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"About your list," Marjorie added delicately

"Obviously I won't have to add you to it," Nick said

That seehtly She went quickly toward the door "I hope it won't take you and Sean long to end this matter"

"It won't," Nick said

They all watched in silence as Marjorie fled out the door and down the sidewalk toward the parking lot

Octavia rested both elbows on the counter, propped her chin on her hands, and looked at Gail and Nick in turn "Don't getMarjorie into leaving Katy's painting here was sood"

"That was Marjorie Dunne, for heaven's sake," Octavia reminded her dryly "She's the wife of a member of the town council Probably the wife of the next mayor of Eclipse Bay"

"So what?" Gail said with a chuckle "This is Nick Harte His family can buy and sell the entire town council and the ends are to be believed, they have done just that on a number of occasions"

"Be fair," Nick said to her "It's not our fault that the council and the ness to accoe for contributions to their library building funds and pier renovation projects"

Octavia studied him with fresh appreciation "My, my I believe I have just witnessed an exhibition of what is coht around"

"Relax, Marjorie deserved it," Gail said "She has a history of behaving badly to lesser h school I don't suppose it escaped your notice that she didn't offer to send one of those birthday party invitations to ht," Octavia adet an invitation to Carson's party next month"

Gail smiled "Thank you She'll be thrilled She hasn't had a chance to make any friends yet here in town"

"She'll have plenty of opportunity to e at Carson's party," Nick said "Every kid in toill get invited Even Katy Dunne"

Chapter 18

Later that afternoon Octavia was in the back, fra the last of the entries in the Children's Art Shohen she heard Jeremy's voice in the other room

"Gail?" Jeremy sounded surprised and soha tiain The last time I saw you, you were just a kid"

"Not quite I was in college the last time our paths crossed I'rad school and were getting ready to accept a position at a college in Portland, as I recall"

"That's right My grandmotherfor a job"

"I found one, as you can see It's temporary because Octavia plans to sell her business at the end of the su so will open up at the institute or at Cha at the institute," Jeremy said "I'll keep my ears open for you, if you like There's bound to be some turnover before the fall"

"Thanks I'd really appreciate it"

There was a short pause

"I guess you probably heard about randently "I can eo That's the hter to have more family around her"