“David?” she called. “Anyone home?”
No answer.
She took Lily’s hand, and they went into the kitchen. She called out again as she crossed the kitchen and living room. She looked out on the patio. David lay on the chaise lounge reading. In the spa near him, Ernesto sat, his eyes closed, the hot water churning around him. Myla knocked on the patio door. David looked up. He smiled and motioned them outside.
“Lily wanted to see the mermaid,” Myla said.
Ernesto waved. “Mr. Crow invited me to come sit in the spa.”
“I saw him walking on the road,” David said, “so I invited him over.”
“I’m feeling better every day,” Ernesto said.
“He said he works for you?” David asked.
“He’s going to do some things around the place once he feels better,” Myla said.
Lily tugged on Myla’s hand, and they wal
