The Guestbook by Andrea Hurst Page A

girl and had a pretty good idea who’d sent the note. Lily’s father. Rumor had it the last ten years her dear old dad had been in and out of rehab and in jail for a bungled check fraud scam. The last thing Lily needed right now was for Jerold Parkins to waltz back into her life and demand his rights to the house. That girl had been through enough.
    Jude went behind the bar and looked up Mike’s number, the attorney in town. The phone rang once before the gruff voice answered. He was all bark and no bite. That is, unless you crossed him.
    “Hi, hope I’m not bothering you. It’s Jude. Can I interest you in coming down for a free bacon burger and a beer?” She knew he could never turn down that offer. “No, nothing is wrong,” she answered. “I just have some questions.”
    Jude ordered the burger and pulled out a bottle of Pale Ale and a chilled glass. True to his word, Mike popped in the door a minute later wearing his favorite Mariners baseball hat.
    “Right on time,” Jude said, motioning for him to follow her to a quiet booth in the corner. She set the bottle down on the table and slid into the seat opposite him.
    “So what’s up that requires my immediate presence?” he asked.
    His eyes looked concerned. He was the real deal when it came to a friend. “It’s not about me.”
    “Okay,” he said. “So who?”
    Jude sighed. “I think Jerold Perkins is back in town and looking to cause trouble.”
    Mike scrunched his face, narrowing his eyes. “I’d heard he was calling lawyers around the island looking for representation for something. He knew better than to call me. After what he did to Maggie, I would have kicked his butt.”
    “And he deserves it, if anyone does.”
    Karen brought over the oversized bacon burger, oozing out the sides with cheese, and placed it before Mike. “Enjoy.”
    He took a giant bite and rinsed it down with a gulp of ale. Between bites he asked, “So what makes you think he’s back?”
    “Lily, Maggie’s granddaughter, stopped by this morning and told me she received an anonymous note telling her not to get too comfortable in her house because it didn’t belong to her. Who else would do something like that?”
    “You’re probably right,” Mike said. “Jerold was most likely shopping for a lawyer to help break the will.”
    “Damn him, can he get away with that?”
    “Probably not, but that won’t stop him from trying. I’ll put some feelers out and see what I can do.”
    Jude got up and hugged Mike. “I can’t thank you enough. Free lunches for a week.”
    Mike waved her way. “Not necessary. I’m happy to do it.”
    “Well at least have another Pale Ale and dessert, on me.”
    Mike smiled and took another large bite from the burger.
    Jude walked back to check what the customers at the bar wanted for lunch. As she worked, her mind drifted back to Lily. Mike would do all he could, she was sure of that. Just how far would Jerold go? She better call John McPherson, Lily’s neighbor, and tell him to keep an out for anyone suspicious hanging around. She liked Lily and wanted to see her succeed. Maggie would have been so proud to see her granddaughter here, baking in her kitchen. Jude secretly hoped Lily would stay and reopen the inn. She fit right in here on Madrona Island.

Chapter Thirteen
     
     
     
     
     
    Lily leaned out the parlor window and watched Jason running in the field between their houses with Gretel. A flicker of joy caught her off guard. She had promised Jason a special snack and something for the dog, too. He’d probably like some of those chocolate chip cookies she’d baked this morning, and so would John. The pumpkin dog treats she’d experimented with could be tried out on Gretel. She could fix up a basket…why not? The memory of Ian’s sapphire eyes almost had her abandoning her plans. She should not encourage that attraction. But they were neighbors; she should be friendly. She selected a straw basket and lined it with a checkered