Page 86 of The Cottage on Plum Island
“That’s odd.” Harriet and Harley said in unison.
“That’s what Leigh-Ann Liddle said to the press,” Jennifer said, looking at the article on her phone. “As well as how she’d do whatever it took to get justice for her sister.”
“And you think that Clair’s murder is somehow connected to that forty-year-old case?” Harriet asked.
“That’s my gut feeling, yes.” Jennifer nodded.
“But why go after the Wesleys’s daughter?” Harriet looked at Jennifer, confusion lacing her voice.
“That’s what we need to figure out,” Jennifer said, turning to Harley. “We’re almost there.”
“Yup.” Harley nodded. “I hope this is where Angela went.”
As they drove into Newbury Port, Harley turned onto the road that led to the institute.
“And you didn’t get a look at the man the server said had been watching you at the diner?” Harriet asked.
“No,” Harley and Jennifer said in unison.
Harley entered the institute’s parking lot, found a space, and parked. “I’m going to have to go in alone.”
“Seriously?” Jennifer and Harriet looked at him in disbelief.
“No way!” Jennifer shook her head. “We want to come with you.”
“I’ll call you when I’ve ensured Angela is here,” Harley promised. “So please, stay here.”
“Fine!” Jennifer folded her arms over her chest.
“Why don’t you read the letters while you wait?” Harley suggested as he slid out of the car, handing Jennifer the keys. “Don’t leave without me.”
“Don’t tempt me,” Jennifer muttered, taking the keys.
Harley walked into the center, greeted by a familiar face at thereception desk.
“Mr. Donovan.” The nurse smiled at him. “We weren’t expecting you today.”
“Is that because Angela isn’t back, or she is back but I don’t usually visit until Monday?” Harley put on his most engaging charm, trying to keep images of kissing Jennifer from his mind.
“Thankfully, Angela was found and brought back to the institute,” the nurse told him, making him frown.
“Found?” Harley looked at the woman. “Please don’t make Angela sound like a dog.” He bristled. “And who brought her back?”
“I’m sorry,” the nurse instantly apologized. “I didn’t mean it to sound the way it came out.”
Harley nodded, accepting her apology. “Who brought her back?” He asked again.
“Mrs. Montgomery,” the nurse told him, sending shock waves down his spine.
“Annie brought her back?” Harley felt his heart jolt as fear pumped through his veins. “I need to see for myself that Angela is safe.”
“Of course, Mr. Donovan” The nurse picked up a visitor pass and handed it to him. “Angela is back in her room.”
“Thank you,” Harley walked through the security doors.
He stepped through the X-ray machine and strode down the corridor leading to Angela’s room. He knocked on the door and listened. There was no sound. Harley frowned.
Maybe she’s sleeping or has gone to the lounge,Harley thought, gently pushing the handle down and calling as he put his head through the door, “Angela?”
