Carla Neggers by Declan's Cross Page A

wasn’t meeting me, I’d have been more prepared to drive.” She glanced around the living room and adjoining kitchen. “It’s a cute place, though, isn’t it?”
    “It is. It looks comfortable and well-equipped.”
    “Father Bracken knows the owner somehow. I didn’t get the details. I’d planned to stay in a bed-and-breakfast, but I jumped at the chance to rent a cottage. Granny was reassured that Father Bracken recommended it.”
    “And you invited Lindsey to join you here?”
    Julianne nodded. “It has two bedrooms, each with its own bathroom. Lindsey said conditions at the field station are a little primitive. She’s been staying there.”
    “How long?”
    “I don’t know. A few weeks, maybe. I took a quick look around, but there’s no sign she’s arrived yet. I’m sure we just got our wires crossed.” Julianne sighed at the view. “I wish Granny could see this. She’s always wanted to go to Ireland.”
    Emma went into the kitchen. It had white cabinets and a white countertop, a sturdy stove and small refrigerator, and another window looking out at the sea. The back door was through an adjoining mudroom with a washer and dryer. On the counter was a welcome basket filled with bread, digestives, instant coffee, tea and a bottle of red wine. She peeked in the refrigerator and noticed milk, orange juice, eggs, butter, jam, cheese and a bottle of white wine.
    “It’s a bit more remote up here than I expected,” Julianne said, coming into the kitchen. “I’m glad it’s still within walking distance of the village. I love to walk, but I suppose I’ll have to drive to get groceries. Helps to know I’m not likely to meet many cars.”
    “You’ll get used to Irish roads.”
    “I just need a good night’s sleep. I’m falling over on my feet.”
    As she spoke, Colin entered the cottage and set her suitcase and tote bag by the front door. He glanced around the living room, then joined her and Emma in the kitchen. “There’s no cell service up here. No landline, either. Wi-Fi?”
    “I don’t know. I didn’t ask because I don’t care.” Julianne pulled the bottle of wine out of the welcome basket. “I’ll find a phone if I need one, and an internet connection, too. Don’t worry, okay?”
    “Looks like it’s just you and this Sean Murphy up here.” Colin took the digestives out of the basket. “These things are addictive. Light a fire, make some tea, kick back and relax.” He grinned. “Not that I’m telling you what to do.”
    Julianne smiled, at least a little. “Sounds perfect. Maybe Lindsey ran into a delay and tried to get in touch with me but couldn’t due to technical difficulties. I’m sure she’ll turn up. I can’t wait to check out the field station, but I need to get settled first.”
    “It’s her brainchild?” Emma asked.
    “That’s what she told me. It’s still in the early planning stages. I know I just met Lindsey and this trip is impulsive, but I’m not being reckless. I’m familiar with the Hargreaves Oceanographic Institute. It’s solid. They do good work. I’ll also be going into Cork to see about my internship.” She grabbed the bread out of the basket and set it on the counter. “It’s exciting. Being here.”
    Colin placed the digestives next to the bread. “What’s the research focus of this field station?”
    “Irish porpoises, whales and dolphins, as far as I know,” Julianne said.
    “As opposed to Welsh porpoises, whales and dolphins?”
    She made a face. “That’s something Andy would say.”
    Colin winked at her. “Uh-oh.”
    Color rose in her cheeks. “Just don’t tell him I got stood up at the airport. He won’t ask, but don’t tell him if he does. And don’t volunteer anything. I know I’m being very seventh grade, but I’ve learned to head you Donovans off at the pass, so to speak. Learned the hard way, I might add.”
    “As if Maroneys aren’t just as rock-headed,” Colin said half under his breath.
    “Maybe it’s no