Page 9 of The Library on Plum Island
A few days after Alex had fired Carly, under the guise of Ethan, she made an appointment to see Ethan, who had since returned from his trip to Paris. Alex, not wanting his brother to find out what Alex had done to protect him, visited Carly and threatened her to stay away from his brother. Alex didn’t feel proud of what he’d done, but he’d said he knew about her cousin and would go to the press with his information if she didn’t stay away from Ethan.
“Alex!” Harriet snapped near his right ear, making him jump. “I see your sling’s not the only thing you’re not using tonight.”
“Sorry, were you talking to me?” Alex asked.
“I was saying that we should maybe all go on a cruise on your mini cruise liner, which you call a yacht,” Harriet repeated.
“I’m sure Ethan and Carly want a nice romantic cruise with only their kids with them,” Alex told her. “Besides, it would have to be after the second season of The Cobble Cove Mysteries wraps up.”
“Oh, you haven’t heard yet?” Harriet looked at him. “The start of filming the second season has been delayed for three to four weeks.”
“Why?” Alex’s eyes widened.
“It turns out that Shaun put Rowan Ashton, the male lead, in the hospital with two broken legs.” Harriet’s words sent a chill down Alex’s spine. “Caroline and Dawn are brainstorming on how to rewrite the first few episodes of the show to either leave Rowan out of them or write in an accident so he has broken legs in the show.”
“My brother has decided to take a cruise in the interim?” Alex gaped at Harriet. “He must really be in love, as Ethanneverwants to take a day off, let alone a cruise.”
“What can I say?” Harriet shrugged. “Love does crazy things and even has the power to change a person.” She smiled. “I, for one, am so glad Ethan has someone like Carly now.”
“I would never have said this even two days ago,” Alex admitted, “but I’m glad Carly has someone like Ethan in her life. The two of them deserve each other.” He held up his hand defensively before Harriet misconstrued what he said. “I mean that in the best of ways.”
“I know!” Harriet nodded. “It just goes to show you that you never truly know someone.”
“Unless they open their heart and soul to you,” Alex agreed with her. “Which, let’s face it, no one ever does.”
“That was deep for you!” Harriet looked surprised.
“I’m a deep person,” Alex told her, standing. They left the kitchen and headed for the stairs. “I’m going to watch an old movie on television if you want to watch it with me.”
“Thanks, but I’m going to turn in,” Harriet told him. “Tomorrow, I’d like to get up early to sort out my new room.”
“What about your suite at the Summer Inn Hotel?” Alex asked as he switched out the living room light.
“It’s booked for me until then,” Harriet assured him. “Don’t worry. I’m only here until your hand heals.”
“As you’ve pointed out, I have a large house with six-bedroom suites,” Alex told her. “You’re welcome to stay here instead of the hotel for the rest of your stay on Plum Island while we shoot the second season.”
“Thank you, Alex,” Harriet said, smiling. “I will certainly think about it.”
“Well, while you do,” Alex said, “think about my wine cellar, which has a few dozen cases of your champagne in it.”
“Wow!” Harriet’s eyes widened. “That does sweeten the pot, but I don’t know how living under the same roof will affect our already thready friendship.”
Climbing the stairs, Alex was abruptly halted by the chime of his doorbell, a sound that unexpectedly set his nerves on edge. It was a stark reminder of the day’s lingering tension, revealing just how deeply the events had unsettled him. He and Harriet exchanged a glance, a silent understanding passing between them before the bell insisted again.
With a flick of the switch, light flooded the hallway as Alex made his way to the front door, his footsteps echoing softly. A glance at the security system confirmed it was still down—a task for Harley to tackle in the morning. Drawing in a deep breath to steady himself, Alex pulled open the door, his pulse quickening at the sight of Daniella, her face etched with worry.
“Alex, I hate to intrude like this, especially so late,” Daniella stammered, her gaze flickering to the bandage on his arm. “And with you being injured... But it’s urgent. Emily’s missing. She chased after Hicks, her bull terrier, onto the beach, and we can’t find her anywhere.”
Harley appeared in the doorway. His voice was as filled with urgency as Daniella’s. “Alex, can we cut through your place to get to the rocks?”
“Absolutely,” Alex responded without hesitation, moving to equip himself. “Just let me slip on my sneakers and grab some flashlights.”
“You need to be resting,” Harriet said, her concern flashing in her eyes. “I’ll go help look for Emily.”
Alex was firm, his resolve clear. “We’re both going.” He glanced down at his sleep attire of sweatpants and a faded college t-shirt but didn’t have time to change. Alex swiftly donned his sneakers, which were conveniently kept by the door, a sweater from the coat rack that he wrapped around his waist, and retrieved two flashlights from the hall drawer, passing one to Harriet. He then ushered Harley, Daniella, Shay, and Harriet through the living space and down to the ground floor.
Sliding open the glass doors that led off the games room, Alex granted them access to the nocturnal beach. “I’ll hit the floodlights,” he declared, darting back inside.
