2. CHAPTER 2
“It was nice of you to fetch me,” Alex told Harriet. “I knew you still cared.”
“Of course I care, Alex,” Harriet told him. “Who’d sponsor my champagne bath if anything happened to you.”
“Speaking of your expensive champagne bath, how many of my bottles have you and your merry band of champagne thieves stolen from me now?” Alex asked.
“Not enough, I’m afraid,” Harriet told him. “You need to have quite a few more parties.”
Alex sighed and leaned back against the leather seat. He was tired, and his hand ached severely. It had been a crazy day, one that could’ve easily had a worse outcome than it did. Alex suppressed a shudder thinking about what could’ve happened. He closed his eyes and started to doze when the car stopped.
“Alex, we’re here,” Harriet’s voice pulled him from his slumber. “Let’s get you inside and into bed.”
“Yeah!” Alex nodded in agreement. “Will you stay in a guest bedroom tonight, please?”
Harriet nodded. “I’ll go back to the hotel and get some clothes. You put something waterproof over your arm, take a shower, and get into bed. I’ll be back within half an hour.”
“Will you order something to eat?” Alex asked. “I’m starving.”
“Sure,” Harriet said. “What do you feel like?”
“Pizza!” Alex grinned at the surprise on her face. “What? I eat pizza!”
“Really?” Harriet looked at him skeptically. “When was the last time you had a pizza? The gourmet kind you get at your fancy restaurants doesn’t count.” She frowned. “That’s not pizza; that’s just fancy bread crust with one of the restaurant’s overpriced dishes served in a way that you think is different. But all you’re doing is adding empty calories with the bread crust.” She raised her brows. “You do know that here on Plum Island, you’re not going to get a gourmet pizza. It’s going to be a real pizza.”
“You seem to know a lot about pizza!” Alex observed. “We can discuss that when you get back with a thin-crust pepperoni and three-cheese pizza. Don’t put olives or mushrooms on it—no veggies or fruit either.” He snapped his fingers. “Oh, you can put peppers on it, though.”
“Got it.” Harriet nodded. “Anything else?”
“You can get some corn chips,” Alex said. “And I need more water. I’m out.”
“Sure.” Harriet tilted her head. “Is there anything else you want to add to your grocery list?”
“No, that’s it.” Alex smiled smugly. “I’ll text you if I think of anything else.”
Harriet glared at him before climbing back into the limo, adjusting her time frame for getting back to his house.
Alex stepped into his house, a sigh escaping him at the sight of the disarray in the living room. The place was finally starting to look like home again after a recent break-in left it thoroughly ransacked. Harley had promised to come by the next day to repair the front door. For now, the latch still functioned, ensuring Alex could at least secure it for the night.
His gaze swept over the room, taking in the plush leather furniture and the shattered glass coffee table—a casualty of the break-in, not the subsequent chaos when thugs had stormed in, incapacitated him with drugs, and transported him to Boston. There, he had come to in a chair, bound and disoriented, in the eerily familiar surroundings of his late ex-sister-in-law’s renovated house.
Weary to his bones, Alex rubbed a hand over his face, the weight of exhaustion settling in. The living room’s state was more than he had the energy to confront tonight. With heavy steps, he ascended the stairs to the sanctuary of his second-floor bedroom, leaving the chaos below for another day.
Alex slipped off the sling his arm was resting in and then struggled to get undressed while thinking about what waterproof material he could wrap the cast in. He remembered he had a drawstring bag that he’d put a sweater, his keys, and his phone in when he went sailing in the dinghy. Alex found the bag and pulled it over his cast, tightening the end. Feeling proud of himself, he went to shower, not realizing just how difficult that could be with only one hand.
An hour later, Alex was sitting on the sofa in the living room of his bedroom suite when his phone rang. It was Harriet. She was at the door loaded with stuff needing help. He yawned as he wandered downstairs to let her in, thankful that Tanner, who was helping Sam Donovan with the limo service, helped her with her luggage. There was no way Alex would’ve managed all her bags without him.
“Are you moving in for good?” Alex asked. “Because that’s a lot of luggage for one night.”
“After discussing your condition with Daniella, Ethan, Brad, Dawn, and Harley, we decided that I’ll stay with you until the cast comes off,” Harriet informed him.
“And when did this meeting of people who have absolutely no say over my life take place?” Alex asked her.
He followed the mouthwatering aroma of the two pizzas Harriet was carrying along with a paper bag into the large ultra-modern kitchen that any chef would envy.
“Where’s the sling for your arm?” Harriet asked him, placing the pizza on the marble center block and starting to unpack the groceries.
“I was battling to get it back on,” Alex told her.
He walked toward the pizza, watching Harriet pull an amazing amount of groceries from the paper bag. It reminded him of Mary Poppins pulling all sorts of things from her carpet bag. Alex wondered if she was going to draw a large kitchen appliance from it.
“Oh, Daniella gave me these.” Harriet pulled a small bag out of the bag and put it on the counter in front of him. “She said you should take two before going to bed.”
Alex’s heart jolted at the mention of the beautiful doctor. He opened the bag and found ibuprofen, and while he didn’t like medication, he was grateful for it as his arm was killing him. Alex went to the refrigerator, got a bottle of water, and noticed a variety of nut milk.
“Nut milk?” Alex closed the door and gave Harriet a pained look. “I hope you got some good old cow’s milk?”
“No!” Harriet shook her head. “Do you know that cows’ milk is meant to turn a baby cow into a thousand-pound cow?”
“Are you saying I’m turning into a thousand-pound cow because I like milk? I was taught it was full of calcium that is good for my bones and teeth.” He opened the bottle of pills and took two with a gulp of water. “What I think the real question here is, are you calling my mother a liar?”
“What?” Harriet gaped at him. “How did you get from nut milk to me calling your mother a liar?”
“A natural progression to the subject based on the topic of cow’s milk versus nut milk.” Alex took a seat on a stool in front of the kitchen counters and opened the box of pizza. “I could argue that nut milk is created in the most violent ways.” He pulled out a piece of pizza. “At least the cow isn’t killed to get its milk. But the nut…” He widened his eyes and shook his head. “They’re crushed until the milk is squashed and squeezed out of them.” He took a bite of pizza and chewed before saying with a wide grin. “That’s why it’s probably so expensive as it’s actually nut tears.”
Harriet sighed and rolled her eyes as she folded the paper bag and put it in the holder on top of dozens of others. “You’re an idiot.” She took two plates from a cupboard and some paper napkins and put them in front of each other before taking a seat opposite Alex. “I see you managed to shower without getting the cast wet.”
“I used my sailing drawstring bag to cover it since it was the only waterproof item I had at the moment,” Alex explained. “Of course, I have my sailing gear too, but since I was about to shower, wearing a waterproof coat didn’t seem practical for getting clean.”
“No, probably not.” Harriet took a piece of pizza from each box before moving the subject back to his hand. “Daniella said you should put a pillow beside you when you sleep to put your arm on.”
“I will do that.” Alex nodded, finishing off a second slice of pizza. “This pizza is good.”
“Not bad for a gluten-free base and non-dairy cheese,” Harriet told him, making him pause with a slice halfway to his mouth.
“What was that?” Alex dumped the pizza on the plate. “Are you kidding me?” He leaned on the counter. “First, you changed my milk, and now you’re messing with my cheese?” He glanced at the pizza. “I hope that’s real pepperoni and not some tofu stuff.”
Harriet started to laugh. “Oh, that was way too easy.” She shook her head. “Relax. It’s real cheese, but the base is gluten-free because I can’t eat gluten because of my stomach problems.”
“Right!” Alex nodded, picking up his slice. “It’s not that bad.”
“Carly’s chef is amazing,” Harriet told him. “That’s where I met Daniella, Harley, Brad, Dawn, and Ethan.”
“Ethan’s back?” Alex pursed his lips. “He hasn’t called.”
“He was going to when he got home, but I told him not to in case you were sleeping,” Harriet told him.
“Thanks, Mom!” Alex mocked. “Is Carly okay after our ordeal?”
“She’s fine.” Harriet got up and went to get a bottle of water from the refrigerator. “She’s worried about you and Shay.”
“That’s sweet.” Alex took another slice of pizza. “So it was at Carly’s restaurant that you discussed that you were going to move into my house and take over?”
“No, keep an eye on you while you’re in a cast,” Harriet told him, unabashed about taking over his life. “Dawn’s moving in as well.”
Alex’s jaw dropped as he stared at Harriet. “Great!” he said, putting the slice of pizza back on his plate and drinking some water. “So I’m going to have two bossy women living here?”
“This place is almost as big as the hotel,” Harriet said, looking into the kitchen. “Your kitchen is bigger than some three-bedroomed apartments. You won’t even know we’re here,” she sipped water. “Besides, you have the entire top-floor penthouse suite.”
“I like my space,” Alex said defensively.
“This is way too much space for a bachelor,” Harriet pointed out.
“Says the woman who grew up in a palace!” Alex snorted.
“It wasn’t a palace!” Harriet corrected him.
“Sorry, my mistake—a castle!” Alex rolled his eyes. “How many rooms did that have in it again?” He raised his hand. “Or should I rather ask how many wings it had?”
“You exaggerate!” Harriet shook her head. “And I know you’re grateful that Dawn and I will be staying here with you. So you’re welcome.”
Alex smiled at his long-time friend and finished the pizza. “I’m so full now.”
“Not surprising, as you ate three-quarters of the one pizza,” Harriet pointed out.
“I was hungry, and I’m on medication,” Alex reminded her. “I needed nourishment.”
“I’ll put the rest in the refrigerator. You can heat it tomorrow,” Harriet said. “Daniella also suggested you not go to work tomorrow and to stay home. Take it easy for a few days.”
“I can’t do that,” Alex told her. “I also have to make sure my yacht has been fixed after the vandalism.”
“About your yacht,” Harriet packed the pizza away and then put their plates in the dishwasher.
Warning bells started to jangle in Alex’s head as his eyes narrowed on Harriet. “What about Black Ocean?”
“That’s a horrible name for a superyacht,” Harriet told him as she finished cleaning up.
“You don’t have to do that, you know. The cleaning service is here every day,” Alex pointed out.
”I like to do it,“ Harriet informed him. “It makes me feel better doing things for myself.”
“It makes you feel normal, you mean.” Alex guessed.
“You should try it sometime,” Harriet recommended.
“Stop hedging and tell me what’s wrong with my yacht!” Alex pressed.
“There is nothing wrong with your precious yacht,” Harriet exclaimed. “It’s just that Ethan suggested that he and Carly would like to take their kids for a cruise.”
“He didn’t ask me,” Alex said. “Where do they want to go?”
“I didn’t ask,” Harriet told him. “Ethan said he’d come around tomorrow to talk to you about it. Harley and Daniella seemed keen to join them.”
“Daniella?” Alex’s interest was immediately piqued. “Does she like sailing?”
“I didn’t ask,” Harriet told him. “Speaking of Daniella, she seemed distracted and a little edgy.”
“Why would you say that?” Alex’s brow furrowed.
“Every time the restaurant door opened, or there was a noise from the kitchen, she practically jumped out of her skin.” Harriet’s eyes narrowed on Alex. “Did you make a pass at her?”
“What?” Alex’s face scrunched up. “I never did anything of the sort.” He looked away from Harriet’s intense stare, worried that she’d read his thoughts, and right now, he didn’t want that. “Maybe Daniella is tired. Like me, she’s probably had a hard day.”
“Especially with all the casualties the kidnappers created,” Harriet pointed out. “Oz, Paul, and Parker are doing well if you’re interested.”
“I’m glad Oz is doing well,” Alex told her. “I’m glad that Parker and Paul weren’t severely injured.”
“How nice of you,” Harriet drawled. “I also noticed that every time Daniella’s phone buzzed, her hand shook when she looked at the message.”
“And you thought I was harassing her?” Alex’s brows rose. “Me?”
“The thought did cross my mind.” Harriet shook her head. “While she’s not a celebrity, Daniella is stunning, which makes her fall under the category of your type.”
An image of Daniella’s golden hair and brown eyes flashed through Alex’s mind, and his heart did a flip, making his pulse race. He couldn’t argue with Harriet there. The first moment Alex had laid eyes on Daniella, he’d been captivated by her. After investigating Carly Donovan three years ago, when he thought she was a gold digger after his brother’s money, Alex dug into Carly’s family.
The interesting thing wasn’t what he’d found about Daniella; it was what he hadn’t found. Carly had referred Alex and Ethan’s father to her cousin at a private hospital in Los Angeles to see if she could help with his heart condition. Carly’s cousin was supposed to be a top cardiothoracic surgeon. Only when Alex went to inquire about Doctor McKay, he was told that she no longer worked there. Alex had asked if Doctor McKay had been fired, and the nurses told him in confidence that no one knew where she was.
That had alarmed Alex, so he’d asked Blackwell’s head of security, Oz, to find out what he could about Doctor McKay. What Oz came back with was troubling—Doctor McKay had disappeared off the face of the earth. There were only a few reasons someone, especially a doctor of her caliber, disappeared: they’d made a fatal medical mistake, they’d embezzled money or killed someone, or they were hiding from danger. Oz didn’t dig up any malpractice suits, debt, ties to gangs or mobs, bad habits, or addictions, and she wasn’t wanted for murder, which meant she had to be hiding from something or someone.
A pang of guilt surged through Alex as he remembered how he’d threatened Carly three years ago. Alex had impersonated his brother Ethan after receiving evidence that Carly, who was a well-known actress, Stella Hart, was using his brother’s affections for her own gain. Ethan had already had a hard enough time with his late ex-wife, and he and his daughter didn’t need more heartache and drama in their lives. So Alex had called Carly to Blackwell Productions and fired her from Ethan’s movie. It was the first and last movie his brother had written.
Alex swallowed down more guilt as the movie was brilliant, but because Alex had fired the two box office draw leading actors, it had flopped. Then Stella Hart (Carly) had written that horrible review of Ethan’s movie when she gave an interview about pulling out of the movie. Or at least, Alex had thought Stella Hart had written it, but as it turned out, it was Carly’s ex-husband and second-rate actor Shaun Vos, known to the world as Davin Giles. The very same man who’d kidnapped Alex, Shay, and Carly with the plan to get ransom money from their families and then kill them to get back at Ethan.
But three years ago, Alex didn’t know what he knew now. Shaun had manipulated Alex just like he’d done to Carly and Ethan. Shaun sneakily made sure that Alex would think the worst of Carly and do whatever it took to protect his twin brother. That included Alex deep-digging into Carly and her family and then becoming obsessed with finding out where or why Carly’s cousin, whom she’d recommended Alex and Ethan’s father to, had disappeared. But Oz had hit a brick wall and suggested that Doctor McKay may have gone into protective custody.
A few days after Alex had fired Carly, under the guise of Ethan, she made an appointment to see Ethan, who had since returned from his trip to Paris. Alex, not wanting his brother to find out what Alex had done to protect him, visited Carly and threatened her to stay away from his brother. Alex didn’t feel proud of what he’d done, but he’d said he knew about her cousin and would go to the press with his information if she didn’t stay away from Ethan.
“Alex!” Harriet snapped near his right ear, making him jump. “I see your sling’s not the only thing you’re not using tonight.”
“Sorry, were you talking to me?” Alex asked.
“I was saying that we should maybe all go on a cruise on your mini cruise liner, which you call a yacht,” Harriet repeated.
“I’m sure Ethan and Carly want a nice romantic cruise with only their kids with them,” Alex told her. “Besides, it would have to be after the second season of The Cobble Cove Mysteries wraps up.”
“Oh, you haven’t heard yet?” Harriet looked at him. “The start of filming the second season has been delayed for three to four weeks.”
“Why?” Alex’s eyes widened.
“It turns out that Shaun put Rowan Ashton, the male lead, in the hospital with two broken legs.” Harriet’s words sent a chill down Alex’s spine. “Caroline and Dawn are brainstorming on how to rewrite the first few episodes of the show to either leave Rowan out of them or write in an accident so he has broken legs in the show.”
“My brother has decided to take a cruise in the interim?” Alex gaped at Harriet. “He must really be in love, as Ethan never wants to take a day off, let alone a cruise.”
“What can I say?” Harriet shrugged. “Love does crazy things and even has the power to change a person.” She smiled. “I, for one, am so glad Ethan has someone like Carly now.”
“I would never have said this even two days ago,” Alex admitted, “but I’m glad Carly has someone like Ethan in her life. The two of them deserve each other.” He held up his hand defensively before Harriet misconstrued what he said. “I mean that in the best of ways.”
“I know!” Harriet nodded. “It just goes to show you that you never truly know someone.”
“Unless they open their heart and soul to you,” Alex agreed with her. “Which, let’s face it, no one ever does.”
“That was deep for you!” Harriet looked surprised.
“I’m a deep person,” Alex told her, standing. They left the kitchen and headed for the stairs. “I’m going to watch an old movie on television if you want to watch it with me.”
“Thanks, but I’m going to turn in,” Harriet told him. “Tomorrow, I’d like to get up early to sort out my new room.”
“What about your suite at the Summer Inn Hotel?” Alex asked as he switched out the living room light.
“It’s booked for me until then,” Harriet assured him. “Don’t worry. I’m only here until your hand heals.”
“As you’ve pointed out, I have a large house with six-bedroom suites,” Alex told her. “You’re welcome to stay here instead of the hotel for the rest of your stay on Plum Island while we shoot the second season.”
“Thank you, Alex,” Harriet said, smiling. “I will certainly think about it.”
“Well, while you do,” Alex said, “think about my wine cellar, which has a few dozen cases of your champagne in it.”
“Wow!” Harriet’s eyes widened. “That does sweeten the pot, but I don’t know how living under the same roof will affect our already thready friendship.”
Climbing the stairs, Alex was abruptly halted by the chime of his doorbell, a sound that unexpectedly set his nerves on edge. It was a stark reminder of the day’s lingering tension, revealing just how deeply the events had unsettled him. He and Harriet exchanged a glance, a silent understanding passing between them before the bell insisted again.
With a flick of the switch, light flooded the hallway as Alex made his way to the front door, his footsteps echoing softly. A glance at the security system confirmed it was still down—a task for Harley to tackle in the morning. Drawing in a deep breath to steady himself, Alex pulled open the door, his pulse quickening at the sight of Daniella, her face etched with worry.
“Alex, I hate to intrude like this, especially so late,” Daniella stammered, her gaze flickering to the bandage on his arm. “And with you being injured... But it’s urgent. Emily’s missing. She chased after Hicks, her bull terrier, onto the beach, and we can’t find her anywhere.”
Harley appeared in the doorway. His voice was as filled with urgency as Daniella’s. “Alex, can we cut through your place to get to the rocks?”
“Absolutely,” Alex responded without hesitation, moving to equip himself. “Just let me slip on my sneakers and grab some flashlights.”
“You need to be resting,” Harriet said, her concern flashing in her eyes. “I’ll go help look for Emily.”
Alex was firm, his resolve clear. “We’re both going.” He glanced down at his sleep attire of sweatpants and a faded college t-shirt but didn’t have time to change. Alex swiftly donned his sneakers, which were conveniently kept by the door, a sweater from the coat rack that he wrapped around his waist, and retrieved two flashlights from the hall drawer, passing one to Harriet. He then ushered Harley, Daniella, Shay, and Harriet through the living space and down to the ground floor.
Sliding open the glass doors that led off the games room, Alex granted them access to the nocturnal beach. “I’ll hit the floodlights,” he declared, darting back inside.
Moments later, the outside world was bathed in a brilliant glow, revealing the sprawling rocks and the frothy white spray of the ocean against them. In the stillness of the night, the sea’s whispers were magnified, a haunting backdrop as the waves crashed relentlessly onto the shore.
Alex assessed the stretch of beach that unfurled from his property, a vast expanse of sand and rock that had become the focal point of their urgent search. The tide whispered secrets to the shore, indifferent to the drama unfolding upon its sands. With Harriet, Harley, and Daniella ready to comb the beach, Alex quickly devised a plan, partitioning the area into manageable sections for them to scour.
He assigned himself the area closest to his house, knowing it was riddled with hidden crevices and jagged rocks—places where danger lurked, but he knew well. As the four of them set off to their respective search area, Alex moved with careful purpose, his gaze sharp as he navigated the treacherous terrain.
His eyes scanned every shadow and shape. The natural beauty of the place was usually a source of solace, but now it seemed cold, foreboding, and fraught with peril. His heart raced, driven by a mixture of determination and fear. The tide was coming in, and soon, these rocks would become part of the sea. If Emily was here… He swallowed, not allowing his mind to go there.
Alex called her name, but only the sea answered his calls by slapping another wave against the rocks. He navigated his way to the massive boulder that he’d nicknamed the old man as it looked like an old man huddled over, fishing. As he rounded the boulder, he heard the sound of a low warning growl. Alex’s heart pounded in his chest, spurred on by a surge of adrenaline at the thought of having found Emily. He shone the light keeping low so as not to blind her and found Emily huddled against the cold stone, clutching Hicks, who growled a low warning, baring his teeth as Alex approached.
“It’s okay, boy,” Alex said softly to the protective dog. “Emily, I’m Alex, a friend of your mother’s. We’ve been looking for you and Hicks.”
He stopped in his tracks when Emily looked up at him, her eyes wide with fear, and began to speak and sign simultaneously, revealing her inability to hear him clearly. Alex’s own heart skipped a beat as he switched to signing, a gentle smile on his face.
“It’s okay. We can sign, and I can read lips too,” Alex signed and spoke.
Relief washed over Emily’s features, but it was short-lived as Alex noticed the way she cradled her leg. Moving closer, he saw the extent of her injury. There was a deep gash on her calf that was bleeding profusely, and her ankle was swollen. Emily’s shorts and deck shoes had done little to protect her from the jagged rocks that had torn through her skin.
“I’m going to try and call my friend Harriet or Harley to let them know I’ve found you,” Alex told her, pulling his phone from his pocket.
Neither Harriet nor Harley answered their phones, and he didn’t have Daniella’s number.
“Do you have a phone with your mother’s number?” Alex asked her.
No. But I know my mother’s number,Emily signed and gave him the number.
But Daniella didn’t pick up either, and then he realized that they were on what Alex called a dead-zone stretch of the beach because there was no signal for some reason. He glanced at the sea, which was starting to reclaim the rocks for high tide and Emily’s leg. Alex knew they had to move quickly.
Alex pulled his sweatshirt from around his waist and bandaged Emily’s leg to stop the bleeding. As he gently wrapped it around her calf, he kept the conversation flowing with Emily, trying to keep her distracted so she wouldn’t panic as the sea crept closer to them.
“I’m nearly done wrapping your leg,” Alex signed and spoke. “Do you want to know a secret, but you can’t tell anyone?” He smiled conspiratorially at her.
Emily nodded and signed she wouldn’t tell anyone, then joked that he could trust Hicks too.
Alex eyed the sturdy dog, who was watching him with distrustful eyes.
The feeling’s mutual, bud, Alex thought to himself as he sat on his heels after he had finished with the makeshift bandage before signing.
“I’m deaf in my left ear,” Alex admitted. Not many people knew that. “I lost my hearing in it when I was twenty after having meningitis.”
He saw Emily’s eyes widen in disbelief, and she shared the story of her deafness with him. She, too, had lost her hearing at age ten, also from meningitis.
“I know how it feels. I was lucky enough to regain hearing in my one ear.” Alex’s heart went out to the fifteen-year-old. “I’m so sorry that happened to you, Emily.”
Me too!Emily signed. I’m sorry that struck you as well.
A wave hit a little too close for Alex’s comfort, and water pooled beneath Emily. There was only one way he was going to get Emily to safety, and that was to carry her. Alex carefully lifted Emily, not caring about water wetting his cast and ignoring the searing pain the pressure put on his hand. The dog stopped its low, throaty growl as Alex cradled Emily in his arms and carefully made his way back to the sand. The bull terrier, followed by his side as he carried Emily back toward the safety of his house.