A few days after Hayley met Curtis Singleton, she left the cottage early in the morning, to go for a walk. Maddie had asked her not to go as far as the pier, because she said it was too far for her to walk alone.
Hayley was tempted to go, but decided against it, since she knew her Father may find her there and end up telling Maddie about it.
Hayley also knew it was important not to be rebellious, if she were going to get close to the sources that would provide her with answers to her questions.
Hayley found a nearby park and sat to read her history lesson. After finishing the lesson, Hayley closed the book and walked back to the cottage, ready for a nap.
As she approached the cottage, she heard loud voices and thought Maddie and her father were having an argument. She rushed to the yard and realized the voices were coming from the cottage back porch.
As she peered around the corner, she saw Maddie standing facing a man, who was not her father. Hayley could not fully see his face, because a tree blocked her view.
"Maddie, I love you and I want us to be a family again.
Why will you not listen to me?"
"We cannot change what has happened, Thor. I have a different life now. Please understand that I am happy, just as I am."
"Was that your daughter that came to the wharf the other day to see Mr. Lawrence?"
"No. She is his daughter."
"You have not told me everything, Maddie."
Maddie screamed. "Go away!!!! Leave me alone… leave all of us alone. If you come here again, I will consider it harassment and will notify the local authorities." Maddie turned swiftly and rushed into the house, the door slamming behind her.
Hayley rushed to the front of the cottage and leaned against the side of the cottage. She watched as the visitor left the yard with his head hung low. She realized he was the same man who days before argued with her father, she wanted to approach him and ask him how he knew Maddie, but thought better of letting him know she had heard the conversation.
She waited several minutes before going inside.
She hoped she did not have to speak to Maddie. Her only goal was to reach her own bedroom, find Curtis's business card, and get back out the door without detection.
_ _
Hayley pounded on the door loudly. As the door opened, a gray-haired man stood before her.