Hook had already gotten a jump on cleaning, spending the time getting things squared away. He heard the young woman enter the galley, but in typical Joe Hooker style, he missed those subtle clues between the women. He simply brushed it off as girl business. He didn’t push it any. Not his business.

“Good mornin’, Miss Abby. I trust you had a decent night’s sleep?” Joe Hooker looked at the young woman. “Yes, Miss Penny, I will take care of Miss Abby. You lets me know ‘bout the new shipment. Ah will come with you and take care o’ that. You don’ need to be liftin’ heavy objects. That’s Hook’s job.” Hook wiped the plate he was cleaning off and placed it back in the cupboard. “Now, what you be havin’ fer breakfast?”