Page 21 of Isla by Any Other Name

“Just because I’m a computer geek doesn’t mean I don’t like nature. My folks took us on four camping trips a year. I can pitch a tent and make a fire on my own.”

“Wow, I’m impressed,” Steve said sitting back in his seat and munching on a chip. “You’re a woman with many talents.”

Mary didn’t like his condescension but couldn’t get caught up in that right now. She got right to it. “Have you been to any football games lately?

“I have,” said Steve. In went another chip. “I went last week with my brother. It was a great game—the Eagles won. I didn’t know you were interested in football?”

“I’m from Buffalo,” she said. “Die-hard Bills fan.”

“Gotta love an underdog,” said Steve.

Yes, don’t we, thought Mary.

“I’m an Eagles fan all the way,” he continued.

“You usually go with Mitch, don’t you?” She felt the excitement rising in her body. This is why she got into this side hustle. The thrill that went down her spine when she was close to an answer. She felt it now.

“Yeah, we were supposed to go together last week, but he couldn’t make it. He left his ticket with the boss. That’s why my brother and I went.”

“Oh, is Mitch on a case or has he taken a vacation?”

“I really don’t know,” said Steve, motioning to the waiter for more salsa. “You know we’re not privy to certain information. He could be on a case or maybe it’s hunting season. He could have taken time off to go hunting with his buddies. His family has a cabin in Virginia.”

“Really,” said Mary, slyly. “So do my folks, up near Charlottesville. I wonder where his is?”

“Someplace in Albemarle County, but I couldn’t tell you where. I haven’t a clue.”

“I’ll have to ask him the next time I see him. Wouldn’t it be funny if we both had cabins in the same area?” Mary laughed.

“I wish my family had a family place like that. Sometimes you just want to get away for a few days, ya know?”

Mary barely heard the rest of Steve’s monologue about vacation homes. She ate her tacos, wiped her hands on wet wipes, and repeated her information over and over. Albemarle County, Albemarle County…

Lara knocked on Isla’s door. “Molly, are you up?” Lara asked as she quietly opened the door. Isla was curled up under the covers. Lara walked over to the bed and touched Isla’s shoulder. “Molly, wake up, it’s four o’clock. You said you wanted to be up by four.”

Isla opened her eyes, “Oh, hi, Lara. I’m up, I’ll be down in a few minutes. I want to start dinner.” She slid out from under the covers.

“Sounds good to me,” said Lara. “I’d help, but I’m due down in the basement in ten minutes. It’s my turn to be on surveillance duty.”

“I’ll be fine,” said Isla. She knew a nap wouldn’t touch the exhaustion in her heart.

Isla went to freshen up and headed down to start dinner. Mitch and Max were at the kitchen table with Kip and Jax.

Jax turned and smiled at her as she walked into the room. “Hi, Molly! Sleep well?”

Isla nodded. “Yes, thank you. I won’t be disturbing you guys if I start dinner, will I?”

“Not at all,” Max said. “What’s for dinner?”

“Meatloaf and mashed potatoes.”

The guys oohed and ahhed. It made Isla smile. Max said, “Why don’t you give me the potatoes? I’ll peel them for you. Growing up it was my job to peel the potatoes and the carrots and snap the peas. My mom taught us to cook before we were in grammar school.”

“Well then, the job is all yours,” Isla laughed.

Mitch got up and took a paring knife from the drawer. He started peeling with Max while Isla mixed the ingredients for meatloaf. After everything was done and in the oven, Mitch turned to Isla. “Want to take a short walk?”

“Forty-five minutes for the oven,” Isla said with a smile. “A short one.”