“For starters, you should have replaced this deck five or ten years ago. They don’t last forever, especially on the waterfront. Then add in the fact that this one was not constructed properly for its size, and...” He shrugged, as if she was supposed to know what that meant. When her only response was stony silence, he walked up the steps and across the deck in her direction. Apparently it was safe enough for him. He pointed down to where the deck met the house. “The ledger board is what anchors a deck to a house. Your ledger board wasn’t connected to the house well to start with, and it’s rotted over the years to the point where it could pull free at any time. And the joist connectors are cheap tin. They’ve rusted and grown weak, so if you had a few people all standing in the same area, a joist could easily give way.”

That was a visual that hit home. She’d served tea and desserts to Iris, Cecile and Maura just last week out here one sunny afternoon. The idea of anyone, but particularly eighty-two-year-old Iris, falling through the deck made her feel ill.

“B-but you’re standing on it right now.”

“That’s the thing—it could last a couple more years without a problem.” He looked around. “Or it could go right now.” He winked at her, and she had to make an effort not to show any response. A response like...gasping. He had one great wink. “I’m standing here because I understand the risk, and your deck is only three feet off the ground. If you want to come out here, just know that it’s dicey. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but you need a whole new deck.”

She sighed. “If it was anyone other than you saying that, I’d be skeptical as hell.”

“Feel free to get a second opinion.” He wasn’t offended, just calm and matter-of-fact about it.

“I don’t need to do that. Just tell me how much.”

He grimaced. “Way more than the original estimate, I’m afraid.”

“I’m sure. But my accountant doesn’t respond well to requests for way more.”

“I’ll work up a price for you. It’ll be more expensive, but I recommend going with composite decking. It’ll last a hell of a lot longer.” He grinned. “And you can even choose what color you want, anything from dark blue to rose pink. It’s going to take a while to complete.” His smile deepened. “Think you can avoid bursting into song that long?”

“Oh, ha ha. Think you can manage to avoid being a Peeping Tom if I can’t?”

“No promises, Vicks. You still got it after all these years.”

She gave a startled laugh. “Careful about counting years, buster. You were only a year behind me.”