Page 62 of The Cottage on Plum Island
“Who are you?” Jennifer eyed Duncan suspiciously.
“It’s Duncan,” Andrew answered her question. “He drives for the Wesley family.”
Before Jennifer could reply, the sound of sirens split the quiet night, and within a few minutes, they’d pulled up in front of the garage, lighting up the area with flashing lights. Medics rushed in, skirting around the two police officers who climbed out of the car. The next few minutes were a blur of questions, more police officers arriving, along with two US Marshals whom Sam had gotten to help search for Angela and Clair.
The atmosphere in the storage garage grew taut as the police meticulously combed through the scene, their focused expressions etchedwith determination. Harley stood watching the ME, who was carefully examining Clair. Her focus shifted from the body to items in and around the vehicle.
Jennifer stood by Harley’s side, their hands clasped as they and Andrew watched the investigation unfold.
“Are you okay?” Jennifer whispered to him.
He turned and gave her a tight smile, grateful that Jennifer was by his side even though he knew her stomach was roiling, and she tried not to look at Clair’s body. He’d noted Jennifer keenly observing what each part of the forensic team that had gotten there surprisingly quickly was doing.
“I know this is disturbing for you,” Harley’s voice was as low as hers. “But I’m glad you’re here by my side.”
Jennifer gave him a small smile and drew closer to his side. “Harley, I want you to know that the thought you may have done this never crossed my mind. I’m sorry Andrew went at you like he did.”
“Andrew was only protecting you and surprised me with that question to see how I’d react,” Harley explained. “It was a tactic.”
“It was a horrible tactic,” Jennifer hissed, her eyes flashing angrily. “He didn’t even warn me he would attack you with it. In fact, he never even hinted at thinking you did this.”
“Andrew is one of the top defense attorneys in the state,” Harley reminded her. “I think with that one question, he was able to ascertain my innocence.”
“I hope so.” Jennifer tilted her head to where Andrew was standing with the two US Marshals. “I take it the older of the two Marshals is Sam’s friend?”
“Yes, Sam trained the man,” Harley told her. “I can’t believe this is happening.”
His eyes scanned the boxes that had been neatly stacked and were now being searched through by forensics. Harley swallowed and turned away as a sea of emotions washed over him, seeing strangers paw through Daniel’s belongings.
“This is a big storage space,” Jennifer commented.
“It used to have all Angela’s furniture from her house in it,” Harley explained. “When she asked me to sell all her things and donate the money to the children’s ward, I didn’t downgrade it.”
“Harley!” Randal Wesley’s voice interrupted their conversation.
He turned to see the man standing behind the police line with Margaret and Wallis.
“Are those Clair and Angela’s parents?” Jennifer asked.
“Yes, and the man in the clean outfit is Wallis Hanover,” Harley told her. “Angela’s second ex-husband and now Clair’s widower.”
Jennifer frowned. “Oh, he divorced Angela and married Clair?”
“Yes.” Harley nodded. “He’d been having an affair with Clair for about a year.”
“What a jerk!” Jennifer eyed Wallis with disdain.
“Harley!” Randal called again, indicating for him to go there.
“Excuse me.” Harley reluctantly let go of Jennifer’s hand, but before he walked away, Jennifer stopped him.
“Harley, wait!” Jennifer stepped around him so her back faced the Wesley’s. “You can’t tell anyone where Angela is, not even her parents.”
Harley frowned. “They need to know Angela is okay. They’ve just lost one daughter.”
“Please, Harley.” Jennifer placed a hand on his arm. Even in an emotional time like this, her touch affected him. “I made a promise to Angela.”
“You still haven’t told me how the two of you met,” Harley reminded Jennifer.
