"I see you've brought your things. I have mine ready… And, most important… Mac is here! You'll fall asleep to the sound of his snores and you won't think about anything else, I guarantee."
From the man's big smile, she transferred her attention to the dog, who had begun to wag his tail at the sound of his name.
"Thank you, Jesse. But are you sure he won't mind? Maybe you should take him with you."
"No. Mac'll keep you company. He's really friendly. You're not afraid of dogs, are you?"
"No, no."
"I hadn't thought so. You'll be fine - both of you. And I'll be… six steps away," he said grabbing his things. "In case you need me."
"Thanks."
"Good night, then."
"Good night. Oh, what time are we due at the notary's office tomorrow?"
"At half past ten. We can meet at nine for breakfast. I know a place where they make great muffins, not far from here."
It sounded nice to Kathy, but she didn't want to be rude to a family that had saved them the expense of a hotel.
"Are we not going all together to the office? That is, with Mrs. Martin, Mr. Musgrove and Geneva."
Jesse hesitated before answering.
"They are not here. I meant to arrange things with Mr. Musgrove for tomorrow, but it seems he and his sister went out a short while after our arrival. And they haven't returned yet. Tom said he'd passed them when coming."
Kathy's look needed no words.
"It's weird, I know."
"I wouldn't say weird," she qualified. "But it is at least suspicious."
Jesse shrugged and exhaled.
"So I guess we better make our own plans," he said. "And if we bump into them tomorrow morning, we can always ask them to join us for breakfast."
It appeared to be the most appropriate thing to do, so they installed themselves in their swopped guest bedrooms, waiting for the new day to clear things up.