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Again the woman turned to her husband

"If you're interested in seeing any of his work--"

"We'd like that veryMaryellen off "That would reat deal to both of us"

Maryellen walked over to the"If you stop at The Lighthouse Restaurant, which is just down the street, you'll see several of Jon's photographs on display" She pointed out the"Until recently, Jon supple at the restaurant"

"Doing what?" theshocked

"He was the chef"

"Jon?" The woman's tone was equally puzzled "I didn't realize"

This couple seemed to know Jon "My husband is a man of many talents" Maryellen hesitated, almost afraid to ask if they were Jon's parents, uncertain ould happen if her suspicions proved to be correct

"I--" The woman stopped abruptly and clamped her mouth shut

Maryellen noticed how theher that she was saying too much

"Jon's an innovative chef He could've made a name for himself in that field if he'd chosen to do so" Maryellen knew she was chattering, but it was the result of nerves

"That's wonderful"

"Is there anything else I can show you?" Maryellen asked 'There are several talented local artists whose e have in the gallery"

"We were only here about Jon's," thetoward the door "Thank you for your help"

"You said Jon's your husband?" The woered as if she wasn't ready to leave

"We need to go," her husband insisted

"In aabout the silent tug-of-war going on between the older couple It was clear the woer to be on his way

"Do you have children?" the wohter named Katie"

The wohtful child"

"Oh, yes In looks she resembles my side of the family more, but she has Jon's teently tested the waters The woman certainly was curious "I suspect Katie possesses her father's artistic eye, as well, but only time will tell about that"

"Marion"

The woo Thank you so much"

Maryellen nodded and returned to her desk once the couple had left It occurred to her a nized the woman's name--Marion That, combined with the pointed questions about Jon, convinced her they had to be Jon's parents The ones she'd written shortly before her wedding Marion and Joseph Bowman She'd asked that they not answer her letter and they'd abided by her wishes

Instead they'd come to Cedar Cove Maryellen's heart leapt into her throat She could only iine what Jon would say if he ever found out what she'd done

Twenty-Two

Roy McAfee was intensely curious about the news that Hannah Russell was living with the Beldons He wasn't a ossip, but in this instance, he knew and trusted the source--his wife

The last time Roy had talked to Hannah, she'd been on the road in search of a fresh start Apparently she'd found what she was looking for right here in Cedar Cove

Deciding to look into the matter himself, Roy drove out to the Thyme and Tide Roy didn't have many close friends--a few cops and former cops, all still in Seattle-- but over the last couple of years he'd taken a liking to Bob Beldon Corrie got along ith Peggy, too It was rare that they found a couple whose coy had the front door open by the ti for him, her smile wide

"This is a pleasant surprise," she said as she held the screen door "Bob's golfing with Pastor Dave this afternoon" Checking her watch, she added, "He won't be h, if you can wait"

"I should have phoned"

"Can I help you?" Peggy asked, leading the way into the kitchen Without asking, she opened the refrigerator and brought out a big pitcher of leht be able to do just that" Roy pulled out a chair and sat down at the round oak table He wasn't opposed to a glass of Peggy's lemonade, especially since she made it fresh every day

"What do you need to know?" Peggy filled two glasses and sat across fro his hands on the table "Corrie toldwith you these days"

Peggy nodded "She ca storm we had a couple of weeks back" She shook her head "Nearly frightened us out often years, arriving half-drowned on our front porch You should've seen her when she first showed up, Roy She was exactly like a lost kitten in search of a home"

"Where is she now?"

"At work"

Apparently Hannah was more than a visitor Roy reached inside his shirt pocket for a pad and pen "She has a job?"

Peggy nodded again "This is her first day, and she was really worried about it She's washing dishes at the PancakePalace" Peggy frowned slightly "I'd hoped for so better, but she was quite certain this job suited her Unfortunately, she doesn't have much self-confidence"

Roy recalled his phone conversation with Hannah and remembered how timid her voice had been

"She's due back any time I'm curious as to how her first day went"

"I'd like to ask her a couple more questions if you don'tto be disappointed if he lass of leot the lead in Chicago? He's pretty pleased with himself, so if he has a swelled head when you see him, that's why" She smiled as she said it