Chapter 21

Early the next morning, Morgan and Chester took a brisk walk down by the lake before heading home for breakfast. The day promised to be filled with last-minute errands before the kickoff of the evening's fall festivities.

She checked in with Grace, who approved of the final scavenger hunt Morgan had forwarded. "It's perfect with the perfect number of items for them to find."

Morgan grabbed a pen and pad of paper. "Since we're hosting a joint activity, what do you think about expanding it and including a combined cocktail hour?"

"Your guests pop over here and mine swing by Locke Pointe?" Grace asked.

"Exactly."

"I love it. What kind of food are you planning on serving? We'll want to make sure we're not making the same dishes."

Morgan tapped her pen on top of the pad. "What about a charcuterie board?"

"I'm digging it."

"I found a recipe for bacon wrapped Brussel sprouts."

"An array of dips and chips is always an inn favorite," Grace said. "Spinach dip, hummus, tzatziki."

"Yum, yum," Morgan said. "I'll put together a charcuterie board, the Brussel sprouts and maybe some fried macaroni and cheese balls."

"And I'll handle the dips and crackers, along with dessert."

"It sounds like a plan. How does serving munchies from six until seven-thirty sound and then we can start the scavenger hunt around eight?"

"Perfect."

The women went over a few more minor details. After ending the call, Morgan finished jotting down her list, showered and headed out. Her first stop was the grocery store, where she picked up everything they would need and drove straight to Locke Pointe.

Tina was already there, wrapping up the breakfast meal. Morgan pitched in and helped clean up. As soon as they finished, she began prepping for the party.

Morgan made her rounds, checking to make sure her scavenger list items were all assembled and in place. Near noon, she stopped for a quick lunch break and then took over to give Ronni time to get ready for the evening's festivities.

"Don't forget we have our new guest, Amber Marais, checking in today."

"Our list of demands, Amber?" Morgan joked.

"Hopefully, she won't be too bad."

"It's only for the weekend. We'll deal with it. Who knows? We might end up with a superfan."

After Ronni left, Morgan inspected the guest suites, making sure everything was perfect. Two had been vacated and now three would be newly occupied. She plumped pillows, rearranged the goodie baskets and checked to make sure each suite had ample supplies: fluffy white bath towels, Michigan cherry coffee, Mackinac Island fudge. All the special gifts that helped make Locke Pointe Bed-and-Breakfast an upscale retreat.

She finished and then she and Chester ran down to the storage building to check the equipment. Satisfied everything was in place, she followed her pup along the shoreline. The wind suddenly picked up and an icy chill blew in off the lake.

"Brrr." She shivered involuntarily. "It's almost time to dig out the warm winter jackets."

By the time they returned, Greg had already left to drive to the harbor and pick up the new arrivals. She began watering her flowers and was just finishing up when he returned.

Morgan set the watering can aside and stood near the top of the steps, watching as the passengers exited the van. A couple from Ohio. Another couple from Indiana and finally her single guest, Amber Marais.

The woman hovered off to the side while Morgan chatted with the others. She gave them a rundown of the B&B's amenities, rattled off the breakfast hour and reminded them about the special event starting at six. "My friend Grace Coates, who runs the Lilac Inn next door, will be co-hosting."

"How fun," a guest replied. "Lilac Inn was another top choice. We stayed for a long weekend last year. I was tempted to book there again, but I've heard wonderful things about Locke Pointe. I told my husband we needed to check it out."

"So now you'll get the best of both worlds," Morgan said. "Staying here and visiting Lilac Inn."

"What a fabulous idea," the second woman said. "We are looking forward to it."

Greg loaded the cart with bags and escorted the couples to the elevator, leaving Morgan alone with Amber Marais.

While chatting with the others, she could feel the woman's eyes on her, watching her, studying her. At one point, she turned to find her glaring. The look quickly vanished, replaced by a serene smile.

Morgan racked her brain, trying to think of who she reminded her of. And then it dawned on her. It was Naomi Renaud, her grandmother's nemesis. Her mannerisms. Her expressions. Even the way she held her hands. It was eerily similar to those of her troublesome neighbor.

In sharp contrast, Amber was much younger and extremely attractive in an exotic sort of way. Petite with jet black hair and blue eyes. Pert nose, arched eyebrows, high cheekbones and perfectly manicured nails. She reminded Morgan of a runway model, except not as tall.

"Ms. Marais." Morgan extended her hand. "Thank you for visiting Locke Pointe. I'm sure you heard me chatting with the other guests. Do you have any other questions I can answer?"

"Actually, I do. I provided a list of simple requests but never received a confirmation."

"They've been addressed."

"Soy milk for breakfast?"

"We have it."

"What about the feather pillows? I need down pillows."

"They are already in your suite. I checked myself," Morgan confirmed.

"What about gourmet coffee? I prefer Costa Rica reserve blend."

"We offer something even better. It's Michigan cherry and also a guest favorite."

Amber curled her lip. "I suppose I could try it. I will warn you, I'm very picky."

Morgan's little voice whispered in her ear. No kidding.

"I also requested a cotton waffle robe."

"Which is hanging in the armoire as we speak." Morgan tucked her hands in her back pockets. "Valet service by Greg has been provided. In fact, I'm sure your bags have already been delivered to your room."

"And the tea?"

"Twinings Earl Gray. Five brand new unwrapped tea bags are next to the coffee. Should you need more, simply ask."

"I'm allergic to nuts."

"Our cook has made a note."

"Last, but not least, I need late checkout on Sunday."

"At three p.m. Greg is already scheduled to drive you to the harbor after he loads your bags in the van." And I don't think it will be a moment too soon, Morgan silently added. "Is there anything else?"

"No, but if I think of it, I'll let you know. Perhaps you could give me your cell phone number," Amber hinted.

Morgan blinked rapidly. "My personal cell phone number?"

"In case I need something."

"You'll find a contact number in your suite. All you need to do is call the number."

"So, what you're saying is you're not a hands-on innkeeper."

Morgan bit back a snappy reply. This new guest was already getting on her last nerve. "I am very much hands-on. However, I have boundaries. One of them is not giving out my personal cell phone number."

Amber stuck her nose in the air. "Very well. I hope I'm not sorry I booked this place instead of the Lilac Inn."

"You and me both," Morgan muttered under her breath.

Amber spun around. Her eyes narrowed. "What did you say?"

"I said I'm sure you won't."

"Hmm."

With head held high and shoulders back, Amber climbed the front porch steps and marched into the foyer.

Morgan reluctantly followed behind, wondering if it was time to create a "NAB" list. "Not allowed back." If so, Amber Marais was going to have the honor of becoming the first person on the list.

The woman appeared to have backed down and was almost pleasant as Morgan escorted her to the second floor Somewhere in Time suite.

She stood in the doorway, watching the woman circle the room. Amber inspected the goody basket, perused the array of requested items and then disappeared inside the connecting bath.

Amber was in there so long, Morgan was almost getting ready to go check on her when she emerged, a sour look on her face and holding the "bath basket," specialty soaps and lotions made in Michigan. "What are these?"

"Bath soaps and lotions, all of which are made in Michigan," Morgan replied.

"They smell…industrial."

"Then hopefully you've brought some from home. We only supply Michigan-made bath products."

"If they irritate my skin, I'm going to be very upset," Amber grimaced.

"We've never received a complaint." Morgan took a step back. "I need to check on my other guests unless there's something else."

"Not right now."

Morgan turned on her heel and strolled out of the suite, slowing when she reached the end of the hallway. Amber Marais was going to drive her nuts!