The Last Word (A Books by the Bay Mystery)

and you can still see your folks from behind the bar.”
    Caitlyn ignored Gabe’s hand, but she did detach herself from Kim and follow the bartender. Olivia felt a rush of pride and affection for Gabe. For a man in his midtwenties, he was skilled at reading people of all ages. With his all-American, surfer-boy good looks and gentle, earnest manner, he charmed everyone he met.
    “Can I get you anything?” Olivia asked the Salters, though she knew her offer would be refused. Hudson’s body language proclaimed his desire to escape the upscale atmosphere of the restaurant as soon as possible.
    Olivia sympathized with Hudson. He’d spent his entire life on the small island of Okracoke where he and Kim had run a small inn and café. He was a simple man and showed incredible talent in the kitchen, but he hadn’t been exposed to many cultural experiences, and Olivia suspected he often felt inferior to his older half sister.
    But Hudson and Olivia had bonded over one thing: the lack of affection shown to them by their late father. Luckily for Hudson, he had a sweet and patient wife and a lovely daughter to keep his heart from hardening, and Olivia hoped that by working together with her brother, she and he would come to truly care for each other.
    “We think we found a house today,” Kim said brightly and smiled at her husband. “It’s real cute, but it’ll be strange to not be able to see the sea out the window.”
    Olivia nodded. “I remember feeling that way when I lived in my grandmother’s house. It had dozens of rooms and beautiful gardens, but I had a hard time going to sleep because I couldn’t hear the ocean. There was no rhythm without the waves.” She paused. “Do you want to keep looking? I could get you a rental until you find the right place.”
    “We can’t afford an ocean view. Ever,” Hudson said grimly. “They’ve all been taken by folks that only live here a few months a year.”
    Kim put a placating hand on her husband’s arm. “The view’s not important. Really. What’s important is that there are a bunch of kids in the neighborhood. Caitlyn needs to make friends her own age. She’s been playing with make-believe ones long enough.” Worry creased her brow. “Caitlyn believes she can tell when folks are up to no good.” She put both palms on her belly and rubbed tenderly, as though trying to assure the child she carried that all was well. “Other kids think she’s weird and—”
    “Kim, we’re here on business.” Hudson’s dark eyes reminded Olivia so much of her father’s that she nearly flinched. There was a constant spark of wariness deep in both men’s pupils. Apparently, Caitlyn’s odd behavior had touched a nerve in Hudson.
    Olivia touched the starfish pendant that had once belonged to her mother and calmly asked her brother if he’d had a chance to work on the menu for The Bayside Crab House.
    Food was a topic that brought out the best in Hudson Salter. He was a gifted cook and was as particular and creative as Michel when it came to presentation, the use of fresh ingredients, and unique flavor combinations.
    Hudson pulled a sheet of paper from the center pocket of his overalls and shyly handed it to Olivia. For an instant, she longed to grab his hand, to tell him that she understood how difficult it must have been to have spent a lifetime desperate to earn his father’s approval, and that she believed in him, but the moment passed.
    She leaned over and studied his menu suggestions.
    “I’ve got local suppliers for clam, shrimp, and every fish in the sea, but I don’t have anyone I trust to supply oysters or mussels.” She pointed to the section on the paper listing Hudson’s ideas for raw bar items.
    “I’m gonna need to meet your guys,” Hudson said. “No one from the island will cross the channel to bring me so much as a stick of butter. They all think I’m turning my back on my home.”
    Olivia dropped her eyes to the menu. “Change is hard on those who leave and on those who are left behind. But you’re going to be a part of a landmark eatery. Both of you. And with these entrees, The Bayside Crab House is going to be packed every night. I love your idea to blend the crab with avocado and pico de gallo. Also, this seafood platter combo that includes scallop scampi, coconut shrimp, snow crab, and a petite lobster tail is sure to be a crowd pleaser.”
    Hudson’s expression didn’t change, but Olivia knew the compliment had registered by the