Page 70 of The Library on Plum Island
“Did you let Caroline or Jennifer know that?” Daniella wasn’t letting him off the hook.
“Uh…” Finn cleared his throat. His cheeks looked slightly flushed. “No. I was going to. I didn’t know they had sent someone to tend to the animals.”
“You owe my friend an apology, Finn Shaw!” Daniella’s eyes narrowed a little more. “We thought you were a burglar, and if anything, Harriet was courageously trying to protect your sister’s property!” She gave him a scathing look, sneering. “And you may want to take a few anger management classes.”
Finn’s eyes widened at Daniella and nodded. Stepping around her, he looked at Harriet. “I’m sorry,” he said. “Daniella is right. I shouldn’t have verbally attacked you like that. I know it’s not an excuse, but Blue Beard was my father’s bird, and he’s very special to my family.” He looked uncomfortable. “And I didn’t mean grab you like I did. It’s an instinct from years of MMA training, especially when someone comes for my head with a sharp object.”
“Sorry me…” Harriet swallowed. “I’m too sorry,” she spluttered all tongue-tied and stared at Finn like a wide-eyed puppy that had just been reprimanded.
What the heck is wrong with Harriet?Before she could say anything, a squawk from the counter caught their attention. “You may want to take Blue Beard to the vet. I think his wing is damaged.”
“I’ll do that,” Finn said, moving toward the bird and examining its wing. “Come on, buddy, let’s get your cage.” He gently picked the bird up and turned toward them, his eyes falling on Harriet. “Again, Miss Joyce, I’m sorry about my behavior.”
“Me too.” Harriet nodded. “I mean. I’m not sorry about your behavior…” she gestured nervously with her hand. “I mean, thank you for apologizing for your behavior. I’m sorry about mine, too, and I didn’t mean to almost kill your bird.” Her eyes fell on the floor. “He’s lost some feathers.”
Finn’s eyes followed Harriets’s, and Daniella saw the anger flash in his eyes, but it was gone when he looked at them with a tight smile. “Unfortunately, there’s no saving those. But hopefully, they’ll grow back.” Daniella didn’t miss the cutting edge in his tone.
Daniella and Harriet left Caroline’s house, and as they climbed into the car, Daniella turned to Harriet, looking at her in disbelief.
“What the heck was that back there?” she shook her head. “Why didn’t you lay into him like I’ve witnessed you doing often since I’ve known you?”
“Because he’s Finn Shaw,” Harriet stated, her eyes widening in what looked a lot like awe to Daniella. “You know, the Finnster. Only one of the best surfers ever to grace the pro surfing world.”
It was Daniella’s turn to gape when she realized Harriet, who spoke to celebrities and A-listers that most people wouldn’t ever dream of talking to, was in awe of a surfing star. She sat gaping at the woman for a few seconds before she saw the funny side and burst out laughing.
“What’s so funny?” Harriet asked her.
“You!” Daniella told her. “I’m sure you’ve dined with royalty in your life without batting an eye, and then you become a bumbling bag of nerves around a surfing pro.” She looked at Harriet, noticing her blush. “Don’t worry, that’s how I get when I’m around Alex. Only my years of practice as a doctor stop me from falling to pieces like you did back there.”
“I did, didn’t I?” Harriet pinched the bridge of her nose. “Please don’t let everyone else know.”
“Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me,” Daniella promised her. “Now, let’s get back to Alex’s place so you can tend to the scratches on my face because they are starting to sting.”
“Of course,” Harriet said, looking at Daniella and sucking in a breath. “Ouch, they look sore. But to warn you, I’m not good with blood, although I’m sure I can handle those scratches.”
“How are you with needles? I’m thinking I may need a tetanus shot.” Daniella laughed when she saw Harriet’s face go gray.
CHAPTER 14
Alexwasirritatedbeyondwords as he made his way to the Summer Inn Hotel, where Blackwell Productions had rented most of the conference rooms while they were filming on the island.
Thank goodness for automatic cars, Alex thought. He wouldn’t have been able to drive a stick shift with a broken hand. Alex didn’t want anyone to drive him to his conference room office because the meeting he was going to was not going to be a good one. Alex pulled into the large parking lot and exited the car, realizing that it wasn’t his car he’d taken but Daniella’s.
Harley had given Alex a lift to Beach Plum Cottage before the wedding, and Harriet had arrived with Daniella in Daniella’s car. Alex sighed. Daniella must’ve thought they were only just married, and Alex was already taking liberties, like using her car. He glanced at the back and saw Daniella’s doctor’s bag on the floor.
“Shoot, I hope Daniella won’t need that in the next few hours,” Alex said, exiting the car. “This shouldn’t take that long, though.”
He glanced at his attire, realizing he was still in his tuxedo. It probably wasn’t something you saw often on Plum Island in the early afternoon. Alex shook it off and strode into the hotel with purpose. Pulling out his phone, he quickly messaged his father. Not that Alex needed him. Only Alex had promised he’d keep his father informed of any new developments in the situation he was about to face.
Dad, I’m going to a meeting with your buddy. He called me and demanded I meet him at our office at the Summer Inn and threatened to come to my house if I didn’t. I will let you know how it goes.
A.
Alex greeted the hotel staff he knew along the way to his office, where his new assistant, Donna Hobbs, greeted him.
“Hello, Donna,” Alex greeted her with a warm smile. It wasn’t her fault she had to call him.
“Afternoon, Mr. Blackwell,” Donna greeted him, a look of relief crossing her features when she saw he wasn’t upset with her. “I’m sorry to have to call you in when you’re on sick leave.” She glanced at the conference room that had been allocated as Alex’s office. “But the man was insistent…” She swallowed. “And very rude. Especially to the hotel staff.”
