Page 89 of The Lighthouse on Plum Island
“I’m going to go. Call the police and get them out here as soon as possible,” Caroline hung up and edged her way to the door. “Hello?”
Before the person could answer, Caroline’s phone rang again. It was her ex-husband, Robert. Juggling the chaos around her, she answered.
“Robert, now isn’t a good time. I’m going to have to call you back,” Caroline told him impatiently.
“Wait! I was wondering where Jules was,” Robert asked.
“She’s out with her uncle and friends,” Caroline told him.
“Oh, that’s a shame,” Robert sounded genuinely disappointed. “We’re here on Plum Island, and I wanted to introduce Jules to her four-week-old baby sister.”
“Robert, I’m sorry you came all this way, but you know the rules. You have to call first if you plan to visit Jules.” Caroline jumped as the thumping started again. “I have to go. Call Jules. I’m sure she’d love to hear from you.”
“No, Caroline please wait!” The desperation in Robert’s voice made her hesitate. “Tanya hasn’t, perchance, dropped by for a visit, has she?”
“No,” Caroline said. “Have you lost your new wife?” Her eyes narrowed suspiciously.
“What? No!” Robert stressed.
“Robert, what is going on?” Caroline asked, sensing he wanted to tell her something.
“Nothing,” Robert said, but she could hear in his voice it was something. “Look, if Tanya shows up, please call meimmediately.” The baby started crying in the background. “Thank you, Caroline.”
“I will,” Caroline promised, and they hung up. She didn’t have time to ponder over the phone call when the thumping began again.
“Please let me out!” Caroline’s eyes widened as she recognized the woman’s voice.
Before she could react, Brad called her.
“Caroline, Blue Beard’s been hurt,” Brad called as he popped out from the side of the house with Sandy at his side and Blue Beard perched on his arm, his one wing splayed out awkwardly.
“Can you get me out of here!” The voice on the other side of the door yelled.
Caroline was about to run to Brad and hesitated. Brad made the choice simple as he came to her.
“Oh, no!” Caroline’s heart lurched in alarm when she spotted the bloodied wing. “What happened?”
“He got caught in a net,” Brad explained. “Sorry, but the figure got away. I had to free Blue Bird from a nylon fishing net.”
“You let that crazy person get away to save a stupid bird,” the angry voice hissed from the other side of the door.
“Is that?” Brad pointed to the door and blinked at Caroline, who nodded.
“I believe so,” Caroline said, nodding. “I’ve asked Jennifer to call the police.”
“Good,” the person on the side hissed. “I want that crazy person arrested along with the both of you and your dumb animals.”
“Ah, look, there’s the police,” Caroline said as the flashing lights came down the driveway. “Should we let her out?” She held up the key.
“Yes, why not,” Brad said. “I can’t wait to see her face when she gets taken away for everything she’s done.”
Caroline unlocked the door, and Vanessa came barging out dressed from head to toe in a black cat burglar outfit.
“Nice outfit,” Brad told her.
“Don’t you talk to me,” Vanessa sneered. “I’m getting hold of my father and lawyer, and when we’re done with you,” she pointed at Brad and then swung toward Caroline, “and you, you’ll have nothing left.”
“Your threats didn’t scare us off before,” Caroline pointed out. “They’re not going to now.” Her eyes narrowed angrily at Vanessa. “And your latest stunt accusing me of plagiarizing your work will not work either.”
