Murder at Hollow Crest

By Xlibris US

The book is basically about a woman who was raised on the Island with her father. Due to his job, he was not able to spend much time with her. She had befriended a classmate and stayed with the classmates family most of the year. The two girls grew up together, went to college together and were only separated when Helen married and moved to New York. After twenty years, Helen returns to the San Juans to visit her friend and becomes involved in a murder mystery. She and her friend, Susan, spend countless hours trying to solve the murders. Can they do it? Will they do it?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jul 7, 2014
• ISBN: 9781499041699

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

A noise was heard as the sign over the passengers’ seats lit up; it read, Fasten Your Seat Belt. In a few seconds, a voice came over the speaker: –— Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. This is Captain Maxwell once again. We are beginning our descent into SeaTac. The weather in Seattle is clear, and winds are out of the south at five miles per hour. The temperature is a balmy fifty degrees. We should be pulling up to the terminal on time. It is 8:20pm local time. On behalf of the crew and myself, I want to thank you for choosing NorthStates Airlines and hope your stay in Seattle is a pleasant one. Should you need help with connecting flights, please see the person at the reservation desk just inside the terminal. If you have reached your final destination, welcome home.

Seattle! It had been many years since Helen had been to the great Northwest. She laid her head back against the seat and looked out of the window at the lights below. She watched eagerly as the lights grew brighter with the descending altitude. Helen was amazed at how much the city had grown. She strained to recognize familiar landmarks. As the plane banked to the south, she saw the Space Needle and the Science Center, but that was all she could recognize. Everything was so different.

"Seattle is certainly not the quiet, backward city I left twenty years ago, she thought to herself. I wonder if it has all changed."

She exited the plane and walked with the departing crowd through the terminal, following the signs to the baggage claim area. The terminal felt so strange; it was as if she had never been there before. She had planned for her luggage to be sent to her hotel. Continuing out through the exit, she paused to look around for the hired car arranged for her by her travel agent. She saw a young man dressed in a tailored gray uniform toward her.

Mrs.Winthrop? he asked.

Helen nodded. Yes, she said. "I’m Helen Winthrop.

Lomas Limousines at your service, ma’am. He bowed slightly as he spoke, touching the brim of his hat. He presented her with a business card. My name is Harold, he continued. Welcome to Seattle.

Thank you, Harold, Helen replied, accepting the card. But how did you know it was me?

It was just a hunch.

Good hunch!

She was looking at the card when Harold asked, May I? indicating that he wanted to carry her overnight bag. She handed it to him and thanked him again.

The car is this way. He motioned with his hand in the direction of a limousine parked along the side of the curb. He walked toward it. Helen followed.

The black Mercedes Benz worked its way through the airport traffic, eventually pulled out onto the freeway and into another flow of traffic. Helen was again overcome by how much the area had grown. She was watchful of all she could see.

It wasn’t long before the skyline of Seattle was visible. "Amazing, she thought, Seattle definitely isn’t the quiet, backward city it used to be." The buildings were magnificent, towering skyward, each one reaching higher than the next. She spotted the Smith Tower Building, which she remembered used to be Seattle’s tallest building, but now was dwarfed in comparison.

Harold?

Yes, ma’am?

How much farther is it to the hotel?

Not far, Harold replied. We should be there in about fifteen minutes.

I would like to drive along the waterfront before we go to the hotel.

Certainly, ma’am, no problem.

Harold changed lanes cautiously, until he was in the extreme right lane, then exited the freeway. Soon they were driving along Alaskan Way, the street that paralleled the waterfront. Helen sat up close to the side window in order to see better. It was an entirely different scene than she remembered. There were many more restaurants, shops and people. Oh, the people – it was unbelievable. Once again she almost felt as if she were in a place she had never been before. Then she saw the ferry terminal. It, too, had changed, but she recognized what it once was and was instantly reminded of her father.

A peculiar feeling overcame her as fond memories from the past came to mind. "I wonder what he would think of all of this – the people, the traffic and all the bright lights. It’s so different, yet strangely familiar."

The traffic was bumper-to-bumper along the thoroughfare, which was fine with Helen. It gave her more time to look around. It was incredible. Some places looked the same, but most of them were new or had changed beyond recognition.

She spotted one of the newer ferry boats about to depart from the pier and was amazed with its vastness. She thought about her father and felt that he would be impressed as well.

Helen was suddenly snapped back to reality by the sound of her name.

Mrs. Winthrop… Mrs.Winthrop.

Hmm…? Yes…? Sorry, Harold. I must have been daydreaming.

Excuse me, Mrs.Winthrop. I wanted to know if there was anything in particular you wanted to see or possibly somewhere you wanted to stop.

Oh…no, Harold. Not tonight. Helen said, in a rather shaky voice. I’m much too tired tonight. She cleared her throat. I guess I’ve seen enough for one night. You may go onto the hotel.

As you wish, ma’am.

As they made their way through the traffic, Helen continued to watch the passing sights. Thoughts of her father returned, and she remembered what it was like growing up as the daughter of a ferryboat captain. Her father was a magnificent man in her eyes. He had a sturdy build, a graying beard and a pipe always clinched between his teeth. He loved her dearly. He raised her single-handily, after the sudden death of her mother who died when Helen was five years old.

She remembered riding in the pilothouse of the ferryboat, watching her father skillfully steer the big white floating carrier into seemingly small ferry docks. He never once made a rough landing that she could recall.

She felt so proud to be his daughter. When she talked to the passengers, she would tell them haughtily that her father was the captain. He would always refer to her as his ‘little princess’ when he introduced her to people. She could almost hear his deep-throated laugh and see his sun-darkened face as he talked with others and drew on his pipe.

He wasn’t a great man to anyone other than Helen, yet to her he was everything — her entire world. She remembered the pain she felt when she left him to go away to college, and the even greater pain when he left her – he died suddenly of a massive stroke a year later.

The limousine pulled up in front of the hotel and stopped. A doorman opened the car door for Helen. She stepped out onto the sidewalk, but did not move at first. She stood silently listening to the sounds of the city, enjoying the cool, clean air blowing softly on her face and smelling the familiar smells of the saltwater from Puget Sound. After a few moments, she took another deep breath and turned to the doorman who was still standing there holding onto the door.

Thank you, she said, handing him a tip.

Helen tipped the driver as well and said she wouldn’t need him anymore tonight. She entered the lavish lobby of the Weston Hotel through the automatic doors and walked directly to the registration desk. The desk clerk greeted her, smiling ear-to-ear.

Good evening. How may I help you?

I’m Mrs. Helen Winthrop. I believe you have a reservation for me.

The clerk quickly began typing on the computer keyboard. Ah, yes, Mrs. Winthrop, here we are. We’ve been expecting you. He continued to type on the keyboard. How was your flight from New York? he asked cordially.

It was too long, and I’m very tired.

Of course. We have a lovely suite for you on the seventeenth floor overlooking the bay. Your luggage arrived a short while ago and is in your room. Please sign here, he said, handing her a registration form and a pen.

Helen signed her name, accepted the key, and then started to move toward the elevator.

I trust your stay will be a pleasant one, the clerk said.

Thank you, Helen replied. Turning her head back to the desk, she managed a smile for him and continued walking.

Once inside her room, Helen felt suddenly exhausted. She saw her luggage neatly situated by the closet. The unpacking could wait till morning. She retrieved her night clothes from her overnight bag along with a few necessary toiletries. She quickly changed her clothes. All she could think of right now was getting into bed and allowing herself to succumb to the much needed sleep she hoped would follow.

* * * * *

Helen awoke early the next morning, refreshed and full of new hope. Yesterday had been such a trying and tiring day what with the busy schedule she had to adhere to – the packing, the hassle of getting to the airport, and the long, boring flight from New York. She decided immediately to do nothing today but relax and gather her thoughts.

After breakfast had been ordered, she walked to the floor-to-ceiling window and looked out over a remarkable view of Puget Sound. The room was high enough that she could see the Olympic Mountains glistening in the background with the pinkish rays of sun shining upon them. Seeing the water, the mountains, and the boats before her reminded her of why she had always loved the Northwest.

Seeing it all again, she realized how much she missed its beauty; but after her father died, she had no reason to return. No reason… until now. Her life had been in New York – with her husband, the law firm, and their home. But now it was all changed. Phillip’s sudden death brought about a need for a drastic reorganization in her entire life.

Oh, why did it have to happen? she said aloud.

There was a knock at the door. After the waiter placed the breakfast tray on the table in front of the window, Helen signed the check. She thanked him as he departed. She poured herself a cup of coffee and sat gazing out over the mountains, not really tasting the rich, full-bodied flavor of the brew that she unconsciously sipped. This was the first moment of solitude she had known in months, and she quickly became engrossed in her thoughts.

There were the funeral arrangements to be made, all the legalities to unravel, the firm to attend to, sorting through all of his belongings, and seeing that they were properly dispersed. There were so many things to do. But once all was done, she felt very alone.

"Why did he have to die? she cried out loud. We were so happy…. at least in the beginning. What went wrong?"

She knew the answer to the question as soon as the words left her lips. He had become a workaholic, constantly striving to be a better lawyer, taking on more and more cases until it killed him. She tried to warn him. His doctor tried to warn him, but he wouldn’t listen to either of them.

We’ll take a long cruise right after I argue this litigation, she could remember him saying, time after time. But there was always one more case to be argued, one more client who needed his attention, one more case to be won. He had become totally engrossed in his work.

Shortly after they had married and finished law school, they formed a small law firm together. Before she realized it, the firm had grown beyond their control. New lawyers were added to the firm to help, but Phillip didn’t trust anyone but himself to handle the bigger cases. As much as Helen tried to help, it was he who took the cases to trial. Helen didn’t mind, at first, because it left her with more time to pursue other interests. Toward the end, it seemed like she went to the office less and less.

She saw it coming, but she couldn’t make him stop or even slow down. She was powerless. What good is success and money, if you can’t enjoy it? Now it was too late. Phillip was gone and Helen was alone.

She had to get away from New York for a while. The firm was being handled by the remaining partners, the apartment had been sublet, and everything was under control. She had continually kept in touch with her childhood friend, Susan Woodard, all the while she was in New York. When she wrote to Susan about Phillip’s death, Susan invited her to come home for a visit. She accepted the invitation graciously and wantingly. The Woodard’s had been like a family to her when she was young, and a visit to Hollow Crest was like returning home.

Helen nibbled at a croissant as thoughts of her friend came to mind. She met Susan when she went on a summer camping trip in the San Juan Islands. They became friends right away. Helen had just started the first grade at a school close to where she and her dad lived. Susan kept asking her mother if Helen could come to visit on a weekend. Finally, Amelia agreed.

When she saw how close Helen and Susan had become, she convinced Helen’s father that it would be better for her to stay at Hollow Crest during the school year. He realized the need for a good education and a more stable environment in which to study; therefore, he agreed. However, Helen was always by his side during the summer.

Susan and Helen became inseparable. They liked the same games, music, movie stars, food and clothes. Her father often said `they were like two peas in a pod.` What one didn’t think of doing, the other one did.

Helen walked to the dresser and removed a letter from her purse. She read it again for the third time as she returned to the table.

"My dearest Helen,

I was so sorry to hear about Phillip. His death must be a tremendous loss for you. Right now, you do not need to be alone. Therefore, I want you to consider coming to Hollow Crest for a long visit. You haven’t been here in many, many years, and we have a lot of catching up to do.

Please think about it and let me know when you are coming. Mother is looking forward to seeing you, and so am I. It has been such a long time. I won’t take `no’ for an answer. Hoping to hear from you soon.

Your loving friend,

Susan"

Helen slipped the letter back into its envelop. Yes, she thought, "we do have a lot of catching up to do. It will be so good to see Hollow Crest again after all these years."

Just then the telephone rang. It startled Helen. She jumped, nearly spilling her coffee. The telephone was next to her bed on the night stand. Walking to the bed, she picked up the receiver.

Hello? she said.

Mrs. Winthrop? the voice asked.

Yes, this is Mrs. Winthrop.

This is the front desk, Mrs. Winthrop, said the voice on the other end. There is a gentleman here to see you. He says he’s an old friend of yours – a Dr. Robert Anderson.

An old friend? Dr.Robert Anderson? Helen searched her memory. The name sounded familiar, but she couldn’t readily place him.

Robert Anderson … Robert Anderson, she said over and over. Oh, of course, Bob Anderson. Ask him to come up.

Thank you, Mrs.Winthrop.

"Bob Anderson… Why in the world would he want to see me?" she thought. How did he know I was here? I haven’t seen him since college. I wonder what he wants.

Question after question continued to come to mind as she went to the dressing table. She quickly ran a comb through her hair, checked her make-up, and straightened her dressing gown. She added a touch of lipstick and stood back to look herself over in the full-length mirror. The soft blue hue of her gown looked especially nice and brought out the blue in her eyes.

When she heard the knock at the door, she went to answer it. She opened the door, and there stood a tall, handsome man, slightly older than she remembered, but still as attractive as before.

Bob Anderson, she remarked. What a surprise! Come in… Come in.

Hi, Helen. It’s so nice to see you. Bob stated coyly.

Well, it’s nice to see you too. But, how in the world did you know I was here?

Susan told me. I thought I might surprise you and just drop by.

Well, you certainly did a good job of that. I couldn’t be more surprised.

Dr. Anderson stepped into the room.

Helen closed the door behind him staring at him all the while. It’s just that I’m so astonished to see you, Helen continued.

Bob took Helen’s hands in his and said, You haven’t changed a bit. You are still the most beautiful woman I know.

Helen blushed and squeezed his hands. You still know how to make a girl feel good, don’t you? She pulled away and walked toward the table.

Wow! she gasped. Do come in and have some coffee. My… I just can’t believe this. You just show up on my doorstep one day.

When Helen reached the table, she poured a cup of coffee for Bob and herself. Fortunately, two cups had been included on her breakfast tray. She sat down and motioned for her visitor to do the same.

Tell me, she said, What made you decide to come see me like this?

"Well, to be honest, I live just down the road from Hollow Crest. Susan and I have continued to be friends for all these years. She has kept me informed about the goings on in your life. When she told me you were coming, I just had to see you.

I have a meeting in town today, so I thought I would come in early and see if I could see you before the meeting. I hope you don’t mind… my barging in like this, I mean.

Not at all. It’s just that it’s such a shock. I had no idea. Susan has mentioned you in her letters, but….

Look, Helen, he said interrupting. Susan told me about Phillip. I’m so sorry to hear about his death. He was a great guy. We had a lot of fun… the four of us at school. It must be awful for you.

Thanks Bob. It is! It’s been six months now, and I still can’t believe he’s gone. I miss him terribly.

I bet you do.

I still think about him most of the time.

I know. It must be horrible to deal with something like that.

You can’t imagine.

Bob looked at her sympathetically. After a few moments passed, he said, I know you’re planning on spending a few days in Seattle before you go to the San Juan’s. As I said, Susan and I are very close. I thought… well, I thought that maybe we could… what I mean to say is, maybe I could…

The reason I didn’t want to go to Hollow Crest right away, Helen interrupted, is because I felt I needed some time alone… You know, to gather my thoughts… take some time for myself. I’ve had a busy time in New York the last few months, and I thought a few days in Seattle would help me to get my thoughts together before I see Susan and her family.

I know, Helen. I just thought that I could help. I don’t think being alone is really what you need right now. You need to be busy and doing things.

"I don’t think so. What I really need is some time to think things through."

Look, if you sit here by yourself, all you are going to do is think about the things you wished you could have done or should have done. You don’t really need to kick yourself around like that. What I think you need is fun and entertainment. You need to feel alive and have a good time. That will help you more than being alone.

But, I don’t feel like having a good time. I need to think about my life and what I’m going to do with it.

Bob smiled warmly. Maybe that’s what you think you need, but believe me, it’s better to keep busy and have someone who cares about you to be with you. And don’t worry about your life. You’d be amazed how things will take shape without you dwelling on it.

Helen was taken aback.

Let me show you around, Bob continued. Let me be your friend for a few days. Then you can go to Hollow Crest and enjoy yourself with a few of the tough times smoothed out.

But, Bob, I don’t want you to have to hold my hand.

I want to, Helen. And what a lovely hand it is, he said, as he laid his hand upon hers across the table.

But, Bob…

Look… my meeting is in an hour. I should be there for about an hour and a half. You get dressed. Put on your prettiest outfit, and I’ll pick you up here at 11:00am. We can have lunch on the waterfront and walk around some of the old stomping grounds. Remember that old guy who used to sit outside his shop and do Shim Shaw carvings? Let’s go see if he’s still there. What do you say?

Well, I really didn’t have anything in particular planned, and I would enjoy seeing the waterfront…

Good. I’ll pick you up at 11:00am.

Bob rose from his chair and walked toward the door.

But… Helen stammered.

No, don’t say another word. Just get ready. And I’ll be back.

He didn’t want to give her too much time to think about it in fear she might change her mind. He opened the door, turned with a smile, then disappeared as quickly as he had appeared.

Helen was flabbergasted. She didn’t know what to think. Yet, she was flattered and inspired. She felt a sudden girlish sensation within her. She felt encouraged… excited. As soon as Bob left, she spring into the shower. Afterwards, she went to great lengths to prepare herself for a different day than she had thought possible. She donned herself in a light wool, red dress. Put on her red shoes that she knew would be comfortable for walking. Fixed her hair and put on some make-up. She then walked down to the lobby and waited with anticipation.

* * * * *

It was a beautiful, sunshiny day by the time Bob picked her up in front of the hotel. They drove to the waterfront and lunched at Ivar’s Acres of Clams. They talked endlessly about their college days and what had transpired in their lives while they dined on salad, steamed clams and sourdough bread. The chardonnay was delightful.

When the table had been cleared and coffee served, Bob took Helen’s hand in his and said, It’s really great being with you again. I never thought it possible.

Helen smiled.

You are just as lovely as I remember.

Helen said, embarrassingly, Thank you, Bob, but…

The last time that I saw you was on graduation day, Bob continued. You had come to my place to say good-bye.

Yes, I remember.

You told me that you were going to New York with Phillip and that you were going to marry him.

Yes.

That was quite a blow to my ego. The four of us… you, Susan, Phillip and I… well, we had been such good friends. I guess I had no idea that you and Phil… well, I mean, that you were more than friends.

I know, said Helen. It happened rather suddenly. Phillip had mentioned several times that he wanted me to marry him. I never took him seriously. He was such a big tease. However, when he said he was going to New York, and he wanted me to go with him, I guess that’s when I knew that he was serious. He had been accepted at the University of New York which is where he wanted to go to complete his law degree. He wanted me to apply. So I did. I never expected to be accepted, but I was. I guess I thought it was fate. My father died a year later. And once his property was sold, there seemed to be no reason for me to come back.

Except for me.

What do you mean … except for you? she asked.

Well, I guess that was my fault. I was very shy in those days. I was in love with you, but couldn’t bring myself to tell you. And when you told me you were going away with Phil, well, I couldn’t bring myself to say anything.

I’m sorry, Bob; I never knew. I had no idea…

Of course you didn’t. I didn’t want to intrude…

Boy, this is really something.

What do you mean?

The waiter came to serve more coffee.

When he left, Bob repeated, What do you mean… this is really something?

I went to New York with Phillip because that was all I could see as a future for myself. You see… Helen paused and looked out of the window.

What? Bob asked anxiously.

"Well, the truth of the matter is that I wasn’t in love with Phillip. You were the one I was interested in. But I thought you had a thing for Susan, and I was the one who wasn’t going to interfere."

That’s really funny. Bob said.

He pulled back in his chair and bopped the palm of his hand on his forehead.

Wow, I don’t believe this.

Well, what was I supposed to do? You never gave me any indication that you were interested in me.

"I know. I know. It was just that all four of us were such good friends. If I had had one inkling that Phil wanted to marry you… but then you just up and announced that you were going to New York with him. I figured you were in love with him. Besides, he never said a word about it to me."

It’s really astonishing, isn’t it?

Isn’t it though!

"Oh, I learned to love Phillip after a while. Don’t get me wrong. I put you out of my mind for the most part and turned my devotion to him. He was a good man and eager to make a good life for me. The only thing he didn’t realize was that I wanted him, not the money or the success. I am more of a down-to-earth type of girl. I wanted a home and a family and he didn’t. He was ambitious, always needing to do more. We grew apart during the last several years.

It was like he was searching for some level of achievement that he wasn’t capable of… or couldn’t reach. He wasn’t happy unless he was working.

Oh, Helen. I’m so sorry.

There’s no need to be sorry. I did love him, and I miss him terribly…. but we just weren’t suited for each other. I didn’t want the things he wanted, and he didn’t want the things I wanted.

It’s ironic, isn’t it? Look at all of the years that have been wasted, Bob said.

No… they haven’t been wasted. Just misdirected.

Helen looked at Bob, and Bob looked at Helen. They sat in silence for several minutes, not knowing what to say to one another, not knowing how to feel. Finally, Helen pulled her hand away from his and spoke.

Tell me, Bob, have you never married?

Oh, yeah. I married another marine biologist about five years after you left. I met her shortly after I went to work at Friday Harbor Labs. She was there on a sabbatical. What a mistake that was! All we had in common was our work. Our private life was a disaster. She finally left Friday Harbor Labs and took a job in San Diego. We were divorced soon after that.

I’m sorry it didn’t work out for you.

No need. We were totally incompatible. It was for the best. I guess I was looking for someone to take the place of you in my dreams, and she just didn’t measure up.

The silence grew heavy as each sat contemplating their thoughts. They sipped their coffee and avoided eye contact with each other for several minutes. Bob sat his coffee cup down profoundly. He picked up her hand and stood up.

What say, let’s get out of here, he said, enthusiastically.

I’m ready whenever you are, Helen responded with the same enthusiasm."

They spent the rest of the day together, shopping along the waterfront and talking about old times. They went to the Shim Shaw shop, but the carver was not there. When inside the shop, they learned that he had died. Helen bought a Shim Shaw carving saying that it would remind her of him. There were so many shops to see, but it was nearing 5:00pm.

This isn’t the end, Bob said helping her into the car. Tonight, we will dine, and wine, and dance the night away.

Bob dropped Helen off at the hotel to dress for dinner. He told her he would return in an hour for a night on the town.

They dined at the Space Needle. Helen made the comment that in all the years she lived in Seattle, she had never been up in the Space Needle. It was a lovely evening, and the lights around the city were breath taking. After dinner, they were down to the Public Market, parked, then went to a local night club. They talked and laughed and danced until closing.

The next day Bob picked her up early. After a causal breakfast, they walked through the Science Center, rode the monorail, did some shopping downtown, lunched at the Palomino and talked incessantly. Helen thought about Phillip periodically, but only for a moment when she saw something that reminded her of him. She felt alive again, almost reborn. The pain of being alone and the fear for the future was diminishing more and more with each passing hour.

It was their last evening together. They were dining at the Palm Court Restaurant in the hotel. Bob handed her his paper umbrella from his Mai-tai and said, It has been wonderful being with you these last two days, Helen. I don’t know when I have enjoyed myself so much.

I’m glad you talked me into it. I must be honest with you, Bob. You were so right. This has been good for me. It’s been a long time since I have had so much fun… or felt so relaxed.

Good, Bob said.

He took a long drink from his Mai-tai, then reached across the table and laid his hand on hers. Now we know you are on the road to recovery. His deep blue eyes twinkled with joy.

Tomorrow you go to Hollow Crest.

Yes, and I am looking forward to seeing Susan and her family more than ever now. Thanks to you, I feel so differently about things and truly think I can enjoy myself now.

That’s great. I’m so glad. He smiled and squeezed her hand.

How were you planning on getting to Hollow Crest? he asked.

I thought I would have the limousine service drive me to Antacortes and I’d take the ferry through the San Juan Islands. I can telephone Susan from the ferry dock in Friday Harbor and have her pick me up when I get there.

Nonsense, said Bob. That would take the whole day.

I know, but it’s a beautiful trip, and I was…

I have a better idea. My plane is moored on Lake Union, and I have to go back tomorrow anyway. No sense in both of us going our separate ways. Why not fly back with me? That way you can see the islands from the air, get there much faster, and be much more relaxed.

"Well, that would be fun, but I was looking forward to a long ferry boat ride. You remember… my father was a ferryboat captain, and I was anxious to see how much different the trip is now. He took the place of a friend of his on the San Juan trip once in awhile to make extra money. I remember it being very beautiful and relaxing."

I’m afraid you would be very disappointed, Helen. They aren’t the same as they use to be. The ferries nowadays are built bigger to carry more people and cars, and faster to get there in a shorter period of time. It’s not like the old ferry your dad use to pilot.

He waited for a response, but there was none.

Come on, he pleaded. Fly with me tomorrow, and I promise I’ll take you on a nice long ferryboat ride another time – soon.

Still there was no response as Helen sat pondering.

You never have told me much about your father. When we cruise over the islands, you can tell me all about him and what it was like being a kid of a ferryboat captain. I’ll bet he was an interesting man.

Yes, he was, Helen finally said, dreamily.

Besides, we will get to the island much sooner than by boat. And since you’re not expected at Hollow Crest until late afternoon, we can swing by my place. I can introduce you to my dogs, show you around and you can meet Hozo.

Your dogs! remarked Helen. I love dogs. That’s the one thing I could never have living in my apartment in New York. How many do you have?

Just two, replied Bob. But they are very special dogs, at least to me. I’m rather proud of them.

What kind are they?

Black Labs, said Bob. They’re names are Doc and Dolly. They are my idea of relaxation… when I get a chance to get away from the Lab. I take them for walks along the beach in front of my house. It’s very therapeutic, you know, great for problem solving. The sun, the water, the gentle sound of the waves splashing against the shore – playing with the dogs and watching them run – you’d be surprised at how many times I have been able to find answers to questions that eluded me in the Labs.

Who looks after them while you’re gone?

Oh, that’s Hozo.

Hozo?

Yes, Hozo. He’s my chief cook and bottle washer. He takes care of everything, including the dogs. I guess you could say he’s my right-hand man.

Where did you find such a wonder?

Bob reflected back, recalling the summer he first met Hozo. I taught a summer class at the Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport, Oregon, about ten years ago, he began. "It was after I started teaching at Friday Harbor Labs. He was a fisherman on one of the fishing boat out of Yaquina Bay. I noticed him hanging around the Labs anytime his boat was in port, always asking questions about the different fish we were experimenting on and wanting to help out in the Labs. I got to know him very well.

Then one day a terrific storm hit off the coast of Oregon, capsizing the boat he had been fishing on. The Coast Guard was able to rescue all hands, but Hozo just didn’t have the same love for fishing after that.

I can’t blame him, interjected Helen.

"Anyway, he tried to get on at the Labs as a handyman, but wasn’t successful. I liked the guy. He’s an immigrant from Japan… not that that makes any difference.

"When I finished the summer classes, I asked him if he would like to go back to Friday Harbor with me. I had bought a nice piece of property on the Sound and was having a house built. I knew that I would need someone to look after the place while I was traveling, and he seemed to be just the person to do that. He was elated not to have to fish anymore and jumped at the opportunity.

"It’s been so many years now that he is like a member of my family, so to speak. He does a marvelous job of running the place and caring for the dogs. I’m anxious for you to meet him.

So, what do you say? Want to fly with me?

You make it sound so intriguing. She paused briefly while she took a sip of her coffee. Sure, why not, she said. But I’m going to hold you to that cruise through the San Juan’s.

You got it!

CHAPTER TWO

Helen was up at five-thirty that morning repacking all of her clothes and getting everything ready to go. She laid out her red plaid skirt, a white blouse and red blazer to wear on the trip, then neatly repacked the rest of her clothes. She leisurely bathed and dressed with an excitement that she thought no longer existed in her. When she was ready to go, she phoned for a bellhop. While she waited, she took one last look around the room to make sure she hadn’t missed anything. There was a knock on the door. Helen hurried to the door, opened it and handed the bellhop a very generous tip.

Take my bags to the lobby. We’ll pick them up when we are ready to leave, she said with a glorious smile on her face. She grabbed her handbag and flew out the door with such a wonderful feeling of excitement. After checking out she went to the restaurant.

Helen saw Bob sitting at a table by the window when she entered. He looked so handsome in his light gray woolen slacks and sweater that complemented the blue in his eyes. He was anxiously watching the entrance and rose as soon as he saw her. He smiled as he watched her walk across the room.

Good morning, she said, returning his smile.

Good morning.

He helped her with her chair.

Isn’t it a lovely morning? Helen asked as Bob returned to his seat.

Yes, it is, but not nearly as lovely as you.

Helen blushed. Thank you, she said. You look rather nice yourself

Oh, it’s nothing. Just a few rags I threw together. I took the liberty of ordering for us, Bob said, as he returned to his seat. Hope you don’t mind. I thought it would save some time.

No, not at all, Helen said, but are we in a hurry?

Yes and no.

Helen looked confused.

We have all day to get there, Bob explained, but I am anxious for you to see my place. I know you’ll love it.

I’m sure I will. I can’t wait to see it. Helen smiled, then sipped her coffee. "I called Susan this morning and told her what the plan was for the day. I said I would probably be at Hollow Crest by dinner time. She said you should plan on staying for dinner as well."

"Oh, she did, did she? Well, I think I