Page 58 of The Lighthouse on Plum Island
“Oh!” Brad nodded in understanding. “Liam messaged an SOS to Finn when we were about to follow the ambulance taking Caroline to Newbury Port Hospital.”
“Liam told us,” Harriet said. “It was rather odd to be trapped in the dark and stop our panic for a few seconds to hear the news about Caroline.”
“I can picture it.” Brad smiled. “You all freaking out then getting the news, sighing in relief and nodding about how relieved you all are, then freaking out again.”
“That’s quite accurate,” Harriet told him.
“I always knew Clover was a little weird, always staring at me,” Brad admitted, his tone reflecting a mix of confusion and realization. “But breaking into someone’s house? I didn’t see that coming.” He shook his head. “It doesn’t add up.”
“I guess there’s more to her than meets the eye.” Harriet yawned again. “Brad, I’m going to hang up now and get some sleep. What are you going to do?”
“I’m heading back to the Summer Inn, grabbing a shower, checking in on my son, then heading back to Newbury Port Hospital,” Brad told her. “I did need you to clear my schedule for the day.”
“I did that already,” Harriet informed him. “Although I didn’t think you would spend the entire day with Caroline.” Her voice held a disapproving edge to it. “Brad, remember what I told you last night about starting anything romantic with Caroline. It won’t end well.”
“And I told you we have a purely professional relationship,” Brad insisted. “So stop worrying.”
“Uh-huh!” Harriet wasn’t convinced. “Oh, and you won’t find Connor at the hotel. He slept for a few hours and then took off to the beach to meet and hang out with his new Plum Island friends.”
Harriet’s update on Connor made him smile. Brad was glad to hear that his son was having fun and had made new friends quickly. It seemed that Connor was quickly steeling into small-town life with ease. Brad had to admit that last night, he, too, had felt the allure of the town embracing him like an old friend.
Brad must’ve dozed off as twenty minutes later Sam was giving him a gentle shake.
“Brad, wake up,” Sam’s voice broke through his dreamless sleep. “We’re here.”
Brad opened his eyes to find they were parked at the Summer Inn.
“Thanks, Sam.” Brad rubbed his eyes and climbed out of the limo. “I should only be about twenty minutes, and then we need to return to Newbury Port.”
“You’re exhausted,” Sam noted. “You should get a couple of hours of sleep. Caroline will understand.”
“I promised I’d get back within two hours, and that’s what I intend to do,” Brad said determinedly. “I’ll feel better after a shower and cup of coffee.”
An hour later, they were driving back into Newbury Port and heading for the PC shop where Brad had ordered a new laptop for Caroline. He was walking into the shop when a woman with an oversized hat, sunglasses, and purse on her way out bumped into him.
Brad turned to apologize when a little dog’s head popped out of the purse to growl at him.
“Dingle, no!” The woman’s voice caught his attention.
Brad’s frown deepened as he recognized her as Vanessa Turner, the actress playing the lead in Cobble Cover Mysteries.
“Vanessa?” Brad stared at her.
“Brad!” Vanessa purred, pulling off her glasses. “What are you doing in Newbury Port? Shouldn’t you be working in Plum Island to get ready to start filming my new hit television series?”
”Iamworking, Vanessa.“ Brad’s tone was clipped. “What are you doing here?” His eyes narrowed. “You’re not supposed to arrive for another two weeks.”
“I arrived yesterday. Ialwaysgo to a new filming location at least two weeks ahead of my scheduled time to be there,“ Vanessa told him. “I like to fully integrate myself into the surroundings to become one with my part.”
“I get it,” Brad lied, thinking she was one ofthoseactresses who liked to milk the production company for everything she could, including free vacation and a large hotel bill. “I hope you checked with the Summer Inn about having animals?”
“I did, and they made an exception for the show’s star.” Vanessa smiled prettily and batted her eyelashes. “As we’re going to be on Plum Island together for a while, I hope we can have dinner and continue where we left off?”
“I don’t think so, Vanessa,” Brad’s voice was flat and brooked no argument. “We have a rule at Danes Productions about romantic involvement with anyone involved in a production.”
“You’re the boss. I’m sure that silly rule doesn’t apply to you.” Vanessa ran a finger over his chest, and he instinctively stepped away from her.
Brad was focused on keeping his distance from her. He didn’t see the flash of emotion that flitted through her eyes.
