Page 75 of The Beach Hut on Plum Island
“Which is probably good, so the real culprit thinks their plan has worked,” Harriet smiled. “So we can go ahead with the Greece plan. I’m going to need to get out of here soon if we’re going to fly to the UK tonight.”
“Oh!” Finn pursed his lips. “All trips have been canceled,” he announced without preamble. “Alex and Daniella won’t be going to the UK. So, the original wedding party festivities are back on.”
Harriet’s mind shifted to her friends’ disrupted plans. She’d seen how excited Alex had seemed about going to the UK on an impulsive trip. Like her, it had reminded them of their younger years when they’d slip their protective details and sneak off to Paris or London.
“Now I feel awful,” Harriet stated. “I know we only suggested that so you could get to Greece, but Alex looked like he was really excited about it.” Her eyes widened. “Talking about Greece, how are you going to sneak off to go there now?”
“I have news about that, too. Your mother took control of that plan,” Finn explained and told her that Liam was going instead and that it was a much better plan because now they could keep the Gladstones busy.
“I hate to admit this, but my mother’s right and her plan is much better than ours,” Harriet huffed. “I hate it when that happens. But it’s so typical of my mother, you know. She swoops in and takes over. But she does it gradually like a silent plague spreading through your well-laid-out plans.”
“Your mother was only trying to help, Harriet,” Finn pointed out. “She wants what’s best for your family, too, and knows how important claiming back that land is to your family.”
“But trust me,” Harriet stated. “My mother has her own agenda bubbling in the background.”
“Maybe your mother is just looking out for her children!” Finn advised.
“Oh no!” Harriet gasped. “Don’t tell me she got to you!” Harriet held up her hands to ward him off. “Did she infect you with her sweetness and draw you in with her kind words before going for you jugular on making you into a Julie vampire.”
“Okay…” Finn raised an eyebrow. “If I didn’t know you worked in the entertainment industry, I’d be telling you that you watch way too many horror movies.” He shook his head. “And I don’t think I’ve been changed into a Julie vampire.”
“Mmm,” Harriet said, eyeing him suspiciously. “Time will tell.”
“Can we get back to talking about the sleeping powder in your hair?” Finn asked. “Can you think of anyone else who would’ve had access to your room to put the stuff on your pillow?”
“My question is, if it wasn’t Estelle, then how did they get the stuff?” Harriet wondered. “This brings me to my next thought: whoever it is must be close to the king. Because as far as I know, he’d be the only person who’d still have that stuff.”
Finn frowned in contemplation. “When I got to your suite, all the bedding had been removed.”
Harriet furrowed her brows, processing the information. “I’m still not convinced Estelle is behind this.” She bit the side of her mouth. “This seems more like something Leon would do, given his vast connections and his knack for evading restrictions, even from custody.”
“Harley told me on my way to see you that Estelle isn’t being very cooperative,” Finn told her. “She’ll only talk to you.”
“Then what are we waiting for?” Harriet asked, pushed back the covers, and ignored the pain in her head as she threw her legs over the side. “Help me get out of here.”
“Are you sure that’s a good idea before Daniella gives you the all-clear?” Finn asked worriedly.
“Trust me, I know what the powder does,” Harriet assured him. “Other than a bit of a dry mouth and headache, I’ll be fine.”
With Finn’s reluctant help, Harriet managed to discharge herself against medical advice. They drove back to the Summer Inn Hotel in silence, each lost in their own thoughts about the unfolding mystery.
When they arrived at her suite, however, frustration mounted anew. The room was spotless, and the evidence of any wrongdoing was erased by well-meaning housekeeping staff. Harriet felt a surge of helplessness.
“Looks like we’re at a dead end here,” Finn murmured, echoing her thoughts as he surveyed the pristine room.
“Is it wrong of me to want to call for clean pillows?” Harriet stood staring at her newly made bed.
“I don’t blame you,” Finn told her. “In fact, I think you should pack a bag and stay in my guest room tonight.”
“I’m sure it’ll be fine,” Harriet assured him as she started following Finn out of her room.
“I’m inclined to agree with Finn, Princess Harriet.” Murphy walked into the suite. “Or, I’ve been asked by your parents to bring you to the beach house until we know for sure it was Estelle.”
“No!” Harriet said in frustration. “I’m not letting someone chase me from where I live.”
“I will carry you if I have to and come back to pack some things for you,” Murphy warned her.
“Are we doing this easy way, hard way thing again?” Harriet’s eyes narrowed, and she folded her arms. “We’ve been over this.” She sighed. “You know you never win.”
