Christi completed her quick inventory of the provisions in her small cart and started toward the checkout line. She should be set for the long drive home.

As she wound through the aisles, the muffled sound of her ringtone came from deep within her purse, and she halted. Jack—or the police chief?

Didn’t matter. Either one of them could be bearing news that would change her plans.

She pulled out her phone, wedged herself beside a display of breakfast cereal, and greeted the caller.

“Ms. Reece? Chief Graham-Stone again. Have you left town yet?”

“No—but I’m about to head out.”

“I’m glad I caught you. I heard back from the property management company in Coos Bay faster than I expected. The owner isn’t going to press charges for trespassing.”

Christi closed her eyes and exhaled. Thank you, God. “That’s great news. Do they want me to pay for the logs?”

“No. But the management company did ask that you call them before you leave.”

Christi frowned. “Did they say why?”

“The owner wants them to pass along a message. I can give you the number and contact name, if you have a pen handy.”

“Yes. Hang on a sec.” She dug through her purse and extracted a ballpoint and slip of paper. “Ready whenever you are.” She jotted the name and numerals as the chief recited them. “Did they drop any hints about the message?”

“No—and I didn’t probe. My sole concern was the potential trespassing charge.”

“I understand. I’ll make the call as soon as we hang up.”

“Perfect. Have a safe journey.”

“Thank you.” Brow still pleated, Christi pressed the end button. Did the owner want to question her further about how she’d gained access to the cottage? Ask if she’d seen anything suspicious during the night she’d spent there? Try to glean a few more clues about the logs and the missing lock beyond what Jack had covered in his report?

If so, they’d be disappointed.

But a call wouldn’t delay her departure more than a few minutes. It was the least she could do after they’d been so gracious.

She tapped in the number of the management company and asked for the man whose name the chief had provided.

The call was transferred immediately, and he got straight to business. “Thank you for your prompt response, Ms. Reece. The owner of the cottage where you spent last night has asked that we pass along an offer to you.”

Offer?

She moved her cart aside as another shopper stopped at the cereal display. “What kind of offer?”