“Did she ask a lot of questions?”

“Not really. She was happy that I wanted to stay here.”

“And you’re clear until early July?”

“Around July 4. Connie and her family will have it for two weeks then, so I won’t be around.”

“We’ll get you a room nearby. Any other rentals for the cottage?”

“No, not until November.”

“You’ll be done by then, one way or the other.”

“If you say so.”

“Two initial ideas,” Elaine said, quickly getting down to business. It appeared to be an innocent walk on the beach, but it was actually an important meeting. A golden retriever on a leash wanted to say hello. They rubbed his head and exchanged the usual pleasantries with his owner. Walking again, Elaine said, “First, I’d stay away from the bookstore. It’s important that Cable comes to you, not the other way around.”

“And how do I arrange that?”

“There’s a lady on the island, Myra Beckwith, a writer you might have heard of.”

“Nope.”

“Didn’t think so. She’s written a pile of books, really raunchy romance novels, and she uses a dozen pen names. She once sold well in that genre but she’s slowed down with age. She lives with her partner in one of the old homes downtown. She’s a big woman, six feet tall and broad, a real bruiser. When you meet her you won’t believe she’s ever had sex with anybody, but she has an impressive imagination. A real character, very eccentric and loud and colorful, and she’s sort of the Queen Bee of the literary crowd. Of course, she and Cable are old friends. Drop her a note, make the introduction, tell her what you’re doing here, the usual routine. Say you’d like to stop by for a drink and say hello. Cable will know about it within twenty-four hours.”

“Who’s her partner?”

“Leigh Trane, another writer you might have heard of.”

“Nope.”

“Didn’t think so. She aspires to write literary fiction, really impenetrable stuff that the stores can’t give away. Her last book sold three hundred copies and that was eight years ago. They’re an odd couple in every sense of the word, but they’ll probably be a hoot to hang out with. Once they know you, Cable will not be far behind.”

“Simple enough.”

“The second idea is a little riskier but I’m certain it will work. There’s a young writer named Serena Roach.”

“Bingo. Someone I’ve heard of. Never met her but we have the same publisher.”

“Right. Her latest novel came out a few days ago.”

“I saw a review. Sounds dreadful.”

“That’s not important. What’s interesting is that she’s touring and she’ll be here Wednesday of next week. I have her e-mail. Drop her a note, give her the spiel, and say you’d like to have coffee and so on. She’s about your age, single, and it could be fun. Her signing will be the perfect reason for you to visit the store.”

“And since she’s young and single we can expect Cable to be on his best behavior.”