Page 21 of The Restaurant on Plum Island
“Hello, Ethan!” Harley’s eyes narrowed dangerously as he stared at the man. “Thank you for the offer, but this is a family matter, and we have it in hand.”
Ethan’s eyes slid from Harley to Carly questioningly. “Is everything okay?” he asked for her reassurance.
Carly nodded. “Yes.” She gave him a tight smile. “Believe it or not, we’ve been preparing for something like this to happen.”
“I can understand that,” Ethan told her, an emotion darkening his eyes for a few seconds that told her he too had these sorts of plans. His eyes met Carly’s, and her breath caught in her throat at the concern for her shining in them. “If you need anything, please just call.” He handed her a card. “That’s my private number.”
“Thank you.” Carly took the card before her helicopter brother could snatch it. “I appreciate it.”
Ethan nodded. “I’ll leave you to it.” He lingered for a few seconds. “I’ll keep Reef and Emily at my place for as long as you need.” He glanced at Harley. “Don’t worry; my security team is close by and patrolling the grounds.”
“That’s Good to know,” Sam’s voice came from behind Harley as he pushed his way next to Carly. “Maybe you could help us increase the security around here and my house.”
“We can manage without him, Uncle Sam.” Harley’s voice was as cold as ice, and his eyes were mistrusting as they narrowed at Ethan. “We don’t need his help.”
“I disagree,” Sam contradicted his nephew, retaking his rightful position as the head of the Donovan family as he turned back to Ethan. “Do you have a few moments to talk?”
“Of course,” Ethan told Sam, ignoring Harley’s dark glare.
“Well, don’t let’s hover on the front doorstep,” Sam said, pushing his rude niece and nephew aside to let Ethan in. “Come on in.”
“Let me call Oz,” Ethan said, walking into the house and pulling out his mobile phone. “He’s the head of my security.”
“Good, do that.” Sam ushered Ethan into the living room and introduced him to Daniella as Harley and Carly stared after them.
“What just happened?” Carly asked her brother.
“I think Uncle Sam just pulled the head of the family rank on us,” Harley muttered.
“I told you that going behind his back and authorizing his hip replacement was going to come back and haunt you,” Carly shook her head. “I also told you it would take me down with you.”
“That’s not why he’s doing this.” Harley rolled his eyes before frowning and staring toward the living room at Sam. “Uncle Sam isn’t that petty.”
“Maybe not, but I’m sure he loves taking back control from you.” Carly grinned, and the smile slid from her face as her eyes landed on Daniella, who was listening to the conversation between Sam and Ethan. “I’m really worried for Danny and Em.”
Harley put his arms around his sister’s shoulders and hugged her. “Don’t worry about Danny and Em. I’ve got them.”
“Thank you, big brother.” Carly kissed his cheek.
The day caught up with her as Harley dropped his arms from her shoulders. She suddenly felt suffocated and overwhelmed. She had to get out of the house to get some air and clear her head. Without saying a word, Carly pivoted and headed for the front door.
“Where are you going?” Harley asked, grabbing her arm to stop her.
“I need air,” Carly told him, pulling herself free. “I have to clear my head.”
“I don’t think that’s wise,” Harley told her.
“Ethan has his men patrolling the perimeter. I’ll be fine,” Carly assured him. “It’s just paparazzi, not an assassin, after me.”
“Fine, but don’t leave the estate, and don’t be gone for too long,” Harley advised.
“Yes, Dad!” Carly mocked.
She turned and rushed toward the open front door, grabbing her sweater from the hook before anyone else could stop her or try to join her.
Carly stepped out into the late afternoon as the sun slipped below the horizon. She pulled her sweater tighter against the chill that had crept into the air. Carly had felt like she’d been on a harrowing roller coaster rid of emotions the entire day, complete with four emotionally filled meetings.
Her mind was filled with thoughts and recaps of the day’s highlights. She didn’t realize she’d slipped through the security gates until she found herself walking toward the beach. Carly glanced back at the sanctuary of the Nature Reserve and then back toward the ocean, which beckoned to her with its soft sand and the soothing whoosh of the waves lapping against it.
