Lib Novel Page 28
“Will do. It’s the number you’re calling me from, right?”
“Yes. I’ll be waiting.”
“Okay, Ciara. I’ll get back to you.”
Ciara hung up the phone and looked at Maggie. “Jefferson Mackie is going over to Linda’s place. He’ll call me back.”
“I’m going downstairs to put the news on. I’ll feel better knowing what’s happening on Captiva.”
“I’m going to my room to let Penny out of her cage. She should be fine walking around my bedroom. I’ve already put out the litter box for her. I’ll be downstairs in a few,” Chelsea said.
Everyone joined Maggie in the living room as Devon put the tv on.
“Most of the images are of the water. Did you see those waves?” Devon said.
Moving closer to the tv, Paolo shook his head. “They’ve got to be at least ten or twelve feet high.”
“I’ve put out some iced tea and finger sandwiches on the lanai. Help yourself to the pool house. There are plenty of places to change into your swimsuits if you wish,” Eliza announced.
Maggie smiled and wasn’t surprised that Eliza seemed unaffected by the disaster unfolding only a few hours away. The woman’s singular focus was on entertaining her guests and looking polished and beautiful while doing it.
The rest of the group found themselves in a state of anxious anticipation, and no one had any interest in finger sandwiches.
* * *
After playing with her kitten for a bit, and watching her find the litter box, Chelsea decided to take her new little friend downstairs so that Noah, Sophia and little Maggie could pet Penny.
Carrying the small bundle of fur in her arms, she made her way through the grand hallways of the Hutchins’ home. She caught sight of Clayton, Trevor’s brother, and couldn’t resist an opportunity to engage in one of their trademark banter sessions.
Clayton, always exuding an air of indifference, looked at Chelsea with a bemused expression on his face.
“Well, well, if it isn’t Chelsea Marsden, the rescuer of helpless creatures. Who was it that you rescued last time? Oh right, I remember now. My poor, wayward sister Jacqui. What have you got there? Another victim of your compassionate crusade?”
Chelsea shot him a playful smirk, refusing to let his sarcasm dampen her spirit.
“Oh, Clayton, your compassion for the animal kingdom, not to mention your own sister, is truly awe-inspiring. But yes, I couldn’t resist bringing this little ball of fluff with me. I found her all alone on the island, and with the hurricane approaching, I couldn’t leave her behind to face the wrath of Mother Nature.”
Clayton rolled his eyes, a hint of annoyance seeping into his voice.
“Just what we need, another furball running around. Don’t you know animals are messy and high maintenance? They’re better off fending for themselves.”
Chelsea arched an eyebrow, her tone laced with playful sarcasm.
“Ah, of course, the epitome of empathy, Mr. Clayton Hutchins. Animals are such a nuisance, aren’t they? Who needs their innocent presence and complete adoration and love when you can have a perfectly sterile and emotionless environment?”
Clayton scoffed, crossing his arms defiantly.
“You can mock all you want, Chelsea. Just remember, not everyone has the time or inclination to play caretaker to every stray creature that crosses their path. Speaking of stray creatures, did my sister happen to tell you when she would be back home?”
Confused, Chelsea wondered why Clayton would care where Jacqui was or when she’d be back. Convinced there was an ulterior motive, she pressed for more information.
“Why do you care when Jacqui will be back?”
He shrugged, “I don’t. It’s just that the buzz around here is that she’s getting serious with Joshua Powell. Don’t get me wrong, I like Sarah a lot, and I was happy when she joined our family, but I don’t feel the same way about Joshua.”
“What’s the problem, Clayton, are you worried another piece of the Hutchins’ pie will vanish before your eyes? Maybe you should start making peace with the fact that a close and loving family is the only answer to what ails you.”
Clayton’s face turned from playful teasing to frustration tinged with anger.