Mack looked around and could see a couple of girls who worked there and they both looked to be in their early twenties. Neither of the girls could possibly be Richard’s daughter. They were far too young.
The girls seemed friendly enough so, as one of the girls walked past, Mack got her attention. “Hi, I was wondering if Sally is around?”
“She’s in the back. Does she know you?”
“My name is Mackenzie Harper, and I would really appreciate five minutes of her time.”
“Okay, give me a minute.” She dashed off, doing a double take when she caught sight of Dean, who had no idea he’d just been eyed up.
Mack smiled to herself as Dean sat back down and placed the drinks on the table. “What?”
“You were just being ogled, and I was kind of having a happy dance in my head because you’re all mine!”
“Who by?” he teased as Mack smacked him on the shoulder.
“Behave.”
“Hi, I’m Sally. Did you want to talk to me?” An older woman walked up to them and interrupted their playful banter.
“I do. Do you have time to join us?”
Sally had to be in her late fifties or early sixties, but she didn’t really look that old. She was of average height with a slim build and light brown hair. She took the seat next to Mack. “Okay, I only have a minute though.”
Dean was holding Mack’s hand underneath the table, offering his support. “Sally, would it be possible for you to let me talk to your father?”
Sally’s eyes opened wide as she obviously hadn’t expected that. “Why my father? Do you know him?”
“No, I don’t know him. I’m staying at Rose Cottage and I’ve found a diary that was written by Rose Degan in 1947. She mentions your father. He was the last one to see her alive, I just want to ask him what happened.”
“I’m not sure it would be worth your while,” Sally said.
“Please, Sally,” Mack begged.
“He loved Rose. I once asked my mother why Dad was the way he was to her. Oh, he loved her, but not how a man and woman should love each other. She told me that he had been in love with another woman, who went over the cliffs one night. He never spoke about her or could abide to hear her name spoken.” Sally looked toward the window. “I’m not sure after all these years if he’ll be much help to you. I’m not even sure how he will be when he hears Rose’s name. I just don’t know.” Sally chewed on her bottom lip.
“Please, Sally. At least let me try.”
“Perhaps it’s time to lay old ghosts to rest before he dies. He hasn’t got long left. I’ll make the call for you. When do you want to go?”
“Tomorrow, if possible.”
She pushed the chair back to stand up. “Give me a minute and I’ll get you the address.”
Mack watched Sally retreat to the back of the shop again and turned to look at Dean. “Will you come with me?”
Dean placed a quick kiss to Mack’s lips. “Yes,” he whispered.
Mack realized Lucas had hardly drunk any of his chocolate. “Lucas come, finish your drink. We’re going soon.”
He stood from the floor where he was playing with some wooden blocks. “What are we doing later?” he asked.
“Shopping!”
“Here you go.” Sally handed Mack a card with the address of the nursing home written on it. “If you go in the morning, he’s more responsive.”
“Thank you, Sally. This means a lot.”
Chapter 32