Cobb (Lighthouse Security Investigations #9) - Maryann Jordan Page 0,1

for the woman if she leaned forward. If she offered only her hand, then it behooved the greeter to not make an assumption and attempt to kiss the woman. Woe be to those who didn’t follow these intricate greeting rules.

“Jorge, what are you doing over here by yourself?”

He’d been aware of the woman who approached as he was aware of everything around him, but hearing her voice always made him smile. Dropping his chin, he shook his head and tried to hide his grin. Turning, he bent to kiss her cheek.

“Grandmother, it’s good to see you.”

For him, she abandoned the necessary greeting protocol and accepted his hug, patting his back with true affection.

The petite woman staring up at him was as lovely as ever. Her silver hair was pulled back into an elegant chignon. Her long, blue designer gown was highlighted by the diamonds in her ears and around her neck, wrist, and fingers. The jewels were not showy but pieces that his grandfather had gifted her over the years and held emotional significance. “You look as beautiful as always,” he said, his words truthful even if she looked completely out of place standing underneath the skeleton of a Triceratops.

She pursed her lips as she twisted her head and glared at the offending prehistoric creature at her shoulder. He was not surprised to see that she attempted to ignore the ridiculous skeleton and turned her gaze back to him. Drawing herself up, she lifted a brow. “Instead of wasting your compliments on me, why aren’t you out of this dark corner and socializing?”

“I’ve already wished Dad a happy birthday when I got into town yesterday. And he’s surrounded by those that either need to suck up to him, want him for something, or came for the free food and drinks.”

His delicate grandmother barked out a laugh and shook her head as though surprised. “I would fuss at you if you weren’t speaking the truth.” She cast her gaze about the room, slowly shaking her head, finally addressing the elephant—or the dinosaur—in the room. “Your father certainly outdid himself this year. When he told me that he’d decided to have his annual charity birthday event in a museum, I was picturing something a little more… elegant. Perhaps the Art Museum or the Turquoise Museum.”

“Just be glad he didn’t choose the American International Rattlesnake Museum.” He watched her shudder again, and he chuckled. “I confess that just before you came over, I was thinking that this was the most unusual gala I’ve ever attended.”

“I wonder what Selena thinks.”

“You know Mom. She and Dad are having a blast.”

She shifted her gaze back to him. “How long are you staying in town?”

“I’ll still be here tomorrow when we all gather for the family birthday celebration. Then I’ll have to leave the next day. It was just a long weekend for me.”

She lifted her chin as she eyed him carefully. “You look well, Jorge. Although why anyone would want to live in Maine with the cold and snow, I have no idea. But it must agree with you.”

He wouldn’t mention to her that after some of the hellholes he’d served in around the world, the thick woods, ocean coastline, clear skies, and the camaraderie that he found in Maine had no equal. Looking beyond her shoulder, he smiled as his grandfather approached. The two men hugged tightly, affection evident before his grandfather slid his arm around his grandmother.

“Maria, are you behaving yourself amongst the dinosaurs?”

His grandmother rolled her eyes and replied, “There are times that I think our son takes after me, and then he pulls a stunt like this. And at his age! Seeing the venue for this gala, I’m sure he must take after you.”

He laughed as his grandfather pretend-glared at her. Soon, with promises to catch up tomorrow at the family gathering, his dad’s parents walked past one of the many palm trees to greet more friends.

He sighed and looked at his watch. As interesting as it had been to see the event in this tropical venue filled with the bones of the extinct, the truth of the matter was he was bored. He moved along the wall, avoiding small talk with those who only wanted to greet him as an attempt to curry favor with his father. He politely nodded at a few acquaintances but didn’t stop, having no desire to start a conversation.

A flash of silver-blue like the pearlescent scales of a fish leaping from the waters off the coast