Page 23 (1/2)

“Of course Oh, Toine what it would have been like to coht, and paint or so?”

“You mean next to the servants?”

“Oh, right” Her face fell at his reality check and he laughed

“You’re getting carried away It looks good on you”

Damned if she didn’t blush

“What about this roo a door to her left The room less and completely, utterly dark Tom stepped across the creaky floor and felt around the inside wall for a light switch Nothing He reached into his

pocket and took out a penlight, shining it into the room

“Holyand he stepped inside and pulled it, illu “Would you look at this?”

“You’ve got to be kidding,” Abby said behind him “Tom, that’s a sea chest”

“It’s … everything,” Tonificantly The room was piled with chests and boxes Maybe not filled with actual treasure, but he knew there’d be soems in here nonetheless “Marian old rinned “You wanted to learn about your faood part of it is in these boxes”

“It’s a little scary I s I don’t want to know, you know?”

“Every family has its skeletons,” he replied He wondered what she’d say if he admitted his own family tree had not only a town founder but a real pirate on one of its branches “None of those skeletons can hurt you now, Abby Everyone’s gone”

He wished he could take back the words as soon as they left his mouth Her eyes were sad as they rested on his face

“God, I’m sorry about that I didn’t think” He tried to sone You must have your family back in Canada”

But she shook her head “No, you’re quite right,” she replied softly “I really aone for a while now” Her expression of enchant the treasure trove had disappeared Now she just looked lost