Page 8 of The Summer Inn on Plum Island
“Yeah.” Liam nodded, his voice lowering a bit with the intrigue of the tale. “I only know the stories that have been passed down through generations. The original inn was known for mysterious disappearances of guests’ belongings, which some said were taken by a phantom that haunted the halls. When the Peters turned it into a hotel, those stories just became part of its quirky history.”
“That’s fascinating,” Dawn said, her writer’s mind already turning. “Do you think those old legends might be stirring up someone’s idea of a practical joke or something more sinister now?”
Liam shrugged. “I don’t know. But what I do know is now I have to file police reports and have the guests fill in what was missing. Then I have to get the value of each item, and that gets so messybecause a lot of guests like to embellish the truth a bit when it comes to the value of their stolen items.” He shook his head and sighed. “Now it’s just more paperwork and a huge headache for me.”
“Maybe we should look into this,” Dawn suggested. “I can start by doing some research on the first Inn and the thefts. There must be an archive somewhere.”
“I think the best place to start would be at the library. Tanith can help us, and she’ll know where we can start,” Liam said. “But we need to keep what we are doing, and why, quiet for now.”
“Of course,” Dawn agreed, sipping her coffee thoughtfully. “Maybe the original thief had descendants.”
“Could be,” Liam agreed. “While we’re figuring this out, Mary will keep the disappearing valuables quiet if more reports of missing goods come in.”
“Would you allow me access to the guest records? I could check the guest logs for any patterns, familiar names, and who checked out either late last night or this morning,” Dawn offered.
“I’ll have you signed up as one of my management staff,” Liam proposed. “You’ll have to sign the standard forms, but it will enable me to allow you access to the information legally.”
“Good thinking,” Dawn agreed with a nod. “I’ve always wanted to know how the hospitality trade worked to ensure I get it right in my scripts.”
“That’s also a good cover story as to why I’m making you a manager,” Liam pointed out. “I think the less suspicion there is over our investigation, the better.”
“Especially if the thief is still lurking around the hotel,” Dawn added, excitement glinting in her eyes. “Let’s just hope we can catch whoever’s behind this before it’s too late and the valuable items get sold.” Her eyes darkened with emotion. “I’ll never be able to replace that wristwatch.”
“We’ll get it back.” Liam’s voice was laced with more confidence than he had.
Liam had seen that gold vintage Cartier wristwatch on Dawn many times, and he knew even if it didn’t have any sentimental value, that watch was basically priceless. Liam felt awful that it had gone missing from his hotel. He felt awful about all the valuables that had gone missing in his hotel since the previous night.
“I hope so,” Dawn said. “I also hope that all the guests get their items back, too.”
“Let’s hope,” Liam said. “I hate that anything has gone missing from my hotel. I’ve prided myself on this place being as safe as I could make it. All my staff are thoroughly vetted as well.”
“This is not your fault, Liam,” Dawn assured him. “I just hope it wasn’t one of the wedding guests.” She blew out a breath. “That would be something.”
“I doubt any of the guests would have to steal to get by,” Liam said.
“Maybe not to get by,” Dawn pointed out. “But some may just do it for the heck of it and the thrill of not getting caught.”
“I can’t believe people would do that,” Liam stated. “Although I guess when you’re rich and bored, stealing may seem like a way to spice up your life.”
“It has happened,” Dawn told him and moved the conversation away from the theft. “I miss Harriet and Alex.”
“I know what you mean,” Liam sympathized. “I miss Finn, and I know Lila misses her friends.” He frowned. “Now that Finn’s away, I’m going to have to try to host the annual surfing contest we started three years ago on my own.”
“Oh?” Dawn’s eyes lit with interest. “I can help you with that.”
“Really?” Liam looked at her in surprise. “I could use the help.” He’d also get to spend more time with her.Stop it, Liam. Dawn is a good friend.“Thank you. When we get you signed up as an employee, I’ll give you access to the contest files.”
“Sounds great,” Dawn said. “It will help keep me busy as well while I’m working through issues with my writing.”
“You’re having writing issues?” It was Liam’s turn to be curious.
“Yeah, just a bit of writer’s block,” Dawn told him. “It usually doesn’t take long to get over. All I need is a little inspiration, and I think the mystery of the missing valuables and helping you with the surfing contest is just what I need.”
“Then I’m glad to have you on board,” Liam told her with a warm smile and took another sip of his coffee. He glanced at Harper’s room door as he remembered Sally’s phone call.
“Is everything okay?” Dawn asked, a concerned frown marring her brow.
Liam blew out a breath and shook his head. “My ex-wife called me today.”
