Page 46 of Moonlit Hideaway
“What did I ever do to deserve you?”
“You were just yourself,” Hank murmured. “That’s all I’ll ever need.”
The large red sun dipped below the still waters of the sound, casting a feeling of finality over the island. Hank stood outside the inn and surveyed the familiar landscape. His decision to leave with Sierra weighed heavily on him, but it was the only way to keep the Romanski crime family from coming to Hattokwa. He sensed his mother’s worried glances from the kitchen window. They’d had a quiet dinner together, knowing the risks he was taking. He was grateful for her understanding and concern, but he would not give up on Sierra, and when he vowed to protect her, it would be all the way.
At least Howie promised to stay on and help his mother manage the inn in exchange for free room and board, and while Emma was disappointed that Sierra had to leave, they told her only enough to let her know the gravity of the situation.
Liam had returned Sierra’s things, including her cash and her guitar. He’d also revealed the tracking device Sierra’s dad had implanted inside her electric guitar. The implications of such a betrayal chilled Hank to the bone. She’d never had privacy, even during her touring days.
Their plan, devised with Sheriff Davis, was risky but necessary. They would take the tracking device to New Jersey and dump it there at the Newark FBI Field Office—the one with jurisdiction over the Romanski crime family. From there, a female agent would assume Sierra’s identity, a decoy to draw out Marco and his goons. It was a dangerous game, but in the end, he and Ruth had been able to persuade Sierra it was for the best.
The moon was rising over the sound when Hank loaded the last of their bags into the back of Sierra’s old pickup truck. He’d never thought he’d be leaving Hattokwa Island, not knowingwhen he’d return. But it was necessary to protect the woman he loved, and hopefully, with the help of the FBI agents, they could get Marco to give up on Sierra. He didn’t expect the kingpin to come after her himself, but the arrest of one or two minions should deter him from further contact—at least, that was what the guy in charge of the organized crime unit had assured them.
Sierra was not as optimistic, but she was determined to leave the island, and this was the best plan that didn’t involve her mother or other members of the crime family.
Carrying her guitar case, she came down the inn's front steps. She looked small and vulnerable in the oversized flannel shirt and baseball cap, a far cry from the confident performer she was on stage. But the determination in her eyes spoke volumes.
Emma burst out of the house with Oliver trotting at her heels. At sixteen, his daughter was growing into a young woman before his eyes, reminding him more and more of Chloe with each passing day. Sierra’s presence, even for the short time she was here, had given Emma a poise and confidence she hadn’t shown before.
“You have to come back once this is over. I’m going to miss you so much.” Emma’s eyes brimmed with tears as she clung to Sierra.
Sierra hugged Emma, rocking back and forth with her. “I promise I’ll be back. I’ll miss you too.”
“Take care of my dad.” Emma wiped tears as Oliver oinked loudly until Sierra knelt to scratch him behind the ears.
“I’ll miss you too, Ollie. You keep an eye on Emma.” She sniffed and wiped her eyes with her shirt sleeve.
Hank’s heart swelled watching Sierra connect so deeply with his family in such a short time. He wanted nothing more than to make her a permanent part of their lives.
“Bye, Emma.” He hugged his daughter. “You take care of Gran.”
As they said their goodbyes, Hank’s mother stood in the doorway and wrung her hands.
“Be careful, Hank,” she called out, her voice carrying in the quiet night.
He nodded, unable to speak past the lump in his throat. Turning to Sierra, he saw the resolve in her eyes, in stark contrast to the fear and vulnerability when he first encountered her.
“Ready?” he asked Sierra, who nodded, her eyes glistening.
As they pulled away down the gravel drive, Hank watched his daughter waving until she was out of sight. He felt the weight of uncertainty pressing down. When would he see her again? Would life ever be the same?
“Last chance for you to stay,” Sierra said half in jest because she now appreciated his devotion to her.
“We’ll be back. I’m sure once it’s reported that you’ve reappeared in New Jersey, the coast will be clear.”
“Depends on if the agent they choose can sing,” Sierra said with a mischievous smile.
At least she could still joke about their situation. Hank hugged her close as he drove down the ribbon of asphalt sandwiched by sand toward the ferry landing—the first leg of their long overnight drive into unknown territory, straight into the heart of the Romanski crime family.
But he wouldn’t have it any other way. A man in love protected his woman, no matter the cost. This time, he wouldn’t fail. Looking up at the stars, he said a silent prayer, vowing never to take love for granted.
Chapter Seventeen
Sierra and Hank stood behind her old pickup truck at the stern of the ferry, watching it pull away from the dock. Its V-shaped wake widened as Hattokwa Island grew smaller in the distance. The lights of Moonlit Harbor flickered in the misty night air like fireflies, and Sierra shivered even with Hank’s arm around her.
A lump formed in her throat. She might never again find the peace she’d experienced during her short stay on the island. The quaint cottages, the warm kitchen of the inn, Mabel’s cooking, and Emma’s bright smile—they already seemed like distant memories, trailing away like the silvery gleam of the moon over the waters of the sound.
As for Hank, he was leaving behind his family and the bed-and-breakfast he loved, all for her sake. Guilt ate at her for bringing trouble to this small coastal town where he’d found peace. She tugged at his sleeve and looked into his eyes. His jaw was set, and his shoulders tense; he reminded her of a prizefighter ready to launch off the ropes.
