Stone Bridges by Carla Neggers

Author:Carla Neggers
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: MIRA Books
Published: 2019-01-17T20:47:14+00:00

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Adam’s first stop with Adrienne was the inn’s library, complete with a large fieldstone fireplace, floor-to-ceiling bookcases and a cozy, old-fashioned atmosphere. She noticed board games tucked onto shelves. Clue, Monopoly, Risk, Scrabble. From the library, they headed upstairs to a long hall with guest rooms on either side. Adam explained they’d be doing some restructuring when they renovated but wouldn’t lose any rooms in the process. “The building is sound. That helps,” he said. “Heather is helping with the interior design plans from London. She likes to remind us it’s not the same as interior decorating.”

“You prefer rocks and finances?”

“I have the patience to work with them but none when it comes to traffic flows and deciding on things like bathroom fixtures.”

“Do renovation plans involve new or existing stonework?”

“Some of the stonework out back has a few problems. All the stonework inside is in great shape. Here. I’ll show you.”

He stood close to her and pointed out the window to a patio and firepit that required his attention.

“I saw your photographs at Carriage Hill,” she said.

“Photography’s a hobby.” He stood back from the window. “I’ve been working on a series of photographs of old stone bridges and stone walls in the area. I’m in no rush.” A small smile. “The bridges and walls aren’t going anywhere.”

“Vic noticed the photographs at Carriage Hill, too. They’re a nice touch.”

“I appreciate that.”

They went downstairs, back to the kitchen. Justin had left to walk Evelyn Sloan back to her house, and Samantha had catalogs for bathroom fixtures open on the table.

Adam led Adrienne through the kitchen door to the backyard with its mature flower beds and expansive, if weed-prone, lawn. “You’re still parked at Smith’s?” he asked her.

She nodded. “I have a few errands to do in town. The back door’s unlocked if you need to get into the house.”

“I have a key. You don’t need to leave it open on my account.”

“I’m used to locking up everywhere else.”

“Vic says you’ve never lived anywhere six months.”

“And a lot of places not that long. I house-sat, dog-sat, did short-term rentals and all sorts of things while I was learning about wine and traveling the world. Well, some of the world. Lots of places I’ve never been. Have you traveled much?”

“When I was in the military.”

“Right. Thank you for your service.”

“It was a privilege,” he said, pulling open the driver’s door to his stonemason’s van. “See you later.”

She thanked him for the tour and headed out to the sidewalk. He waved as he passed her in his van. She continued past her car up to Main Street, arriving at the country store as Maggie was leaving. She carried two bags and flinched when she said hello. “My head’s pounding. I think I overdid. This damn thing is taking longer to heal than I thought it would.”

“Here, let me help,” Adrienne said.

“I walked over here from the house. I can manage to get myself home.” Maggie took a shallow breath, obviously in more pain than she wanted to admit.

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