“We didn’t mean to . . . I mean, there are dangerous things happening on the island and we didn’t know if anyone was in the house or in trouble. Or maybe someone was using it as a place to stay while they ran around the island.” Maddie had lost the ability to do anything but babble.

“The door was locked.” Jenna looked at Sylvia. “So was the outside gate.”

“We can deal with the details later.” Ben pulled out the chair next to Jenna and faced her. “Right now I’m confused about why you’re here.”

“I live here.”

He shook his head. “You actually don’t. Since you’re technically my boss and it hasn’t been quiet around here, I think we would have met.”

She smiled at him. “That’s kind of the point. Over the last six months there have been more murders on Whitaker than during its entire history.” She ended the comment by glancing at Connor.

Connor’s defenses rose. “Why are you looking at me?”

“The last name of Rye seems to be connected to all of them.”

Maddie scoffed. “That’s not fair.”

“What exactly are you saying?” Connor asked. Because if he was going to be accused of something, he wanted to know what.

“I came because I was concerned that Whitaker isn’t the sleepy comfortable island it once was.” Jenna pointed at Connor and Maddie. “And I was welcomed by you two standing in my entry which did not ease my concerns.”

Ben didn’t look any more impressed than Jenna did as she shot Maddie a you’ve-been-warned look. “That’s why you should stay out of the investigation business.”

She shook her head. “I was checking in. Nothing more.”

“Your job is safe. I’m not questioning your methods, even though I could since you technically do work for me,” Jenna said.

Ben frowned. “I didn’t realize my job was in jeopardy.”

“What do we know about the man who was murdered?”

Before Ben could answer Jenna, Maddie cleared her throat. “Shouldn’t we . . . I don’t know, check to see if you are who you say you are?”

Sylvia’s eyes widened. “Maddie.”

“I’m sorry to sound paranoid but my trust isn’t running high right now.”

“Understandable.” Jenna nodded. “Mine either. I’m a victim of trespassing.”

“Funny.” Connor had to give the woman credit. She didn’t shake easily. She had people coming at her from all sides and she stayed calm. He doubted she was the mystery woman and nothing about her suggested she was hiding at the house . . . her house.

Sylvia swore under her breath. “She is Jenna Hughland. She owns the company that owns this island.” She looked around the table. “If you don’t trust her, trust me. She is who she says she is. I’ve known her for years.”

Jenna smiled at Ben. “Now it’s your turn to share.”