13. CHAPTER 13
Daniella stood staring at herself in the full-length mirror. Her golden blond hair had been scooped up and pinned back, letting a few tendrils fall free to caress her long, delicate neck. Harriet had done Daniella’s hair and makeup as if it were professionally done. Daniella’s reflection also showcased the simple but beautiful ivory dress Harriet had bought for her. Its soft, satin fabric hugged her form before cascading into a smooth, knee-skimming skirt paired with matching satin pumps.
While her appearance whispered elegance, her insides were a tangled knot of nerves, and her heart danced with excitement. Dressing as she had made her upcoming nuptials feel almost too real and not one of convenience. Her breath caught in her throat, and her eyes widened when her heart accelerated its dance at the thought of this being a real marriage. One bound by love and not a necessity.
“Oh no!” Daniella whispered to her reflection. “What have I done?”
Her throat went dry, and her hand splayed against the top of her chest as if trying to stop her heart from revealing a truth Daniella didn’t want to face—she was falling in love with Alex Blackwell.
“No! You cannot think like that,” Daniella gave her reflection a talking to. “You’re just getting caught up in this wedding. That’s all it is. Alex is being gallant, kind, and so caring.” She gave a soft snort. “Besides, I’m the last person someone like Alex Blackwell would fall for. I’m not a celebrity that wears designer gowns. I’m a doctor and surgeon who usually walks around in a doctor’s coat, latex gloves, and blood smears somewhere on my person.” She snorted again in self-mockery. “No, Daniella, you are far from the glamorous type that usually graces Alex’s arm. So stop this silly nonsense.”
A soft knock had her turning around as Harriet, who was standing in as her bridesmaid, walked into the room, looking like a supermodel in a simple, navy blue H-line dress and high heels that showed off her long, shapely legs.
Harriet is the type of woman to grace Alex’s arm.A surge of an emotion Daniella refused to acknowledge ripped through her as she once again wondered about Harriet’s and Alex’s relationship.
“Oh my!” Harriet sucked in a breath. “You look beautiful, Daniella.” She fussed with Daniella’s hair and straightened the skirt of her dress. “I think you missed your calling as a supermodel. You are far too gorgeous to be a surgeon.”
Daniella’s eyes widened in surprise, and she wondered if Harriet could read minds. She’d just had the same thought about Harriet.
“You look stunning, too,” Daniella complimented her with a tight smile. “It feels so real.”
“That’s because it is real,” Harriet pointed out. Worry flashed in her eyes. “Daniella, you have to go into this feeling like it is your wedding day and that you and Alex are madly in love.”
There were those words again, and as soon as Harriet uttered them, Daniella’s heart picked up speed again, waking the flutterings in her stomach. “I know!” She nodded. “Is everyone here and ready?” She made a feeble attempt to change the subject away from love and the words real wedding.
“Yes.” Harriet nodded. “Harley has finished setting up the video feeds, so we are all set to go.”
“It was so nice of Jennifer’s father to do this for us,” Daniella commented, knowing she was stalling for a few seconds to try and calm her nerves. “He’s really come through for us.”
“Andrew Gains is not a bad man,” Harriet remarked. “He’s also trying to make up for lost time and a few decades of pain he caused his two eldest kids.”
“I feel kind of bad, like we’re exploiting that,” Daniella admitted.
“Andrew also wants to catch and put away Ron Jackson and his father,” Harriet pointed out. “So don’t feel bad. If this works and we manage to flush the Jacksons, Andrew gets to take two bad men off the streets.”
“Thank you for making me feel better.” Daniella smiled nervously at Harriet. “If everything’s set, then I’m ready.”
“Let’s do this.” Harriet handed Daniella a bouquet.
Daniella followed Harriet to the room where the wedding was to take place. Her eyes widened when she stepped through the door, and her feet touched a red carpet. It ran from where Daniella entered through the door to where Harley had set up a beautiful arch. Beneath this, Andrew Gains stood in his judicial robes. His face split into a smile as he saw her at the door and indicated to the side of him. Daniella’s head turned to see Harley hit a button on the remote, and the wedding march began.
Daniella looked around the room and saw everyone in attendance. Her eyes widened as the people stood. This was a bigger attendance than Daniella had anticipated.
“Everyone’s attending the wedding?” Daniella whispered to Harriet.
“Yes,” Harriet followed Daniella’s gaze while they waited for Harley, who was acting as the DJ, the best man, and who was going to walk Daniella down the aisle. “Harley set up all these screens so you could see everyone.”
Daniella’s eyes scanned the room, and felt her cheeks heat as all eyes were turned to her.
“Sorry,” Harley said, straightening his pristine tux.
Harriet picked up a basket of rose petals, chuckling. “I’m doubling as the flower girl.”
Daniella couldn’t help the nervous smile that sprung to her lips. She was grateful that Harriet was trying to lighten the mood before walking in front and spreading the petals.
“Ready?” Harley asked, holding out his arm for Daniella, who looped her hand through it and nodded.
Daniella turned away from all the eyes looking at her and focused her thoughts down the aisle to the where… her brow creased. Only Andrew Gains stood at the arch. Daniella looked around, her heart lurching when Alex stepped through the doors behind the arch. He looked even more handsome in a tuxedo; his hair was neatly brushed back, and a smile spread across his face as their eyes locked and held while Daniella made her way toward him.
Daniella started to feel light-headed by the time Harley placed her hand in Alex’s and realized she’d been holding her breath.
“You look beautiful,” Alex whispered.
“You don’t look too bad yourself,” Daniella whispered back.
Daniella didn’t even notice Harriet step up and take her bouquet as Alex took her other hand, and they faced each other.
“We are gathered here today to join Daniella and Alex in marriage,” Andrew Gains started the ceremony. “They’ve asked me to keep the ceremony brief and simple.” He looked past Daniella and Alex to Harriet and Harley. “Do you have the rings?”
Rings!Daniella’s eyes widened. “I didn’t get you a ring,” she whispered to Alex.
“Don’t worry, Harry sorted us out,” Alex whispered back and winked.
Harriet stepped up to Daniella and handed her a ring for Alex, while Harley did the same for Alex. Daniella barely heard Andrew’s words as she slipped the ring on Alex’s right finger because of his broken hand, and she felt him slip a ring on hers.
“I now pronounce you husband and wife,” Andrew said and looked at Alex. “You may kiss the bride.”
Daniella’s heart jumped into her throat, blocking her windpipe. Her eyes locked with Alex’s blue ones, darkening with emotion as he stepped toward her. She felt mesmerized by his intense stare and forced herself to breathe as his lips melded with hers. Suddenly, her world shrunk to a size that only fit her and Alex. Everything around them faded away as her arms wound around his neck, and he pulled her closer, deepening the kiss.
The sound of applause forced reality between them, and Alex slowly pulled away, looking as flustered as Daniella felt while the feeling of his lips still tingled on hers. Alex’s warm hand curled around hers as they stood, smiling at all the faces looking at them through the monitors.
“Daniella,” Meg Parks caught her attention as she and Alex stepped away from the wedding arch. “Thank you so much for including me in today.”
“Thank you for keeping your side of the deal,” Alex answered for Daniella.
“Would you mind if I took some photos for the article?” Meg asked.
“No, go ahead,” Daniella told Meg. “Congratulations on your new position at a top magazine.”
“It’s all thanks to you, Alex, and Harriet,” Meg beamed. “Of course, my ex-boss at the Boston Celebrity Splash is furious that my lead about you getting married at the Boston Court House wasn’t true.”
“Yes, I must say,” Harriet joined them, “misleading the paparazzi and getting married at Beach Plum Cottage on Plum Island was a fantastic idea.”
“Yes, the press wouldn’t be able to find you,” Harley added. “And no one is listening in.” He handed Meg a thumb drive. “I quickly edited it for you.”
“Thank you,” Meg said again. Her eyes were wide with excitement and sparkling with unshed tears. “Whoever gave me that fake call and thought they were ruining your lives actually made all of ours richer, I think.” She glanced around the quaint cottage. “You made this into a fairytale wedding.”
“Well, I wouldn’t call it a fairytale,” Daniella laughed. “More like a quaint country wedding.”
“I like that,” Meg stated. “Do you mind if I use it in the article?”
Daniella, Harriet, and Alex’s eyes widened, and they laughed as Daniella nodded.
“What?” Meg looked at them, not getting the joke.
“You sound like a friend of ours,” Harriet told her. “She says that a lot.”
“Oh, I’m sorry,” Meg said. “I just prefer to have permission to use other people’s quotes.”
“Now there’s something you never see every day.” Andrew Gains joined them. “A journalist with integrity.”
“Give her time,” Harriet stated. “She’ll learn.”
“Hello…” Victoria Blackwell called through one of the monitors. “Can we talk to Mr. and Mrs. Alex Blackwell?” She chuckled and turned to her husband. “I do like the sound of that.” Daniella and Alex excused themselves to walk closer to the monitor when Victoria leaned forward and called,” Emily, Shay, Reef, where are my grandchildren?”
“We’re here, Nan,” Shay said, and to Daniella and Alex’s surprise, the kids popped onto the same monitor as Victoria and Arthur.
“Hi, Mom. You look so beautiful,” Emily said, her voice bringing tears to Daniella’s eyes.
You look gorgeous too, sweetheart.Daniella signed before turning to the other two teens. “You all look gorgeous.”
Thank you, Reef and Shay signed to Daniella so Emily was included in the conversation.
Shay signed the ceremony for me,Emily told Daniella. It was lovely, Mom.
“Welcome to the family, Daniella,” a young woman from another monitor caught her attention. Daniella knew instantly that it was Bailey Blackwell. There was no mistaking the thick, silky, shiny dark hair and piercing blue eyes. “We haven’t met. I’m Bailey.”
“Hello, Bailey. It’s great to finally meet you,” Daniella said with a smile. “How is Egypt?”
“Great,” Bailey told her. “But I would rather be over there right now to witness this historic occasion of my bachelor brother finally being taken off the market.”
Guilt surged through Daniella as she looked at the happy faces of their family and friends. They all looked so genuinely happy for Daniella and Alex. It was as if their marriage was real, and again, her wayward heart flipped in her chest, wishing it was so.
No, Daniella. Enjoy the moment, as this is all just an act. It has to appear real.
“Baby Blackwell, how are you?” Harriet walked over, dragging Daniella back from the brink of falling into her dangerous thoughts. “I see you’ve met your new sister-in-law.”
“Yes, and I believe my father has finally gotten his wish and has a doctor in the family.” Bailey laughed.
“Oh?” Daniella’s brows shot up.
“Arthur wanted one of his kids to marry a doctor,” Victoria explained with a laugh. “He wanted the Blackwell family to finally have some prestige.”
“What’s more prestigious than being an A-lister?” Daniella asked.
“Being someone of substance,” Arthur answered. “All us A-listers do for people who need medical attention is have charity dinners to raise funds that I’m not sure actually go into helping them.” He gave Daniella a warm smile. “But you, my dear, you’re on the front lines, actually making a difference in their lives.”
“Do you know that Daniella also runs the library on Plum Island?” Victoria looked at her husband.
“Now that is impressive, Daniella,” Arthur said. “Now I feel even worse and wish I could do more. If you need anything, please, I’d love to help.”
“Thank you.” Daniella was moved by Arthur’s words. “But donating to various medical causes makes a difference too. Without donations, a lot of good clinics and places that help people who can’t afford expensive medical care end up having to close their doors.” She smiled. “Both the clinic and the library on Plum Island serve the community. We rely on the kindness of people like yourselves to keep the doors open.”
“Dad, why are you talking about charities and donations on my wedding day?” Alex joined them. “Sorry, I had disappeared. I had to take a phone call.”
“Is everything alright?” Arthur asked his son, his eyes narrowing questioningly on Alex.
Daniella didn’t miss the look that passed from father to son, and she wondered if Arthur was against what Alex was doing for her and Emily.
“Everything is fine,” Alex answered his father in clipped tones. “I’d tell you if it was something I couldn’t handle, and I’ll discuss this with you at our next meeting. Now isn’t the time.”
“Yes, Arthur, today is not about business,” Victoria hissed. “Not that you should even be getting involved in the business right now with your faulty ticker.”
“Can we not just accidentally cut the feeds?“ Alex whispered.
“No, that would be rude,” Daniella whispered back.
For the next half-hour, Daniella and Alex spoke to their family and friends through the monitors. It was strange having a teleconference wedding, but she was glad that at least they got to have a nice dinner party at the Gains’ house in Boston. Harley was driving Andrew and Meg back to Boston in half an hour while Harriet, Daniella, and Alex stayed on Plum Island.
An hour later, Daniella, Alex, and Harriet were the only ones left at Beach Plum Cottage, Betty Swan’s home where Jennifer had grown up. Betty had gone to Boston with Sam, and they had taken Hicks with them. When Daniella got the idea to mislead the press and switch wedding venues, Betty offered her and Alex the cottage. It was perfect. Betty’s house was in a beautiful setting tucked away between the lighthouse and the midpoint. There were only three ways you could get there, and Harley had them all patrolled.
“I have to go and tend to Caroline and Brad’s animals,” Harriet told them. “Jennifer was doing it, but since she’s in Boston and Caroline’s brother is away until later today, I told her I’d do it.”
“And you volunteered?” Alex looked at Harriet in surprise.
“Why wouldn’t I?” Harriet looked offended.
“Because you’re not the best animal person, Harry,” Alex reminded her.
“Harriet seemed fine with Hicks,” Daniella stuck up for Harriet.
“Yes, but have you met Caroline’s crazy trio of pets?” Alex’s eyes widened. “They’re like furry and feathered bandits.”
“They’re not that bad,” Daniella said, looking at Harriet. “I can come with you.”
“It’s okay,” Harriet said, but Daniella could see the doubt in Harriet’s eyes. “I’m sure you and Alex have things you need to discuss.”
“Actually,” Alex frowned. “I have some business I need to take care of.” He looked at Daniella apologetically, and something in his eyes made her heart drop to her feet. “I’ll leave my car here and get a taxi to my office at the Summer Inn.”
“No, take your car,” Harriet told them. “I’m sure Jennifer won’t mind us borrowing hers.” She looked at Daniella. “If you don’t mind coming with me to Caroline’s and driving us back to Alex’s house,” she said.
Daniella felt strangled and a little deflated by Alex’s sudden change in attitude. He seemed cold and distant after being the complete opposite for the past couple of days, right up until they kissed. She pushed all thoughts of it out of her mind. She forced a smile on her face—the smile Daniella called her doctor’s smile, not too cold, not too warm, but just in the middle as she blanked off her expression, which was another trick of her trade. You couldn’t give people bad news and fall apart with them no matter how hard it was not to. As a doctor, people expected you to be their strength during a medical emergency, a diagnosis, or needing a surgical procedure. Patients tended to lose faith in a doctor who couldn’t hold it together during a medical discussion.
“I’ll drive us back to Alex’s house,” Daniella replied.
Her mask was firmly in place. She’d let herself ponder over Alex later when she was alone and could give in to her emotions.
“I’m sorry I have to rush off,” Alex apologized again. “I’ll see you both back at home.”
“Don’t worry about it,” Daniella told Alex. “It’s not like we had a honeymoon planned, so go do what you need to do.” Was that a twinge of bitterness in my voice or my heart? She hoped it was the latter or that Alex hadn’t noticed.
“Thank you, I’ll make it up to you ladies and take you out to dinner tonight,” Alex promised before dashing out the door.
While Alex seemed not to have noticed, Harriet had, much to Daniella’s horror.
“Daniella, are you okay?” Harriet’s shrewd eyes assessed her.
“Yes.” Daniella nodded, trying her best to muster a confused expression. “Why wouldn’t I be?”
“You tell me,” Harriet knocked the question back at her, her eyes narrowing suspiciously. “Do you have feelings for Alex?”
“What?” Daniella tried to look shocked and tried a ‘cool shocked’ expression but ended up spluttering.
“Do you have a scratch?” Harriet’s mouth lifted into a lopsided grin. “Because you sounded a little like a stuck record.”
“I’m shocked that you’d ask that,” Daniella told her. “I’m not Alex Blackwell’s type.”
“And what do you think Alex’s type is?” Harriet raised an eyebrow.
“Glitzy, glamorous celebrities, models, you know… A-listers,” Daniella pointed out.
“I’ll let you in on a little secret,” Harriet told her. “Alex dates those types of women, but they are not the type he’d ever settle down with.”
Harriet’s eyes twinkled like she knew something Daniella didn’t, which Harriet probably did. The woman probably knew a lot more than Daniella did about Alex.
“What is his type?” The words were out of Daniella’s mouth before she could stop them.
“Unassuming, intelligent woman who isn’t interested in the bright lights, glitz, and glamor of a world Alex Blackwell never really wanted part of but inherited,” Harriet told her. “Someone who sees him for him and not as a social ladder into the world of high society.”
“Someone like you,” Daniella suggested, again unable to stop the words from tumbling from her lips.
“Oh, heck no!” Harriet shook her head. “Alex and I…” She pulled a pained face. “We don’t work as a couple.”
“You say that like you have been a couple,” Daniella pointed out.
“I think that’s a question for Alex,” Harriet hedged. “While it was artfully done the way you tried to veer the conversation in another direction, you still haven’t answered my question.”
“Which question?” Daniella played dumb but knew what Harriet was referring to. She looked at her wristwatch. “Don’t you think we should head to Caroline’s place to see her animals?”
“Yes. We can take Jennifer’s car,” Harriet said, walking to the key hook near the front door. “And on the way, you can answer my question.”
Daniella navigated Jennifer’s brand new Subaru Forester down the bumpy road toward the main road that would take them to Cobble Cove Lighthouse, where Caroline Danes lived. A tense silence hung over the car as Daniella held her breath, hoping that Harriet would forget to ask her to answer the question she didn’t want to answer.
“You mentioned that Finn would be back on the island later today?” As Daniella glanced at Harriet, her eye caught the gold band on her left finger.
With all the congratulations that escalated into a whirlwind of activity over the past couple of hours, Daniella had almost forgotten it was there. Now, all of a sudden, as an image of Alex pulling away from her crossed her mind, the band felt like it was weighing down her finger. Her ring finger felt as heavy as her heart.
“Finn took his kids to Boston as Jennifer’s grandmother invited them to spend the weekend with Shay, Reef, and Emily,” Harriet told her.
“It was so nice of Jennifer’s grandmother to invite Emily and her friends to stay at their house in Boston and throw an early sixteenth birthday party for Emily,” Daniella said, her heart feeling a few pounds heavier. “It’s a party I should be at.”
“Hey,” Harriet reached over and gave Daniella’s arm a compassionate squeeze. “This will hopefully be over soon, and the two of you will finally be free of the dark shadows of that creep hanging over you.”
“I know,” Daniella said, with a nod, trying to put on a happy face. “I can’t believe that a person can ingratiate their way into a person’s life and then force them to give up everything to flee in order to get them out of their lives.”
“I know,” Harriet said. “The audacity of some people is appalling. What right does someone have to do that, especially in this century?”
Daniella couldn’t help the smile that spread across her lips at the memory of hers and Alex’s conversation on the beach the previous night. “Alex and I had a similar conversation last night.” She pulled onto the much smoother tar road and headed toward the lighthouse. “I said that I felt like I was in the eighteenth century where I had to get married to get an iota of independence, feel free, and be safe.”
“It’s ludicrous,” Harriet agreed, anger heating her voice. “How dare that arrogant man think he can manipulate and try to dominate your life like this.” She looked at Daniella. “I’m so sorry you’ve had to go through this, Daniella. I’m even more sorry and so disgusted that people who had known and worked with you for years would believe his lies.”
“The man could spin a very believable tale,” Daniella pointed out. “If he lived in the eighteenth century, he could’ve been the most successful snake oil salesman ever.”
“He’s that in this century.” Harriet chuckled, turning to Daniella. “I nearly forgot to tell you that during the wedding, Sam messaged me to let me know that they’ve caught Ron Jackson’s father.”
“Really?” Daniella’s eyes widened. “Where did they catch him?”
“He was at the Boston courthouse where, as you predicted, a bunch of reporters showed up. He was trying to pass himself off as a journalist,” Harriet blew out a breath. “You won’t believe what his story is. Congressman Jackson is claiming that they had been framed, and he’s never sold drugs. Apparently, Ron Jackson was selling placebo drugs to druggies to try and get them off drugs.”
“Seriously?” Daniella raised her eyebrows. “They have witnesses who saw a steady flow of people going to and from Congressman Jackson’s house.”
“They also found numerous prescriptions written by Doctor Jackson,” Harriet added. “Apparently, he added a percentage to the original price of the medication. That was his fee for his clients to obtain their drug fix legally.”
“If that’s the case and his clients went to a pharmacy to get the drugs, they wouldn’t be placebos.” Daniella shook her head. “The pharmacy would lose its license if it did that.”
“Do we still call him a congressman? I’m sure Mr. Jackson senior will no longer have a seat.” Daniella pointed and frowned. “And why was Mr. Jackson senior at the courthouse?” She glanced at Harriet in disbelief. “He’s a wanted fugitive, so why risk going there?”
“Mr. Jackson senior got a tip-off that his son would be at the wedding,” Harriet explained. “When they left Los Angeles in a hurry, Mr. Jackson senior and his creep of a son split up. They lost contact, and he was trying to find him.”
“How was Mr. Jackson senior tipped off that his son would be at my wedding?” Daniella asked. “To me, it implies that someone still knows how to get in touch with both of them.”
“And that’s the person who is probably listening to the conversations in your uncle and Alex’s houses,” Harriet added, her eyes widening.
“And that someone is here on Plum Island!” Daniella shuddered at the thought. “I heard Harley tell Alex that whoever was listening to our conversations would either need to record them or be close to our properties.”
“And they never thought to tell us this because they didn’t want us to freak out?” Harriet’s voice was filled with disbelief. “That’s why they’ve actually doubled the security team, isn’t it? Because they know that whoever’s watching us is here in our little town.”
Daniella smiled at Harriet’s use of our town, showing how much she’d integrated herself into the tight-knit community. Daniella turned into the driveway for the lighthouse, which wasn’t as bumpy as the road to the Beach Plum Cottage. They passed the picnic area.
“Jennifer told me that Caroline’s late father used to open the lighthouse for tourists to visit it,” Harriet noted. “This picnic spot is lovely, and it seems a shame for it to go to waste.”
“Hikers use it,” Daniella told Harriet. “The trail through the nature reserve to Lookout Point runs through there.”
“Oh!” Harriet’s brows rose. “Shay’s done that hike with her new local friends and said it was awesome.” She glanced at Daniella. “Emily went with them.”
“Yes, Emily had been dying to do the trial, but I was worried because of her hearing impairment. But Reef was with them, so I let her go.” Daniella explained as they pulled into the driveway behind Lighthouse Cottage. “Didn’t you say that Finn wasn’t back until tonight?”
“That’s what Jennifer told me,” Harriet said, her eyes narrowing as they pulled to a stop. “I wonder whose car that is?”
“I don’t know.” Daniella looked at the sleek new pickup. “I’ll park behind it.”
“Blocking them in, that’s a good idea,” Harriet agreed, shuffling through the glove compartment and then looking around the car.
“What are you looking for?” Daniella asked.
“A weapon of sorts,” Harriet told her. “In case it’s a burglar.”
“A burglar that drives a brand new pickup?” Daniella pointed at the vehicle. She leaned forward and reached beneath her seat to pull a box out, which she handed to Harriet. “In there, you’ll find a small hammer that looks like a small tomahawk that can break a car window and has a blade that can slice through a safety belt.” She snorted. “I think the little axe side can be used to cut tiny pieces of wood or something.”
Harriet’s eyes widened in surprise. “Have you driven Jennifer’s car before? Is that how you knew this was there?”
She opened the box and pulled the hammer out.
“No.” Daniella sighed, shaking her head. “Harley puts them in all our cars. Ethan probably also has one, and if you drove, I can guarantee Harley would’ve found a way to put one in your car, too.”
“I do drive,” Harriet said, putting the box on the floor and taking off her safety belt. “I just can’t right now.”
“Because you sped your way out of your license.” Daniella grinned at the look Harriet shot her.
“I’ll get it back when I’m ready,” Harriet said, sliding out of the car. Daniella followed her. “Before we walk into a house that has a potential burglar with expensive taste in vehicles, you still haven’t answered my question about having feelings for Alex.”
“Do you have feelings for Alex?” Daniella didn’t know why she asked that, but she also realized that she really wanted to know the answer to it.
“Of course I do.” Harriet’s answer sent Daniella through a complex whirl of emotions.
Before they could continue talking, a crash came from inside the kitchen. Daniella and Harriet looked at each other wide-eyed before dashing toward it. As they neared the door, the thought flashed through Daniella’s mind.
Shouldn’t we be running away from the danger?
But before she could think, Harriet flew through the door with the small hammer raised as if it was as mighty as Thor’s. Daniella went after her and froze when she saw a man bent at the waist digging in a kitchen cupboard. But before Daniella had time to react, Harriet charged at the man and was about to bring the small hammer down on his head. The man moved faster than any lightning bolt Harriet’s tiny hammer could’ve summoned. The man knocked the hammer from Harriet’s hand. Before Daniella could yell stop, the man had twisted Harriet’s hand behind her back and pinned her against him with an arm wrapped around her neck.
“Stop!” Daniella yelled and froze.
The world seemed to slow down, and her head turned as she heard the sound of a bark, squawk, and the fast clicking of claws over tiles. Her eyes widened, and like a deer frozen in fear at oncoming headlights, she was frozen to the floor. When Daniella could finally lift her feet, it was too late. She was hit by fur, feathers, and claws. Daniella went down with a yelp, getting a mouth full of feathers when the large Macaw landed on her head.
“Daniella?” The man yelled at the same time Harriet shouted. “Daniella!”
The next thing Daniella heard was an oof, a hiss, and another squawk as the bird was knocked flying off her face.
“Daniella, are you okay?” Harriet dropped to her knees. “Oh no, your face. It’s bleeding.”
“Probably from that half hawk half macaw talons,” Daniella spluttered. As Harriet helped her up, the male voice yelled.
“You killed Blue Beard! What is wrong with you?”
Daniella’s heart thudded against her chest as she turned to see Caroline’s brother, Finn Shaw, drop to his knees next to the blue and red Macaw lying lifelessly on the floor.
“I didn’t mean to.” Harriet’s voice was stilted.
Daniella noted that Harriet’s eyes were wide with horror as she watched Finn bend down and gently scooped the bird up.
“Let me take a look at him,” Daniella walked up to Finn, who was as tall as Alex and towered over Daniella.
“Do you know how to help him?” Finn asked, his eyes wide, concerned, and fearful. “Please, if you can, help him.”
Daniella didn’t know much about animals; she was a human doctor. But as she took the bird from Finn, the creature’s eyes popped open. He squawked and flapped out of Daniella’s hands to land on his feet on the counter. His beady eyes seemed to glare accusingly at Daniella and Harriet as he squawked again.
“He’s alive!” Harriet breathed. “Oh, thank goodness. He’s alive.”
“No thanks to you!” Finn’s eyes grew stormy as she turned toward Harriet. “Are you freakin’ crazy? First, you try to bash my head in with…” His brows furrowed as his gaze fell on the hammer lying on the floor. “Is that one of Harley’s safety hammers?”
“Yes.” Daniella nodded.
“You were going to bash me over the head with that?” Finn shook his head. “Then you try to kill my bird.”
“I…” Harriet stared at Finn, startled by his attack. “I…”
“What are you even doing in my family’s house?” Finn seethed.
His angry words echoed through the kitchen. Even Sandy, the German Shepherd, and Melton, the huge striped Tabby that was part of the trio that had knocked her flat, slinked away. Daniella noticed that Blue Beard tried to fly but couldn’t because one of his wings was dragging. She glanced at the floor to where a whole lot of his feathers littered it. Daniella was about to say something but stopped when she saw Harriet’s face go ashen. Her eyes sparkled with unshed tears as she stood staring at Finn, mortified.
“What are you even doing here?” Finn hissed at Harriet. “Were you going to murder my sister’s pets with your safety hammer?’
“I’m... I…” Harriet cleared her throat, and Daniella could see how hard she was trying to hold onto her emotions.
It was the first time Daniella had ever seen Harriet at a loss for words or not fighting back. Daniella didn’t think anyone could reduce Harriet to a stutter, and red-hot anger flooded Daniella at the thought. She knew what it felt like to suddenly have your power and confidence taken away. Harriet was a strong, confident woman. Finn was using her vulnerability over nearly having killed an animal to appease his own shock over what had just happened in the kitchen. And Daniella knew it had to be shock making Finn verbally attack Harriet as the Finn she knew would never verbally lash out at someone.
Fuelled by the adrenaline still pumping through her system and wanting to protect both her friends before things got out of hand, Daniella jumped between the two of them.
“Finn!” Daniella hissed, her eyes narrowing warningly. “That’s enough! Daniella didn’t know you’d be here. She volunteered to look after Caroline’s animals until you got home, which she was told would only be later tonight.” She put her hands on her hips and widened her stance as she stood her ground. “What happened to Blue Beard was an accident. Harriet was reacting to seeing Blue Beard land on my face.”
“Oh!” Finn swallowed and took a step back. “I got back early.”
“Did you let Caroline or Jennifer know that?” Daniella wasn’t letting him off the hook.
“Uh…” Finn cleared his throat. His cheeks looked slightly flushed. “No. I was going to. I didn’t know they had sent someone to tend to the animals.”
“You owe my friend an apology, Finn Shaw!” Daniella’s eyes narrowed a little more. “We thought you were a burglar, and if anything, Harriet was courageously trying to protect your sister’s property!” She gave him a scathing look, sneering. “And you may want to take a few anger management classes.”
Finn’s eyes widened at Daniella and nodded. Stepping around her, he looked at Harriet. “I’m sorry,” he said. “Daniella is right. I shouldn’t have verbally attacked you like that. I know it’s not an excuse, but Blue Beard was my father’s bird, and he’s very special to my family.” He looked uncomfortable. “And I didn’t mean grab you like I did. It’s an instinct from years of MMA training, especially when someone comes for my head with a sharp object.”
“Sorry me…” Harriet swallowed. “I’m too sorry,” she spluttered all tongue-tied and stared at Finn like a wide-eyed puppy that had just been reprimanded.
What the heck is wrong with Harriet?Before she could say anything, a squawk from the counter caught their attention. “You may want to take Blue Beard to the vet. I think his wing is damaged.”
“I’ll do that,” Finn said, moving toward the bird and examining its wing. “Come on, buddy, let’s get your cage.” He gently picked the bird up and turned toward them, his eyes falling on Harriet. “Again, Miss Joyce, I’m sorry about my behavior.”
“Me too.” Harriet nodded. “I mean. I’m not sorry about your behavior…” she gestured nervously with her hand. “I mean, thank you for apologizing for your behavior. I’m sorry about mine, too, and I didn’t mean to almost kill your bird.” Her eyes fell on the floor. “He’s lost some feathers.”
Finn’s eyes followed Harriets’s, and Daniella saw the anger flash in his eyes, but it was gone when he looked at them with a tight smile. “Unfortunately, there’s no saving those. But hopefully, they’ll grow back.” Daniella didn’t miss the cutting edge in his tone.
Daniella and Harriet left Caroline’s house, and as they climbed into the car, Daniella turned to Harriet, looking at her in disbelief.
“What the heck was that back there?” she shook her head. “Why didn’t you lay into him like I’ve witnessed you doing often since I’ve known you?”
“Because he’s Finn Shaw,” Harriet stated, her eyes widening in what looked a lot like awe to Daniella. “You know, the Finnster. Only one of the best surfers ever to grace the pro surfing world.”
It was Daniella’s turn to gape when she realized Harriet, who spoke to celebrities and A-listers that most people wouldn’t ever dream of talking to, was in awe of a surfing star. She sat gaping at the woman for a few seconds before she saw the funny side and burst out laughing.
“What’s so funny?” Harriet asked her.
“You!” Daniella told her. “I’m sure you’ve dined with royalty in your life without batting an eye, and then you become a bumbling bag of nerves around a surfing pro.” She looked at Harriet, noticing her blush. “Don’t worry, that’s how I get when I’m around Alex. Only my years of practice as a doctor stop me from falling to pieces like you did back there.”
“I did, didn’t I?” Harriet pinched the bridge of her nose. “Please don’t let everyone else know.”
“Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me,” Daniella promised her. “Now, let’s get back to Alex’s place so you can tend to the scratches on my face because they are starting to sting.”
“Of course,” Harriet said, looking at Daniella and sucking in a breath. “Ouch, they look sore. But to warn you, I’m not good with blood, although I’m sure I can handle those scratches.”
“How are you with needles? I’m thinking I may need a tetanus shot.” Daniella laughed when she saw Harriet’s face go gray.