Page 46 of Mail Order Sunset (Hawthorne Billionaire 4)

“I had an idea about activities. I was thinking it might be fun to have a cross-island treasure hunt.” I also watched Jade and Asher. “We could go in pairs and it would end on the other side of the island at the huts.”

“I like it, but that means a lot of planning. What if the girls got lost?” Sienna joined in. “How would they get back to the house before nightfall?”

“Oh, what if they stayed on the other side of the island at the huts and you have a big bonfire and a barbecue?” Aunt Victoria smiled with excitement. “I think they call itglamping.”

“Oh yeah, I read something about glamping. Do you think the huts are nice enough for that?” Sienna turned to me. “Are they updated, running water, etc?”

“Yes, they’re very good and getting better. Asher is all over it, redesigning them,” I couldn’t stop watching Asher and Jade. “I think I’ll go down to the dock and speak with Jade about local people to hire.”

“Let her know we’ll be down there in a few minutes,” Aunt Victoria called out.

Chapter 37

Jade

I’d had a day already, begging the electric company first thing this morning, to no avail, then calling around checking on Dad’s insurance.

“Tommy, are we past the tremons now?” I questioned him the minute he walked in. “I’m getting worried about him being still for so long.”

“Jade, I didn’t see you over there in the dark.” Tommy walked closer. “We are actually going to slowly wake him later today. Will you be here?”

“I have to go to Cloud Nine to pick up a customer, then I have a group of divers for an hour tour at noon.” I stood and stretched. “I should be back here by three o’clock. Does that work out okay?”

“Yeah, that’s about when I was thinking. I wanna wait for you to be here because he will be disoriented and, knowing Admiral, he’ll be angry,” Tommy grinned. “Doesn’t matter that I’m a doctor now-- his doctor. He’ll still yell at me.”

“Yep, sounds like Dad. You have my cell number, right?” I asked, looking at my watch. “I need to go get the boat ready and check on the marina.”

“I have your number, so go ahead. He’s doing okay.” Tommy waited at the door for me.

I walked over, kissed my father on the cheek, squeezed his hand, and left the room. I grabbed a coffee and donut from the bakery across the street and drove the short distance to the marina.

“Miss Campbell, I was hoping to find you here this morning.” Mr. DeLuca sat on the bench in front of the office. “I’ve been sitting here, enjoying the view, and noticing just how much repair is needed.”

“Mr. DeLuca, the marina is not for sale.” I opened the office door and went in to check phone messages.

Ugh, no messages because the power is off to the recorder. Dad strikes again with old technology. I hope the diving group still shows up.

“Mr. DeLuca, I don’t mean to be rude, but this is a family business and it will stay in the family.” I stopped to address him. “I have your card if for some outrageous reason I need it but, I assure you, I won’t.”

“You know you can’t keep running this place without electricity. I could have you reported for violations.” Mr. DeLuca stood. “If you’re forced to close by code violations and can’t run the business, I assure you my offer will go down.”

“Thank you for letting me know but, I assure you, I won’t be selling my family marina.” I stared him in the eyes. “I’d rather close it down and let it rot before I’d sell it, especially to a person who would threaten me with code violations to get his way.”

“I didn’t threaten you. I just warned you what might happen.” Mr. DeLuca wiped sweat off his brow. “Be reasonable, Miss Campbell.”

“Please leave my property.” I put my hands on my hips. “Do whatever mean thing you need to do, but I will never sell to you.”

“Maybe I’ll stop in and visit your father,” he walked toward his car,” have a man-to-man discussion without all the emotions.”

“Get off my property and stay away from my father.” I pulled my cell from my pocket and dialed Tommy. “Hey, I have a man here at the marina hassling me and he is going to come to the hospital to try and see Dad. Can you have him stopped, please?”

“Jade, I’m not allowing visitors, and I’ll let security know. Is there anything I can do for you?” Tommy asked.

“No, thanks, just keep him away from Dad. I’ll be back by three.” I disconnected the call. “Mr. Deluca, that was the hospital. They’ve alerted security. You won’t be allowed near my father. I’ll ask you one more time to please stay away from us.”

“You’ll change your mind by the time I’m finished with the city, and you’ll get no money.” Deluca got in his car and slammed the door.

I stormed off toward the dock.

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