“The motion detector app on my phone went off. I saw someone pick the door lock and go inside Lighthouse Lane.”
“Just now?”
“Less than a minute ago. I called 911. They’re sending a patrol car over. I want to find out who it is.”
“I’ll go with you.”
“You don’t have to. I’ll keep my distance.” Harlow reached for her keys.
Her father stopped her. “I won’t let you go by yourself.”
Wasting no time, father and daughter hurried out of the house. David grabbed his bike and met Harlow near the gate. Riding as fast as they could, they sped off down the main road and around the bend.
The ride moved in slow motion and all Harlow could do was pray that whoever had gone inside hung around long enough to get caught.
The lighthouse came into view and within seconds so did her soon-to-be home.
A patrol car, one of the few vehicles allowed on the island, sat in the driveway. As they drew closer, Harlow noticed lights blazing brightly inside the cottage.
David pulled ahead while she tapped the brake, veering right and passing by the patrol car.
Gripping the handlebars tightly, she glimpsed shadowy figures moving around. Harlow spotted a uniformed officer and then a second one. They stood in the center of her empty living room with their backs to her.
“Stay here.” David hopped off his bike, ran up the steps and jogged to the door. With a quick check to make sure it was safe, he opened the door and stepped inside.
Harlow trailed behind, slowly making her way up the steps. She crept closer, close enough to hear voices, faint and low. She craned her neck, peering through the panes of glass, noticing her father and the officers standing near the fireplace talking.
She eased the door open and slipped inside. “Did you find anyone?”
“It appears whoever it was saw us coming and ran out the back,” the cop said.
“This is my daughter,” David said. “The property owner.”
“Ms. Wynn.” The second officer tipped his hat. “The good news is it appears they didn’t steal anything.”
“What do you think they were after?”
He shrugged. “My guess is tools. Thieves love construction sites. They’re easy targets.”
The other officer spoke. “It’s a good thing you installed cameras. I would also give the construction guys a heads-up that they’ll need to make sure their tools and equipment are secure. It’s possible whoever it was will come back.”
The cops took another look around before making their way down the path behind Harlow’s home. They returned a short time later to let them know they weren’t able to find anyone.
Harlow stood on the stoop watching them leave while her father turned the lights off and locked the door. “You put those cameras up, and not a moment too soon.”
Chapter 23
Peyton breezed through the living room and placed her fresh-from-the-oven baked macaroni and cheese on the counter. “I’ve heard of movie premieres but never a commercial watch party.”
“It oughta be good.” Noelle, who hitched a ride with Peyton, eased her contribution, a slow cooker filled with meatballs, next to it. “I don’t know who came up with the idea for a potluck preview, but they’re a genius.”
“It was mine,” Harlow said. “In full disclosure, my motives were entirely selfish. All of you are fabulous cooks, and I was hungry.”
“Any excuse for a celebration and get-together is okay in my book.” Eryn set a serving spoon on top of her deviled eggs, right next to Abby’s cheesy potato casserole. “Uh-oh. No dessert?”
“I made a slow-cooker peach cobbler.” Harlow pinched her fingers together. “I can’t take all the credit. Dad helped me.”
Lottie gave her a quick hug. “You keep telling us what a terrible cook you are but then come up with amazing dishes.”
