“Sometimes we sit and listen to the birds or the wind in the trees while we drink our tea,” said another.
“It’s such a beautiful spot, so natural and unspoiled,” someone else added.
“We do have Miss Pinkerton’s permission to be here, Mr. Hogan,” Martha said.
Harry frowned. “This is Miss Pinkerton’s land?” He knew they were in the area but hadn’t known it was actually on her land. Then again, he had no idea where the boundaries of her land were.
Martha nodded. “It is, and in return for her generosity, we help maintain this section of the trail.”
“In that case I’ll leave you to enjoy your… outing. Carry on, ladies.” Harry declined an invitation to join them for tea. He’d stick out like a sore thumb among a dozen women dressed in skin-tight clothing. Besides, herbal tea wasn’t his thing.
Harry returned to his truck and drove to Miss Pinkerton’s house. The housekeeper opened the door. “Mr. Hogan! Nice to see you. Nothing wrong, I hope.”
“Not that I know of, Glory. Just checking up on something. Is Miss Pinkerton in?”
Glory stepped back, holding the door open. “That she is, sir, and I know she’ll be pleased to see you. Follow me.” She stopped in the living room doorway with Harry beside her. “You have a visitor, Ma’am.”
The old lady looked up, then rose and came to greet him. “Mr. Hogan. A pleasure. Please sit down.” She turned to her housekeeper. “Glory, would you bring coffee for Mr. Hogan, please? And tea for us girls.”
Harry glanced at his watch. “Is it tea time?”
Miss Pinkerton waved her hand in dismissal. “It’s always tea time somewhere.”
Glory returned and laid a tray on the coffee table. Harry’s coffee was in a sturdy mug while their tea was in fine china mugs. “I brought some custard tea buns, too.” Glory said.
“Thank you, Glory. Sit down and join us. Is there a specific reason for your visit, Mr. Hogan?”
Harry told her about the women and the stone circle in the forest. “Did you really give them permission to meet out there?”
“Yes, I did,” she said, nodding her head. “It’s nice to know that others are enjoying those woods. But tell me how things are going with you. Still keeping busy?”
“I am,” he said. “There’s always someone needing a problem solved.” A few minutes later, Harry laid down his mug, preparing to leave.
“I see you haven’t used that restaurant voucher yet.”
Harry chuckled. “Nope, haven’t got around to it yet.”
“Don’t let it go to waste,” she said, “and take my advice… don’t dine alone. We all need friends, Mr. Hogan.”
Glory saw him out and Harry was still smiling as he pulled the truck out onto the street. He knew she meant well but she was cunning too.
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