Chapter Two New Devon
Chapter Two
Outstanding Contributors
Bobby’s band was on a break when they returned, and a number of people were dancing. Madison was glad the news of the robbery hadn’t spread; no use spoiling everyone’s night.
Caroline Broullon, the town’s mayor, caught Madison’s eye and smiled.
She hopped on the stage, grabbed one of the music stands, and set it up as a podium for her speech.
Madison and Lincoln made their way toward the front while Hannah, Charlie, Crusty, Josh, and Viggo stood along the side of the seated crowd.
Viggo watched Madison carefully. She looked stunning.
With her heels back on, she stood regally at the side of the stage.
Her hair was brushed behind one ear, exposing a silver starfish earring.
He thought she resembled a slightly younger Cate Blanchett.
He recalled Madison telling him that her mother was akin to Jessica Lange.
He could see the similarities. But he was more impressed with her calm demeanor, considering what had transpired at the boat house.
Several minutes passed before the band’s song ended and the mayor walked across the stage and stood in front of the microphone.
“Hello, good people of Smuggler’s Cove, and all our visitors!
” Whistles, hoots, and applause filled the summer air.
“Welcome to the thirtieth annual festival!” More applause and whistles.
“I hope everyone is enjoying themselves. It’s great to have Bobby and the Bobcats back this year.
They sure know how to keep a party going! ”
The crowd whistled and clapped in agreement.
“But before we let Bobby back on stage, we have our annual ceremony to honor a devoted member of our community. It saddens me to say that he is no longer on this earthly plane, but if I know Kirby, his spirit is most definitely here!” More applause.
“As many of you know, the Taylor marina was Kirby’s pride and joy.
He welcomed anyone who wanted to go clamming or crabbing, giving them tips on the best places, and the best time.
He wouldn’t rent you a boat if he knew you’d come back empty-handed or wouldn’t come back at all.
” Another round of applause and chuckles emanated from the onlookers.
“But when the big storm hit last year, the marina got clobbered, leaving Kirby a massive job. But before he could begin the repairs, Kirby took one last ride to watch the sunrise. Of course he didn’t know it would be his last, but then again, perhaps he did.
As Crusty put it so eloquently, ‘Kirby sailed to the other side, doing what he loved most.’”
Crusty smiled proudly at the mention of his name.
The mayor continued her brief speech. “When we heard Kirby left the marina to his niece and nephew, many of us were skeptical of the marina’s future.
But when we saw the work being done with Charlie overseeing the project, we knew it would be something everyone would be proud of, including Kirby.
So, I want to take this moment to introduce Kirby’s family and present them with the Annual Seafood Festival Award for outstanding contributions to our community in memory of Kirby Taylor.
Please welcome Madison and Lincoln Wainwright. ”
The audience burst into a raucous ovation. Someone yelled, “We wasn’t sure about you city folks, but yer o-right by me,” which was followed with more chortles and clapping.
Madison took the mic. She’d already made a short speech at the ribbon cutting yesterday, and kept most of the script.
“Thank you. Thank you very much,” she said with an open smile.
“I have to admit when we first saw the marina, I was taken aback. Then the dock took my shoes.” More laughs.
“It became widely known that the city lady fell flat on her face.” She waited for the laughter to stop, then continued.
“Yes, it came as a surprise. All of it, actually. We had no idea Uncle Kirby planned to leave it to us, but he must have known Lincoln and I would do something worthwhile with it.” Applause.
“Thanks to my brother’s mathematical skills, Charlie’s connections, and Hannah’s clam rolls, we are very proud of what is now Kirby’s Marina.
” Applause and whistles. “I’d like to turn this over to my brother, Lincoln. ” The audience clapped loudly again.
“Thanks, Madison.” Lincoln nodded toward his sister.
“Actually, there are many people to thank, especially the people of this great town.” Hoots traveled through the throng.
“As my sister mentioned, we had no idea about the marina. And my sister, bless her heart, did an about-face—after she picked her face up from the dock.” Again, the crowd broke into guffaws.
“Yes, she is definitely a city girl, but I think she’s grown accustomed to a whole different way of living.
Living with fine people like all of you.
Neighbors who are willing to lend a hand.
My gratitude to everyone involved: the mayor, Detective Burton, and all who continue to support Kirby’s marina! ”
“I heard the place got busted into!” a voice shouted. Boos and murmurs circled through the crowd.
“Just a little episode. Nothing anyone should be concerned about. Maybe a bunch of kids. No damage was done.” Lincoln paused. “But we are not going to let this dampen our spirits, now, are we?”
“Heck no!” several voices answered.
“Then on behalf of our family, I am proud to accept this award. I know Uncle Kirby would be overjoyed, as we are. Now let’s get this party started!
” He looked over at Bobby, who was at the ready with his guitar.
Lincoln and Madison stepped off the stage just as Bobby shouted, “Shake it up, baby!” The crowd responded, heading to the dance floor to join in on “Twist and Shout.” People were whistling, singing, and dancing.
Viggo walked over to the side of the bandstand where Madison was chatting with several partygoers.
He overheard her say, “Yes, I work for a fancy fashion magazine.” She was grinning from ear to ear.
“Well, we did rent the house for the summer, but I’m not sure if I am going to move here.
” Viggo halted. He had no idea that moving here permanently was even under consideration.
Should he approach the subject with Madison later?
Did he want her to know he overheard the conversation?
So many questions, including who broke into the boat house?
Several minutes passed before Madison gave Viggo the “get me outta here” look.
He grinned and stepped forward. “Excuse me. I need a moment with Uncle Kirby’s niece.
” Viggo knew evoking the relationship between Madison and her uncle would influence the newly found fans.
They parted to allow him closer to Madison.
“Thank you, everyone,” Madison said and smiled. “I hope to see you at Kirby’s real soon.” She extended her hand so that Viggo could extract her from the group.
When they were far enough from the side of the stage, Madison thanked him. “Don’t misunderstand me. I think it’s wonderful that people are genuinely interested in the renovation.”
“And your celebrity status.” Viggo grinned.
“Me? Celebrity?” Madison said as she placed her hand on her heart. Viggo wasn’t sure if she was being sarcastic or sincere.
“Editor in chief for a major fashion magazine,” Viggo teased. “Or that you’re the heiress to a marina on the Navesink.”
“Heiress?” Madison scoffed. “Hardly.” She smiled at him. “And not a major magazine. But that’s another story. Right now, I could use an adult beverage.”
“I can do that.” Viggo took her elbow. “This way,” he said, and steered her away from the crowd.
Madison didn’t ask where they were going but was happy to follow him. They walked a few blocks in silence as the sound of the festivities faded in the background.
Viggo wasn’t sure if he should ask her if she was okay. For some reason, he remembered a quote he once read that said, “Never tell a woman to calm down unless you want to be featured in an episode of Dateline.” Viggo chuckled to himself.
“Care to share?” Madison elbowed him.
He repeated the saying, and Madison burst out laughing. “So true! But what made you think of that?”
“I was going to ask you if you were okay.”
“I don’t understand.”
“One must be sensitive to what others may be sensitive about,” he said succinctly.
“And you thought by asking me if I was okay that I might be offended?” Madison asked curiously.
“The last time I asked a woman if she was okay, the answer I got was, ‘What? You don’t think I’m capable of taking care of myself?’”
“Very defensive, I would say. Probably not very secure,” Madison concluded.
“So, you’ve met my ex-girlfriend?” Viggo chuckled again, then apologized. “Sorry. TMI?”
“Too much information?” Madison asked. “No. Come to think of it, I don’t know a whole lot about you. Your past, I mean.”
“We’ll get to that in a minute. So can I assume you’re okay?” He gestured to a bench facing the water. “Please. Take a seat.”
Madison sighed. “Yes and no. Yes, because no one got hurt. And no, because it’s very strange. Was the burglary planned figuring everyone would be at the festival, or was it a spontaneous act because no one was around?”
“Are you asking my opinion?” Viggo’s question was sincere.
“Yes, Captain. What do you think?”
“From what I could see, the hinges were jimmied, and we didn’t find any tools lying about, which makes me think that whoever did it had to be prepared.”
“Excellent observation.” Madison pursed her lips. “But why? The historian at the lighthouse said the map wasn’t worth anything, and the drawing wasn’t accurate if it was supposed to depict this area.”
“Did your uncle draw it?” Viggo asked.
“I don’t know, actually. There wasn’t a signature on it.” She paused. “Maybe it was something he was trying to figure out. A work in progress, so to speak, because it surely didn’t look like any kind of finished piece of art. Or a real map, for that matter.”