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Regardless of how the paint and newspaper got in her closet, Abby didn’t see any way they weren’t connected to the vandalism.
Her integrity and business relied on her doing the right thing.
Not to mention her relationship with Connor.
His eyes had been cold when he asked her about the paint cans. Had he believed she could be responsible for the vandalism around town?
Could she be with a man who could think that about her?
And what about the necklace Connor found at the museum site? Based on the description, it sounded exactly like the one Liam owned.
What if Liam was responsible for the vandalism? How would it affect her family? Her business?
The rattle of the door handle got her attention, and Natalie pushed open the door, carrying a large box and a plastic recycled grocery bag.
“Morning. I picked up the baskets from Emma and other decorations like we talked about,” she said, setting the items on the floor. “I’m excited to organize the main room displays today.”
“We need to talk first.”
Natalie wrinkled her brow. “What’s wrong? Did you and Connor get into a fight?”
Abby took a deep breath like she did before jumping into a pool. “Connor found something in the closet off the kitchen upstairs.”
“Okay, what did he find that has you rattled?”
“Orange fluorescent spray paint cans and a Pelican Bay Herald featuring the article about Beach House Flippers renovating Erickson Pier.”
“That’s weird,” Natalie said.
“Someone had written GO HOME in the margin.”
Abby could see Natalie processing, and her eyes widened when she realized what conclusions had been drawn. “Please tell me he doesn’t think you were responsible for the vandalism at the pier.”
“There’s been vandalism all over town. Several other Maguire Brothers properties have had similar words painted in the same color. Even the area by the lighthouse, where they marked off the location for the museum, was affected.”
“Is he accusing you of being involved? If so, then he’s an ass and not worthy of you.”
“The thing is, Nat, he found something at the lighthouse. Something that worries me.”
“What?”
Abby reached across the counter for a framed photo she kept on a table in her living room and set it in front of her sister. It was of Abby, Natalie, Liam, Olivia, and their mom taken at Christmas last year.
“Connor found a necklace at the museum site.” She pointed to the chain Liam wore in the picture. “And based on his description, it matches this one.”
Natalie scoffed, but picked up the picture. “Jake gave this to Liam for his birthday last summer. They’d gone to a Phillies game, and he bought Liam this pendant to remember their day together.”
“I remember. He never takes it off. Have you seen him wear it recently?”
“I’m not sure. I yelled at him the other day because he trashed his room.”
“Could he have been searching for the necklace, not realizing where he lost it?”
“It’s possible.” Natalie put her hand over her mouth. “What if it is him, Ab? Ethan has been all over this vandalism case. What if my son is responsible?”
Abby put an arm around her sister. “I don’t know what to believe, but I think it’s possible Liam and his band of friends may somehow be involved.”
There was a knock at the door.
