“Look.” She turned on him fiercely, finger in his face, and winced. “In twenty-four hours, you found me and pulled me out of the ocean, dead, if what I heard you tell Dr. Brocklebank is true.”

“Your hearing is extraordinary.” He frowned as if trying to remember exactly what he’d said to the veterinarian.

“You dragged me up a cliff, bathed me, cared for me, let me sleep in your bed—”

“Shh!”

“—fed me and kept your word to me about the doctor. I’ve got a pretty good idea about your character.”

“You shouldn’t be so trusting.”

“You shouldn’t be so cynical.”

“Right. We’re attracting a bigger audience.” Which was clearly abhorrent to him. “We’d better go in.” He held the door for her.

Inside the restaurant was quiet and safe, without curious eyes watching Adam and Elle, and without that restless feeling of a nearby hostile presence.

Clarice Burbage sat at her table, head in her hand, tablet at her elbow, papers spread out in front of her, reading aloud in a low, intense mutter.

Mr. Kulshan sat at his table, head lolling on the back of his chair, napping. The click of the door woke him, and he sat up as if he’d been awake. He stared at Elle. “Who hurt that girl?” He looked directly at Adam.

Adam shook his head. “Not me.”

Elle said, “Don’t worry, sir. I’m recovering because of Adam.”

“I knew it.” Mr. Kulshan knocked his knuckles on the table. “He’d better take care of you.” Leaning his head against the chair again, he went back to sleep.

Clarice observed Elle. “Ouch! No wonder people are talking,” she said sympathetically and went back to studying her script.

Ludwig walked out of the kitchen, bristling with irritation, and snapped, “We’re not open. Lunch is over. We seat for dinner in two hours.”

“We’ll go to the General Store.” Adam helped Elle turn around. “They have a good section of takeout.”

“Thank you, anyway.” Elle smiled into Ludwig’s grumpy Beethoven face. “Adam said the food is magnificent. I hope to eat here another time.”

Grumpy Ludwig looked startled and smiled back. At least, one side of his mouth rose, so Adam counted it as a smile. “Wait! We can seat you.” He went into the conference room and came out dragging a padded armchair. He placed it against the back wall at a four-person table. He pulled the side of the table away from the easy chair to allow Elle to seat herself without pain, and when Adam had helped her lower herself into the seat, Ludwig pushed the table close. From the wait station, he brought a white linen tablecloth and napkins, two small plates, a carafe of water and two glasses. “As always, Señor Alfonso will rise to the occasion. I’ll consult with him and return with the details.”