Page 50 of The Lighthouse on Plum Island
“Did you notice anything that might lead us to identify them?” The officer asked Jennifer.
“I heard a scream from downstairs, but I was caring for Caroline. As soon as Caroline could walk, I helped her downstairs, and the living room was in this state.” Jennifer swept her arms around the room, twirling to see four sets of eyes staring at her in shock. “Liam!”
Jennifer flew over to her brother to embrace him, then looked at Finn and hugged him. “Thank goodness you’re both here.”
She barely noticed Harriet and Brad standing rooted to the spot. His eyes never left Caroline as he watched Daniella attend to her.
“Caro!” Finn left their side and rushed to his sister when Daniella stood to address Tanner.
“Finn.” Caroline was about to stand, but Tanner touched her shoulder to stop her.
“No, stay seated,” Tanner warned her, stepping out of the way as Finn reached down to engulf her in a hug.
“I’ve been so worried,” Finn told her, pulling back to examine the lump on her temple. “Good grief, Caro. I agree with Daniella. You need to go to the emergency room for the night.”
“I’m not going anywhere,” Caroline said stubbornly. “I’m fine.”
Daniella glared at Finn, her eyes widening in surprise as she noticed his three companions who walked over to where Caroline was sitting. “I thought I told you to stay away?”
“You also knew I wouldn’t listen,” Finn pointed out, perching on the arm of Caroline’s chair.
“Liam, Harriet,” Caroline exclaimed in surprise, her eyes meeting Brad’s. “Brad?”
“We were at the party when Daniella got the call,” Harriet explained when Brad seemed to have lost his tongue. “We came with Finn because we were concerned about you.”
“Sorry to interrupt,” the officer interviewing Jennifer pushed through the group, “but if you’re up to it, Caroline, I must ask you a few questions.”
“Of course.” Caroline nodded.
Brad felt cold when her eyes left him to give her attention to the officer.
“So you’reBrad!“ Jennifer’s voice made him turn to look at her.
“You must be Jennifer Gains,” Harriet interrupted the exchange as the air started to tense when Brad and Jennifer looked at each other with mistrust. “I’m—“
“Harriet Joyce,” Jennifer finished for her, shaking the hand Harriet had extended.
“And I see you know Brad Danes.” Harriet smiled at Jennifer, who didn’t return the warmth but nodded. “What happened must’ve been so harrowing.”
“Did Caroline get a look at the person who attacked her?” Brad asked.
“I don’t know,” Jennifer told him. “We didn’t get much of a chance to talk about it. I was too busy worrying about her and trying to fight the terrible trio into a room.”
“The terrible trio?” Brad frowned.
“I believe you already met them this afternoon.” Jennifer pointed to Brad’s face.
“Oh, right!” Brad’s eyes widened in realization, and he nodded.
He had heard Jennifer telling the cop she’d locked the animals up, but he’d been too concerned for Caroline to register.
“Caroline, you shouldn’t be standing up!” Daniella’s voice drew their attention away from Jennifer to see Caroline pushing through them.
“I told you I’m fine,” Caroline grumbled. She looked at the cop as her brow furrowed. “The intruder had blood on their arm where I think Sandy must’ve bitten them.” She looped her fingers around her wrist. “It was on the wrist area.”
“Brad and Harriett,” Caroline walked toward them. “Thank you for coming. It was sweet of you. I’m sorry to have interrupted your evening.”
“Are you kidding?” Harriet looked at her in disbelief. “We were worried about you.” She shuddered. “I was mugged once and know how awful it is to be attacked.”
