Page 79 of The Beach Hut on Plum Island
“Lady Estelle is confined to her room with security here,” Murphy snapped, his eyes narrowed. Harriet saw he was getting impatient, and he kept glancing at Estelle. “Princess Harriet, you should also not be talking to Lady Estelle without someone present.”
“Can everyone please give Murphy and me the room, please.” Harriet’s voice was sharp and commanding.
“Harriet…” Finn looked at her curiously.
“I need to talk to Murphyalone.“ Harriet gave him a tight smile.
Finn looked at her for a few seconds before ushering everyone, including Estelle, from the room.
When the door clicked shut, Murphy stood calmly waiting for her to talk.
“It was you, wasn’t it?” Harriet said to Murphy, who’s eyes widened in shock.
“I don’t know what you mean,” Murphy said with a hint of caution. “Are you accusing me of drugging you?”
“No!” Harriet shook her head. “But you were the one who took the linen off my bed after you heard I’d been drugged with sleeping powder.”
“Why would you think that, Princess?” Murphy’s gaze was calm as he kept eye contact.
“Because you were also the one who let her into my room earlier that day,” Harriet guessed. “When you realized she may have been the one to have drugged me, you also knew because the powder was in my hair that it was put on my pillow.”
“Do you have any evidence to back up your accusations?” Murphy asked.
“I’m sure I can get it,” Harriet informed him. “I’ve known you for a long time, Murphy.” She shook her head. “It’s not like you to let someone into someone of the royal family’s room or try to get rid of evidence.” Her eyes narrowed as she assessed him. “It’s crazy what love does to a person, isn’t it?”
“I’m not sure what you’re getting at, princess,” Murphy told her.
Harriet nodded and walked to the door, opened it, and called Estelle.
“What are you doing?” Murphy spluttered.
“Is everything okay?” Estelle walked into the room, glancing at Murphy.
“Why did you send me those five threatening messages last night, Estelle?” Harriet accused her.
“What?” Estelle frowned. “I never sent you any messages last night.”
“Sam Donovan says differently,” Harriet told her. “In fact, he said the messages came from this room.”
“It was me!” Murphy said. “I sent them.”
“You sent that message to Harriet?” Finn’s voice came from the door, and all eyes swiveled toward him. “Harley,” he called from the door.
“Stop!” Harriet’s voice boomed through the room, and everyone froze. She turned her attention to Murphy. “As a member of the royal family who feels threatened by a member of the royal protection service, I hereby relieve you of your duty as head of royal security.” She looked at Harley. “I now appoint you, Harley.”
“You can’t do that!” Estelle said, her voice filled with panic.
“The Princess can do that,” Murphy told Estelle.
“Harley, please arrest Murphy and take him into custody,” Harriet commanded.
“Wait!” Estelle said. “Murphy, please tell them you were lying.”
“Murphy was also the person who let Lady Estelle into my suite uninvited the other day.” Harriet caught Murphy’s eyes. “He also removed the linen from my bed after I’d been drugged.”
“Murphy, is that true?” Finn’s eyes were filled with disbelief.
“Yes.” Murphy nodded. “I let Lady Estelle into the Princess’s room, I removed the linen, and sent the threatening messages to her.”
