“I’d like to remove the glass-topped coffee table,” Conall said. “Maybe replace it with something... sturdier.”
“That’s wise,” Scarlet said, with just the hint of a smile.
“The second bedroom isn’t really necessary,” Conall said, as their navigation arrived at the door to it. “I would like to reserve the right to remodel it into an office in the future. I’ll have a better idea of what I want to do with it once I’m back in January.”
“At your expense, naturally,” Scarlet specified.
“Naturally,” Conall agreed.
“Agreed.”
Their circuit of the house ended with the exterior. “I would appreciate a slightly larger lawn,” Conall said. “But I understand that’s problematic.”
“I’m afraid we’re rather constrained in terms of space,” Scarlet said regretfully. “Presuming you do not wish to add the lease of one of the neighboring cottages to this bill.”
“I do not,” Conall chuckled.
They walked back inside.
“I will change out the coffee table for another, and make the other cosmetic changes at no charge. The expense of the kitchenette will be billed to you. I will revise the estimate I shared with you earlier to reflect the reduced housekeeping.”
“It covers meals for both Gizelle and myself,” Conall confirmed.
Scarlet hesitated and Conall knew that she hadn’t included Gizelle’s meals. “I can’t charge her for grazing—” she started.
“I insist,” Conall said firmly. “I also want a line item for the glassware we’ve managed to destroy between the two of us.”
Scarlet smiled. “Very well.”
“The pricing was honestly more reasonable than I expected,” Conall said frankly.
Equally frank in reply, Scarlet confessed. “This is a challenging cottage to let; it’s a less desirable size and price group than most of the others, and it’s not right on the beach. I am also quoting this with the presumption that Gizelle’s cottage will be back in service.”
“I’ve talked her into claiming this outdoor shower instead,” Conall said with a smile. “She’s already moved her hoard.”
“She’s come so far,” Scarlet said warmly. “Just a month ago, I would never have left her alone in my office making Christmas presents.”
“Presents?”
“She’s drawing everyone’s animals for them; I’ve lent her some art supplies and good paper.
“Have you spoiled the surprise?” Conall teased.
Scarlet looked scandalized. “Of course not. She said she had something else for you, and I didn’t ask.” She said it as if she suspected the worst and didn’t want to know.
Conall chuckled, and marveled at how natural it felt to laugh again. “Fair enough.”
Scarlet almost smiled, then added thoughtfully. “You should know that she’s asked me to have some of my connections start investigating where she might have come from. She didn’t want to know, when we first offered to try to find out.”
Conall stilled, remembering Gizelle’s fear that she was a monster. “That’s a big step.”
“I don’t know how much we’ll be able to find out
,” Scarlet cautioned. “A lot of the information from Beehag’s case is classified.”
“If it requires money...” Conall started.
He wasn’t sure how to take her expression. Was she offended by the idea? Did she think he was implying a bribe?