At the River’s Edge The Chesapeake Diaries by Unknown Page B

now?”
    “Jesse and Violet, who’s had to come back to work full time until he can find someone to take her place, and I’m sure you know that Violet is irreplaceable.”
    “So he’s really three people down in the office,” Sophie murmured. “Liz, my granddad, Uncle Mike.”
    “Has he considered one of those temp services?” Grace joined the conversation.
    “I don’t think he’s had time to, well, time to think,” Brooke told her.
    “My granddaughter might be able to help out,” Nita said as she rose, her PAST TIMES mug in hand. “She’s been working for a lawyer over in Annapolis for the past couple of years, but she might be looking to make a change.”
    “I’ll mention it to Jess,” Brooke said.
    “He can call me at the shop. Which is where I need to be.” Nita glanced at her watch. “I like to have a few hours in the morning to putter, move things around, before I open.”
    “I need to get going, too.” Clay stood. “I’m supposed to pick up Wade and go look at some equipment that a brewery over near Rehoboth is selling.”
    “I guess I should get going as well.” Brooke drained her mug—pink with white letters that spelled out CUPCAKE . “Monday is my big baking day. I was in extra early this morning, so I convinced myself that I could take a break, but break’s over.”
    Grace sighed. “I’m afraid I’m going to have to be off now, too. I’m meeting with the new president of the historical society to discuss this year’s project for an article to run in this week’s paper, assuming I can write it fast enough.” She stood, one hand on the table to give her leverage. “Seems everything takes me longer these days. My fingers don’t move as quickly on the keyboard and my right hip is giving me trouble this week. Getting older can be so tedious at times.”
    “Thanks for letting me join you this morning, Miss Grace.” Sophie rose, her mug in her hand. She reached for Grace’s mug, which had been left on the table. “I’ll take this up to the counter for you.”
    “Oh, thank you, dear. Well, I hope I see you again while you’re visiting.” Grace patted Sophie on the arm.
    “Maybe I’ll stop back in another morning.”
    “Oh, do. We’re here every day. Sometimes the group is larger, sometimes smaller. It all depends onwho shows up on any given day, but all are welcome. I hope you feel welcome, too.”
    “I do, thanks.” Sophie carried the mugs—her plain white one, Grace’s with THE ST. DENNIS GAZETTE written in white on marine blue—to the counter, where she handed them over to Josh. He nodded his thanks as he whipped up a cappuccino for a woman who watched him intently.
    “Did I hear you say you walked, dear?” Grace appeared to be waiting for Sophie on the sidewalk outside the coffee shop.
    “I did.”
    “Would you like me to drop you off somewhere?”
    “Oh, no, thank you. I’m enjoying the freedom of just taking off and walking wherever this morning. It’s such a nice day.”
    “A bit chilly for me, but at least the sun is toasty.” Grace drew gloves and her car keys from her bag. “If you’re sure …”
    “I’m sure, but thanks.” Sophie gave a quick wave, then buttoned her jacket against the breeze as she crossed the street. She really hadn’t given much thought to her destination, but now that she was out and about, and fueled by caffeine, she headed toward Old St. Mary’s Church Road and the law offices of Enright & Enright. Jesse wouldn’t be back from court, but Violet would be there, and Violet was the person Sophie really wanted to see.
    At the sound of the opening door, Violet turned sharply to peer into the hall.
    “Oh, Sophie. It’s you.” Violet sounded relieved.
    “Were you expecting someone else?” Sophie cameinto the reception area, and as always, felt an urge to lower her voice. The dark hardwood floor was covered with an ancient Oriental carpet, and the paintings on the walls were of early St. Dennis street scenes and early