Page 39 of The Restaurant on Plum Island
A sharp intake of breath made him turn toward a pale faced Harley, whose eyes narrowed in on his sister. While Ethan may not have any power or right to stop Carly, her brother did.
“What did you just say?” Harley’s voice was low and controlled, but Ethan saw his fists clenching at his sides.
“Geez!” Daniella jumped when she heard Harley’s voice. “Where the heck did you two come from?”
“Sorry, I meant to tell you that I asked Harley and Ethan here to tell them what I’ve already told the two of you.” Sam glanced pointedly at his wristwatch. “It seems they got a little delayed as I asked them to be here half an hour ago.”
Ethan was about to apologize for being late, but Harley spoke over them, ignoring Sam as he asked again. “What were you talking about when we walked in?”
Carly ignored her brother and turned to look at Ethan, and he held his breath, awaiting her reaction. He was surprised when she gave him a tight smile.
“I’m glad you’re here.” Carly’s words made Ethan’s eyebrows shoot up in surprise. His heart jolted. “I was about to call you and let you know that I’ve decided to take the lead role in season two of the Cobble Cove Mystery television series.”
Ethan exchanged a glance with Harley, who was not happy with his sister’s decision, his face etching into lines of disapproval.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea, Carly,” Harley interjected through gritted teeth. “You know it’s not safe right now, not with everything that’s going on.”
“That’s why I’m doing this,” Carly retorted, lifting her chin defiantly, daring her brother to oppose her.
“Listen to me, Carly.” Harley’s shoulders were tense, and a tiny muscle ticked at the side of his jaw. “You need to be smart about this and play it safe until we figure out who’s behind all this.”
Harley looked at Ethan, clearly wanting him to back up his reasoning.
“Your brother makes a good point, Carly,” Ethan chimed in, fighting his inner conflict about which side to take. On the one hand, he didn’t want to upset Carly more than he’d already had that day. On the other hand, he agreed with Harley. “Taking on a high-profile role like this—it’s going to be asking for trouble.”
“Risky or not,” Carly said, her gaze flitting between the two men, a spark of defiance igniting in her eyes, “it’s my decision. And I’ve made it.” Her voice held a finality to it, reminding him of his mother’s tone that brooked no argument.
Harley looked to Ethan, imploring him with his eyes. He wanted Ethan to help him to make Carly see reason. While Ethan understood and felt the same about Carly putting herself in danger, Ethan remained silent. Carly was a grown woman, and he had no power to try to change her mind, no matter how much he wanted to.
Sam, who had remained silent as if deep in thought until this moment, finally spoke. “It was my idea for Carly to take the role.”
The tension in the room increased as Ethan and Harley gaped at Sam, confusion written over their faces.
“What?” Harley asked, his voice rough with shock.
“I suggested it,” Sam repeated. “I convinced Carly to take the part to expose whoever was behind these schemes.”
Harley’s shoulders tensed even more. “And you didn’t think to run it by me first?” he seethed.
“I didn’t think I had to,” Sam said, unapologetic. “Carly knows what’s at stake.” He glanced at his niece. “This is a game of cat and mouse, and we need to turn the tables to take control of the situation.”
“Isn’t that a bit risky?” Ethan asked, concern for Carly’s safety still evident in his voice.
“Again,” Carly’s voice was laced with icy determination, “it’s my risk to take.”
Harley let out a frustrated sigh and ran a hand through his hair. “Are you sure about this, sis?”
“I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life,” Carly told him. “I’m tired of hiding and running away. I won’t be bullied anymore.”
“Fine!” Harley nodded. “But you’ll have to get used to the new security measures I’ll be implementing.”
“Okay!” Carly agreed. “Now, if you gentlemen don’t mind, I have to phone my agents and discuss this with them so we can get the ball rolling.”
She ushered Sam, Harley, and Ethan to the front door.
“Goodnight,” Carly said, basically pushing them out of her house.
They stood on her front porch, staring at her closed door before Ethan turned to look at Sam and Harley.
