll put stuff on Marketplace and on the board in the local grocery store.”
Una frowned. “Is, ah, that a good idea? Does Sully know your plans?”
“No, but it will be fine. I’ll use Lynn’s profile. Alan never met her and doesn’t know her last name. I’ll vet everyone and make sure Davey is here when they want to pick up the item. I take cash only,” I added. “And Davey will meet them at the front door. There’s a camera and a security guard.”
“You could send them to the hotel to pick up at the front desk. You wouldn’t have to see anyone.”
“No, I’m not using Finn’s hotel as a pickup for dishes and pots.”
Anna smirked. “Probably been used for worse.”
We all laughed. “It’s fine. I have most of my things sorted and boxed to be shipped. Lynn’s place is almost set up, including that chair and television Sully sent her.”
Una smiled. “It’s pretty awesome.”
“The remote-controlled chair that helps her stand, I get. But the eighty-inch TV? Good Lord, it’s like a movie theater.”
“All the better for her to spot clues. We watched a documentary on unsolved murders out west the other day at the hospital. She had a list going of things she thought they missed—and that TV wasn’t as big. And frankly, she may have been right about them,” Una said, wrapping a china cup. “She asked Finn if he had any higher-up contacts at the police there she could talk to about it.”
I almost choked on my coffee. “She asked Finn what? Why would she ask Finn that?”
Una smiled calmly. “She is very bright. She knows Finn is more than a hotel owner. And that Sully is more than a lawyer. She is pleased you’ll be so well taken care of.”
I had no idea what to say. Lynn never mentioned a thing to me about the Irishmen. I never talked to her about them either, except for Sully tidbits that made her smile. She adored him. All of them. Sully sent flowers every week for her room. Special treats and meals arrived from the hotel. Visits from Finn and Niall. Calls from Sully. Finn promised her a night at the hotel, hearing Una sing and dinner once she was out of physio. She basked in their attention, and it comforted me to know she would have them once I left.
“I’ll tell her to tone it down.”
Una laughed. “Finn and Niall can handle themselves. They adore her.”
“I’m lucky to have all of you.”
Anna reached over and patted my hand. “We feel the same, Autumn.”
I looked around the small space, pleased. All of Lynn’s personal possessions were in her new place. Between Una, Anna, and me, it was set up and ready for her with her pictures hung and familiar things around her. They had been such a help and loved adding pretty touches everywhere that Lynn would adore. In addition to the massive TV and the new chair, there was an upgraded bed, a nice love seat for guests, and a small table and chairs that Una insisted were extra from the hotel.
The bed was a “housewarming gift” from Finn and Una. The love seat from Niall and Anna. I had stopped arguing long ago. The tiny kitchenette had unbreakable cups and plates, a good kettle, a Keurig machine and a variety of teas, coffee, and a vast array of snacks waiting for her. She would take her meals in the dining room or have them sent in, but if she was hungry or had visitors, she had lots to choose from.