Page 95 of The Beach Hut on Plum Island
“We did,” Harriet nodded. “Now, according to my father’s letter…”
“You opened it?” Finn gaped at her.
“Yes, back in Newbury Port before we left,” Harriet admitted. “I wasn’t going to wait until we got here, and my father knew that.”
“What’s in the envelope?” Finn asked.
“The guest list on my Uncle Titus’s jet,” Harriet told him. “And you won’t guess who all is on it.”
She walked into the house, pulled their envelope of cash from one of the bags, and drew out the envelope. Harriet handed it to Finn. He pulled out the letter, and his eyes widened.
“Now, do you believe me?” Finn asked her, giving the letter back to her.
“We don’t know the circumstances yet,” Harriet told him. “So let’s not be too judgy just yet.” She pointed to the list. “You’ve seen who else is on it.”
“And what are we going to do?” Finn asked. “Get take out and knock on your front door?” He frowned. “How does your father even know they’re at your house?”
“He called the one person my father trusts more than he even trusts his security detail,” Harriet told him.
Before Finn could ask who that was, the doorbell rang. Their eyes widened as they looked at each other.
“I know this is stupid to ask,” Finn said. “But are you expecting anyone?”
“As far as I know, no one even knows we’re here,” Harriet whispered.
They both looked at the door as the doorbell rang again. It went quiet, and they stood staring at it, waiting for it to ring again.
“You two would make terrible spies,” a deep voice came from the open glass doors.
Harriet yelped, turned, and threw the letter at the man towering in the doorway.
“What’s this supposed to do? Give me a paper cut?” the man laughed, bending down to pick up the letter.
Finn’s eyes widened as he stepped protectively closer to Harriet.
“You could use the front door,” Harriet said to the man.
“I tried that and rang the doorbell twice,” he pointed out.
To Finn’s surprise and a twang of jealousy, Harriet sprinted into the man’s arms. “I’m so glad to see you, Scott.”
“Your father told me you’d be here and to keep an eye out,” Scott told her before unraveling himself from her arms and holding his hand out to Finn. “Harriet’s not very good at introductions. I’m Scott Vanderbilt, Dawn’s older brother.”
“Oh!” Finn said, feeling better. “Finn Shaw.”
“Oh, I know who you are,” Scott assured him. “We’re big fans of yours here.”
Finn nodded and looked at Harriet. “Is Scott who your father trusts?”
“Yes,” Harriet confirmed with a nod. “Scott is my father’s favorite out of all of us.”
“Don’t listen to her,” Scott gave him a lopsided grin. “I’m just the nerd that tried to keep the brats in line as I’m the eldest out of the mob I’m sure you’ve met by now.” He looked from Finn to Harriet. “And congratulations on the engagement. I’m just sorry this nasty business with your uncle has ruined it.”
“What did my father tell you, and what are you supposed to tell us?” Harriet asked him.
“I’ve been keeping an eye on your house, and I can confirm that your uncle, mother, and my aunt are in there,” Scott told her.
“Scott keeps an eye on all the houses when we’re away,” Harriet told Finn. “He has security systems covering the driveway and all entrances to the houses.”
