Page 41 of Moonlit Hideaway
“Yes, at least listen to their ideas,” the mayor insisted. “You won’t have to put up a dime, and it would be a boon to the community. The money coming into Moonlit Harbor would be phenomenal.”
Hank shook his head, his stance resolute. “Some things are more important than money. I’m keeping the inn as it is.”
Sierra couldn’t help cutting in at the two vultures. Smiling sweetly, she stepped forward with a sweet smile, drawing their attention the same way she held people’s eyeballs when she strutted on stage.
“Well, Linda, Mayor,” she said in a saccharine but steely tone. “It’s fascinating to hear your grand plans for turning Moonlit Harbor into a bustling metropolis. But, you see, some of us appreciate the island’s charm just the way it is.”
“And who might you be?” the mayor asked dismissively.
“A potential investor who agrees with Mr. Whitman. We’re not interested in turning this place into Atlantic City. Hank cares about preserving what’s special here, not paving it over for a quick buck. Now, if you’ll excuse us, we have more important things to discuss, like making this festival magical for the whole community, not just lining your pockets.”
Hank was relieved when the meeting was called to order. Not only was he proud of how Sierra handled the mayor and the realtor, but he was pleased to see her fitting in with the locals. She had volunteered to join the food committee and sat with Annie, Mabel, and Howie.
Emma was safe with her friends and high school teacher, so he wandered outside to catch a breath of fresh air. Sierra was amazing in the way she shut down Linda and Mayor Winston. Her poise and confidence were breathtaking. For a 24-year-old rockstar, she possessed qualities far beyond her years. She was fierce, unapologetically herself, and her grit in standing up to the mayor and Linda had him wanting to hold on to her forever.
He vowed to stand beside her and support her as she took on anything, and he was heartened that she wanted to speak to him earlier, saying she was feeling much better than she had a week ago. It was fate that had blown her onto his remote island, but now that love had taken over, he couldn’t wait to take care of her and make her his queen.
The cool evening air brushed against his face. It was a welcome respite from the crowded town hall. Leaning against the building, he took a moment to reflect on everything that had unfolded, wondering if Chloe would have liked Sierra.
The sound of footsteps alerted him that he wasn’t alone. Sheriff Ruth Davis walked out of the town hall and greeted him with a nod. Her expression was grave beneath the brim of her worn hat.
“Sheriff, is everything okay?” he asked.
“It’s about Liam… and Sierra,” she said, motioning him to walk down the quiet street with her.
“What’s up?” He already knew Sierra had shown Ruth her identification and figured the sheriff had done a background check—but Liam? How could she be connected to a traveling contractor?
“Liam’s still on the island. I pulled him over for running a stop sign. He refused to answer my questions, but I checked his license and ran it through the system. Petty crimes, misdemeanors.”
“You didn’t find any of Sierra’s things?”
“He denies breaking into her truck. Clammed up when I asked if he knew her from the past.”
“I don’t know…” Hank scratched the back of his neck. “I saw them arguing, and it looked strange—like they were threatening each other.”
“It’s not looking good.” Ruth shook her head with a grimace. “One of Liam’s references is a fellow named Vinnie Romanski, the head of the Romanski crime family. Recently deceased.”
Hank’s mind raced. “Romanski? What does this have to do with Sierra?”
“Here’s where it gets interesting.” Ruth stopped underneath a street light and pulled out her notebook. “I tracked the registration of Sierra’s truck to Little Creek, West Virginia. The previous owner said he sold the truck in exchange for her Prius, which she left behind. Take a guess who the Prius is registered to.”
“Sierra Rayne?”
“Nope. Romanski family trust. And that’s not all.” Ruth’s eyes narrowed into twin flints. “When I asked Sierra for her real ID, she showed it to me. Rayne is her mother’s maiden name. Her real name is Sierra Romanski.”
Hank felt as if the floor had dropped out from beneath him. He staggered against the lamp post. “I need to understand. Sierra… she’s in danger because of her family ties?”
Ruth nodded, her expression somber. “It seems so. We’re not just dealing with a runaway celebrity. This is deep, Hank. The Romanski family has a long reach.”
He looked toward the town hall, picturing Sierra’s bright smile and fierce spirit. “I can’t believe she’s been carrying this weight alone.”
Ruth placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “You care about her. I can see that. But this situation is volatile. We need to tread carefully. I want to bring her in for questioning. We need to understand what we’re up against.”
“No, wait.” Hank’s mind churned at the fear Sierra was facing. “She’s skittish. Let me talk to her first. She’ll bolt if you come at her. She needs to know she’s not alone in this.”
“I know you want to protect her, but this is much bigger than anything I’ve ever had to handle. We have to be prepared.”
“For sure. Come by tomorrow morning, but let me assure her we can protect her here better than out there, wherever ‘there’ is. The last thing I want her to do is to run away.”
