Page 82 of The Beach Hut on Plum Island
“I can vouch for that,” Murphy told them.
“I didn’t think either of you was involved,” Harriet told them and smiled at Finn. “Everything okay with Alex?”
“Yes, he had to fetch Emily from ice skating,” Finn explained, his brow creased. “Did you just say your uncle is missing?” Worry raced through him. “Did he do one of his disappearing acts again?”
Harriet shook her head and glanced around the room. “His private jet is missing too.”
“He wouldn’t leave without letting me know,” Murphy told them, then clenched his jaw shut as if he’d almost saidsomething he shouldn’t as he pulled out his phone and checked it.
Harriet, with her eagle eye, picked up on Murphy’s slight blunder as well, Finn noted. Before she could interrogate him with her usual tact, Finn intervened.
“Shouldn’t you be with him at all times?” Finn asked.
“I’m the head of…” Murphy stopped and corrected himself. “As the former head of the King’s security, I have to be everywhere that I’m needed. I have a few select agents that are assigned to his guard duty,” he explained. “But the king always lets me know when he’s going somewhere—always!“ He looked pointedly at Harriet as he emphasized the last word.
“Murphy,” Harriet’s eyes narrowed as she stared at him. “Where does my uncle go when he slips off on his secret outings?”
“I’m bound by my oath of loyalty to the king,” Murphy told her. “As you know, as long as I’m employed by the Royal House of Joyce Isles, I cannot tell you.”
“Okay!” Harriet nodded. “Murphy, as you’re withholding secrets about the king’s whereabouts, you’re fired.”
“Harriet!” Finn and Estelle said in unison.
“No, Harriet’s right,” Harley stepped in. “I’m sorry, Murphy, but I’m going to have to take you in for questioning.”
“Where is it?” Harriet asked Harley. “I hope it’s not actual prison?”
“No,” Harley shook his head. “My uncle has a place.”
“You don’t want to know, Princess,” Murphy told her.
“No!” Estelle jumped in, her eyes wide with fear. “What has Murphy done?”
“It’s okay,” Murphy assured her as Harley handcuffed him.
“Are those really necessary?” Harriet asked Harley.
“If we’re going to do this, Princess,” Murphy said, “it needs to be done right.”
“I’m sorry, Murphy,” Harriet said, and Finn, although confused, saw the compassion in her eyes.
“This is the only way,” Murphy told her before he smiled at Estelle. “Please, listen to the princess and Harley. They’ll look out for you.” He looked from Harriet to Harley for confirmation.
“Of course,” Harley said with a nod and looked at Harriet.
“I literally scaled a balcony and evaded highly trained security detail to get to Estelle,” Harriet pointed out. “What do you think?”
“I think they just need you to say it,” Finn told her, putting an arm around her shoulders. “But to be clear, when Harley’s gone, you’re going to letmein on what’s going on here, right?”
“Us,” Estelle stated, looking at Harriet. “You’re going to letusin on this.”
Harriet looked at Murphy and Harley, who both nodded their consent before Estelle rushed to Murphy and kissed him.
“You’d better not rough him up!” Estelle glared at Harley.
“No roughing up!” Harriet’s eyes widened in alarm.
“It’s okay, Princess,” Murphy smiled before looking at Harley. “Let’s go. And be sure to double the guard for everyone in this room.”
