Page 134 - My Home on the Earth

Alice laughed. ‘Young people don’t hold back, do they? But I still can’t put them together, Marjorie. I’m missing something and I can’t fathom it out. Perhaps my guests will do better. Cara and Elise are coming to lunch and they’re bringing two friends. I think it’s time we had an incident board similar to a TV police drama. Write everything on it and see if a pattern develops.’
‘Good luck, Alice. Let me know the outcome.’
****
‘I’m full, Mrs Henderson; I can’t eat any more,’ smiled Olivia, refusing a chocolate liqueur.
‘I’ll have one, please, Grandma,’ said Elise. ‘These aren’t very strong. What do you want to talk about?’
Olivia and Cara glared at Alice because they had no idea that she had planned to talk with Elise.
‘Elise. I am going to tell you something your mum and dad don’t want me to. You and I have shared many secrets, and I daresay your dad won’t approve. But I can’t keep this matter from you any longer and disclosing certain details could upset your mum so we must keep this to ourselves. You already know that Jake Cooper is here in Rauston Quay. His mother is here as well.’
Elise responded with a blank expression as the others waited for her to say something. ‘Why?’
Alice shook her head. ‘We don’t know, but can you understand why we are worried, Elise?’
‘Not really. You’re not thinking they’re here to hurt me and mum, are you? How whacky!’
‘Not if Mrs Cooper blames you and your mum for her son going away,’ suggested Cara.
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