Family to the Rescue

Kim cast a hesitant glance toward Seth’s office, located down a small hall in the back of the store. He’d made it clear he didn’t want to be bothered unless the place was on fire. “Well, he doesn’t come out onto the floor much,” she said. As in never. “Are you sure I can’t help you? I rearranged some things, but I can show you where I put the lures we got in today.”

“Yeah, I’m a regular around this operation, and I know that Seth tends to hole up in the back,” the man said. “He’s funny that way. Kinda keeps to himself around people he doesn’t know.”

Funny? And odd, in her book. Of course, she was a bit of an extrovert. And Seth? Well, he clearly wasn’t.

Kim felt the need to explain about her lack of lure knowledge. “I’m not that familiar with the lures because I’m just filling in for a few days—”

“Oh, yeah. I heard.”

She blinked.

“I’m Elwood Olsen, local, longtime resident,” he announced.

Okay. “Nice to meet you, Elwood. I’m—”

“Kim Hampton. I know.” More blinking.

He chuckled. “The story’s all over Moonlight Cove,” Elwood said. “You’re Rose’s niece, newly arrived to our auspicious burg. Seth rescued you from a nasty ripper yesterday, and you’re filling in here for his mom.”

Wow. News traveled fast in a small town. Was there anybody who didn’t know what had happened on the beach yesterday, or that Kim was now working for Seth until his mom returned to town? Coming from a big city like L.A., it felt strange for everyone to know her business. “That’s right.”

“Yeah, I know the story, so that’s why I wasn’t really expecting you to know too much about the new lures.” He started walking toward the back of the store. “I’ll just go ask Seth. Save you some time.”

Kim followed Elwood, trotting to keep up with his long-legged pace. “Um…sir? I don’t think Mr. Graham wants to be bothered.” Unless a person was drowning. Then Seth would race to the rescue. Odd. But seemingly true.

“Oh, don’t worry your pretty little head about bugging Seth,” Elwood said, waving a relaxed hand in the air over his shoulder. “He’s known me his whole life, so he won’t mind me barging in and dragging him out of his cave.”

Kim halted and let Elwood proceed. Maybe it was good for Seth to have some interaction with a customer or two. It couldn’t be healthy for anyone to spend so much time alone, in a tiny, windowless office.