The Cliff House Strangler (43 page)

“Let me see. Where shall I begin? He’s cocky and brash and pushy—” He stopped, seemingly having run out of words to describe Pierce’s shortcomings.

“Cocky, brash, and pushy,” I repeated. “That describes at least half the male population of San Francisco. In fact, those are the very qualities that enabled our city to grow into such a thriving metropolis. I’m sure he would not take that as a—”

We both turned as the door to Fanny’s shop flew open and my brother Charles burst into the room.

“It’s a boy!” he all but shouted. “He’s big and healthy and beautiful and Celia is tired, but they’re both doing just fine,” he went on without stopping for a breath. “Oh, I almost forgot. Celia wanted me to tell you that the baby has a small mole on his back, just beneath his left arm.” His expression turned quizzical. “Although I have no idea why a mole should be important.”

I smiled at my brother. “Let’s just say that the mole signifies that your new son is going to grow up to be clever and handsome, just like his daddy.”

“You base all that on a mole?” Charles looked first at Robert,
who seemed just as confused as he was, then back to me. “Sarah, is this some sort of joke?”

“If it is,” I told him, “it’s a very pleasant one, don’t you agree?”

Taking Robert by the arm, I started toward Fanny’s kitchen, where she and Eddie were seeing to the last of the dirty dishes.

“Let’s help our hostess finish cleaning up, Robert. Then I want to go home and be introduced to my newest nephew.”