Page 62 of Moonlit Hideaway
“Shut that off, we need to talk.” His voice was stern, meaning business.
“I can’t believe you and Jane went to a show and left me at home,” Emma said with a pout. “I thought you went to escape Liam, and now I find out you two were having fun.”
He picked up the remote and turned off the video of Sierra’s concert.
“‘Emma, it’s not just about having fun. Sierra, or Jane, she’s in real danger. And that’s on me to protect her. Understand?”
Emma’s face softened, the rebellious spark in her eyes dimming. “I didn’t know… I mean, I knew she was hiding, but not that it was dangerous.” She fidgeted with the hem of her shirt, not meeting his eyes. “Is she going to be okay? You’re not in danger, too, are you, Dad?”
Hank could see the concern etching lines on his daughter’s youthful face. “We’re doing everything we can to keep her safe. I’m also taking precautions, and that’s why we’re concerned about you posting a picture of us on your social media.”
Emma looked down, scuffing her foot. “I just missed you guys and was excited you’re together. I didn’t think it was a big deal.”
Hank’s stance softened. “I know you didn’t mean any harm. But Jane’s situation is very serious. Powerful people want to hurt her, and we can’t give them any clues.”
Sniffling, Emma glanced up, tears glimmering. “Why would anyone want to hurt Jane?”
Hank hesitated. How much could he reveal without endangering his daughter, too?
“She grew up in a bad situation because of her family’s… business,” he said carefully. “They want to control her. So she’s hiding until the authorities can intervene.”
Emma sank onto her bed, dumbstruck. Her pet pig, Oliver, nuzzled her hand comfortingly.
“What about that woman pretending to be Sierra Rayne? I almost got fooled, but when I watched her dance, I knew it wasn’t her. I wanted to say something, but I didn’t.”
Hank sat beside Emma and squeezed her shoulder. “That was very good of you. Remember what I taught you about people’s privacy. It’s important not to talk about others.”
“I didn’t say anything when those two writers asked me about Jane,” Emma said.
“The two writers? Who were they?” Hank’s mind raced. The so-called writers could be anyone—even scouts for the mob. He had to stay vigilant, but he didn’t want to alarm Emma unnecessarily.
“Linc and Russ,” Emma replied. “They were doing research to write a historical novel about our island.”
“Why did you speak to them at all?”
“I was only helping them with their research. They wanted to know about the island and Mom’s family. Gran was speaking to them, too.”
Hank gritted his teeth, telling himself to remain calm. He’d taught Emma to be friendly to guests. Islanders were helpful and talkative about the island’s history. It was one of the charming things that drew visitors to Hattokwa.
“I hope you didn’t speak to them alone,” he said. “How old are they?”
“They’re college students, and no, I wasn’t alone. It was always the two of them with me.”
“Okay, but you were alone without Gran or me. Next time, if someone wants to interview you for research, I’d like you to ask me first. You shouldn’t be alone with strangers.”
“But you were alone with Jane, and she was a stranger,” Emma said. “How would you make friends if you can’t trust strangers?”
“You don’t know what’s in their hearts,” he said. “We have to be extra careful because of the people who are trying to get Jane to do what they want.”
“We know Jane is Sierra,” Emma whispered. “Why can’t Sierra do what she wants? She has a ton of money, and she’s famous. Can’t she go to the police?”
“It’s about her family, and it’s complicated.”
“But I help Sierra, I mean Jane, talk to her mom on my laptop.”
Bolts of panic spiked over Hank. “She’s using your laptop? I can’t allow it. It’s too dangerous.”
“I put her on a VPN. No one can trace the call.”
