Page 59 of Light of Day
“Right. And not just little bands of Aucocisco who came out here to fish. People who had been living here all along. Who knows for how long.”
“Interesting. I’m still not sure what that has to do with anything that’s going on now.” He balled up the sticky napkins and tossed them in the trash.
“Well, I don’t know either. But Gabby was investigating it, and Denton was involved, so it’s got to be connected. There’s another thing that’s strange.”
“Really, another?” he said dryly. “What a shock.”
“I know, it’s just one strange thing after another. When I asked Amy Lou if the island was inhabited before the hotel was built, she totally danced around the question. What I got was that the official story was that Sea Smoke was settled when the hotel was built, but there’s some scattered evidence of preexisting inhabitants. The button, for instance. I bet if we went out to Shell Beach and dug around, we’d find more like that. In fact, I asked Amy Lou what she knew about the rules out there now that the Island Trust owns it. Know what she said?”
“What?”
“That anyone’s welcome to walk around below the tideline, and anything found below the surface belongs to the Island Trust. Even that button, strictly speaking, belongs to them. Amy Lou might have confiscated it if we’d told her we found it at the beach. Doesn’t that sound strange? Why would they have a provision like that?”
“In case oil is discovered?” They both laughed. “Or some rare earth mineral or other,” he added. “I guess you never know.”
“There’s always the legendary buried treasure.”
“Right. How could I forget that potential goldmine?” He checked on Izzy, who was now running up and down the outside deck playing tag with two other girls. “Have to admit I’m starting to wonder about this Island Trust.”
“Same. It’s on my list for more research.”
He filled her in on what he’d discovered—the note he’d found in Denton’s boat, the location of the murder, his various theories. “Have you heard anything from Gabby since this morning?”
“Nothing. I’m hoping she made it off the island. By the way, I found out that Denton paid for her room at the hotel.”
“Really? Interesting.” She watched him file away that bit of information.
“I worry that she’s still in danger. Whoever killed Denton?—”
“I agree.” Luke cut her off before she could finish that terrifying thought. “I’ve alerted the Harbortown police that she might be a target.”
“Youwhat?” She looked at him in surprise. “So now they’re looking for Gabby?”
“Not officially. There’s no BOLO. But they’ll keep an eye out.”
“You really think that was necessary?” Heather felt a knot develop in her stomach. “Gabby can obviously take care of herself, and we don’t know how the police are going to handle this.”
“I told them she’s not a suspect.”
“But willsheknow that?” She rose to her feet. Somehow, she had to get word to Gabby that she might be in danger and that the Harbortown police might be looking for her.
“Heather—”
“I’m just going to warn her.” She pulled out her phone and fired off an email to every account Gabby had.
Just a head’s up that the police might be looking for you. You’re not a suspect but Luke is worried you might be in danger from whoever killed Denton. Watch your back and be safe.
She closed it out with several hearts and prayer hands.
When she looked up from her phone, she saw that something had gone awry with Izzy and her friends. Their parents, including Luke, were clustered around them trying to sort things out. He looked up and caught her eye, mouthing, “don’t leave.”
A few moments later, the squabble was settled and the other little girl offered Izzy a tearful apology. Hugs were exchanged, and Izzy and Luke came back to the table, her hand in his. “Everything okay?” Heather asked.
“We made up,” Izzy announced. “She said she’s sorry.”
“That’s great news. There’s nothing like a really good friend.” Heather’s heart twisted as she thought about Gabby being in danger even off the island.
But Izzy had already moved on. “Can I have more ice cream?”
