Chapter 9: The Lobby

Valeria was waiting in the lobby of the Gull Rest, and she was crying again.

She sat on the faded sofa beside the radiator with Marco standing at her shoulder.

Three of the inn's guests pretended to read brochures.

The innkeeper pretended to polish a bell.

Bea had come in behind us and took the armchair by the door.

Valeria saw Don and stood up with her hands out.

"Don. Thank God."

She turned to me with wet eyes.

"Betsy, sweetheart. Are you all right? We've been so worried."

I said nothing.

Don said nothing either.

He stopped three feet from her and looked at her face, hard.

"Say what you texted," he said.

"That I'm worried."

"Say the rest."

Valeria blinked.

"Don, I think she's confused. She's been through a shock. And her grandmother is... forgive me, Bea, but you have put ideas in her head."

Bea folded her hands in her lap.

"I haven't said a word in two days," she said. "I'm saving it."

Valeria pressed on, gentle as a nurse.

"She tore up the money for show. She knows how this looks. She wants more, and she wants it in public, and she's getting advice."

"From a ferry ticket clerk," said Bea.

"Marco," Valeria said, "tell him."

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