The Edge of Too Late by Sikes Jan & Sikes Jan

Author:Sikes, Jan & Sikes, Jan
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: RiJan Publishing
Published: 2023-11-28T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 9

The next morning Brandon and Angi located Mr. Hawthorne at the designated meeting place for the lighthouse tour.

“I had hoped to conduct this tour myself.” Jacob Hawthorne ran a hand through thinning hair. “But something has come up that requires my immediate attention. I do hope you won’t mind if I ask one of our staff to accompany you.”

“Of course not.” Brandon wondered what new catastrophe had arisen for the poor man. “So long as they know the history.”

“I can assure you each staff member is well-versed in the Harbor Pointe Lighthouse’s history.” He motioned toward Jeremiah Hatcher, who hurried over. “You’ve met Jerry?”

Brandon cleared his throat, aware of Angi stiffening next to him. “Sure. He fixed the light in our bathroom.” He stuck out his hand. “Good to see you again, Jerry.”

“Likewise.” Jerry shook Brandon’s hand, while undressing Angi with his eyes.

The hair raised on the back of Brandon’s neck when the man flashed her an oily smile. Prick!

Mr. Hawthorne cleared his throat. “These folks are ready for their lighthouse tour.”

“Happy to oblige, I’ll lead the way.”

“Ready, Angi?” Brandon put a possessive arm around her waist.

She nodded. “I suppose.”

He didn’t miss the way she leaned into him. No doubt Jerry made her uncomfortable. But she had to realize she was a beautiful woman and men were going to look. At the same time, there were lines one didn’t cross. He’d keep an eye on Hatcher.

As they turned to leave, Felicia Hawthorne bustled toward the group. “Mr. Miller. Ms. Cooper. I’ve had a break in my schedule. I’d be more than happy to escort you through the lighthouse.”

Disappointment flashed across the handyman’s face. “I don’t mind.”

She waved him away. “I’ll take it from here. Room 104 has a water leak. I need you to tend to it.”

“Wonderful.” Angi’s relief registered in her voice, as Hatcher stomped away.

“Thanks, Mrs. Hawthorne. We’d be honored.” Brandon stepped back. “Please call us Brandon and Angela. It’s much less formal.” He waved his hand. “After you.”

While they covered the distance between the inn and the lighthouse, Felicia Hawthorne chatted about the wild roses that flanked the path as well as some of the very earliest history of the inn. “This place was originally established to accommodate the miners that flocked to this area in search of gold. We have family records dating all the way back to the beginning.”

“And when was that? The beginning?” Brandon asked.

“When Isaac Hawthorne arrived here in search of gold, around 1848.”

“Did he strike it rich?” Angi moved closer.

“He did. With his newfound wealth, he decided to purchase this land and build a hotel. He had visions of this area becoming another San Francisco because of the shipping point. And it did boom for a while.”

“Until the gold rush ended,” Brandon inserted. “But Hawthorne stayed.”

“He did. By then, he’d fallen in love with a local woman named Cordelia, and they married.”

“Is the portrait in the lobby of Isaac Hawthorne?” Angi inquired.

“It is. Some say his eyes will follow you as you move around the room.

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