Dreams, Memories & Keys

Chapter 34 - Meeting Gary Gaffney

As had become their habit, the Abernathy family rose early on Thursday morning. The family packed their things and prepared to travel to Ireland to meet some extended members of Greg's Gaffney family. They were still in the process of closing up their suitcases when Jessie consulted her phone.

"Jessie, what are you doing?" Susan asked, feeling a bit rushed to get out of their hotel room. "There will be time to text Bert later. We need to get going."

"I know, Mama. This is from Mrs. Wilson. She says she's sorry she didn't get back to us sooner. They went to visit their old mission in the outback yesterday to show their friends what an active mission looks like. They couldn't get their messages out there."

"That was probably fun, and you are right. They don't get cell phone service in the outback. What else does she say?" Susan asked curiously.

"Mrs. Wilson wants to know why I'm asking her about Lord Pitt. I told her maybe she needs to talk to you," Jessie responded, and she promptly set aside her phone.

Susan nodded and smiled an apologetic smile. But she'd no sooner done that when her cell phone buzzed. She wasn't the least bit surprised to find it was Karen Wilson calling her.

"Good morning, Karen," Susan greeted their family friend.

"Good morning?" Karen echoed Susan's greeting. "Oh yes, I suppose it is morning where you are. Here it is afternoon."

"Yes, well it is five in the morning here in London, and we are rushing around trying to get out of our hotel room," Susan told her.

"Oh my! That is early. Why are you up so early?" Karen wanted to know.

"We're flying to Dublin today and we need to get to the airport. Could I call you back in a couple of hours to talk?" Susan suggested.

"Yes, I suppose that would be okay. Only John wants to know if you found Pitt Manor?" Karen asked.

"That is precisely what we have been trying to find out," Greg murmured from the other side of the room after hearing what Karen said coming through Susan's phone.

Susan glanced at her husband. "Yes, exactly."

"What was that? I didn't quite hear what you said ... or was that Greg?" Karen asked.

"It was Greg. We've had an interesting time in London and found a place northeast of here I would love to tell you about, but at a time when we have more time to talk. Tell John we've found the Masters Estate. I can fill you in more when we talk later," Susan told her. "Is that okay?"

"It would be, except we're about to leave for shopping at the big box electronics store out by John's mother's house. We'll be there for several hours. Maybe I could call you back afterwards?"

"We might be in the air afterwards. I tell you what. I'll try you again from the airport, then again after we land if that doesn't work," Susan suggested.

"Okay," Karen agreed. "You really have us curious though. We want to know about the place you found."

Susan smiled. "I'll talk to you soon, Karen. Goodbye."

Susan glanced at Greg.

"My bags are packed. So are Jessie's. Shall I call for a bellman to help us with them?" Greg asked.

"Yes. Mine will be ready soon."

^^^

The Abernathys left the hotel without breakfast that morning. It was being served, but they decided they didn't have time to eat before they set out for the airport, though Jessie lamented it smelled really good when they walked by in the lobby on their way out of the hotel.