Page 90 of The Summer Inn on Plum Island
As they made their way back to the shore, the fear and uncertainty were left behind on the open sea. The future was still uncertain, but they were together, and that was all that mattered. The nightmare had not ended, but they had found each other in the darkness, and together, they would find their way back to the light. They were no longer a team of two but an army of friends and family.
CHAPTER 15
The Coast Guard boat pulled into the Summer Inn’s jetty, the familiar sight of the hotel bringing a wave of relief over everyone on board. Wade was waiting on the dock, his expression a mixture of relief and concern, with Hicks faithfully by his side. Tracy and Donna stood nearby, ready with blankets and warm drinks.
Liam was the first to step off, helping Dawn and the girls onto the dock. Wade rushed forward, enveloping Dawn in a hug. “Thank goodness you’re safe,” he murmured.
“Wade,” Dawn whispered, her voice thick with emotion. “I love you too, little brother, but you’re about to crack my ribs, and I can’t breathe.”
“Oh, sorry.” Wade laughed, stepping back. “I was just so worried about you and the girls.”
Tracy moved to embrace Harper and Lila, tears of relief streaming down her face. “We need to get you checked out,” she said gently. “A nurse practitioner is waiting inside.”
Donna stepped forward, her face showing a mixture of professional calm and personal relief. “Let’s get you all inside,” she said, guiding them toward the hotel. “We have food and drinks ready, and the nurse will take a look at you.”
As they moved toward the hotel, Aunt Betty rushed in with Sam, who carried Tiger in a cat carrier. Betty’s eyes were red from crying, and she enveloped Harper and Lila in a warm hug. “Oh, thank goodness you’re safe!” she exclaimed, her voice trembling.
“We’re okay, Aunt Betty,” Lila reassured her, hugging her back tightly. “Just tired.”
Sam nodded, his face pale but relieved. “Let’s get you checked out. We’ve been worried sick.”
“How’s Tiger?” Harper asked, following Betty and Sam.
“The vet said he was doing so much better,” Sam told them. “He’s on a fast road to recovery.” She frowned. “But we went to my vet as Chris Nicol’s practice was closed.”
“Oh!” Dawn frowned and pursed her lips. “At least you got Tiger checked out and I’m so relieved he’s okay,” she said, overhearing the conversation as she followed the group to where a nurse station was set up.
After the checkups, Betty walked over to where Liam and Scott were sitting beside Dawn, Tracy, and Wade.
“Sam and I will take Lila and Harper to help them pack for L.A.,” Betty said.
“Thank you,” Tracy said with a grateful smile. “I think we need to move that trip up to tonight.” She glanced at Scott, who nodded in agreement.
“What L.A. trip?” Dawn asked, her brow creasing.
“Because of everything going on here,” Scott answered. “Tracy, myself, and Liam think it’s a good idea that Harper, Lila, Betty, and Sam are out of town for a week.”
“But Harper’s here visiting me,” Dawn said, feeling let down but, at the same time, had to admit to being relieved. She’d been petrified when she’d found Lila and Harper on the yacht. “Although I do understand.”
“I’ll come back, Aunt Dawn,” Harper assured her. “I promise.” She gave Dawn a small smile. “I want to come back to visit Lila as well.”
“And I’ve always wanted to go to L.A.,” Lila told Dawn. “With us out of the way, you’ll all be able to concentrate on solving this mystery without having to worry about us.”
“I can’t argue with that,” Dawn said, taking each of their hands. “I’m going to miss you both, though.”
The girls both leaned in for a group hug.
“We’re going to miss you too,” Harper and Lila chorused.
Before Betty, Sam, Lila, and Harper took Tiger with them to go pack, Harper looked at Dawn questioningly. “Aunt Dawn, are you going to be okay looking after Tiger while we’re in L.A.?”
“You have to give him his medications and change his dressing,” Lila listed all the things needed for Tiger’s care.
Wade winked and came to Dawn’s rescue with a wink and teasing smile. “Don’t worry, I’ll look after Tiger. Dawn’s never been that good with animals.” He glanced at his watch. “I’m going to go to Newbury Port to check on Ben.”
“Thank you, Uncle Wade,” Harper said with a sigh of relief, making Dawn frown. “And give Ben a hug from me.”
“Will do, kiddo,” Wade said. “I’d better go.” He looked at Dawn and Scott. “Keep me informed.” He handed Dawn Hicks’s leash. “You be good, okay? And no more eating books.” He patted Hicks’s head, who gave a succession of barks as if to sayI’m a dog dude, I eat things.
