Chapter 2: Maine

Warnings

Lee and Amanda drove away from the rental car agency at the Bangor Airport, heading toward Collinsport.  When they arrived at the quaint fishing town, Lee pulled the car into a parking space, looked at his watch and turned to Amanda, "Why don't we get lunch before going to see Mr. Collins?" 

"Um, sounds great, Lee." 

Lee exited the car, went around to Amanda's side and helped her out.  Holding hands, they walked down the main street looking for a place for lunch.

"How about that place, sweetheart?"  Amanda asked, directing Lee's attention to a small restaurant called The Blue Whale.

Lee nodded in agreement and they made their way across the street, and entered the small restaurant.  Lee steered Amanda to a table near the window and sat down across from her.  "Well, this place certainly has atmosphere," Lee said as his gaze took in the whaling paraphernalia and fishing nets decorating the place.

Amanda wrinkled her nose at the smell of stale cigarette smoke and beer.  "Yeah, I can smell it.  Let's hope the food is good."

A waitress approached the table, placed two menus on the table and with a narrowed gaze took in their appearance, stating, "Visitors," before asking, "What brings you to Collinsport?"

Lee gave her a big smile and said, "We're documentary film makers, and we're here to do a story on the Collins family and their history of ship building.  After lunch, we plan to head up to Collinwood and see Mr. David Collins.  Do you think you could give us directions to the house?"

The waitress had opened her eyes wide at the mention of the Collins name, and with fear in her voice replied, "If you want to do what's good for you, get back in your car and leave this place.  Try to forget you ever heard the name Collins."

"What are you talking about?" Amanda asked, "What's wrong with the Collins family?"

Lee agreed, "Come on; this town is named for them.  What can be so bad that we should leave?"

The waitress answered, "It's best you not know.  Just leave and forget it."

"Sorry, but our boss wouldn't understand if we packed up and left without an interview and some film footage.  So just tell us where Collinwood is and let us worry about it.  If you don't tell us, I'm sure we can find somebody in town who will help us."

"I warned you," the waitress replied, "But if you insist on going up there, take the main road up north out of town and follow it along the coast.  When you get to the cemetery, turn left and you'll find Collinwood a small way up the road."

"Thanks, and don't worry about us. Believe me, we can take care of ourselves."