Page 67 of The Cottage on Plum Island
“Andrew, will you represent Harley?” Sam asked.
“He already is,” Jennifer felt a moment of pride for Andrew.
“Look after him,” Sam warned.
“You know I will, Sam,” Andrew stated.
They said goodbye and hung up. When Jennifer looked up, she was surprised they’d pulled into the Gain’s Chestnut Hill residence.
“Is your mother still going to be awake?” Jennifer asked, sliding out of the car and looking at the stately home.
A memory from her childhood flashed through her mind as they stepped inside the foyer with its elegant chandelier that greeted guests with its sparkling light that glinted off the polished tiled floors. Jennifer could remember feeling intimidated, the same feeling that had hit her the minute she’d stepped inside. She squashed the memories and refused to feel slighted by a house.
“I hope Angela’s okay in this mausoleum,” Jennifer drawled.
“Angela’s asleep in a guest bedroom,” the firm female voice addressed them.
Jennifer turned to see an elegant older woman standing in the doorway of a room resembling a home office.
“Hello, Jennifer.” The woman’s eyes warmed, and a smile split her lips. “Welcome, ho…” She stopped herself. “Welcome.”
“And you are?” Jennifer’s eyes narrowed.
She knew she was being rude, especially after the Gains family had helped her with no questions asked. But Jennifer still harbored a lot of anger toward them. Anger that spewed out in the form of barbs or rudeness that Aunt Betty would not have approved of. But Aunt Betty wasn’t there to keep Jennifer’s anger and retaliation in check.
“Jennifer, this is my mother, your gra…” Andrew’s voice dropped off. “My mother, Davina.”
“Wow!” Jennifer’s brows shot up, and before she could stop it, her brain loaded the barbed arrow and shot it through her lips. “I guess one good thing from your side of the family is the excellent genes. You don’t look like you’re pushing a hundred.”
“Thank you,” Davina said, raising an eyebrow to let Jennifer know she knew it wasn’t meant as a compliment. “I turn ninety-five inNovember. My side of the family and Andrew’s father’s family tend to age more gracefully than most.”
“Would you like something to drink or eat, Jennifer?” Andrew steered the conversation to a more neutral ground.
“No, thank you,” Jennifer turned down the offer. “I was hoping to take Angela back to the hotel with me.”
“I wouldn’t advise that,” Davina told her, steering them into the front living room.
It was a large room with modern decor and plush cream furniture that was complemented by heavy cream drapes woven with soft hues of rose, gold, and light green.
“Please take a seat.” Davina sat in a large armchair that looked like it was made for a giant.
Jennifer sat in the second giant armchair, which was as comfortable as it looked.
“Don’t be mad at me,” Andrew said, sitting on the sofa between the armchairs. “But I took the liberty of having yours and Harley’s things moved from the hotel here.”
“You did what?” Jennifer spluttered in disbelief before anger streaked through her. “That was taking liberties.”
“I was the one that suggested Andrew have you and Harley moved here.” Davina’s tone of voice brooked no argument. “Not only is itsafer from a murderer, but Andrew can protect you from the police and press.”
“Press?” Jennifer’s brows knit. She hadn’t thought about that.
“Oh, yes!” Davina nodded. “The Wesleys are a high-profile family. This is going to be a media frenzy when news gets out.”
“I’d be surprised if it hadn’t already,” Andrew said, standing. “Sorry, I have to get to the police station.”
“Can I come with you?” Jennifer stood with him.
Okay, so the house and Davina were intimidating!Jennifer didn’t want to be left here on her own.
