Return To Sender (The Hart Brothers #2) - J. S. Cooper Page 0,25

more than happy to fill you in.”

“Hmm, I don’t know. I feel like she would have told me already if that was the case. I told you that this lady cannot stand me.”

“Most women don’t like the girls their sons date, just like most dads don’t like the guys their daughters date. It’s that whole Oedipus Rex thing.”

“That’s crazy.”

“Crazy, but true.”

“Yeah, I guess so.” I was starting to feel overwhelmed again, Lucy was taking charge, which was nice, but she was almost pushing it too much. Yes, I wanted answers, but not at the detriment of everything. I at least wanted to see Wade again before I found out news that might forever break my heart. I almost regretted telling Lucy everything. A part of me just wanted to live in denial for a little bit. Was that really such a bad thing?

“Hey ladies, here are your coffees.” Beryl suddenly appeared next to them again with two slightly stained white coffee cups. “Sugar is in front of you. The French toast will be out soon.”

“Great thanks.” Lucy said and gave me a confused look.

“So Beryl,” I spoke up then because as much as I loved Lucy, I didn’t want her taking over. I was a strong capable woman. And I could handle the truth, even if it broke my heart. “You’ve been making comments and little insinuations to me about the Hart men since I came to Herne Hill. I would really appreciate it, if you would tell me what you know. And if you think I’m in any sort of danger.”

“You found your voice again, eh?” Beryl took the bench next to me.

“I don’t have much to say. I’m just a simple woman that lives in the village and minds her own business.”

“Yes, of course.” I pressed my lips together to stop from laughing. If Beryl really thought she minded her own business, then she was as delusional as they came.

“But I hear things, working here.” She continued. “About them Hart men. I mean, they pretty much own the town or at least they did.” She looked around for a few seconds as if checking to see if anyone was paying attention to us. “Look all I’m going to say is that the Hart men are full of secrets.” She said secrets in a low voice. “Them boys, well, let’s just say there’s more than one actor in that family. Those Hart’s have blood on their hands.” She was getting more heated up now. “Everyone knows that the seeds can’t be good if the core is bad.”

“Uhm, okay.” I blinked. “Could you please explain that a b…” I stopped talking as she suddenly slid off her stool.

“That’s all I’m going to say.” She pursed her lips. “Ain’t not a one of them a Cary Grant or Clint Eastwood, that’s all I got to say.” And with that she was gone again. I wanted to call after her, ask her to just talk in plain English and not in riddles, but I just kept my mouth shut.

“Well that was majorly frustrating.” I shook my head at Lucy. “I’m actually feeling quite annoyed.” I stopped speaking as I realized Lucy was scribbling something down on a piece of paper. “What are you writing?”

“I’m writing down what she said.” Lucy’s eyes were shining as she looked up at me. “So, she said that there are two actors in the family.” Lucy was excited. “I think she just confirmed your suspicion that Gordon is a Hart brother! Isn’t he an actor?”

“Yes,” And suddenly my heart was racing as well. “I didn’t think of it like that, but yeah, he is an actor. I really don’t think Wade or Henry are though? You don’t think they’re secretly famous actors or something and haven’t said anything?”

“No.” Lucy shook her head. “You’d recognize a famous actor, even if you didn’t know them well.”

“True, especially with all the movies we watch.”

“What’s the definition of an actor?”

“Huh?”

“What’s the def…”

“I know what you asked, I just don’t know why you asked it.”

“Let me search on my phone and see. So when I go to Google there are two definitions. One is a person whose profession is acting on the stage, in movies, or on television. The second is a participant in an action or process.”

“Okay, and what? Wade is going to be trying out for the next stage play in the village?”

“No, no, I’m saying, what if she didn’t use the term literally. Maybe she’s not saying that the