The Library on Plum Island (Cobble Beach Romance Series Book 4)

1. CHAPTER 1

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the last vestiges of daylight faded into the cool hues of evening, casting a serene glow over Plum Island. But the beautiful sunset display nature was showing outside was lost on Doctor Daniella Thornton as she reviewed patient charts. The soft beeps of monitors in the background signaled the overnight patients in the clinic’s care, as three out of the ten beds were occupied. Their occupants were resting under the watchful eyes of the clinic’s limited staff.

Daniella was moments away from handing over to the night nurse. It had been a harrowing day with her cousin, Carly, along with Shay and Alex Blackwell, being kidnapped. She glanced at the charts of the occupants of the beds. They had all been victims of Carly’s ex-husband, Shaun’s plot to get revenge on Carly and Ethan Blackwell. Daniella had spent the day worrying about her cousin and the other two victims. But Harley, Carly’s older brother, had called two hours ago to let Daniella know they’d been found and everyone was okay.

With that weight off her shoulders, Daniella was now ready to head home. Her most pressing thoughts were on what to make for dinner, as it was her turn to cook for her teenage daughter, Emily, and her Uncle Sam. Daniella and Emily had moved in with Uncle Sam a few days earlier as she had to let the house she was renting go due to money difficulties. The clinic had a small fund left by a trust that owned the old manor house that housed it and the local library. But in order to keep it going, Daniella practically worked for free, which was why she was also the head librarian and worked a few nights a week at her cousin Carly’s restaurant.

She signed the last files and handed them to Nurse Tanya Beckett. “There you go.” She blew out a breath and glanced at her wristwatch. “I’m out of here.”

“You work way too hard, Doctor Thornton,” Tanya said, shaking her head and taking the files. “Surely, now that you’re living with your uncle, you’ll be able to cut down on one of your many jobs.”

“If I can get some more funding for the clinic,” Daniella told her, “then I can, but right now, I have to funnel a lot of the subsidy money we get back into the clinic. As myself and Em have to eat, I need to earn more money.”

Tanya pointed out, “We need to increase our prices for consultations and overnight stays.”

“I know,” Daniella agreed. “Tanith and I will discuss it at our next meeting.”

“I’m glad you have Tanith to help you at the library and do the administration for the clinic,” Tanya said.

“Me too.” Daniella smiled. “I don’t know what I’d do without you, Tanith, and Gloria.”

“We do need more staff,” Tanya commented. “I wish we could offer Nurse Wendy a permanent position.”

“If I can get more funding, we can,” Daniella promised. “But for now, we have to keep Wendy as a temporary nurse.”

“We should do a fundraising event,” Tanya suggested. “We could raise funds for both the library and the clinic.”

“I can help with that,” Harriet Joyce walked into the clinic.

“Harriet,” Daniella greeted her. “Is everything okay?”

“Yes, I’m fine,” Harriet said. “I’m here to wait for…”

As if on cue, Daniella’s cousin Harley walked into the clinic alongside Alex Blackwell and his niece Shay. She quickly assessed Shay, Harley, and Alex, her eyes falling on his hand, wrapped in a bandage.

“I thought you told me everyone was okay?” Daniella’s eyes narrowed as she addressed Harley.

“They are,” Harley assured her. “Well, except for Alex.” He glanced at Alex standing beside him, holding his hand. “I think he’s broken it.”

“He punched Shaun in the face!” Shay told Daniella, pride shining in her teenage eyes. “He was defending me and Carly.”

“Soft hands!” Harley grinned at Alex’s glare.

“I connected him wrong,” Alex defended his actions. “I wasn’t thinking of how or where to land the blow. I just acted.”

“You’re a hero, Uncle Alex,” Shay assured him. “Well, mine anyway.”

“Thank you, sweetheart,” Alex said to his niece, his eyes softening.

“Do you want me to take this?” Tanya asked Daniella.

“It’s okay,” Daniella told Tanya. “I’ll do it.”

“I can fill out the forms if you want to get started,” Harriet offered.

Daniella looked at Alex, who nodded. “Harriet knows all my details.”

“It’s not the first time I’ve filled in hospital forms for him,” Harriet said, rolling her eyes before muttering, “And won’t be the last.”

Daniella turned to Tanya. “If you’ll just give Miss Joyce the forms. I’ll take Mr. Blackwell and get him ready for x-rays.”

“I’ll be right there,” Tanya told her, getting out the necessary forms for Harriet.

“This way.” Daniella pointed down the corridor to Alex.

“Thank you for seeing me. Harley didn’t know if you’d still be here at this time,” Alex said, following Daniella to the x-ray room.

“I was just about to leave,” Daniella told him. “And it’s your lucky night, as Nurse Beckett is also our local radiologist.”

“This is an amazing clinic you have here,” Alex commented, taking a seat where Daniella pointed him. “For a small town, you’ve got quite a lot of modern technology.”

“I’ve been upgrading it since I took it over,” Daniella explained, rolling a stool in front of him and sitting. “Please rest your arm on the table for me.”

Alex did as Daniella asked, and she started to take the bandage from his hand.

“Harley bandaged it in the helicopter on our way back to Plum Island from Boston,” Alex told her.

“He did a good job,” Daniella noted. As he extended his hand for her examination, the swelling and bruising betrayed the force behind the punch he had delivered. “It looks like you’ve done a number on yourself,” Daniella observed, her professional demeanor in place as she gently examined his hand.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve punched anything besides a punching bag for exercise,” Alex told her. “Don’t tell him this, but I think Harley’s right. I have soft hands,” Alex admitted, the corners of his mouth lifting in a half-smile that didn’t reach his eyes as he tried hard not to flinch with the pain Daniella knew he must be in.

“An X-ray will show me the extent of the damage,” she said gently, feeling around the hand. “Based on what I’m seeing, it looks like a boxer’s fracture.”

“Great!” Alex sighed. “That’s all I need.”

“Nurse Beckett will be here shortly,” Daniella told him. “When she’s done, she’ll take you through to an exam room, and I’ll see you there.”

“Thanks, Doc,” Alex said, smiling.

Daniella nodded and left him in the x-ray room.

“How is he?” Shay asked as Daniella walked back to the front of the clinic.

“I won’t know until Nurse Beckett has done the x-rays,” Daniella told Shay.

“But you’ve made an interim diagnosis,” Harley asked. “Did he break it?”

“I can’t discuss a patient with you,” Daniella told her cousin. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go ready a consulting room.”

“Wait!” Harriet stopped Daniella. “Can you tell me if he broke his hand?”

“I’m not making any diagnosis until I’ve seen the X-rays,” Daniella said. “What is it with you two?”

“They have a bet,” Shay told her. “Aunt Harriet’s bet that it’s just a bruise. Harley says Uncle Alex probably broke his entire soft hand.”

“You little snitch!” Harriet mushed Shay’s hair playfully. “You didn’t tell Daniella that you’re in on the bet he had a boxer’s fracture!” She frowned. “How do you even know about that?”

Shay grinned. “I box for exercise. My instructor told us about it.”

“Ah!” Daniella nodded. “In that case, let me tell you…” She paused for dramatic effect as three pairs of eyes looked at her eagerly. “I’m still not discussing my patient’s condition with you.”

“Spoilsport!” Harley shook his head.

“How are you, Shay?” Daniella changed the subject. “Were you hurt?”

“Nah!” Shay shook her head. “I’m fine. The kidnappers were actually careful not to hurt me. They knocked Uncle Alex and Carly out with a sedative, though.”

“Oh!” Daniella’s eyes widened, and she glared at her cousin. “Another bit of information you left out.”

“I didn’t think it was relevant,” Harley admitted. “No one was hurt.” He shrugged. “Well, except for Shaun, who Alex knocked out.”

“And Alex,” Daniella added. “He was injured and drugged.”

“He’s tough.” Harriet waved it off.

“Doctor Thornton,” Tanya called her. “I’m done. I’ve moved Mr. Blackwell to exam room one.”

“Thank you,” Daniella said. “Sorry, I was about to get the room ready.”

“No problem,” Tanya assured her. “I’ve set the X-rays up on the screen, and I’ll get the materials ready.”

Daniella nodded as Tanya turned and walked back to the exam room.

“Shay, if you need to talk, I’m here,” Daniella told her. “I also double as the Island’s therapist.” She gave the teenager a warm smile.

“Thank you, Doctor Thornton,” Shay said.

Daniella nodded and walked into the exam room, where Alex was perched on the examination bed, scrolling through his phone. He looked up as she entered, and their eyes met. Alex smiled a smile that had the power to bowl a person over. It even made Daniella’s heart jolt—he was an incredibly handsome man who knew how to use his smile to get that reaction from whomever he aimed it at. Daniella wasn’t impervious to it, but she did know how to shield her heart, especially from the Alex Blackwells of the world.

She gave him a nod before walking over to the screen where Tanya had positioned the X-rays and was surprised to find her legs a little shaky. Daniella forced herself to concentrate and switched on the light that lit up the X-ray to examine it. It confirmed her diagnosis—Alex had a boxer’s fracture.

“What’s the verdict, Doc?” Alex asked.

“It’s as I suspected. You’ve fractured your hand,” Daniella told him.

He got up and stood next to her. Daniella ignored the fluttering in her stomach as his cologne teased her senses. She took a step away from him and pointed to the picture of his hand.

“See here?” Daniella pointed to a specific area on the X-ray where one of the long bones in the hand showed a clear break. “This is the fourth metacarpal bone—the one that connects to your ring finger. You’ve fractured it right here,” she explained, tracing a line across the bone where it was broken. The fracture was clean, a straight line dissecting the bone. “This type of fracture is commonly called a boxer’s fracture. It usually happens when you punch something hard with a closed fist. The force of the impact breaks the bone.”

“Huh!” Alex snorted. “I did strike Shaun hard. You don’t know how hard a jaw bone is until your knuckles connect with it.”

“You won’t be punching anyone or anything soon,” Daniella told him.

“How do you treat it?” Alex asked, moving back to the examination bed while Daniella switched off the light.

“The main goal is to ensure that the bone heals correctly so you regain full use of your hand,” Daniella explained. “We’ll need to immobilize your hand. This typically involves a cast or a splint. Given the nature and location of your fracture, a cast is the best option to keep the bone in the correct position while it heals. You’ll wear the cast for about four to six weeks. It’s crucial to keep the cast dry and intact to avoid any complications.”

“Awesome!” Alex sighed. “Can I still sail?”

“I’d stay away from any water sports for a while, including sailing,” Daniella told him. “You’ll likely experience some pain and swelling, especially in the first few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage the pain. If the pain is severe, I can prescribe something stronger.”

“No.” Alex shook his head. “I’m good. I don’t like pain medication.”

“I’ll give you a script for an over-the-counter recommendation and one for something stronger,” Daniella told him. “You don’t have to use them, but you may need to.” She smiled at him. “We’ll schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your healing process. It’s important to attend these appointments so we can catch any potential issues early. Depending on how your bone is healing, we may need to adjust the treatment plan.”

“Thank you,” Alex said. “I’ll be sure to follow the doctor’s orders.” He smiled that smile again.

Daniella swallowed, her throat suddenly dry as their eyes locked once again. She quickly looked away and was relieved when Tanya walked into the room with the equipment trolley.

“Here you are, Doctor Thornton,” Tanya said. “All ready.”

“Thank you, Nurse Beckett.” Daniella went to the sink to scrub and disinfect her hands before Tanya helped her put on latex gloves and a mask.

“Are you operating on me?” Alex raised an eyebrow as Tanya helped her put on her protective gown.

“This is to protect you and me,” Daniella told him. “Are you ready?”

Alex nodded, and Daniella got to work. An hour later, the cast had set, and Daniella walked Alex out to where Harriet, Shay, and Harley were still waiting for him.

“Uncle Alex.” Shay shot out of her seat and rushed to him. “How are you?” She glanced at his hand. “What’s the verdict?”

“I have a boxer’s fracture,” Alex told her and showed her his cast.

“I won!” Shay turned and threw her arms in the air in victory.

“Brat!” Harriet laughed, fishing her wallet out of her purse.

Harley fished money from his wallet and handed it to her. “I did like the way you extracted the information from Alex, kid.”

“Thank you.” Shay bowed and took the money from Harley and Harriet.

“What did you win?” Alex’s eyes narrowed on his niece.

“Shay bet you have a boxer’s fracture,” Harriet told him. “I bet you just bruised your hand. Harley said you broke your entire soft hand.”

”I don’t have soft hands!“ Alex exclaimed. “Shaun has a freakin’ hard jaw.”

“Uh-huh.” Harley nodded, unconvinced. “Sure. We’ll go with that.”

“Don’t pick on my uncle,” Shay defended Alex, slipping her hand through his good arm. “He’s my hero.”

“And he made you a hundred dollars richer,” Harriet pointed out. “He’d be my hero, too, if I were a hundred dollars richer.”

Daniella listened to the banter as she wrote a script for Alex and handed it to him. “There you go. Nurse Beckett will make your follow-up appointment.”

As Alex took the script, their fingers brushed, and a tiny shock zinged up Daniella’s arm, making her drop her pen. She ducked to pick it up at the same time Alex did, and they bumped heads. The impact knocked her back, and Alex’s hand shot out to grab her. His warm palm grabbed her arm, steadying her as they stood up.

“Are you okay?” Alex asked, his eyes filled with concern.

“I’m fine,” Daniella lied, holding her forehead. Her arm tingled where his hand still circled it, and she was going to have a bruise on her forehead.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” Harriet scooped up Daniella’s pen. “Alex has a head like a cement block. You’re lucky he didn’t knock you out.”

“Funny!” Alex glared at Harriet before turning his concerned eyes back on Daniella. “I’m so sorry.”

“It’s not your fault.” Daniella took her pen from Harriet.

“It’s a pity your hand isn’t as hard as your head.” Harley laughed and turned to Harriet. “Can you take him home?”

“I’ve ordered a car to take us,” Harriet told him.

“You don’t have a car?” Daniella asked, suddenly realizing that in the year she’d known Harriet, she’d never seen her drive.

“Harriet doesn’t drive,” Alex told Daniella.

“You can’t, or you don’t?” Daniella asked her.

“Harriet can drive—“ Alex’s face lit into a smug smile as he looked at Harriet. “She’s just not allowed to.”

“Aunt Harriet has had her license suspended for speeding,” Shay finished for Alex.

“Seriously?” Daniella and Harley said in unison, staring at Harriet in disbelief.

“Harry here is heavy on the accelerator pedal.” Alex laughed at the glare Harriet sent him.

“If they didn’t want people to drive so fast they shouldn’t make them able to do those speeds,” Harriet defended her actions.

“I can’t argue with that,” Daniella agreed with Harriet. “I’ve had my fair share of speeding tickets. Well, when I was younger. Now I drive like a mom—sticking to speed limits.”

“Speaking of cars,” Harriet said, looking at her phone. “Our rides here.”

“Thank you, Doctor Thornton.” Alex’s blue eyes darkened as they collided with Daniella’s, making her feel like they knocked heads again.

“You’re welcome,” Daniella cleared her throat. “Remember to keep the cast dry.”

“I will.” Alex nodded.

“Daniella, let’s meet soon to discuss a fundraiser for the clinic,” Harriet suggested. “I’d love to help.”

“I’d like that,” Daniella said, smiling gratefully at Harriet. She looked at Shay. “What about you, Shay? Do you need a lift home?”

“I’m going home to your home.” Shay looked at Harley. “I’m staying at your place tonight.”

“Oh!” Daniella looked at Harley curiously.

“Carly and Ethan are taking a slow drive back to Plum Island,” Harley explained.

“Ah!” Daniella nodded and smiled. “Are you saying…”

“My Dad and Carly are in love,” Shay answered. “Reef and I are very happy for them, as my dad needs someone in his life.”

“Carly also needs someone who loves her and is a great guy like your dad in her life,” Daniella stated.

“Where is your car?” Harley asked Daniella. “I didn’t see it outside.”

“I walked here,” Daniella admitted. “I was just going to walk home.”

“I’d much rather give you a lift,” Harley said. “It’s dark outside.”

“Uncle Sam’s house is only three blocks straight down the road,” Daniella pointed out. “But I’m so tired I’m not going to argue. Let me get my purse, and I’ll meet you at your pickup.”

“We’ll wait here,” Harley told her.

Daniella took off her doctor’s coat, hung it on her coat stand, and took her purse from her desk drawer. As she passed the main desk, she heard Tanya answer the phone.

“Hello, Plum Island Medical Clinic,” Tanya answered the phone. Daniella stopped when she saw Tanya frown and waited in case there was an emergency. “No, I’m sorry you have the wrong medical facility. I’m sure, sir. The doctor has left for the night. Good night, sir.”

Tanya hung up and looked at the phone, her frown deepening.

“What was that about?” Daniella asked.

“A vulgar man,” Tanya said indignantly. “He was insisting on talking to a doctor who doesn’t work here, and when I told him he had the wrong place, he told me to check again.” Her cheeks flamed angrily.

A bad feeling washed over Daniella. A little voice in her head told her to say good night, turn, and walk out the door. But she found herself asking, “What doctor was the man asking for?”

“A Doctor McKay.” Tanya shook her head in confusion.

Daniella felt the blood drain from her face as her body went cold. She felt like the ground beneath her feet tilted, and her heart started pounding in her chest. Daniella’s stomach knotted, and a gray mist began to swirl around her.

“Daniella!” Harley’s voice reached through the gray mists of fear, drawing her back. “What’s wrong?”

Her eyes were wide with fear, her voice barely a whisper. “He’s found me.”