Page 23 of The Restaurant on Plum Island
The PI pressed his lips together and looked away.
Harley tightened his hold warningly. “I won’t ask again.”
“I can’t tell you that,” the man responded. “Client confidentiality.”
“Alright then,” Harley snarled, his grip tightening on the private investigator. “We’ll wait here for the police. You can tell them why you’re stalking my family.”
The man paled but said nothing as Carly called the police while her mind spun with unanswered questions. The paparazzi stalking her wasone thing, but a PI? Who on earth would hire a PI to investigate her, and what were they trying to uncover?
CHAPTER 6
Ethan sat engrossed in his work, oblivious to the serene elegance of the five-star Summer Inn Hotel conference room, a luxurious establishment marking the gateway to Cobble Cove. The room, bathed in soft, natural light filtering through large, floor-to-ceiling glass doors, exuded a sense of calm and sophistication. These expansive doors led out onto a gracefully designed patio, offering an unobstructed view of the pristine white sand beach, where the rhythmic dance of the waves provided a tranquil soundtrack to the otherwise quiet space.
The room was tastefully decorated in a palette that mirrored the outside coastal landscape. Soft blues and sandy beige tones dominated the space, complementing the natural wood finishes of the furniture. A large, polished conference table, capable of seating a dozen people comfortably, occupied the center of the room, surrounded by plush,ergonomically designed chairs that promised comfort during long meetings.
The walls were adorned with subtle artwork that paid homage to the oceanic surroundings – abstract representations of the sea, the shore, and the local wildlife, all contributing to an inspiring and calming ambiance.
Nearby, a small but elegant refreshment area was set up. It was equipped with a high-end coffee machine, a selection of fine teas, and a mini-fridge stocked with bottled water and light snacks. This area was designed to offer a brief respite during intense work sessions.
Despite the room’s allure and the mesmerizing beauty of the beach beyond, Ethan’s focus remained solely on the task at hand, his thoughts consumed by the challenges and complexities of the upcoming season ofCobble Cove Mysteries. The peaceful elegance of his surroundings lay unnoticed, a hidden treasure overshadowed by the weight of his responsibilities.
Ethan’s brow furrowed in concentration as he tried to fill the new lead role for the show, a task made more challenging after Carly Donovan had turned it down.
He was rudely pulled from his work when the door flew open, and Harley Donovan burst in. His face was a mask of anger, his eyes blazing with an intensity that immediately put Ethan on edge.
Ethan had always noted Harley’s underlying hostility towards him, a stark contrast to the camaraderie Harley shared with Ethan’s twin brother, Alex.
“What’s the meaning of this, Harley?” Ethan asked, his voice calm but firm.
Harley slammed his palms down on the table, leaning forward. “Don’t play dumb with me, Ethan. You know exactly why I’m here. You’re trying to destroy my sister’s life again.”
Ethan was taken aback by the accusation and frowned at the man. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Confused, He shook his head. “How could I be trying to destroy Carly when I’m trying to revive her career?”
Harley’s eyes narrowed accusingly. “Isn’t this exactly what you did to her three years ago?” He pushed himself up from leaning on the desk. “You offered her a role in a movie that she was convinced would be her next Academy Award, only to have you pull the rug out from under Carly, firing her on some trumped-up excuse.” His lip curled in a snarl. “My sister would never leak information. Not even back then. Carly liked her private life, which she kept private, and she was doing a good job of it, too, until your family went on that attack to ruin her!”
“What?” Ethan spluttered in shock. “I don’t know what lies your sister told you, but I did not fire Carly from my movie.” Anger coursedthrough his voice.Was Alex right about Carly being untrustworthy and scheming?
“How dare you try to turn this around and accuse Carly of lying,” Harley retorted angrily. “I was with her in New York the day you called her to your office and fired her.” His eyes blazed. “I drove her to Blackwell Productions and waited for her to return with the signed contracts. Instead, she came back broken and confused.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Ethan said frustratedly. “I didn’t fire Carly.” His face scrunched up in confusion as he tried to assimilate Harley’s words. “If anyone should be mad and accusing here, it should be me.” He pointed at his chest. “Carly was the one that let me down by pulling out of the movie at the last minute and disappearing.” He seethed at the memory of that time. “I had to do a last-minute lead replacement for both the female and male leads because herboyfriendParker also pulled out of the movie when she did.”
“Seriously?” Harley gaped at Ethan in disbelief. “You’re going to sit there and sprout that nonsense at me?” He shook his head in disgust. “I was the one who had to pick up the pieces and help her disappear while you and your family were barely scathed. That so-called article never appeared anywhere, and there were no leaks about that movie.”His eyes narrowed spitefully. “I was glad when it became one of the biggest box office flops from Blackwell productions.”
“That’s nice!” Ethan said, gritting his teeth. “That movie nearly ruined my career as a director. It ended my movie writing career before it even began.”
“I’m usually not a vindictive person,” Harley told Ethan. “But I’ve never been more pleased about that box office flop.”
“It’s Good to know that your sister ruining my career gave you a sense of satisfaction,” Ethan told him. “Now, if you’re finished accusing me of trumped-up charges—“ He drummed his fingers on the table. “I have a lot of work to get back to.”
“That’s all you’ve got to say about ruining my sister’s career and trying to do it again?” Harley’s spluttered. “Don’t think I don’t know that it was you who hired the PI that’s been following Carly.” His words caught Ethan’s attention. “You may have my uncle fooled, but not me. I don’t know what you and your family are planning, but I’m warning you that you’re on my turf now. The rules are different here, and Carly has the power of her family, friends, and an entire community behind her.”
“PI?” Ethan asked, ignoring the rest of Harley’s rant. “What PI?”
“You like to play dumb, don’t you?” Harley shook his head. “The man may not be talking, but I have contacts who will get him to.”
“Wait a minute,” Ethan realized that Harley was dead serious. “I can assure you that I didn’t hire a PI to investigate Carly. I also didn’t fire her from my movie, and I know nothing about a leaked article from three years ago.”
“Sure!” Harley looked at Ethan skeptically. “Are you trying to change your story because you know I will get your PI to talk?”
