Free Rock Harbor Search and Rescue by Colleen Coble, Robin Caroll

possibility that Mrs. Dancer’s missing necklace might have been sold at this pawnshop in Marquette.” Olivia handed the slip of paper with the name, address, and phone number on it to Inetta.
    That was perfect. No names, no accusations. Emily smiled at her clever best friend.
    Inetta read the paper. “Are you sure about this?”
    Emily shrugged. “We can’t be positive.”
    “Because you can’t go to Marquette to check it out.”
    “Right.” Olivia nodded.
    The waitress chose that moment to return to the table with the Finnish pastries. She set them on the table, refilled Inetta’s coffee, then disappeared behind the counter.
    Emily’s mouth watered as she used the fork to cut the panukakkua in half. The custard pancake steamed, and the hot raspberry sauce drizzled to the plate. The delicate pastry was light as Emily stuck a bite into her mouth. Her taste buds sang as she closed her eyes and savored.
    Inetta laughed. “I’m glad you decided to have something after all.”
    Heat spread across Emily’s cheeks, but Olivia’s and Inetta’s grins made her smile too. “I love these.”
    “We can tell.” Olivia giggled.
    “Now, about this pawnshop?”
    Emily swallowed, then took a sip of her drink. “Yes, you’re right. We don’t know that the necklace is at that shop, but we suspect it might be.”
    “Interesting.” Inetta took a bite of her pulla , chewing slowly. “Why would you think the necklace might be there?”
    Emily’s face flushed with heat again. She took another sip of her mocha to wash down the bite she’d just swallowed. How could she tell Inetta enough without accusing Mrs. Cooper or getting Dave in trouble?
    Olivia wiped her mouth and then wadded her paper napkin into a ball. She set it on the table in front of her. “We overheard someone say that some jewelry from Rock Harbor had been sold there recently.”
    “Eavesdropping?” Inetta asked.
    “More like someone told someone who told someone else who told us.” Olivia finished her mocha.
    “Ah. You don’t want to tell me.” Inetta laid her fork across her empty plate.
    The waitress returned with the check. Inetta thanked her. She tossed a couple of bills on the table, then stood. Olivia and Emily followed her as she wove through the restaurant and stepped out onto the street.
    Emily cleared her throat. “I just know what it’s like to be accused of something you didn’t do.”
    Inetta stopped at the intersection. “How about I go to this pawnshop and see if the necklace is there? If it is, I’ll call Sheriff Kaleva and he can do his job. If it’s not, I’ll question the pawnshop owner to see if anyone tried to sell it. I’ll let you girls know what he says. How’s that sound?”
    “Perfect.” Emily grinned so wide her face hurt. “Thank you, Inetta.”
    “I know you want to clear your name, Emily. I’ll help as I can, but know that I can only go so far on your theories.” Inetta smiled gently. “I hope you’ll learn to trust me. There will come a point and time when you’ll have to tell me more than you really want to. Please remember I’m a journalist, which means I protect my sources. I won’t say anything unless you tell me I can. Okay?”
    Emily nodded. So did Olivia.
    “Okay then.” Inetta let out a long breath. “I’ll have time to run over to Marquette tomorrow before lunch. Why don’t we meet back here tomorrow afternoon, about the same time as today?”
    “Sure,” Emily said.
    “I’ll see you tomorrow, then.” Inetta headed toward the newspaper office.
    The girls crossed the intersection and walked to Cottage Avenue. Rock Harbor’s streets were packed with people strolling around, a sign of late summer’s high traffic. Flyers about the big surfing championship filled every storefront window.
    Emily paused as she read one of the advertisements. “Malia Spencer’s still in town?”
    “Yeah. I heard her tell the surf team that she’d be here for the next two weeks until the championship.