Chapter 59

She gave me a saucy grin. “It’s also thanks to you that business picked up in both Upper and Lower Flossmere.”

“How do you work that out?”

“Those guards you brought in to make sure your workers felt safe after all the deaths a few years ago.”

“That’s simply good management.”

“Of course. But all the business owners appreciated it.” She chuckled, then sobered and worried her lower lip for a moment before saying, “There’s something I must tell you,”

I leaned back in my chair and spread my arms. “I’m at your service.”

“Not here. There are too many ears to hear.”

“Now you’ve got me curious.”

“Please?”

“All right, Eira. Enjoy your tea. We can talk later.” I assumed she’d want to have this discussion—whatever it was about—in the privacy of the little kitchen behind her shop.

“Thank you.” There were shadows in her eyes, which I didn’t remember seeing there before.

“You’re welcome.” I picked up a sandwich and bit into it, and thought how very well we would do together. 28: Warrick