Read Online Chesapeake Summer by Jeanette Baker - Free Book Online Page A

tables and chairs hugged the walls and a glass case as long as the room was filled with herbs and spices all neatly labeled. Candles, colorful crockery, greeting cards, books, beads and checked window coverings gave the place a homey, interesting feel. Blake liked it here. He would have liked anywhere as long as Verna Lee was there, too.
    â€œBailey Jones is back in town,” she began conversationally. “He’s thinking about selling his land.”
    Blake nodded. “I heard. A geologist’s holed up at Bonnie’s B&B. He’s taking a long time to get started.”
    She set down a tall, sweating glass of herbal iced tea in front of him. “What’s holding him up?”
    Blake shrugged, trying to ignore the effect of smooth, gold skin against the bright turquoise of her sleeveless blouse. She moved gracefully, efficiently, layering his sandwich, cutting it in two, adding the pickles just the way he liked. He cleared his throat. “Who knows? It’s Bailey’s land, at least until escrow closes. He’s the one calling the shots.”
    Verna Lee slid the sandwich across the table and sat down across from him. He tried not to look too delighted.
    â€œI’m worried about the wetlands,” she said. “I don’t think people around here realize what’ll happen without them.”
    Blake sighed. He would never understand her loyalties. As far as he was concerned, there was nothing out there but alligators and mud. Affordable housing, on the other hand, would benefit the Cove. He changed the subject. “I hear Bailey’s made something of himself in New York.”
    â€œMy niece Chloe was really taken with him four years ago when she was here for the first time. She’s back for the summer and her mama’s worried they’ll start something up.”
    â€œWhat’s wrong with that?”
    Verna Lee looked thoughtful. “I’m not sure. Even though he’s had amazing success with his painting, Bailey’s had a rough life. He’s been on his own for a long time. His mother, Lizzie Jones, wasn’t exactly Mother Teresa. I think Libba Jane wants something different for Chloe.”
    Blake grinned. “You mean she doesn’t want history to repeat itself. Seems to me I heard she ran off with an actor when she was about Chloe’s age.”
    â€œThat’s ancient history. I’m sure we all have a few skeletons we’d rather not talk about.”
    â€œI don’t want to talk about skeletons, Verna Lee.”
    â€œWhat do you want to talk about?”
    â€œSunday. I want to talk about us taking a drive to Chincoteague and ordering up a plate of blue crabs. How about it?”
    Verna Lee laughed. “In your dreams.”
    He finished his sandwich and washed it down with tea. “Well then, since you’re turning me down again, I guess I’ll be on my way.” Settling his hat on his head, he tipped the brim. “I’ll see you in church on Sunday.”
    Blake waited for a minute outside the café, narrowing his eyes against the shimmering heat waving up from the scorching macadam. The sun was at its peak. Shadowed doors and windows looked inky black against the stark white of stucco walls. Two men approached Perks from opposite directions. He recognized Russ Hennessey with his sorry-looking beagle lagging behind. The other man was a stranger, bareheaded, obviously some poor fool who didn’t understand the dangers of heatstroke.
    Blake nodded at the stranger. “You might want to consider wearing at least a baseball cap in this heat.”
    Surprisingly, the man stopped. “Are you the sheriff?”
    He held out his hand. “Blake Carlisle. What can I do for you?”
    Perfunctorily, the stranger shook his hand. “Dave Yardley. I’m one of the geologists hired by Weber Incorporated to inspect a parcel of land north of here belonging to Bailey Jones. We’ve hit a