Page 15 of The Summer Inn on Plum Island
“Thank you,” Daniel responded. “She was very special to us.”
“But you have to understand that Tiger has now been put in Dawn’s care, and we’re going to need to speak with Tiger’s vet before any decisions are made about giving him back to you,” Liam interjected firmly.
“Yes, of course,” Daniel added quickly. “We understand. I’m just relieved he’s safe.” He pulled a business card from his pocket and handed it to Liam. “Here’s my business card. If you can call us as soon as the vet has cleared up this misunderstanding, I’d appreciate it.”
Liam nodded and took the card. Dawn noticed he didn’t even glance at it.
Dawn gave Daniel a tight smile. “We’ll be in touch with the vet first thing in the morning. For now, Tiger needs to rest, and so do we. We’ll reach out tomorrow.”
Daniel nodded and said, “Thank you. I appreciate it.”
With that, Daniel said goodnight and left, allowing Dawn to shudder, which she’d been suppressing. Closing the door, Dawn dropped her head back and took a deep breath before looking at Liam. “What a day,” she murmured.
Liam nodded, offering a small smile. “And likely more to come. We just need to push through until we find out what the heck is going on and who this new phantom thief is.”
“Or call someone that can get rid of ghosts!” Dawn laughed. “Like maybe I don’t know…” Her grin widened. “Who are you going to call? Oh, I know…” She clicked her fingers. “Ghostbusters.”
Liam stood rolling his eyes and shaking his head at her. “Really?”
“It’s just one of the things I’ve always wanted to say, but there was never an appropriate moment to do so,” Dawn told him. “So you take the opportunity when it arises.”
“True.” Liam laughed. “And maybe a little too close to home right now.”
“Oh no, now I’ve got that song stuck in my head,” Dawn groaned.
“That’s what you get…” Liam snorted.
Their eyes met, and at that moment, the earlier connection they felt, colored by concern and a budding deeper bond, seemed to strengthen. Dawn felt a surge of gratitude for Liam’s presence, his reliability a steady force in the chaotic swirl of their current circumstances. A gust of wind suddenly blew through the open balcony doors, making Dawn jump.
Liam spun around, but the moment was broken as he strode toward the door and locked it.
“I should check on the door in Harper’s room,” Dawn said.
“I’ll check the front door and your room if you don’t mind?” Liam offered.
“That would be great,” Dawn told him as she quietly stepped into Harper’s room.
She stopped and smiled, noting that the bathroom light had been left on at the lowest dimming setting, casting a warm orange glow in the room. Dawn looked at Harper sprawled on her stomach with one knee pulled up and the other spread out like her arms. Luckily, she didn’t have to share the bed with anyone. Harper had slept in Dawn’s bed a time or two, and while Harper got a good night’s sleep, Dawn was always pushed, slapped, kicked, and used as another pillow by her niece.
Dawn looked at Lila, who was sprawled out on her back, hugging a pillow. They were both fast asleep with Tiger’s bed positioned in between theirs. He lifted his head and gave a soft meow as if telling her to be quiet as the teens were asleep. She bent down and gently scratched his ears.
Tiger lifted his head and closed his eyes, appreciating the attention, and Dawn knew at that moment she wasn’t going to let Tiger go back to the Peters siblings. There was something about the cat that had captured her heart. Unlike most cats, Tiger seemed to love attention, or it could just be that he was heavily medicated and docile at the moment.
Dawn stood and went to check that the glass door leading out to the balcony was bolted and secure before quietly leaving the room. She didn’t pull the door completely closed and saw Liam give the glass door in the living room a final check.
“The girls are asleep, and their room is secure.” Dawn felt like a secret agent. “I’m leaving their door slightly open.”
“Good idea,” Liam agreed. “I’ve checked your room and everything is secure.”
“Thank you,” Dawn found herself saying to him again. Although she could’ve stayed speaking to him all night, she knew it was time to call it a night. “I’d better get to bed.”
“Me too,” Liam agreed.
Dawn walked to her bedroom door and turned as Liam pulled his shirt off. She swallowed when she saw his rippling muscles. She had to stop herself from gaping and softly cleared her throat. “Goodnight.”
“Goodnight, Dawn,” Liam’s soft voice washed over her like a gentle kiss.
Dawn could feel him watching her retreat into her bedroom before he turned off the remaining lights. As she stepped into her room, she heard the soft springs of the sofa bed. Dawn closedher door and walked into the bathroom to have a quick shower before getting into her pajamas and crawling into bed.
