Page 102 of The Cottage on Plum Island
As he spoke, the distinct sound of helicopter blades could be heard.
“Good. Reinforcements are here, and so is Andrew’s transport,” Sam informed him. “As soon as we’ve got Andrew and the rest of you out of here, I’ll lead a search for Shannon.”
“I’m not going anywhere,” Harley told him. “I’m going to help look for Shannon. Especially if she was the one that killed Clair.”
“Clair was already dead from the poisoned water,” Sam told him. “James, who is Shannon’s spy and right-hand man, set the scene up to look like Clair had committed suicide.”
“James?” Harley had heard Andrew mention James earlier. “James, Andrew’s driver?”
“Yep. He worked for Pearce, too, remember,” Sam pointed out. “The man comes off all nice, but he’s as cold as ice and loyal to whoever runs BAD MAN.”
“What a stupid name!” Harley commented as he helped Sam get Andrew up.
“When it started with Andrew’s grandfather, he was known as the bad man whom no one messed with,” Sam explained. “The name stuck.”
Within a few minutes a dozen US Marshals and FBI agents invaded Beach Plum Cottage. Sam took over the operation, and Harley handed the disk to Andrew before they went to get everyone locked in Betty’s room.
As soon as the door opened, Angela burst through it and rushed into Harley’s arms.
“Harley, I’m so glad you’re alright. I was so scared something had happened to you,” Angela wailed, her eyes filled with tears. “I don’t know what I’d do if anything happened to you. I love you.”
“I love you too, Ange,” Harley’s voice softened. He couldn’t stay mad at her.
“Do you mind? You’re blocking the hallway.” Harriet’s voice was laced with disdain, and when he lifted his head, his eyes widened when they met Jennifer’s stricken ones.
By the time Harley had untangled himself from Angela, Jennifer, and Harriet were nowhere to be seen. Before Harley could find them, Andrew approached him.
“I’m going to need you to come with me to Boston to deliver the evidence and get Angela, Wallis, Annie, and Duncan to safety,” Andrew told him. “I’ll need you to sign guardianship for Angela over to me. While you hold that title, you or anyone around you, including my daughter, aren’t safe.”
“I thought you were about to crumble this organization,” Harley pointed out.
“You know these things don’t happen overnight, and there’s always a loose end,” Andrew reminded him.
Harley understood, and the last thing he wanted was to put Jennifer in danger. So he agreed. He looked for Jennifer as they were getting into the helicopter. Still, it wasn’t until Angela grabbed his hand and pulled him inside that he turned to see her staring after them. It wasn’t until the door was closed and he looked down to see he was holding Angela’s hand that he realized how it must’ve looked to her.But it was too late to get out of the helicopter and explain as the bird lifted into the air.
CHAPTER 19
The sun dipped low on the horizon, casting long shadows across the coastal landscape. Waves crashed against the rugged cliffs, their rhythmic symphony filling the air. The Cove, a secluded haven tucked away from prying eyes, seemed to hold its breath as tension crackled in the sea breeze.
Jennifer stood at the cliff’s edge, the salty air stinging her face as she and Harriet peered over the side to the cove below. They could see Sam, alongside a team of US Marshals and FBI, descend on it.
“Aunt Betty’s gun,” Jennifer turned to Harriet. “Get it from the safe in her room. The code is my birthdate.”
Harriet hesitated. “Jen, I’m not letting you go down there alone.” She shook her head stubbornly. “Let Sam and his heavily armed team get her.”
“They’ll take too long to find her.” Jennifer looked down at the cove. “I think I know where she’ll head to.” Her eyes met Harriet’s concerned ones. “I know the cove better than anyone. Get the gun. Head down the stone stairs, and right behind the last one, a small opening becomes a cave.”
“What about a flashlight,” Harriet tried to stall Jennifer.
“I have my phone.” Jennifer patted the pockets of her jeans. “Get the gun and hurry.”
Jennifer slipped past her before Harriet could slow her down with more arguments. She headed down the stone stairs, hopping behind the last one and freezing as the barrel of a gun was pointed at her. Shannon emerged from the shadows, a sinister smirk playing on her lips.
“I was hoping it was you rushing down the stairs,” Shannon taunted. “The little golden child. You’ll be my bargaining chip to get out of here unscathed.”
While her heart beat frantically, Jennifer was determined not to let Shannon get the better of her.
“You’re wasting your time. Harley and Angela are on their way with my father and all the evidence. Only this time, they’re going to someone not indebted to BAD MAN.” Jennifer kept her voice level and eyes narrowed. “Your legacy of tyranny is about to crumble. Just give yourself up.”
