Her eyes widened. “Have they found him?”
“Not yet, but they’re working on it.”
“Wouldn’t they have needed lots of information about him? I didn’t tell you his birth date or anything.”
“You didn’t need to. They found your marriage license. That led them to his birth record, parents and siblings’ details, his college information, work history, and criminal convictions. By now, Fletcher Security probably know more about your ex-husband than you do.”
Andrea was speechless. “I don’t know what to say.”
“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you what I was doing, but I didn’t want to add more stress to your life. Hopefully, Fletcher Security will find him before he comes to Sapphire Bay.”
“My lawyer sent a copy of the temporary order of protection to the Polson Police Department. Do you want a copy for your friend?”
“It wouldn’t hurt. Email me a copy and I’ll forward it to Tanner.”
She pulled out her cell phone and forwarded her lawyer’s email to David. “You should have it now.” While he sent it to his friend, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath. As long as her boys were safe, everything would be all right.
David stood under an oak tree in the backyard of The Lakeside Inn, watching Peter and Katie’s wedding guests. If Scotty was looking for an event where he could blend into a crowd, this was the closest he’d get.
Last night, Andrea had sent him a picture of her ex-husband. The tall, impeccably dressed businessman looked nothing like he’d imagined. With his dark hair and good looks, he seemed like the type of person who would be everyone’s best friend—not someone who beat his wife and traumatized his children.
His eyes narrowed as he studied a group of people who’d just arrived. Although the men were as tall and dark-haired as Scotty, they didn’t have the same build. After scanning another group of people, he made his way to the front of the property.
Mabel and Allan, Katie’s mom and dad, were welcoming everyone to the inn and pointing them toward the backyard.
When Mabel saw him, her smile widened. “I thought I saw you earlier, David. Where have you been?”
“It was getting too hot sitting in the sun, so I went for a walk. Is everyone here?”
Allan watched the last group of relatives wander onto the back patio. “I think so. If they aren’t here soon, they’ll miss the wedding. Have you spoken to Peter this morning?”
“I called him while he was still at home. He was nervous.”
“So is Katie,” Mabel said. “Her sisters are doing what they can to distract her, but it isn’t easy.”
Allan’s eyes widened. “Peter’s arrived. Where’s Katie?”
Mabel already had her phone in her hand. “Upstairs with the girls. I’ll tell Penny to keep her there.”
David checked the time. “I’d better find a seat. Enjoy the wedding.”
“We’ll try,” Allan said with a worried frown. “I just hope Katie’s okay.”
David had spent enough time with her to know she’d be fine. Of all her sisters, Katie had the most spontaneous, easy-going personality. Once she was over her nerves, nothing would stop her from enjoying the day.
As he made his way through the inn, he admired the hard work that had gone into creating such an impressive building. From their grandparents’ initial design, Katie and her sisters had remodeled each room into a stunning Bed and Breakfast.
He walked past the replica dresser Ethan had made. If you didn’t know the history behind the simple piece of furniture, you could overlook it. But a secret compartment hid a letter so valuable, the Smithsonian Institute had devoted an entire display to it.
He wasn’t in Sapphire Bay when the Terry sisters discovered Abraham Lincoln’s letter to his son, but he’d heard about it from Mabel. She was incredibly proud of her family’s connection to the letter and pleased they’d found it.
“Thank goodness you’re here.” Andrea grabbed his arm and pulled him toward the kitchen. “Charlie ran into the leg of the table that was holding the wedding cake. The top layer collapsed onto the one below and it’s a mess.”
When David saw the cake, his eyes widened. Whatever design Katie and Peter had chosen was well and truly destroyed. The only recognizable feature was a candy rainbow that had snapped in half under the weight of the collapsed cake.
“I thought Charlie was staying with Andy and Mr. Jessop while you’re here.”
“Not my Charlie. Diana’s dog. He was chasing Gonzo around the kitchen and got too excited.” Andrea bit her bottom lip. “I called Megan at Sweet Treats. She has a vanilla cake she’s decorating to go with the bottom layer. It won’t be as ornate, but we don’t have time for anything fancy. Could you collect it for me?”
