Page 37 of The Cottage on Plum Island
“Yes.” Harley nodded, his brow knitting together. “Why do you look so concerned?”
“Surprised!” Sam corrected. “Just surprised.”
“No, that was a look of concern.” Harley wasn’t letting this go. “Want to tell me why?”
“Let’s just say that Andrew Gains didn’t leave his family without good reason,” Sam said cryptically. “I hope that he dared to show his face again because thatreasonno longer exists.”
“Okay, now I’m curious,” Harley told him. “And I’m not going to let this go until you tell me what you know or at least if Jennifer, Betty, or Liam are in imminent danger.”
“I’ll make some calls.” Sam pulled out his phone.
Harley didn’t miss that Sam hadn’t answered his question, and it sent a cold shiver down Harley’s spine.
What does Uncle Sam know?Harley wondered as he remembered Betty’s words last night.I wonder what good reason Andrew Gains had for leaving his family?
Harley’s mind started ticking over as he ran through a list of contacts he knew from his military days who could find out about the man. Those thoughts were put on hold as he dialed Jennifer’s number, and they flew out of his head the moment he heard her voice when she answered.
“Hi,” Jennifer greeted him. “How is Sam?”
“Surprisingly chipper, considering he was in the hospital for much longer than he was happy with,” Harley answered. “But he’s agreed to stay at Beach Plum Cottage while he recovers, although—“ His brow creased thoughtfully. “Wouldn’t it be better for Betty to move in here?”
“Are you thinking because it’s closer to the clinic?” Jenniferstated.
“That and because I’ll be working on the cottage, which will make it noisy and dusty,” Harley pointed out. “Not a good environment for them to recover in.”
“Sam’s house is on the edge of town,” Jennifer said. “I’ll speak to Aunt Betty.” She paused. “But you’ve already installed all the rails and made it…” Her voice trailed off.
“Injury recovery friendly.” Harley offered her a choice of words.
“Yes, that!” Jennifer laughed.
The melodic tones of her laugh wrapped around Harley like a gentle caress, stirring a cascade of sensations that danced through him.
He swallowed and cleared his throat. “Talk to Betty and let me know.”
Jennifer promised. “I’ll call you back as soon as I’ve spoken to her.”
The call ended, leaving Harley feeling like a teenage boy waiting for his crush to call.
Stop it, Harley. As soon as the dust has settled on all Jennifer’s emotional upsets over the past few days, you’ll be back at each other’s throats—nemeses.
“Harley!” Sam barked from the kitchen. “Can you come here for a minute?”
Harley turned and walked back to the kitchen. “Are you okay?”
“Stop fussing!” Sam tutted. “I’m fine. But I’m worried about Jennifer and Liam.”
“Because of Andrew?” Waves of shock zapped his nervous system.
“It’s not Andrew I’m worried about.” Sam’s voice dropped. “Do you know why he’s back?”
Harley told his uncle what he’d overheard while stuck in the attic. Leaving out some parts, Harley also told Sam about the conversation with Jennifer afterward.
“I thought you left being an agent behind when you retired from the US Marshals,” Harley teased.
“You’ll always be a soldier, son,” Sam said proudly. “I’ll always be a Marshal at heart.”
“And will you tell me what you know about Andrew Gains leaving his family?” Harley asked, already knowing the answer.
