Page 81 of The Summer Inn on Plum Island
“Didn’t Scully and Mulder work for the FBI too?” Ben reminded her by referring to the iconic X-Files.
“Different division.” Dawn rolled her eyes. “But then, things start happening. Odd things. Items disappear, doors close on their own, and Eve begins to feel like she’s not alone. At first, they think it’s all the matchmaking antics of the hotel owner’s daughter and Eve’s visiting niece, but it sets the stage for something bigger.”
“And I have the feeling there’s a big twist?” Ben leaned forward, drawn into the story.
Dawn’s expression sobered. “The real twist comes when elements from Eve’s last FBI case start surfacing. See, during her final investigation, she was given something—a mysterious artifact, supposedly for safekeeping. Her first book, which was a fictionalized account of some of her cases, hinted at its existence.Now, someone believes Eve actually has it. They think it’s hidden somewhere in the hotel.”
Before she could continue, her phone rang. Pulling it out of her pocket, frowning when she saw it was a blocked number.
“Miss Vanderbilt?” a female voice purred from the other side.
“Yes?” Dawn’s frown deepened. “Can I help you?”
“This is Kelly Peters,” the woman introduced herself. “I’m phoning about my grandmother’s cat.”
“If you’re phoning to find out how he is,” Dawn told her, “I’m waiting for the vet to give me an update after Tiger’s check-up today.”
“Is Tiger at the vet?” Kelly asked.
“Yes,” Dawn said.
“Has the vet mentioned when we’ll be able to take him home?” Kelly asked. “We’re eager to get him settled in his new environment.”
Yeah, and get the cool three million that comes with him, I bet!Dawn thought. “You’ll have to discuss that with him, I’m afraid.The vet asked me to tell you to please refer all questions about Tiger to him or your grandmother’s attorney.”
“Did he now?” Kelly hissed. “Well, thank you for your time, Miss Vanderbilt, and for taking such good care of Tiger.”
“It’s not a problem,” Dawn assured her. “If you call Chris Nicol, Tiger’s vet, I’m sure he’ll answer all your questions.”
“I will do that,” Kelly said. “Good day, Miss Vanderbilt.”
“Bye,” Dawn said.
Her brow creased tightly as she tried to place Kelly. Dawn was sure she’d heard the woman’s distinct, slightly raspy voice before.
“Who was that?” Ben asked curiously.
“Kelly Peters,” Dawn answered and gave him a quick overview of what that was all about.
“A three million dollar cat!” Ben shook his head. “No wonder they want it back.”
“Yeah, but the vet and the late Mrs. Peters’s attorney are trying to get me full custody of Tiger,” Dawn told him.
“I’m glad,” Ben said. “I hate people who don’t look after animals, and poor Tiger won’t stand a chance if he’s just a means to getting a fortune.”
“I agree,” Dawn said.
Before she could say more, Hicks’s head shot around to look at the smaller of the superyachts. His hair stood on end, and a low growl rolled through his throat before he took off toward the boat barking. Hicks bumped Dawn, who dropped her journal.
Dawn and Ben were about to rush after him when Ben suddenly hit the side of his neck.
“What the…” Ben hissed, his eyes meeting Dawn before he crumpled to the deck.
“Ben!” Dawn breathed in alarm, dropping onto her knees to try to help him. “What happened?”
“Neck…” Ben’s voice was labored.
Dawn’s heart pounded as she thought he was having a stroke or heart attack as he couldn’t seem to move. She looked at his neck in disbelief when she saw a small dart. Dawn quickly pulled it out as her phone beeped. Dawn ignored it but took her phone out to call the emergency services when she saw the message that had just beeped through.
