“Robbie.” Jonah did the same and settled on Dani. “You wanna get something to eat?”
“Sure.”
Jonah led the way into a private back room where food was waiting on a table. A buffet of meat, cheese, casseroles, bread, and even some lasagna was set out. Another table had drinks such as soda, water, and even some beer.
“What’s this?”
Jonah pulled Dani close, murmuring close to her ear, “Even the wealthy get benefits in times of disasters.”
“How are we privileged?”
“I got some benefits being the Water Whisperer. The mayor trusts me.”
“Even though everyone else forgets to?” She felt a twinge of anger.
“Jonah,” a voice behind them boomed with authority. Jonah stiffened beside her. A middle-aged man was crossing the room to them. Dani had one guess—Jonah’s father. He extended his hand to her. “Elliott Bannon.”
“Dad.” Jonah stepped forward. “I wasn’t aware that a boat was sent for you.”
Dani shook his hand, studying him a moment. “I’m Dani.”
He walked with purpose and a stride that told others to get out of his way. His hair was a rich dark brown, but there were graying hints scattered throughout the rich curls. His jaw was firm and pointed that told anyone who saw him that he had a purpose and he wouldn’t veer off his course, no matter who be damned.
“You’re the O’Hara girl I’ve been told so much about.”
Dani grinned, pulled her hand free and tucked it behind her. “I wouldn’t believe anything that you’re told from Drew Quandry. He just found out about my existence a few days ago, and he’s not exactly a fan.”
Elliott took another assessing glance. “You’re spirited. That’s what Quandry told me, but he wasn’t the one filling my head. I heard about your courageous feat during the tsunami. You saved ten children, did you not? You were hailed a hero there. And yet, you’re here in Craigstown with my son?”
Dani didn’t reply. There was no point. He wanted her to know that he knew her in a way most didn’t. The message was received.
Elliott added, “You got a healthy award, too. Near a million, right?”
Jonah stepped between them. “Dani’s not going to be intimidated because you researched her.”
“True story. My dying aunt is scarier than you.’
“Dad.” Aiden was heading their way.
Jonah held a hand up to her. “Aiden, I can handle this.”
“You shouldn’t have to. Besides, I’ve got a few more things to say to him than you.” Aiden switched her focus. “Why’d you come here, Father? Was it really to spearhead for the Quandrys, or did you decide to call our bluff? Okay. That house you’re in. It’s not mine. I don’t live in a beautiful mansion. My husband isn’t an executive for a local business that trades internationally. We have an average home, and I don’t care what you think. I’m not moving into the city and working at one of your offices. I’d rather have my home flooded first.” She muttered under her breath, “Which just happened.”
Dani caught sight of the Quandrys. They were settling in the opposite corner of the ‘first-class’ buffet. Drew’s head was bent talking with another middle-aged man around his fifties or sixties. Dani guessed that was the eldest Quandry. Boone sat at a table with Jenny and another woman. Jenny scooted her chair close enough to nearly be on his lap, but he promptly scooted his chair away.
Dani couldn’t help wondering if Quandry, Inc. would still want to build here? Flooding could be damaging. Were the mussels worth it?
A new thought suddenly occurred to her.
Aiden was still lashing out at her father when Dani took Jonah’s arm. She pulled him away. Watching his sister, Jonah bent his head closer to Dani. “What is it?”
“That’s why he’s here.”
Jonah looked at her now. “What?”
“He’s here to get in your head and mess you up.”
“I know.” There was movement at the door, and they both looked over. Trenton was there, his hand raised to get Jonah’s attention. “I have to go.” He pulled her to him, his mouth close to her ear. He pressed a kiss to her forehead. “I’d run from here. Run and hide.”
Dani chuckled. “I’ll hide behind Mae’s skirt.”
Mae had never worn a skirt in her life—unless it was a miniskirt.
Mae had enough around ten that night.
Jeffries, who’d been explaining what the dolphin on his wedding band symbolized, turned from Barney to Mae. “What’s wrong?”
Dani saw her aunt stand up. “Oh, no.” A pit began to form in her stomach
Robbie turned to look where she was. “Huh? What’s happening?”
“Mae.” Both Jeffries and Barney were waiting.
“Nothing. Everything.” She chewed on the end of her mouth, her eyes closed to slits. “This is enough. I’m done waiting. The water’s almost completely gone. I’m going to make sure my livelihood is still standing. I’m a bit more worried about that than whatever secret plan they got cooking here.”
“Mae.” Dani stood, too.
“I’m sorry. I know you’re invested here, but I’m going. We’re going to be wasting an entire night, and they’ll only come in the morning to tell us to leave. I’m going to save myself the wait and leave now.”