Page 53 of The Library on Plum Island
“Although what?” Daniella asked, irritated that Meg was persisting in her lie that Daniella had called her.
“I have to admit that you sound different,” Meg admitted. “Your voice was throatier and…” She paused. “Snootier.”
“I can assure you that I’ve only ever had a throaty voice when I had a cold and while I can be cold and cutting, I’m notsnooty.“ Daniella realized that she’d just sounded snooty. “What time did you get this alleged call from me?”
Meg told her the time, and Daniella’s heart went cold. That was about ten to fifteen minutes after she’d left the clinic upon finding out that the emergency call had been false. She swallowed, her throat going dry and a cold shiver creeping up her spine. Flashbacks of similar incidents occurring three years ago ran through her mind. Daniella had managed to change her shifts at the hospital, so she wasn’t working when Doctor Jackson was on duty. He’d have her come in on false calls and ensure she got stuck at the hospital to keep her there.
“I wasn’t at the clinic at that time, and I have witnesses,” Daniella told her. “Whoever called you from my clinic was clearly pulling some sort of prank.”
She tried to downplay the situation, as the last thing Daniella wanted was for the press to get wind of her story, especially now that her name was about to be linked with Alex’s.
“Are you denying that you and Alex Blackwell are getting married in Boston tomorrow?” Meg persisted with her questions.
“How did you get my number?” Daniella asked.
Her mind spun, wondering if someone at the clinic was working for Doctor Jackson. However, she didn’t think so or couldn’t fathom any of her wonderful staff doing something like this.
“Alex Blackwell gave me your mobile number,” Meg told her. A flicker of confusion infiltrated the woman’s cheery voice for a second as if she was now doubting her source. “He said you’d fill me in on the wedding details.”
A flash of anger ignited within Daniella, a bright, hot flame against the cold fear inside her at the mention that it was Alex who’d given out her personal information or spilled their marriage to a rag. But Daniella’s voice of reason quickly countered the anger as she realized what Meg had said made no sense. Alex, the man who had become her unexpected haven, would never betray her trust in such a manner.
“How did you come to talk to Alex Blackwell?” Daniella asked.
“You gave it…” Meg’s voice trailed off. “Sorry. I mean, whoever called me claiming to be you gave me his number.”
“You called Alex and told him I gave you his number?” Daniella’s eyes widened, and her breath caught in her throat as the cold realization dawned.
It really had started again. Doctor Jackson’s bogus call to lure her to the hospital was a calculated move, a chess piece advanced in his cruel game. He was trying to wedge a divide between her and Alex, to isolate her once more by playing them against each other.
“I’m sorry, Meg, but you’ve been fed misinformation,” Daniella informed Meg.
“So you and Alex Blackwell aren’t getting married in Boston tomorrow?” Meg’s words stopped Daniella cold. Before Daniella could answer, Meg continued, “And does that mean you’re denying that you and Alex are getting a judge to rush your marriage certificate?”
How on earth could she know that?Daniella’s thoughts became a whirlwind of suspicion and fear before her shoulders stiffened, and the pieces clicked into place with a chilling fit. The clinic call, the unexpected knowledge of their plans—it pointed to a breach from within—Daniella was not only being watched by people planted around the island by her stalker but they were also being listened to. Her eyes flew around the room, and her unease grew at the thought of someone having snuck into her home to plant listening devices.
A silent resolve fell over Daniella, and her fear was replaced by anger and resentment that someone could be so obsessed that they would go to such extremes. This had to stop. Daniella had a child, family, and friends to think about, and she knew the shadow that haunted her would not give up until they all lived in the darkness he cast. Daniella wasn’t much of an actress, but she had to try to put on a performance her cousin, Carly, would be proud of.
She took a breath and pinched the bridge of her nose as she told Meg, “You know what, Meg? If Alex no longer wants to be silent about our relations, then I won’t either.”
“Really?” Meg’s voice was filled with excitement. “You’re going to give me the scoop?”
A twinge of guilt washed over Daniella at what she was about to do, and it wasn’t nice. But Daniella reasoned with her conscience that she’d somehow get Alex to make it right.
“Yes, why not?” Daniella swallowed down the guilt.Sometimes, good people do terrible things to protect those they love.Her Uncle’s voice rang in her ears.
“Do you mind if I record this?” Meg asked.
“Sure,” Daniella said.You do know where you’re going, right?
“How long have you and Alex been in love?” Meg’s question hit Daniella right in the heart.
“Since the moment we met,” Daniella’s words echoed through her soul as she realized the truth in them.
“How long is that?” Meg asked.
“I’m not going to go into our history, Meg,” Daniella cut off that line of questioning.
Daniella wasn’t ready to answer that question truthfully to herself just yet. More guilt shot through her at the dark secret she carried with her. Daniella forced her mind away from it by glancing around the room, wondering where someone would plant a bug. Wanting to ensure the listener would hear the conversation clearly, Daniella stepped into the middle of the living room, where the acoustics were better.
