FATAL BEAUTY

SKY STRYKER SERIES: BOOK THREE

MARY STONE

BELLA CROSS

Copyright © 2024 by Mary Stone Publishing

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

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For the loved ones of unsolved mysteries and cold cases... May you find strength in your search for answers, and may justice, no matter how delayed, bring you peace.

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The truth can set you free. Or kill you.

After a harrowing start, Sky Stryker’s New York City dreams are finally coming true. Not only is romance blossoming with a top fashion CEO, but book publishers are clamoring for her gritty, tell-all true crime novel exposing details into her cousin’s murder and the sinister underbelly of the fashion industry. Sky’s excited to expose the scandals.

Until it’s hers.

Ten years ago, Sky witnessed the brutal murder of her best friend, a rising teen actress. The killer was never found. Now a filmmaker wants to produce a documentary about the cold case murder and insists on interviewing Sky. She’s loathe to dredge up the traumatic memories that still haunt her, especially her inability to recall anything about the killer. But her friend deserves justice.

Returning to her rural hometown, Sky delves into the past and finds herself reliving the nightmare. The killer is still out there, and he’ll do anything to keep her silent. He’s closing in, determined to finish what he started.

Fatal Beauty is the third book in the Sky Stryker series by best-selling author Mary Stone. A killer is waiting in the wings. And it’s going to be a showstopper.

1

Ten years earlier…

Tessa Emerson splashed across the swimming hole, her strokes slowing as her arms tired. She’d been in the cold water too long, waiting on her friend, who was supposed to meet her ages ago.

Where is she?

Rolling to float on her back, she scanned the tree line. Sky was nowhere to be seen. At this point, she wouldn’t be surprised if her best friend had been abducted by aliens.

Climbing onto a boulder the size of her mother’s van, Tessa tugged on her clothes, grateful for their warmth against her cool skin. She eased down and grabbed her journal. The leather cover was also warm from the June sun as she opened it to a blank page. But when she tried to write, her hand froze, unable to turn the thoughts spinning in her head into a sentence.

Tessa sighed. She closed the journal and stretched out on the rock instead, peering at the fluffy clouds overhead. One looked like an elephant. Another more resembled a giraffe.

The soothing gurgle of the river and the heat of the rock beneath her made her sleepy, but the serenity couldn’t stop her from spiraling. Without an activity to distract her, the darkness returned.

Sky, why aren’t you here?

Saying her best friend was late was like saying water was wet. Sky’s obliviousness to time had never really bothered Tessa, but today, the delay threatened to send her into madness. She needed her friend more than ever before.

Who else could she trust with her secret? Who else would understand and help her figure out how to extract herself from this mess? If there was a way out. Tessa hadn’t considered all the consequences of her actions. But then, how could she? How could anyone?

What if telling Sky makes the problem worse?

She chewed her lower lip as she considered the snowball of events she was about to set into motion.

After Sky, she’d have to tell her mom and dad. But at the very least, her best friend would be at her side for that. Of course, her parents would tell the police.

Tessa cringed. That was where things would get sticky. Her being an actress, especially at fourteen, would cause a media frenzy. She followed the tabloids and subscribed to plenty of magazines. If there was one thing reporters loved, it was a juicy scandal. But there was no way Tessa could handle being splashed across the front page next to the words abuse, whistleblower, or, God forbid, statutory rape.

Her name was supposed to be protected because she was a minor, but she knew the tabloids had ways of finding things out…and absolutely no scruples about spilling secrets.

She cringed again as a shiver ran up her spine and goose bumps pimpled her arms. How could she have fallen into this trap? Once the cops got involved, her career would be over.

Washed up at fourteen. Nobody wanted a problem child on set. And if by some miracle they did, it wasn’t like she’d be up for any major roles. She’d be knocked all the way down to an extra, kid number three, or a klutzy server.

Even if she couldn’t drum up the courage to tell her parents, she had to tell someone. The weight was like an elephant crushing her chest, and she had to do something to alleviate it.

That’s what best friends are for, right? Telling Sky will help relieve the pressure, and I can get on with my life.

She wanted to believe it would be that simple.

But too many people had control over her career, including the one abusing her. It was anything but simple.

He was involved in her work. Real work. There was a huge part in a soap opera in progress, and she was on the path to realizing her dream of landing a lead role. How high of a price would she have to pay for her chance at fame and fortune?

A sudden chill racked her body as she relived the feeling of his hands on her skin. She shivered as a breeze blew through her hair, the tickle of the wet strands mimicking his rough lips on her neck. Bile rose in her throat.

God, what is he? Forty? Maybe forty-five?

He was her father’s age. Tessa shuddered, her mind cataloging every touch. Every demand.

How could I be so stupid?

At first, she’d been enamored with him. The man had been her confidant in a world full of greed and scandal, and she’d idolized him. His touch had made her feel valued…wanted. Like she was special.

He’d told her he loved her…that people who loved each other engaged in certain activities. And before long, his gentle touches had turned into forceful grabs. His advice became threats.

“I’ve done everything for you, and this is how you repay me? You’re nothing but a dolled-up little whore.”

His words echoed in her mind, and her stomach turned as she recalled the things he’d done to her…and made her do to him.

At first, she’d thought she could handle the demands. But they quickly spiraled out of control. And she had no idea how to stop him or what to do.

Paying your dues.

That was what they called it. But the work she was so proud of was suffering. She couldn’t seem to channel her emotions to nail a scene. And she kept forgetting lines—something she’d never done before.

When was the last time she’d slept through an entire night? Tessa couldn’t remember. Even her makeup artists had been worried about her haggard appearance. She’d overheard one of them complaining to the other that she couldn’t hide the damage much longer. Old bitch thought Tessa was on drugs, too strung out to care.

Drugs. There was an idea. Maybe she could raid her mother’s medicine cabinet. Surely there was something in there that would help her sleep. Or at least forget the way his hands had pawed at her skin. She drew her feet up under her as her mind drifted to the last time she’d been with him.

Why hadn’t she screamed? Said no? She hated herself for closing her eyes while she waited for him to finish instead of giving him a swift kick to the balls. After the things he’d done, it would be justified. God, the way he’d used her…violated her…

All the water in this swimming hole couldn’t wash the feeling of his hands off her body.

And his…demands…were only getting worse.

She gulped, shifting on the boulder.

Tessa had to put a stop to it. Now. But if she spoke up, he would surely retaliate.

Her word against his. The man was respected in the entertainment world, while she was one of countless other child actresses hoping to make it in this industry.

She sat upright and hugged her legs to her chest, resting her head on her knees. Was there any way out of this mess that wouldn’t ruin her career?

If she didn’t speak up, she would have to give up acting to avoid him. Her career would still be over, but she’d be safe. Then what? Small-town girl like her? College was a pipe dream with her 2.5 GPA. She’d end up a townie for life, working in her uncle’s store. And all her plans for the future would turn to dust.

Why am I being punished because he raped me?

That thought lingered, repeating in echoes that framed everything in her life.

She’d already told him their sordid little affair was over. No more sex. Whatever private party he’d planned would be minus the guest of honor. She’d threatened to blow the whistle, tell everyone what he’d done. What he wanted to do. Maybe that was petty and childish, but she was hurt and scared. He was rich, powerful, and physically stronger than her.

Tessa had called her mother and told her the studio canceled filming and she needed to come home.

And the moment she got back, she’d called her best friend.

Where the hell was Sky?

Lifting her head to gaze out across the water, Tessa noted gray clouds on the horizon. The sky had taken on a brooding, menacing atmosphere. Still, even under a dark sky, this was her safe place.

The river. And specifically, this swimming hole. This rock. This place had been a sanctuary for her and Sky. They’d spent countless summer days here. Filled with happy memories, this spot usually calmed her and brought her back to herself.

But not anymore.

In the short time Tessa had allowed herself to believe her abuser truly loved her, she’d also made the mistake of bringing him to this sacred place. He’d tainted it with his presence, and now it seemed his stench clung to every branch, every pebble, every wisp of breeze that touched her face.

Anxiety churned within her, the growing nausea making her sick.

She needed Sky here to feel safe.

Oh, god, what will she think of me?

What if Sky was repulsed by her confession? Even worse, what if she no longer wanted to be friends?

Leaves and twigs crunched as footsteps approached. That had to be Sky.

Now or never!

She lifted her head, forcing a smile. “It’s about…” The words froze in her throat as her worst nightmare came into view.

The man who’d turned her life into a living hell broke through the tree line at the edge of the water.

Why was he here?

She gasped.

Gun.

Goose bumps pimpled her flesh as she broke out in a cold sweat.

He shifted the strap on his shoulder and leveled the barrel of a rifle at her.

Black greasepaint had been smeared under his eyes. Her father had always done that when he went hunting, saying it kept the light from reflecting on his skin.

Tessa’s heart slammed in her chest. She scrambled upright, knocking her journal to the ground. Blood whooshed in her ears, drowning out the sounds of the surrounding woods. He moved toward her. Each step was deliberate, a hunter stalking his prey.

He’s here to kill me.

The rifle never wavered, but the end of the barrel grew larger and larger as he approached.

“Step into the water, little girl.”

His commanding voice sent a flock of birds higher into the tree canopy.

Tessa barely managed to form a single word. “Why?” She stayed where she was, trying for bravado, pretending there wasn’t a gun pointed at her.

He took another step closer. Then another. “You’ve got a smart mouth. And it’s gotten you into trouble. Now get in the water.” He jerked his head toward the swimming hole.

He meant it. Holy shit, he meant it.

Hoping for a chance to stall or plead for her life, Tessa descended the side of the boulder.

Think of something to say. Think, Tessa, think! He’ll kill you.

A sob caught in her throat as she slid off the rock, landing in the soft silt below the water. Warm mud clung to her toes and wrapped around her bare feet, claiming her.

Panic filled her.

In a moment, he’d be on her. If she ran, maybe she’d have a chance of surviving.

Adrenaline coursed through her, and Tessa bolted, fighting through the mud with each squelching step.

She couldn’t see him, but the frantic splashing of the shallow water against the shoreline told her he was already in motion.

His legs were longer, his footing firmer.

Water splashed up her back as he charged at her. Paw-like hands grazed her shoulder. She wrenched away from his grasp.

If Tessa was to have any hope of escaping, she had to get out of the water.

Must. Keep. Going.

He clutched at her shoulder a second time.

Fear propelled her. If she stopped, she was as good as dead.

Where the hell are you, Sky?

On the third try, he got his grip. With a sharp tug, he threw her off-balance enough that she lost her momentum. She floundered.

He fisted her hair and yanked her back to him, searing pain shooting through her skull.

“No!”

He shoved her face into the water, cutting off her screams.

She held her breath and tried to slow her racing heart, praying he wouldn’t drown her in the shallowest part of the swimming hole. As the seconds dragged on, her chest burned for air.

He wasn’t letting go. She had to do something.

Tessa’s eyes shot open. She flailed her limbs, beating at any part of his body she could connect with, but she might as well have been hitting a tree trunk for all the good her efforts did.

I’m going to die.

In a burst of panic, she reached up and clawed at his hand to pry his fingers loose from her scalp, but the exertion only made her lungs burn more. She needed to inhale. Now.

Clamping her mouth shut, Tessa willed herself to hold the same stale breath and not give up.

As if the universe had granted her wish, the pressure against her head released.

She rolled over, gasping and coughing as a muffled scream echoed from somewhere nearby.

“Tessa!”

Sky’s here.

For a brief moment, relief surged through Tessa. Everything would be all right. He couldn’t kill her with a witness there to report it.

But the man had a gun, and Sky wouldn’t know that. Tessa couldn’t let him hurt her too.

The man bent over her, hatred twisting his features as he plunged her underwater once again.

With leaden limbs, she thrashed and fought against the weakness. Her vision faded, but knowing Sky might be in trouble meant she couldn’t give up until she’d exhausted every ounce of strength she had.

An angry grunt erupted from her attacker as he released her altogether, and sunlight reappeared overhead as he fell backward. A giant splash sent waves soaring over her face as she inhaled every ounce of air her lungs would permit.

Where did he…? No! He must’ve gotten ahold of Sky.

Tessa struggled to the surface to help Sky, but she could barely keep her head from sinking beneath the water. She’d fought her attacker with all the energy she could muster, and now there was nothing left.

Arms wrapped around her torso.

Whatever breath Tessa had left in her body escaped with a gasp. He’d obviously taken care of Sky and come back to finish her off. She battled to free herself from the grip.

“C’mon!” Sky’s voice called out to her, but the words sounded distorted. “I’ve got you.”

Tessa stopped fighting. She tried to speak, but her mouth wouldn’t cooperate.

Before she could find her footing, Sky dragged her forward. Tessa’s toes eventually connected with solid ground.

Behind, the splashing and growling grew louder.

Tessa’s vision began to clear. Though desperate to look back and see how much distance was between them and the psychopath, she forced her gaze forward. Sky made a sharp turn, guiding her along through the trees. Tessa tripped over her own feet, and Sky tightened her hold and hauled her up, pivoting as they each tried to find their bearings.

Bang!

Sharp, hot pain ripped through Tessa’s gut, stealing her breath once again.

She opened her mouth as a scream tore its way up her throat, but before the sound could reach her lips, she collapsed.

Panic slammed into Sky Stryker like a freight train as her best friend went slack in her arms, a crimson circle blossoming on her stomach. She cast a frantic glance at her surroundings, but there was nowhere to run. Nowhere to hide.

Think!

Standing in the middle of the woods would mean certain death for her and Tessa. If her friend weren’t bleeding out, they would’ve had a fighting chance to fend off this lunatic, whoever he was. But fighting wasn’t an option. Her only viable option was to escape.

Or to try, at least.

Leaves crunched and twigs snapped close by. Sky clutched Tessa to her side.

Half dragging, half carrying her friend, she ran. Branches clawed at her face and hair as she zigzagged though the trees.

Can’t…stop.

Her lungs burned, and her arms ached from carrying Tessa, but still she ran, praying her best friend would make it.

A shot erupted behind her. Stumbling, she braced for the fall with one hand, her other arm still snaked around Tessa. Cradling her friend to protect her, she hit the ground with a thump.

Sky chanced a peek behind her.

The man was gaining on them.

And maybe his next shot wouldn’t miss.

She let go of Tessa and searched for something—anything—to use as a weapon. Her palm landed on an object, smooth and hard. A rock.

Sky scrambled to her feet. Taking a steadying breath, she wound her arm back, ready to put the years of playing backyard baseball with her cousins to good use.

In one swift motion, she hurled the rock.

Thud.

The attacker tumbled to the ground. A string of curses echoed through the forest.

With a groan, Sky hoisted Tessa up and adjusted her grip. “Stay with me.” Spurred on by fear and a primal will to survive, she took off again.

Another gunshot rang out.

Must. Keep. Running. The words were a mantra in her mind, repeating like a broken record.

In the distance, a clearing came into view.

Why hadn’t she thought of this place sooner?

On the other side of the clearing was a cave she and Tessa had explored countless times over the years. Part of the deep caverns within the cliffside, the cave was extensive enough to provide a few twists and turns and plenty of darkness. Cover. It was a place where they could effectively disappear, and if Sky could get there before their pursuer caught up with them, they just might have a chance of making it out of these woods alive.

Thirty yards.

Hope fluttered in her chest, giving her a burst of speed.

Twenty yards.

Her breath came in quick spurts, and her arms felt like jelly, but she didn’t care. All that mattered was getting to safety.

Ten yards.

Sky’s heart hammered against her rib cage. They were going to make it. She could feel it.

Adrenaline surged as she closed the distance between them and the cavern.

She staggered to the mouth of the cave. Cool, damp air caressed her sweaty face. Sky glanced over her shoulder. No sign of their attacker.

She took a tentative step inside. Then another. Then several more. As her vision adjusted to the darkened cave, she groped around for the substantial outcrop of rock she knew lay to the right of the cavern and clumsily circled it before easing her friend to the ground. Satisfied they were covered by darkness, she kneeled beside Tessa.

With any luck, they’d hide out here for a while, and once Sky was certain the man had lost their trail, she’d run to get help for Tessa.

But right now, she had to stop the bleeding if her friend was going to have any chance of survival.

She ripped a strip of fabric from the bottom of her shirt and gently patted around Tessa’s stomach for the wound. A warm, sticky substance met her fingers, and she applied steady pressure to the area.

Just how much blood had her friend lost? She’d been so hell-bent on getting away from their attacker, she hadn’t assessed the damage the bullet had done.

“Oof.” Tessa inhaled a sharp breath, her hand coming to rest on top of Sky’s. “Where…I?”

“It’s okay. You’re safe now.” Sky stroked her friend’s hair with her free hand. “We’re in a cave. You’re going to make it.”

“It…hurts.”

“I know. I’m so sorry. But don’t try to talk. We’ve got to stop the⁠—”

“You won’t get away!” Heavy footsteps sounded near the entrance of the cave.

Dread sank to the pit of Sky’s stomach like a ball of lead. Had the man heard them talking? Surely not. She held her breath, putting a finger across Tessa’s lips. “Shh…”

Maybe, just maybe, he hadn’t found their hiding spot. She squeezed her eyes shut, willing her breathing to slow.

Go away. Please go away.

The crack of a gunshot echoed throughout the cavern walls, causing Sky’s ears to ring. She clamped a hand over her mouth to keep quiet. Several beats passed before banging sounds filtered in from above, followed by rocks cascading.

Another shot rang out, plunging the cave into total darkness.

With a muffled cry, Sky jumped up. Holding her arms out, she advanced toward the mouth of their shelter.

Her hand connected with an impenetrable wall of rock, confirming her worst fear.

Their luck had just run out.

2

Present day…

Cameras flashed in Sky’s face, lighting up the night sky. She blinked, striking a pose as her vision cleared. The glitz and glamour of a star-studded red carpet on a Friday night was just the escape she needed from the decision she’d been avoiding for over a month.

Ever since Shane Eastland’s unexpected phone call in May, when he’d told her of his plan to make a documentary about the murder of Tessa Emerson, Sky’s childhood best friend, memories of Tessa had clouded her mind like a fog. And Shane’s persistent calls, texts, and emails had overflowed with umpteen reasons why she should be part of the upcoming project.

Justice for Tessa. Love for Tessa. A voice for Tessa.

As if Sky hadn’t been haunted by Tessa for the last ten years.

Yet the thought of going back home twisted her heart in a knot. And the idea of dredging up the details of the horrific day that had stolen away her best friend’s life froze her in agony.

Soon enough, she’d have to give Shane a definitive answer, but Sky refused to rush the decision. Getting guilt-tripped into anything wasn’t an option for her these days.

She’d been to hell and back a few times in the last decade, and the trials and tribulations had made her undeniably tougher. Resilient.

Now it seemed fate had smiled on her for being so strong. Though he could’ve taken any drop-dead gorgeous woman on the planet, Javier Bainbridge had called and asked her to be his plus-one for the New York City Media and Entertainment Awards.

Guillermo De Luca would be dressing a few of the celebs in attendance, so as the fashion brand’s chief operating officer, Javier and a few other higher-ups were comped tickets for the evening’s affair.

She’d expected him to pick someone like her friend, Delia Shaw, to be his guest. A fashion executive who looked like a Greek god needed a model on his arm, not an up-and-coming writer like Sky. But whatever had made him offer his extra ticket to her, she wasn’t going to question it.

Sometimes you just have to accept when the universe sends you a win.

Though Sky had watched award shows as a little girl, actually attending one had been beyond her wildest imagination. The evening had been a whirlwind of fancy clothes—Javier had let her into the sample closet at GDL to dress for the evening—posh limo rides, and the glittering lights of a hundred cameras.

The ceremony had been the spectacle of a lifetime, even if the seats had been nowhere near the front. That didn’t matter one bit. She was there, in person. Not at home in her pajamas, watching the event on television, having to wait through endless commercials for the next announcement or long-winded speech.

There had been some surprises in the announcements, including a few snubs, and she made bets with herself about which awards would cause controversy in the days to come. But being there and witnessing the glamour unfold in front of her had been so captivating, she could barely sit still through it all.

Just like Cinderella’s ball, however, at the stroke of midnight, the event ended. She and Javier headed out toward the swarming mass of cameras at the entrance.

Sky grasped his arm as she exited the popular Chelsea Nightclub, gingerly planting her Stuart Weitzman pumps on the very official red carpet.

Around her, well-dressed reporters circulated among celebrities, hunting sound bites. In their collective wake, camera crews scrambled to get the perfect shot, showing each attendee to their best advantage.

She caught a glimpse of two Grammy Award-winning singers and three actresses, one fresh out of rehab.

Sky found it hard to remain casual when there were more stars surrounding her than there were stars floating overhead in the sky, hidden by the bright lights of New York City.

As she stood back and observed the post-award interviews unfolding on the sidewalk, she glanced at Javier. “I kind of wish I were the one holding the microphone.” She nodded toward an interviewer deep in discussion with a leggy blond from a popular new sitcom. “Imagine the things I could ask. The stories each celebrity must hold…”

She let out a wistful sigh as the interview concluded and the starlet moved on. Everyone would soon take off to their swanky after-parties. The sidewalk would empty, and she would have to return to the ordinary world with all the problems she’d been ignoring.

Sky glanced at Javier again. She couldn’t put into words how much his invitation had meant to her. She’d needed this distraction from all the dark places her mind had gone. Even now, as she basked in the glow of the glittering lights, she knew it wouldn’t be long before she’d be home, alone, and facing the same decision she’d been grappling with for weeks.

Javier nudged her shoulder, his warm brown eyes filled with concern. “What’s wrong?”

“Oh, nothing.” She scrambled for something to say. “I guess…I’m a little sad the night is over.”

Sky focused once again on the thinning crowds. The big-name stars had left, and the few celebrities left held court, bombarded by fans and people trying to pitch scripts while reporters packed their gear. They wore carefully sculpted expressions, spouting hackneyed phrases like, “It’s an honor just to be nominated.”

Javier leaned in and whispered in her ear. “The night doesn’t have to end yet. Unless you’re tired?”

The uncertain way he asked the question piqued Sky’s interest. She’d long since gotten over her initial negative impression of him. If he’d said that to her when they’d first met some four months prior, she’d have probably punched him in the face. But Javier had proven he wasn’t the rich fashion playboy she’d assumed.

To be fair, he was pretty well-off, and he did work in fashion. But underneath the facade, he had a good heart and really cared for the people he worked with, especially the ones he called friends.

She gave his arm a playful slap, unsure how to take the remark or what he was hinting at. “Of course not. Do you want to go to dinner?” Her silk shawl slipped from her shoulders, exposing her bare arms to the pleasant night breeze.

“I had a different idea in mind. Here, let me help.” Ever the gentleman, he reached for her clutch so Sky could readjust her shawl without dropping it.

“I should’ve picked something a little less complicated to wear.” She struggled to remember the way Delia had showed her to drape and knot the piece, allowing it to cover her shoulders without looking like a superhero cape.

Javier gave a soft chuckle, making no attempt to correct her.

That man probably knew fifty different ways to tie a shawl. Sky, however, knew exactly one method—the one Delia had taught her—and couldn’t understand how a scarf could be so damn confusing. But being on the arm of a grand high fashion guy at a legitimate red-carpet event, she had to do her best to look the part.

After finally achieving the crisscross drape and knot, she smiled and retrieved her clutch. “I’ll get the hang of it eventually.”

Javier smiled, his tanned skin crinkling at the corners of his eyes. “You wear it well. You should keep it.”

She blushed. “Thanks.”

“So…if you’re not too wrapped up,” Javier reached into his blazer pocket and produced an invitation, which he waved in front of her, “I was thinking of taking you to an after-party.”

Sky snatched the card, gasping as she read the embossed script. “Seriously? A chance to not only observe the mega elite and famous, but to engage in conversation with them? How did you…?”

Javier laughed as she bounced with excitement. “Let’s just say I pulled a few strings. This is for work, you know. Networking. When you’re called in to dress A-list celebs, you have to go shake a few hands.”

“It would help my blog too.” She said the words under her breath, more to herself than to Javier.

Gossiping with celebrities would provide some excellent material for the tell-all book she’d been working on. She’d already gained the interest of a few new publishers, who all seemed prepared to raise their offers if it meant securing Sky from her current publisher, but no one was willing to talk dollars and cents until the manuscript was finished.

Between investigating her cousin Megan’s murder and going undercover to take down the Mill, Sky had a plethora of material to work with.

But I can always use more.

Javier held out his arm. “Shall we?”

“Yes, please.” Sky chuckled as she let him lead her to the taxi stand.

There were so many more stories just waiting to be found. Getting into the same room as various producers and directors could give her a leg up in who got to hear those stories.

Imagine having a movie made from your own words. That was an appealing thought indeed.

3

The line was around the block when they arrived at the Plaza Hotel. Javier flashed his invitation and received wristbands for both of them before they were allowed to step foot into the iconic hotel. The bouncer gave a stern warning that without them, they would be removed from the party. Noting how serious everyone seemed to be taking the security, Sky wasted no time donning her black wristband with the hotel’s name in gold foil.

As they entered, they passed one of the award winners being manhandled outside for not having a band.

Sky gasped as they stepped inside the lobby.

The hotel was larger than she’d imagined. All the tightly packed buildings in the city of skyscrapers had given her a warped sense of space. Once inside, however, the whole structure seemed as if it belonged in a different dimension. So much larger and majestic than the pictures suggested.

The awards party spilled into every public space the hotel offered, from the Food Hall by Todd English, through the Palm Court, and all the way down past the Grand Ballroom into the Terrace Room.

Each space had its own distinct theme, colored lights, floral arrangements, and live music.

They reached the Palm Court first, where a pianist was playing ragtime classics. As they descended toward the Grand Ballroom, the music changed to a live swing band.

For a moment, Sky lingered near the doorway, taking in the decorations. Bright lights twinkled in every color of the rainbow, enticing attendees to get out on the floor and dance.

Javier ushered her through the Grand Ballroom and down one floor to the Terrace Room.

Once inside, they passed not one but three buffet stations as they descended the terraced sections of the room.

Sky’s jaw dropped as she studied the posh attire. “Have you ever seen such costumes?”

Javier laughed. “Costumes? Those gowns cost thousands of dollars and are custom-made by top designers.”

She rolled her eyes. “And they’re worn one time in order to be seen by an audience. Isn’t that the very definition of a costume?” The one time she had modeled before a camera, she’d felt that way about the clothes she’d been instructed to wear. They were nothing more than an illusion designed to create a mood or scene.

Javier didn’t take the bait. His attention seemed to be on a silver-haired woman in a long black gown with a collar so high, it framed the back of her head.

“Speaking of costumes, I think I see a designer over here I need to speak to. Do you want to come and meet her?”

Although tempted, Sky declined. She wanted to investigate the man who had just entered from the lowest level of the terrace surrounded by a gaggle of women.

Reporters, she guessed, based on the microphones they waved as they clamored to speak to him.

Who is he and why is he so popular?

“Are you staring at Wyatt Durham?” Javier nudged her shoulder. “I can’t believe he’s even allowed in here.”

Sky gasped. She craned her neck to see him better around all the microphones. “He played the father on that show, uh…Single Man with Kids. I always loved that program. He was like the dream dad everyone wanted.” She swallowed hard as she remembered how she and Tessa would always watch the show together, and what an event it was when Tessa’s episodes aired. “Isn’t his trial coming up soon?”

“Sure is.” Javier folded his arms across his chest. “Rumor has it he was up for a lifetime achievement award, but so many members of the awards committee threatened to boycott, they had to rescind it.” His lip curled. “The man is a pedophile and a creep. All those girls from his show…” He studied her face. “But let me guess. More content for your book?”

“Oh, I agree. He’s a real winner, all right.” She watched Wyatt swat a microphone away from his nose. “But to answer your question, blog and book. Plus my live stream. An exclusive interview with him would get me more clicks and followers, which leads to more publishing interest, which leads to book deals.” Sky’s heart raced with excitement. This party might be the big break she needed.

“Go get ’em.” Javier uncrossed his arms and waved her off with a smile. “Just leave enough for the tabloids later.”

She winked before weaving through the crowd, heading for her target.

On her way, she spotted a server with a tray of drinks. Liquid courage was assuredly in order for the evening. She flagged him down and thanked him when he stopped to offer her a complimentary glass of champagne.

Tilting the flute to her lips, she studied Wyatt Durham. Then she nearly choked when he tossed his drink at someone else’s face, the culmination of some argument she was too far away to hear.

She frowned and finished off the rest of the sparkling liquid.

Maybe getting an interview with him isn’t the best idea. This makeup job was pricey. Plus, he’s as sleazy as they come.

Sky retreated a few paces, scoping out a new direction to go, until she stumbled into an older woman nursing a lethal-looking green drink. Sky dropped her champagne, glass tinkling as it shattered on the floor.

Despite the gray hair and waiflike build, the woman was surprisingly spry. She juggled her own glass with the expertise of a circus performer, avoiding any spillage.

Sky gasped in horror, hoping the woman wasn’t somebody famous, or worse, part of the fashion industry who could give Javier hell for a spoiled evening gown. “I’m so sorry.”

“Fortunately, there was no damage done, and this is an open bar.” The woman flashed her a gracious smile, though the look on her face was long-suffering. She glanced at Sky and did a double take, her expression changing to one of startled recognition. “Is your name Sky?”

What? How does this woman know my name? She didn’t see the live stream of me infiltrating the Mill before the FBI cut it, did she? My friends told me I wasn’t recognizable in the lighting, but what if she figured it out?

“Um, yes. Do I know you?”

“Sky Stryker?” the woman clarified.

“That’s me.” She gave an awkward smile, not quite sure how to respond. Several nearby partygoers had quite obviously noticed her misstep. Some made half-hearted attempts to cover their smirks while others chuckled openly. One man stared at her so earnestly that Sky nearly gave a sarcastic wave. A server materialized seemingly out of thin air to clean up the mess.

Relax. This isn’t Buckingham Palace, and I didn’t just bump into royalty. Probably.

The woman brightened as she held out her slender hand. “I thought so. I recognized you from the picture on your blog. My name is Maria Wagner. I’m an editor at Cockalorum Press. I was at lunch last week with a few editor associates, and they were all buzzing about a new true crime author. You haven’t signed any deals yet, have you?”

“I…no…well…” Sky was flabbergasted. “I mean, I’ve used the same publisher for my first two books.”

“Of course.” Maria waved the detail away as though it meant nothing. “But you’ve made a bit of a name for yourself now. Caused a little fuss in the literary world. You’d do well to upgrade publishers to keep that success on the upswing. You don’t owe any one company your career, you know.”

Sky didn’t disagree with Maria so much as she felt bewildered by her options. She’d had a few meetings with editors from competing publishers, but no one had made an official offer. Though admitting that fact to yet another competitor might not be the best idea.

Then again, shopping around was a way to get a better deal. Sky cleared her throat as she tried to portray confidence. “It’s not ready yet, regardless. I’m still finishing up the manuscript.”

“From what my colleague tells me, the premise sounds quite intriguing.” Maria clasped Sky’s elbow and led her toward a quieter corner. “Now, forgive me, but I do enjoy a good snoop. I believe your book is based on the blog you’ve been writing? I do hope so, because I stopped by to have a peek. Cockalorum Press is a division of a larger publishing house, and we specialize in gritty crime fiction.”

“You read my blog?” Heat flushed Sky’s cheeks. The other editors she’d met with had said great things, but when pressed, it was obvious they hadn’t actually read her blog. Now here was an editor from a publishing house who had taken the time to look her up. Maria read her words, remembered her face, and was talking as if she wanted to sign a deal. How was all this happening? “Thank you. I can’t tell you how flattered I am right now.”

Maria grabbed a champagne flute from a passing server and handed it to Sky. “Listen, in publishing, hell, in all the media businesses for that matter, it’s all about who you know.” She clinked her glass to Sky’s. “And now you know me.”

4

I clutched my champagne flute as I fought my way through the crowd, trying to make it seem as though I wasn’t experiencing a life-changing moment. Not only had I received an official invitation to the New York City Media and Entertainment Awards, but I’d also been invited to the after-party.

This was huge. I had reached the top of my career. Now I was in demand and part of the A-list. Finally. The invitations said so.

This moment should’ve put me on top of the world. I was attending one of the biggest parties of the year. A vast horde of the rich and famous had all gathered around me to pay tribute to the night’s winners.

And for the first time, I was among the honored guests.

Success did not come easily. My progress through the crowd was agonizingly slow. I couldn’t move more than a few feet without being waylaid by someone who wanted something from me. A moment of my time. A chance to talk about a new project. This was where the true business of the industry got done, and after all these years, I was more than adept at milking promises from people without giving them everything they wanted in return.

I was a force to be reckoned with, whether these people realized it yet or not. I was here among the rich and powerful. And eventually, I would be their king. No…their god.

“Please, sir, could I have a moment of your time? An exclusive interview, perhaps?” A young reporter cornered me. She flashed an innocent smile as she held out her recording device.

I hadn’t planned to waste my time with her. But she was a cute waif of a woman. An adorable brunette with a youthful body emphasized by a dress that looked a size or two smaller than she should have worn.

Although I wanted to say no, that figure and those eyes beckoned me. She appeared impossibly young behind her glasses, like a high schooler playing dress-up. I could make her a star if she was willing to pay the price to become famous.

Kids these days didn’t know how to pay their dues. But this one might. I decided to answer a few questions and see how eager she was to hear more. Using the loud music and chatter as an excuse, I leaned in to whisper the responses in her ear. An enticing floral scent drifted off her neck in intoxicating waves.

I was about to suggest that her questions could be better answered somewhere more private when another woman caught my eye.

Ivory skin, slender, with long, auburn hair that fell like a waterfall over her shoulders.

Sky Stryker.

The reporter was talking, asking me something I didn’t hear. Not that it mattered. She’d already lost my interest. Sky was the one who had my full attention. I needed to know what she was telling that woman. If I could just get close enough without her spotting me.

“I’ve got to go.” I handed my card to the reporter who’d been jabbering in my ear. “Call my office next week, and we’ll set something up.”

On closer inspection, I noted the marks of age around the reporter’s eyes and mouth, lines not quite hidden by her makeup. She was a little too old for my taste. I broke off and walked away, fielding further interruptions with a dismissive wave. Let them all call me on Monday. I had bigger fish to fry.

I made my way across the room, Sky Stryker in my sights. Blinking, I went back in time ten years. The memory was crisp and clear, as though it had happened yesterday…

Stars exploded in my vision, and my head felt like it had been cracked open with a hammer as I came to in the shallow water.

Bitch hit me with a rock.

I should’ve seen it coming. Should’ve been paying more attention to my surroundings. That was what my uncle would’ve told me. He’d have popped me upside my head as he berated me for a stupid mistake like that.

And he’d have been right to do so.

Old man was probably rolling in his grave over how I screwed this one up so badly.

But I was so caught up in silencing Tessa, I didn’t hear her friend sneak up behind me.

I pressed my fingers to my head. The gash wasn’t big, but the impact had definitely rung my bell. My hand came away bloody.

Pawing at the shore, I searched until I had my rifle in my grip. Stars still danced in my vision as I reeled from the blow, but I managed to get to my feet and charge after them. With each hurried step, the water splashed around me in chaotic bursts. I reached the trees and noticed the girls staggering up ahead.

Without hesitation, I fired a shot before they could disappear farther into the forest. The bullet found its target. Tessa jolted as she ran, her entire body arching and jerking like a marionette missing a few strings. It was a damn lucky shot that had me feeling elated for all of a minute before I realized the ramifications.

It wouldn’t look like an accident now.

Worse. The shot wasn’t fatal. The little bitch was still alive.

Her friend looked back, and I relished the fear in her wide eyes. She knew she was done for. But despite having the knowledge of her fate, she still scrambled, dragging her wounded friend across the underbrush.

I fired another shot. Missed.

After stumbling, the girl released Tessa and searched the forest floor. Rising to full height, she wound her arm back.

As I strained to glimpse the object in her hand, she hurled another rock at my head. A second wave of pain exploded through my skull, the sheer force of the blow knocking me over. Again.

Oh, I was going to kill that bitch along with her whore friend.

“Stay with me, Tessa!” Her voice echoed.

Head threatening to split open, I dragged myself to my feet and wobbled with each step, groaning. Either my equilibrium had been thrown out of whack, or the ground had turned to jelly.

Twisting and turning, I glanced all around. The girls were nowhere to be found.

How the hell had they pulled off a disappearing act?

I strained to listen for rustling or any signs of struggle, but the ringing in my ears drowned out all other sounds.

Lifting my weapon, I fired in the direction they’d gone and listened again. Nothing.

From the corner of my eye, I spotted a shifting shadow. I turned to get a better look. On that side, the rocks leaned in crazy directions, as if there had once been a small cliff that had collapsed into the water.

Could they have taken shelter in a cave? Must have. There was no way one scrawny kid could carry another up and over the steep rocks to get up the normal way.

For a moment, panic struck. I charged after them, heart in my throat. If they escaped…if Tessa talked…the implications swirled in my mind.

“You won’t get away!” My shout ricocheted off the boulders.

They were smart to play possum, especially if they were trying to hide out in a cave.

But they weren’t that intelligent in their choice. These caves couldn’t be that big. They appeared to have been created by the partial collapse of the cliff. All I’d have to do was find a way to seal off the entrance, and nature would finish the job for me.

I found the small opening easily enough. Drops of fresh blood glimmered at my feet.

For a moment I stood there, debating my next move. Out of anger and frustration, I fired into the entrance, shooting blind as the bullet danced around the rock walls.

The girls didn’t make a peep. That didn’t mean they were dead, though.

There was no way I’d be able to wait them out. I had to take care of my head before I passed out.

I examined the ledge above the cave. Among the rubble, I spotted a warning sign that had been unearthed.

A gift from the gods. A good, sturdy metal pole to help me assist Mother Nature in taking a load off.

I shouldered my rifle and climbed the face of the cliff to the unstable ledge. Small rocks rolled under my boots and fell to the mouth of the cave below. The whole thing was precarious. All it needed was one good push…

I picked up the old warning sign and inspected the galvanized pole. The end was twisted a bit, but it still seemed strong enough to be driven into the ground.

Next, I searched for a rock big enough to use as a hammer. There were plenty to choose from. Still, I had to hurry. If the girls chose to make a break for it, there was no way I could climb down in time to catch them. And I didn’t have many bullets left to spare.

At the edge of the cliff sat a boulder that looked as if it had fallen during the last time the cliff collapsed. It must have split down the middle when it landed, allowing it to remain perfectly balanced on the edge of the bluff. Hard layers of mud had formed the glue that kept it perched in place, but with the right amount of force, that rock would slip to the cave below.

I wedged the end of the galvanized steel post into the crease, where the boulder met the cliff, and used my rock to hammer it into the wedge, creating the leverage I needed.

The boulder came crashing down.

For good measure, I sent the second half of the split rock along, making sure it appeared like the dangerous cliff was crumbling again.

Even with all my screwups, I still managed to make it look like an accident.

I peered down from the top of the cave and checked the avalanche I’d created. With a gleeful laugh, I slid down the hillside, this time firing up into the rocks themselves. The noise created a cascade of more debris. Rocks shifted, and the whole hillside crumbled. That cave was sealed tight as a tomb. The brat and her little friend were settled once and for all.

I doubted anyone would ever find them under all those rocks.

Problem solved.

I threw the rifle over a cliff and into the water, waiting while the gun sank out of sight. It would’ve been awkward to explain the damage. The girls were dead. The threat to me was gone.

At least, I’d thought so. But somehow, Little Miss Sky had dug her way out of that cave. And now she was making a name for herself. Gotten herself in the paper for helping solve her cousin’s murder. And there were rumors that she was part of an FBI raid on a high-class gentleman’s country club.

She was showing the world who she was. Which was unfortunate for her.

People listened to celebrities.

I couldn’t have that. Especially after catching wind that she was planning to write a tell-all book that had all the publishers in NYC clamoring to get their hands on it. If she knew anything about me, it would be in that book, in black and white, for all to see.

It was time to finish what I’d started.

5

Sky relaxed as Maria Wagner, the editor, flashed her a toothy grin.

“Now’s not the time for talking business. Too much alcohol. Never make a deal when you’ve been drinking. Lesson number one.” Maria patted Sky’s arm. The motherly gesture struck Sky as unusual coming from a woman she’d just met.

Even so, Sky smiled and nodded, afraid to say anything that might screw up the run of good luck she’d been having. “Of course. I still have to finish the book.”

“We’re going to exchange cards.” Maria reached into her small clutch strapped around her wrist. “After the weekend, when you’ve slept and have a clear head, give me a call. We can discuss what you’ve written so far and some options to consider when it comes time to publish. Okay?” Producing a card, she glanced past Sky, eyes widening at something outside her view.

Sky accepted the card and handed Maria one of her own. “Thank you. Yes. Monday or Tuesday. I’ll definitely call.”

Turning to find what had caught the editor’s attention, Sky came face to face with Ricardo Battaglini, the director of the prime-time police procedural smash hit, New York Squad Room.

She’d met the director years before, back when Tessa had a recurring role on one of his other successful shows, Single Man with Kids.

Back before everything went wrong.

Ricardo gave Sky a disinterested nod. “I hope I’m not interrupting.”

“Not at all. Ms. Stryker and I were just finishing our chat.” Maria smiled at Sky. “Talk soon.”

Still stunned by the encounter, Sky stood rooted to the spot as Maria sauntered off with Ricardo.

Probably close to sixty by now, Ricardo had not aged well since Sky had seen him last. He’d put on some weight around the middle, and his once-prominent jawline had given way to sagging jowls. Deep grooves had formed on his face, including crow’s-feet near the outer corners of his eyes.

And there’s no way his hair is still that blond at his age. It’s got to be a dye job. Looks like show business has taken its toll on him.

For a moment, Sky felt Tessa’s presence beside her. This party should’ve been her friend’s moment of triumph. She had lived for this world.

Sky turned away, searching for another drink as the walls in the vast ballroom closed in around her. She took a single step before bumping into someone.

At this proximity, Sky realized this guy wasn’t a complete stranger. Of course she’d internet stalked Shane Eastland after his initial phone call about making a documentary on Tessa’s murder. And now the persistent man stood right in front of her.

“You.” Sky took an instinctive step back.

Shane’s chocolate-brown eyes widened apologetically. “I’m sorry. I’m not stalking you. I promise. I had no idea you’d be at this party. But I noticed you earlier when you…when you⁠—”

“Almost knocked that lady over?” Sky placed her hand on her hip, daring him to call out her faux pas.

Shane smiled, proving that although he was nearly fifty—forty-eight, according to her research—he was still a very handsome man. “Yes. Don’t feel bad. This place is packed. These parties always are. But since we’re both here, maybe we could talk for a few minutes?”

About Tessa. About your damn documentary on my best friend’s death. My best friend’s murder.

Sky attempted to respond, but the air had become too thick. Hot.

“Listen, I know what you’re thinking.” Shane raised a hand as if to pat her shoulder but then dropped his arm, seeming to think better of it. “That I’m some sleazy producer type who wants to get all the sensational details and grab some fame from what was actually a tragic murder. But I promise you, I’m not that guy.”

And yet here you are. Pitching me after I’ve ignored your calls and texts and emails, just like a sleazy producer type would do.

Shane waited for her response, realized he wasn’t getting one, and hurried on as though he understood this was his only in-person shot at bringing her on board. “I’m actually directing and producing an entire series of true crime documentaries involving cold cases. It’s called Ten Years, and it focuses on the victims who still haven’t seen an ounce of justice despite a decade having passed since their murders.”

As the pitch went on, Sky’s voice failed her.

Pausing just long enough to inhale, Shane plowed through his conclusion. “My obsession is justice for victims, not fame. And I want Tessa’s story to be told first. Surely you don’t want her story to be forgotten?”

Now Sky found her voice as ten years of pain and rage rushed to the surface. “Of course not. And I haven’t forgotten it for a split second since the day it happened.”

“Exactly.” Shane’s silver-streaked dark hair glinted in the overhead lights. He pulled out his phone, swiping at the screen and holding it up for her to see. “I know this is painful to look at. And you probably think I’m some insensitive jerk for asking you, but this story has to be told.”

Sucking in a breath, Sky shifted her gaze to Tessa’s face. The picture had been taken about a week before her death. While she’d been out shopping with her mother, the paparazzi had gotten a few candids. Tessa looked furtive, her dark eyes haunted. One hand was raised as if to protest the intrusion of the photographer.

Sky bit her lip to suppress the small cry of protest bulging in her throat. After ten years, she should’ve been able to see a photo of Tessa without falling apart.

Shortly after Tessa’s death, Sky’s first shrink had been a proponent of exposure therapy. Viewing images of her friend, the woods, and the cave had all been part of Sky’s initial treatment. The goal was to help her accept what had happened. The more times she relived the trauma, the more desensitized to it she was supposed to become.

But Sky had only gotten worse. She had more symptoms of PTSD from the therapy than from the original event. Sky didn’t begin to heal until a different therapist helped her use a form of cognitive behavioral therapy to alter her way of dealing with the pain.

Now, fighting the sensation that someone was slowly choking her to death, Sky didn’t believe she’d ever healed at all.

“Tessa Emerson isn’t the only one who deserves justice.” Shane swiped the photo to a different shot. This one of Sky herself.

The photo was taken on the day they’d found her. The anguish of what she’d been unable to prevent was written on her mud-streaked face. Her eyes were black pools of despair and regret. Haunted like Tessa’s had been.

Sky lifted her gaze, and the intensity of Shane’s stare trapped her where she stood, sticking her to the floor like a GPS map pin.

“Justice has to be served, for Tessa and for you.” His tone softened with sympathy. “You’re overwhelmed. I get that. And I’m not trying to push you outside your comfort zone. What I need from you is an interview. Just you and me. We sit and talk about the day. You can take as long as you need to get the words out. And if you’re up for helping out a bit more, we’ll be doing the bulk of the filming on location. You have family in New Pleasant, right?”

Picturing Aunt Patty and Uncle Daryl took Sky back to Megan’s all-too-recent funeral. Yet another tragic murder she was still trying to sort out and would never truly recover from. Being so close to where all the pain happened would make it harder to talk. Even if she agreed to help, she’d rather do it here in NYC.

This is too much. Too much.

Shane pressed his fingertips together, almost as if in prayer. “I understand this is a difficult thing I’m asking you to do, but I truly believe that if we do this right, we can shed some light on Tessa’s case. I need your help. You were there.”

“I…” She didn’t know how to finish.

Moments of awkward silence passed between them before he spoke again. He ran his hand through his dark waves. “I’ll be here in town through the end of next week before I head up to New Pleasant to start filming. If you decide you want to be part of bringing Tessa’s tragedy to light, please call me.”

“I…” Sky swallowed as she swiped at her tears before they could fall. Of course she wanted to help. She’d never been able to turn down an opportunity to see justice done when it came to her friends, but this was infinitely more personal. This wound went even deeper than the loss of her cousin.

She fidgeted with her dress as she considered his request. If it meant finally solving the case, could she find the strength to relive her worst nightmare? As much as she wanted to put on a brave face, she couldn’t muster the courage to respond. She’d spent years in therapy trying to get over the trauma of being trapped in that dark cave as her best friend died in her arms. Truth was, some part of her was still there, locked in that abyss with Tessa.

“Just think about it.” Shane turned to leave. “I’ll stop with the calls and texts and emails. I just needed this conversation to happen. And I think you did too.”

Sky watched him weave through the crowd before darting toward the nearest exit. She herself wanted nothing more than to make her own escape. Her desire for a story had been overshadowed by the ghost forever haunting her.

There were too many people. She was starting to get claustrophobic, like she truly couldn’t breathe. Nearing the door, Sky stopped.

You can’t just leave Javier here. None of this is his fault.

More than a little overwhelmed, she turned and perused the ballroom with fresh eyes. Every person in this room was locked in their own story, completely oblivious to hers. It was comforting and simultaneously the loneliest feeling in the world.

As if she’d called to him with her mind, Javier appeared at her side again. “Have you had enough glitz and glam for one evening?” He rested his hand on the small of her back.

“Yeah. I’m a bit overwhelmed, really.” Sky refocused her attention on her date and steered the conversation toward a positive subject. “But I think I might have someone else interested in my book.”

“Are you serious? That’s great.” Javier closed in for a celebratory hug. “How about you tell me all the details on our way out?”

His timing couldn’t have been better. As much as she’d enjoyed the night, the conversation with Shane Eastland was more than she’d been prepared to handle. A dark cloud now hung over the ballroom, and the knowledge that she’d have to give the man an answer—soon—about the documentary had obliterated her ability to schmooze with celebrities and dig for the scoop on any juicy gossip for her blog.

In truth, Sky wouldn’t be able to focus on anything until she dealt with the demons from her past. As much as she resented Shane for putting such a decision on her shoulders, she knew the weight had been there all along. And he was right.

Tessa deserved justice…and so did Sky.

6

Javier waved as Sky came into view across the street. “Over here!”

Monday morning was a busy time for the outdoor café, but Javier had been able to grab the last two-seater at the end of the covered patio.

Shading her eyes against the sun’s glare, Sky walked with her head down, mumbling as she approached the table. She looked as if she’d just rolled out of bed, but Javier had been up and at it since six. He shifted his laptop to make room so she could join him and pushed a plate with a blueberry muffin toward her.

Taking a seat, she reached over and grabbed the muffin. Gaze glued to the TV beyond the window, she appeared to fall into a zombielike trance.

“Rough night?” He gave her arm a playful tap.

She took a small bite of her muffin, keeping her attention on the screen. Had she gone deaf and mute?

Javier had never seen her act so odd. It was unnerving, to say the least. Normally, he couldn’t get this spunky, gorgeous woman to shut up.

He squeezed a bit of lemon over the avocado toast he’d gotten for himself. “You worried about calling that publisher?”

She glanced over at him, surprise registering as though she’d forgotten he was there. “I called the editor’s office this morning and left a message. I’m sure it’ll be a week or more before we schedule an actual face-to-face meeting. Honestly, it was flattering to have her know my name. I don’t expect a big book deal just yet. Still have to finish writing the damn thing.”

Javier jabbed his finger at her. “That’s more like it.”

She shot him a quizzical look. “What?”

“A minute ago, I couldn’t get a word out of you. Now you’re talking so fast I can barely keep up.” He took a bite of his toast. “If given the option, I definitely prefer the talking Sky to the moping one.”

“I’m not…moping.” She frowned. “Ugh. Whatever.” She added cream and sugar to her coffee and stirred, staring into the swirling depths of her mug.

“I wasn’t picking on you. I was trying to give you a compliment. It’s okay to accept them from me.”

She rubbed the side of her neck, drawing his attention to the smattering of freckles on her ivory skin. “You have a funny way of complimenting people by calling them out for whatever it is they aren’t doing to your expectations.”

“Whoa, whoa.” He held up his hands. “How did me being silly and trying to tell you I like it when you talk turn into some kind of personal attack?” Flashbacks of their first meetings ran through Javier’s mind. She had a way of taking everything personally when she was stressing about something. And he somehow always managed to trigger her.

Sky sipped from her cup and set it back down with a sigh. “Sorry. I didn’t sleep well. And I’m a little on edge.” She stared at the TV again, leaving Javier in awkward silence. “Hey, they’re showing awards coverage.” She gestured to the screen, knocking her coffee all over the table.

Javier rushed to move his computer before the river of caffeine ruined it.

“Oh, my gosh.” Sky pushed her chair back and jumped to her feet, her cascade of auburn hair swishing at the motion. “Let me find a towel.”

She disappeared into the café while Javier did his best to create a dam with the few napkins that had come with their food.

A moment later, Sky returned with a fistful of paper towels. “I’m so sorry. Really. I didn’t mean to.”

“It’s fine. No harm done.” They made quick work of mopping up the coffee, and Javier returned his laptop to the table.

Sky shuffled over to her chair, glancing up and freezing. She let out a gasp, her butt mere inches from the seat. “Tessa?”

Javier cocked a brow as he watched her dash into the cozy, dark café. What the hell has gotten into her? He rose from his chair and followed in her wake.

She pointed to the TV. “Can somebody please turn that up?”

On the screen, what looked like footage of a home movie showed Tessa Emerson prancing around in a unicorn costume. Javier assumed it was from a sitcom. Wyatt Durham appeared next, laughing, his face filling the screen as a line of words identified him as the sex offender going to trial later in the week.

Sky stood trembling in the center of the restaurant.

Javier closed the distance between them, snaking an arm around her shoulder. “Are you all right?”

She shook her head.

The audio rose in a crashing crescendo.

“…acting opposite Wyatt Durham and Stacia Thomas and others who later brought charges against the TV dad. The question as to whether Tessa Emerson was one of Wyatt Durham’s victims will forever be shrouded in mystery, as the child actress died tragically in the second season of the show. Tessa’s life and gory murder at the age of fourteen will be the subject of an upcoming documentary, marking the tenth anniversary of the young actress’s death.”

The camera cut to the news anchor, smiling with plastic perfection at her cohost. “Such a tragedy to have a talented young star’s life cut short.” Her snug blue suit showed off her ample cleavage as she grimaced, which might have been mistaken for sympathy as she turned her attention to the teleprompter. “In other news…”

Javier glanced between the television and Sky’s face, which had paled beneath her freckles. “Come back to the table.” He gave her shoulder a squeeze and nudged her toward the door. “You don’t have to talk if you don’t want to. Let’s just eat and enjoy each other’s company.”

“I’m…not hungry.” She let him walk her back to the table. “I have a meeting at Barrett soon. I should go.”

Javier hoped she would reconsider talking about whatever was bothering her. “At least let me walk you there. I’m heading that way too.”

Her head snapped up, expression startled, but she nodded.

After packing up his laptop, he slung his bag over his shoulder and offered her his hand. “Ready?”

She accepted his gesture and wrapped her arm around his like she’d done during the awards ceremony.

They walked in silence. With each step, Sky seemed to regain her composure. She was no longer trembling or on the verge of tears.

As they approached the intersection, Javier eased from Sky’s grasp to press the button at the crosswalk. Sky glanced both ways as if she wanted to sprint across while traffic was light, but as she stepped off the sidewalk, Javier spotted a bike messenger rolling up toward her.

He held up a hand to stop her, but she was too distracted. She didn’t even look at the biker that almost clipped her.

His breath shallow, he grabbed her wrist and spun her toward him. “Sky, listen to me. I don’t know what’s going on, but I do know you’re distracted and not yourself. You’re scaring me.”

She flashed him a weak smile, but it didn’t reach her honey-brown eyes. “You’re right. I’m a little lost right now. I probably just need time to process things.”

Why wouldn’t she just open up? “Process what? You still haven’t explained what’s going on.”

“Just…something from my past.” She bit her lip. “You know who Tessa Emerson is, right?”

Javier whipped his head in the direction of the café. “The teenage actress we just saw on TV? The one who worked with that pervert and was murdered ten years ago? Yeah. I mean, who didn’t watch that show growing up?”

“Well…” Sky pulled at a strand of her auburn hair and twisted it around one finger. “When I was fourteen, my best friend died. She was shot and bled out in my arms.” Her eyes grew shiny. “Tessa Emerson was that friend.”

Javier’s jaw dropped along with his stomach. “Why didn’t you say something? No wonder you’re upset.” Bile crept up the back of his throat.

Sky hugged herself as though she were cold. “They’re doing a documentary. And the producer-slash-director wants me to be part of it.”

Now he understood. The documentary alone was disturbing enough for Sky to have to deal with, and then unexpectedly seeing her old best friend like that—especially with how the news anchor alluded to the possibility that Tessa’s costar had molested her—couldn’t have helped.

He’d be pretty upset too if he saw his dead best friend’s name dredged up like that ten years after the fact. But short of trying to say as much, Javier kept his mouth shut and managed a very controlled, “I’m so sorry. I can’t imagine what you’ve been through and are going through now. I’m here for you…if you need me.”

Sky gave him a quick nod, avoiding eye contact. “I know.”

Javier checked the traffic. The light had changed to red, so he led the way across the street, not trusting her to be paying enough attention right now to contend with random cab drivers or delivery trucks. This whole situation worried him. He couldn’t imagine what it must feel like to have so much trauma revisited in such a public way.

He put his arm around her, guiding her across the road and toward the other curb. When they reached the sidewalk, he considered stopping and saying something more. Something better. He had a million questions and a truckload of guilt for not having learned just what she’d endured in her past. He’d only known her since February, but still.

But that’s not how Sky works, and you know it.

He had to let Sky come around and tell him everything…or nothing at all…when she was ready.

7

I slammed the brakes, wishing I could plow through traffic, pedestrians be damned. My mind had entered tornado mode. Angry. Destructive. And about to destroy everything in its path.

If only I’d managed to kill both those bitches all those years ago. I’d bungled the whole thing. If I’d gone into the cave and made sure they were dead, they’d still be buried with no one the wiser. I wouldn’t have been forced to take such stringent measures now.

One thing was for sure. I couldn’t let Sky publish something that might wind up revealing the truth about Tessa’s death.

Damn girl. She could’ve grown up to be a nobody. But no, she had to become a tell-all book author.

Her bad luck.

I had to be the one in control of the information, and at the risk of Miss Sky revealing too much, I would have to find another, more creative way to…eliminate her.

Plenty of ways to make Sky Stryker disa-fucking-pear.

My cell phone rang. I punched the answer button harder than I meant to.

“Hey, boss. Sorry to bother you.” Alice’s voice drifted through my earbuds. “Just wanted to know if you’re coming into the office today.”

I spent most of my time on location and in meetings with television executives. Actually making it into the office was a rarity, so her question was a legitimate one. Her timing, however, was poor.

“I don’t know.” I snapped the words out, sharp as gunshots. “Why? What great disaster has befallen us now?”

Alice had been my secretary for three years. She was impervious to my temper.

“I got a call from a reporter. She said you talked to her at the Plaza Hotel. Apparently, you told her to call on Monday. And…it’s Monday.”

I cursed again, having forgotten about the cute reporter. The one who’d smelled so delicious. I didn’t know the name of the perfume she wore, but damn, it was effective. “Tell her to go to hell.” It wasn’t one of my more professional responses, but I wasn’t feeling particularly professional right now.

“Got it, Boss.” The tapping of fingernails on a keyboard filled the air before Alice continued. “When can I expect you back in the office?”

I wasn’t paying attention and swerved into the next lane, almost clipping a motorcycle and sending up a blare of horns around me. Okay, maybe I was taking my anger out on the road, but so what? Half of NYC drove that way.

Still, it drew attention. The last thing I needed was another speeding ticket.

My uncle’s words echoed in my ears.

“Confidence, not cockiness. That’s what gets shit done. Now pull your head out of your ass and pay attention before I knock your foolish noggin clean off.”

Taking a deep breath, I worked to clear my mind. I needed to get my head on straight and come up with solutions, not more problems.

“Alice, email me the guest list for the Plaza Hotel after-party.”

“You looking for any guest in particular, Boss?” Her fingers clacked away at the keys.

Considering the strict security at the after-party, Sky’s name was sure to have been on the list. And if hers was, her date’s would be as well. Knowing his identity might come in handy later.

Information was always step number one. The more I could obtain, the better I could plan to get rid of my pesky problem.

“Boss?”

“What, dammit?” Why was it so hard for people to follow simple instructions?

“Sorry. I’m on it.”

I stopped at a red light and glanced around. Where the hell was I? I’d wandered into a trash-and-graffiti-smeared neighborhood, past tattoo parlors and adult novelty shops.

“One more thing.”

I growled my frustration. “What now?”

“That hotshot exec called again. He wants to set up a lunch meeting before the week is out.”

“You’re in control of my calendar. Put it on there and I’ll try to make it. And get me that guest list.”

“You got it, Boss.”

“Thanks.” I ended the call before she could get another word in.

For a moment I felt sorry for Alice, but it passed. I was paying her to perform ridiculous tasks. So what if she’d lose the day researching nonsense? She got her paycheck.

Once I had the information on Sky’s boyfriend, I could call up my snoop and have the two of them followed. Learn their habits and where they liked to go for a little private time.

No witnesses. Just the way I like it.

The pain in my chest eased, and I felt better than I had since seeing Sky at the after-party. I smiled as the light changed. Knowing the bitch was about to die lightened my whole mood.

8

Sky’s phone rang about a block before they arrived at Barrett Model Management.

“Is that a rival I should be worried about?”

She plucked the device from her cross-body bag and stuck her tongue out at Javier before glancing at the screen.

Definitely not a rival.

“Hi, Aunt Patty.” Sky forced a cheerful tone.

“Sky. I was hoping I’d catch you. I got the strangest call from a Hollywood man named Shane Eastland. He said he wants to do a documentary on your old friend, Tessa, right here in New Pleasant.”

Sky groaned. She still hadn’t given her answer to the director, and now he was bringing her aunt into it. “Um…”

“Where are you? It sounds like you’re outside somewhere.”

“Actually, I’m on my way to do an interview right now.”

“Oh, good. So…what were you thinking about it all? He said he’d talked to you already. Are you planning to do the documentary?” Sky heard water running in the background. Aunt Patty was probably doing dishes. She pictured the comfortable old kitchen, and her stomach swooped. “I wasn’t sure how you’d feel about it, but if you’re coming up this way, I can make up your old room.”

“Aunt Patty⁠—”

“They’re filming the documentary here, dear.” The water shut off. Aunt Patty’s no-nonsense voice came through the speaker loud and clear. “The film people will want more than an informal interview in some New York studio. You know what happened. You were there. And maybe…maybe this is how justice is found for Tessa. Don’t you want that for her?”

Sky blinked. Now her aunt was putting the same screws to her that Shane Eastland was. “Of course I do.”

“If you don’t get involved, all these Hollywood types might get the details wrong, and that would never help solve her case. You’re really the only one who can make sure they don’t muck this up…”

And since you failed your best friend, you owe it to her.

Her aunt would never say that last bit out loud. Neither would anyone else. No one had ever blamed Sky for what happened. Except for Sky. And she wasn’t likely to forgive herself, even though a decade had gone by.

Breathe. You have to breathe.

Her mind shied away from these details. It always had. PTSD. She’d been diagnosed by various counselors, therapists, and physicians. Questioned a hundred times, but nothing dislodged the memory from where she’d hidden it.

She’d failed the one person who had been dearer to her than anyone else in the world. Tessa had needed Sky, and Sky had failed her. Fatally.

“Uh…” Sky swallowed and turned her anxious gaze toward Javier for support, knowing there was nothing he or anyone else could do to save her this time. “I…I suppose so. Can I call you back? I have to step into this meeting now.”

“Sure, dear. I’ll go ahead and make up your room. See you soon.”

Sky disconnected the call and dropped the phone into her bag. She stopped outside of Barrett Model Management and leaned against the brick facade, Javier halting at her side. Head between her knees, she closed her eyes, bracing against the dizziness and nausea.

“Sky?” Confusion edged Javier’s nervous tone.

Her heart beat so fast, she couldn’t tell where one thump ended and the next began. She attempted to stand but staggered. The world started spinning all around her. “Javier…” She reached for his shirt, her fingernails scraping through cloth as she went down.

He twisted too late, failing to catch her before she hit the pavement.

Sky clung to the ground, convinced she might fall off the planet at any moment. The world was moving too fast. Javier’s voice carried through the background, a jumbled mess of nonsense among white noise.

She closed her eyes as the nausea hit again. One breath, in and out. Then another.

Just like your therapist taught you.

As she focused on the purposeful inhales and exhales, her heart slowed after a few moments, and Sky opened her eyes.

Her hip had taken the worst of the fall, but her ego was bruised more than anything else. No doubt passersby were all gawking, probably thinking she had a complete mental breakdown.

She tried to push up to her feet, but her legs hadn’t quite gotten the message that the danger had passed.

Javier crouched beside her, frowning. “Are you hurt?”

She shook her head.

Just my pride.

“I’ve got you.” He caressed her back as he moved to help her stand. “Come on now. Easy does it.” He placed one hand behind her shoulders, using the other to grasp her right hand and help her as she struggled to her feet.

“Sorry.” She brushed her hair out of her eyes and smoothed out her skirt.

“No need for apologies.” He studied her. “Dare I ask what your aunt said that sent you to the ground?”

“Nope. Not right now.” She continued to take deep breaths, in through her nose and out through her mouth.

“All right.” Javier remained still while an awkward silence enveloped them. The sunlight shined a spotlight directly overhead for all of New York to take notice. “You okay to stand on your own yet? Or shall I hold you on the sidewalk for the next hour or so?” His lips curved up.

She released a wild, shaky laugh. “You can let me go now. No need to be my knight in shining armor.”

Javier released his hold and took a step back, giving her space.

His smile from when he’d teased her moments earlier had vanished. He searched her face with sad eyes, as if she’d somehow hurt him. Maybe she had been a little snarky when she told him to let go.

Sky tried to lighten the mood. “My knight in exquisitely tailored armor, might I add.” She surveyed the damage she’d done to his clothing. “Or at least it was a few minutes ago.”

Javier snorted as he fingered the tear in his silk blend button-down work shirt. “It looks good, but not very sturdy, is it?”

“I’ll buy you another. I promise.” Sky made a show of pulling out her wallet.

“Don’t worry about it.” He waved her off. “I’ll ask Nadine for a spare before I head to my meeting.”

She slid the wallet back into her bag. As the COO of a major design label, Javier probably never had to pay for clothes. Which, of course, explained why he was able to dress so well.

He placed a hand on her shoulder, gently beckoning her attention. “She brought up the documentary, didn’t she? Your aunt wanted to talk to you about Tessa’s documentary.”

Yes. She wanted to remind me that it’s my duty to return to New Pleasant and shed as much light as possible on my dead best friend’s murder case.

Sky shied away from his touch, gripping the door handle of Barrett Model Management. “I’ve really got to get to this meeting.”

He nodded, frowning as he gestured for her to slip inside before following.

Maybe she’d open up to Javier later. Maybe not. Either way, there wasn’t much to think about regarding her decision on whether to take part in the documentary.

Her aunt had basically made the decision for her. Not being a part of the project would be the equivalent of spitting on Tessa’s grave.

Saying no was looking more and more impossible.

9

Sky gave the receptionist at Barrett Model Management a polite nod. “I have an appointment with⁠—”

“Ms. Barrett.” The young woman flashed her a smile and pressed a button on her phone. “Sky Stryker and Javier Bainbridge are here to see you.”

Tugging on Javier’s shirtsleeve, Sky met his gaze with guilt-ridden eyes. “I’m late. Delia was supposed to meet me here for the appointment. But I bet she’s already been and gone now. She’s probably pissed. I know she skipped her morning Krav Maga class for this, and she said her afternoon is booked solid with casting calls.”

Was there anything else she could possibly screw up today?

Sky had met Delia Shaw—a stunning model in her late twenties—through her cousin, Megan, before her passing. The two models had been close, and now Sky considered Delia one of her own best friends. In fact, it was Delia who came up with the idea for a collaboration between Sky and Nadine. Sky was here to pitch the idea of using her blog to generate positive press for the fledgling modeling agency.

“Delia loves you. I’m sure she’s fine.” Javier brushed the fear away with a grin.

“I know, but she’s been through a lot too.” Sky twisted her fingers together. “I don’t want to add to it.”

A little over two months ago, Delia had been beaten and raped by a member of the Mill. Since that night, she’d taken great strides to generate positive change in her life. Regular Krav Maga training sessions had allowed her to physically flourish, and switching from Pinnacle Modeling—where her ex-agent, Gil Stetson, had been sending her on shady, high-risk side gigs—to Barrett Model Management had been a game changer.

Delia now had her career shaped by Nadine rather than by a misogynistic criminal. While maintaining Delia’s connections to the high-end fashion industry, Nadine had additionally connected her with multiple activewear lines where her dedication to physical fitness would be highlighted rather than criticized.

Javier scoffed playfully. “I’m not sure you’ve noticed, but Delia is doing excellent now. She’s happy. And she’s not going to be upset about you being a few minutes late. She’s used to your Sky-isms.”

“My Sky-what?”

As if to prove him right, Delia entered the lobby at Nadine’s side with a wide smile on her beautiful, fair face. “I knew you’d get here eventually.” Her ebony bob swished as she bounded toward Sky.

Attempting to return the smile, Sky paused as Delia scanned their disheveled appearances. Sky’s normally stick-straight hair was mussed, and she had scrapes on the palms of her hands and a bruise blooming below the hemline of her skirt. Javier was less bedraggled, but the lower half of his shirt looked like it had been slashed.

Delia reached out to pull Sky into a hug. “Did you get mugged on the way over?” She turned to whisper in Sky’s ear. “Or did you two make a pit stop for a quickie?”

Sky pinched her friend, her face hot. Delia winked, clearly unbothered.

“Just some past trauma rearing its ugly head.” Javier answered for her. If he’d heard Delia’s second comment, he showed no sign of it. “Nadine, you don’t happen to have a spare shirt around here, do you? I was going to grab one at the office, but I’m running a little late, and I have a lunch meeting I don’t want to miss.”

“I was wondering why you’d come with her.” Nadine gestured toward the hallway with an exquisitely manicured hand. “I’m sure I’ve got something that’ll work. Come with me to the dressing room. You can tell me all about it.” She pinned Sky with her gaze. “Don’t you go anywhere. I’ll grab you a change too.”

“Thanks, but you really don’t have to. Only thing damaged is my pride.” Sky smiled, but she was sure Nadine could tell it was forced.

Nadine and Javier disappeared into the hallway, and Delia immediately fixed Sky with a no-bullshit look. “Listen. I know you like to appear tough as nails at all times, but you’re not hiding your demons from me.” She took Sky’s hand and dragged her to a small, empty conference room, closing the door behind them. “Spill it, sister.”

Sky took a deep breath and let her shoulders sag. “You ever have one of those days where the universe punishes you for getting out of bed?”

“Girl, you know I have.” She guided Sky to two stylish desk chairs at the chic oval conference table and nudged her to sit. “And that is why I know you’re going to tell me what’s going on. We’re sisters in pain, right?”

Sky studied the wooden table. Maybe if she stared at it hard enough, she could avoid this conversation altogether. “Yeah. I guess we are.”

“Exactly. So you know nothing you say will faze me.”

“It’s not that…” She didn’t doubt Delia’s resilience for a second, but she distrusted her own ability to explain the events of her past—again—without falling apart.

“Okay.” Delia gave her a nod of encouragement. “Tell me.”

With a deep breath, Sky peered up, eyes burning with tears. “I have to face my worst fear, and I really don’t want to.”

The story flooded out of her, and Delia listened intently as Sky explained what had happened to Tessa. How Sky had taken years to cope, and how—with this being the tenth anniversary of the murder—some Hollywood type had the brilliant idea to make a documentary about it. But as much as she wanted to honor her friend’s memory, she didn’t feel she had the strength to do it.

“I know they’re going to want me to answer the one big question. I didn’t have the answer then, and I don’t have it now.” Sky’s voice cracked as she dropped her head into her hands. “If I’d been able to identify the man who killed Tessa, he would be behind bars. But I was so traumatized from being trapped in the dark with my best friend’s corpse for days that when I came out, I couldn’t recall his face. To be honest, I never got a good look at him at all.”

“It’s okay.” Delia’s voice trembled with emotion. “You survived, and that’s what matters.”

A tear trickled down Sky’s cheek, and she swiped at it. “But Tessa didn’t.” She sniffed. “All I could remember seeing was black greasepaint. I’ve never forgiven myself for that. And no amount of therapy will ever make me remember. Believe me. I tried. I failed.” A sob racked her body as she envisioned her beautiful lost friend. “I’m so sorry I failed you, Tessa.”

“Oh, honey. Come here.” Delia pulled her friend into a bear hug. “You are not a failure.”

Sky crumbled, letting her pent-up emotions pour out as she cried into Delia’s shoulder.

“That’s right. Release all that pain.” Delia stroked her wild mane of hair. “You are so strong, so brave, and unbelievably caring.”

“But I couldn’t identify the man. I failed at the one thing I could’ve done to bring justice for her.”

“You were a kid. You were put through hell, and you did everything you could to protect her. That’s not failing. You deserve a damn medal for what you did.”

“But it wasn’t enough.” Sky used the back of her hand to wipe her tears, smearing her skin with mascara. “And now they’re going to want me to go through this all over again. I don’t think I’m strong enough. But I don’t want them to ruin her memory by dramatizing what happened. She deserves to be treated with respect.”

“It’s not a question of whether you can do it.” Delia squeezed her tighter. “I’ve seen you work miracles when you put your mind to something. Don’t you ever let yourself question how strong you are.”

“You think so?” Sky hiccupped the words. She felt like many things right now, but strong wasn’t one of them.

“Really? You’re going to ask me that?” Delia pulled back and took Sky’s face in her hands, meeting her friend’s gaze. “You are one of the strongest, most caring people I’ve ever known, and you’re being too hard on herself. Who was willing to sacrifice her body if it helped us identify a key member of the Mill?”

The hint of a smile quirked the corner of Sky’s lips as she remembered the terror of her first—and only—special modeling gig. “What sacrifice? The foot fetish guy didn’t even touch me.” She snorted. “Well, just my feet.”

“You didn’t know that before you went in there.” Delia cocked her head at her friend’s account of that night. “Sure, you walked away with a few boxes of ungodly expensive shoes. Which you will be letting me borrow when the occasion comes.”

That earned a laugh from Sky. “Don’t you still have the last pair you borrowed?”

Delia blushed ruby red. “You mean those champagne Jimmy Choo Avenue wedges? Nope. I have no idea what you’re talking about.” She giggled deviously before turning somber. “My point is, you have more strength than you think…and a big heart to go with it.” She gave Sky’s shoulder a little shake. “If you feel you should do this to honor your friend and ensure that the events are shown without the added Hollywood bullshit, then I know you can do it. You helped get to the bottom of Megan’s murder case. You were instrumental in exposing the Mill. Solving crimes seems to be your thing, like it or not.”

Fear returned to Sky’s gut. She bowed her head as she opened her mouth to speak.

Delia cut off her protestations with a raised hand. “I’m not saying you have to. You don’t, and no one can make you do this. You’re well within your rights to avoid reliving a trauma.” Her eyes softened with a faraway look. “Remember how reluctant I was to speak up after my assault?”

Sky nodded. When the nurse had said police would come to see Delia in the hospital after her rape, she’d been dead set against filing a report.

“But do you also remember who encouraged me to speak up?” Delia’s grip on Sky’s shoulders tightened. “You. And I’m going to tell you what you told me then. You don’t want something like this to happen to you or anyone else again.”

Sky gulped, nodding as she grabbed a tissue from the desk.

The door opened, and Nadine strolled in carrying a small red first aid kit. “Javier had to take off to his meeting. I know you said you didn’t need clothes, but those cuts on your palms look angry. At least let me help you bandage up.” She set the kit on the table and popped it open. “Now, what in the world happened? Javier was vague.”

“I was just overwhelmed. I’m unexpectedly heading out of town.”

Nadine tilted her head, her expression growing curious. “Is this for your book?”

Sky sniffled as Nadine held her palm and applied antiseptic ointment to her scrapes. She took a deep breath. “Tenth anniversary of my best friend’s murder. I’ve been called in for a true crime documentary, since I was there when she died.”

Nadine froze, still holding Sky’s hand.

Delia broke the silence. “I think a little sunshine would do us all good.” She sprang to her feet, seemingly eager to spare her friend another repeat of the story. “I have to be at a casting in an hour. How about we do that blog interview over a quick lunch with a couple mimosas? Or maybe something a little stronger. I know I could use some liquid courage before this casting call.”

The model was obviously attempting to keep the mood light, and Sky appreciated the effort. Any subject far away from documentaries and murder was more than welcome.

Sky flashed Delia a weak smile and mouthed the words, Thank you.

10

Javier checked his watch as he entered Macaw’s Restaurant and Bar.

When he glanced into the main dining area, the place was packed, all the tables occupied.

Of course it was. Kevin never ate anywhere that didn’t have a five-star rating. And based on the delicious aromas wafting around, this place deserved the high praise.

Two years Kevin’s senior, Javier had known the man since grade school. Though they eventually lost touch, they’d reconnected about a year after Javier became GDL’s senior vice president. Kevin was modeling for Pinnacle at the time.

The coffee and muffins he’d eaten for breakfast had long since burned through his system, and Javier’s stomach growled as a server walked by with a tray of burgers.

“We’re at capacity right now, sir,” a blond server called out from the entry podium. “I can put your name on the list if you’d like.”

He approached the woman with a smile. “I’m meeting a friend. Reservation would be under Kevin Fitzner.”

The blond peered at a pad of paper with a handwritten list. She ran her finger down the names scrawled on it. “Fitzner. Yes. Please follow me.”

Kevin was already munching on appetizers and enjoying a beer as Javier strolled up to the corner table with a view of the busy street outside.

Javier slid into his seat and thanked the server. “Sorry I’m late.”

The blond flipped to a clean page in her notepad. “What can I get started for you?”

“Get the Wagyu beef burger.” Kevin grinned, his pale-blue eyes twinkling. “You’ll never settle for fast food again.”

“Sure.” Javier shrugged. “Why not? Medium well, please.”

“And get him a Buddha Pilsner too.” Kevin downed the last of his brew and slid the empty bottle toward the server. “And another for me.”

Javier chuckled. Normally, he preferred to do his own ordering, but like his taste in venues, Kevin’s taste in food was exquisite. His suggestions tended to be spot-on. “Whatever he says.”

“Good man.” Kevin leaned back in his chair, smiling as the server walked away.

“Are we celebrating? You seem in unusually good spirits today.”

“Get ready to see my name up on the big screen.”

“Are you going back into modeling?” Last time they had spoken, Kevin had waxed nostalgic about his time spent splashed across NYC. Nearly every billboard had him lounging in tighty-whities.

“You wish.” Kevin let out a boisterous laugh. “Try Hollywood, my friend.”

Javier nodded. “Acting. Sure. I could see that.” His buddy had the face and body to be an A-list star.

“No. I’m done with being in the spotlight.” Kevin waved like the spotlight was an annoyance he could swat away. “I want to direct. Make my mark on the world by leaving something behind. My legacy.”

“Don’t you already have a legacy?”

“I don’t want my children or grandchildren to remember me as the guy who did the underwear ads.” Kevin wrinkled his nose. “I want to do something meaningful. Something my descendants can be proud of.”

His face was the picture of sincerity, but this was Kevin talking. The serial dater. The man who’d slept with half of Manhattan’s modeling population. While Javier appreciated his friend’s philanthropic idealism, he had to wonder what had sparked this newfound need to create a meaningful legacy. A suspicious inkling wormed its way into Javier’s mind.

He groaned. “You didn’t get a woman pregnant, did you?”

Kevin leaned forward, folding his muscular arms on the table. “C’mon, now. You know me better than that. I always wrap up. No, I just realized that I have all this money and all the fame I could handle. Maybe it’s time I did something useful for the world.”

The server returned with their beers.

Perhaps his friend had truly evolved. “Okay, then. A toast to maturity.” Javier raised his bottle before taking a swig.

Kevin had been right. The pilsner was smooth and crisp, with an almost peppery finish.

“See? What’d I tell you? Tasty, right?” Kevin’s thousand-watt smile could illuminate the whole room. It was infectious, and Javier couldn’t help but mimic the expression.

“You’ve got good taste, no denying that.” Javier took another sip. “Now tell me about this movie.”

“Okay. It’s not a movie, per se.” Kevin steepled his fingers. “It’s a TV documentary series directed by Shane Eastland about cold cases in small towns. He says he wants to capture the truth about the murders and why they’ve gone unsolved. Really get in and show the kind of things other unsolved-case shows gloss over.”

Javier sputtered, coughing as his drink went down the wrong pipe. He grabbed a napkin and dabbed his lips. The documentary. Kevin couldn’t be talking about the same one that had thrown Sky into such a fit, could he? “How did you get involved? I don’t remember you doing television before.”

“I’m friends with a few studio executives, and they were talking about a project that needed additional funding. So I struck a deal. I had some capital to invest and needed hands-on experience to get my feet wet. On-the-job training. You know how I like to do things.” Kevin winked and took another pull from his beer. “I get credit as assistant director and a cut of the profits while learning the ropes. Pretty sweet, right?”

“Sounds like you have it all figured out. When’s shooting going to start?”

“I’m actually heading out this weekend. Small town upstate…New Pleasant.”

Javier nearly knocked over his beer. That was where Sky had grown up. It was no coincidence. Kevin was working on the same documentary.

“Ready for more beers?” The server returned with Javier’s burger. She set it on the table and produced a bottle of ketchup from her apron. “Or would you like something else?”

“I’m going to need another beer.” Javier wasn’t sure if he should say something to Kevin about the documentary, or if it was better left alone. Sky had reacted poorly to the news on the TV at breakfast and nearly passed out on the sidewalk. Clearly, it was a point of pain for her.

But playboy that he was, Kevin had a good heart. And when that man put his mind to something, he usually excelled at it. With him on the set, helping with the filming, Javier was sure it would be handled right.

“You’re too quiet, man. What’s wrong? Aren’t you happy for me?”

Javier pretended to be inhaling the aroma of the hamburger that had been laid out for him. “Yeah. Low blood sugar. Congrats. You’re going to do great.” He picked up the burger and took a bite, ensuring he wouldn’t have to speak for several beats.

“Yeah. Things are definitely looking up.” Kevin clasped his hands at the back of his head and leaned back. “You’ll be surprised to hear I have a girlfriend now too.”

Now that was a surprise. Javier never expected to hear those words from his friend’s mouth. “What? The perpetual bachelor has finally settled down?”

“Hold on now.” Kevin held up a hand. “No one said anything about settling down. Just because I used the G word, that doesn’t mean I’m putting a ring on anything.”

“Who’s the lucky lady?” Javier enjoyed another juicy bite of his hamburger. Kevin had been right. This was the best burger he’d eaten in a long while. The meat melted in his mouth. The grilled onions were buttery soft. And whatever sauce they had topped it with, he hoped they bottled and sold it so he could hoard some in his fridge.

“She’s on her way.” He grinned. “You can meet her yourself.”

“The suspense is killing me. At least tell me where you met her.” The pepper notes in the beer complemented the savory flavor of the meat. Before he knew it, Javier had finished the second beer and was craving another. But this was only lunchtime. He needed to pace himself. It wouldn’t look too good if he showed up at the office tipsy.

“She was at the club. We bumped into each other, and the rest is history.” Kevin straightened in his seat. “There she is.”

Javier turned to gaze out the window in the same direction as his friend, and his stomach flip-flopped. The woman walking up to the front door of Macaw’s was the last person he’d hoped to see.

The air turned sour as she sauntered in, bypassing the hostess as if she were on a mission.

Kevin stood and waved her over. “Ashley, we’re over here.”

Javier inhaled a deep, sharp breath, preparing for the worst. He was certain he’d told Kevin about her. The backstabbing little social-ladder climber. Ashley Duncan had a history of using her good looks and charm to work over the men at GDL. Luckily, Nadine had been her boss back then and knew exactly what Ashley was capable of. But the moment Nadine left GDL to start Barrett Model Management, Ashley dug her claws into the CEO and convinced him to promote her.

Though Javier couldn’t prove she’d done anything wrong, he couldn’t ignore the bad feeling he got when working around her. And it was no secret she had it in for Nadine’s new company. Javier had already had to step in to make sure good models like Delia were included in casting calls.

Ashley scooted in and claimed the seat next to the window, tossing her honey-colored locks over her shoulder. “Javier, what are you doing here?”

“Half day today. I’m actually just finishing up here so I can get back to the office.” Javier reached for his napkin to wipe the burger grease from his lips. “I should let you two have your lunch.”

“You’re not going to stay?” Kevin’s smile faltered. “I wanted you to celebrate with us.”

“Congratulations, man. Seriously.” Javier stood and fetched his wallet. “But some of us do have to work. How about we do drinks later this week?”

“Before Friday. I’ll be heading out for the documentary after that.” Kevin swatted at Javier’s hand as he reached for his credit card. “My treat. You get drinks next time.”

“Sounds good.” He nodded. “You two be good. Congrats again, man.”

Javier couldn’t get out of there fast enough. Kevin—one of his oldest friends—dating that horrible woman. If he said something negative, it would go in one ear and out the other. But he had to find some way to let Kevin know what he was getting himself into. He was exactly the kind of man women like her took advantage of. She’d drain his wallet if he gave her an inch.

On the other hand, this was Kevin. The man was allergic to monogamy. How long could a fling like that last? Especially if he was on location doing shoots for the documentary? Javier doubted Ashley was the type of woman who tolerated being ignored. He could just stay silent and let the relationship run its own short course.

The documentary. Javier blew out a loud breath. He still needed to talk with Sky and find out what she was going to do about that. At least with Kevin on board, there would be a friendly face.

Though hopefully not too friendly. Just the thought of his womanizing buddy alone with Sky…perhaps at the bar, after a long day of filming…

Settle down. She is not your girlfriend. You have no right to get jealous.

Javier smiled ruefully as he rounded the corner. Sky had captivated him from the start, but for whatever reason, she was holding him at arm’s length. She was a good friend, even flirty at times, but not once had she shown real interest in him. If Sky was attracted to him, she’d done a good job of hiding it.

He scuffed his feet against the pavement. Even if she didn’t have feelings for him, Sky was an amazing woman, and he was proud to be her friend. Maybe he could join her if she went up to New Pleasant. Might make it easier for her if she had a friend in her corner. She might be relieved if he made the suggestion.

He shook his head to himself as he walked into the GDL office building. Either that or she’ll laugh in your stupid face.

11

Sky munched on the heavily buttered popcorn that Callie had made for all of them, doing her best to concentrate on the rom-com Delia had selected for movie night.

“Pause.” Javier popped up from his spot beside Sky on Callie’s couch. “I call intermission.”

Sami Hayat chuckled as his friend ran down the hall. “We all know that means you have to use the little boys’ room, buddy. No need to hide it.”

Sky snorted. “Wow. Really putting those private investigator skills to work, huh?”

Sami was CEO—and only employee of— Hayat Investigations, a private investigations firm he’d recently opened.

Delia gave him a playful pat on the shoulder. “Leave the poor guy alone. He’s just trying to have manners.” She flashed a smile at Sky and Callie in turn. “You guys enjoying the movie? I know we’ve all seen it before, but it’s a classic.”

“Well, I vote that next week,” Sami helped himself to a fresh handful of popcorn from the bowl he and Delia shared, “we watch a ‘classic’ kung fu movie. I bet you Javier has my back on that one.”

“I won’t be here next week.” Sky blurted out the information through a mouthful of salt and buttery goodness.

Callie locked in on her like a heat-seeking missile. “What do you mean?”

Realizing how over-the-top her announcement sounded, Sky swallowed the rest of her popcorn and went to setting things straight. “I’m not moving or anything. I just…I have something I have to do. A documentary in my hometown. I’ll be gone for at least a few days…maybe more.”

“A documentary on what?” Callie’s voice was only slightly less startled.

Sky exchanged a glance with Delia, who gave her a nod of encouragement. “My best friend, Tessa Emerson.” Saying her name out loud still punctured her heart. “She passed away when we were both fourteen. She was…murdered. And I was there when it happened.”

“What?” Callie and Sami spoke in unison.

Javier reentered the living room, apparently having overheard the topic of discussion. “I was wondering if you were going to bring that up tonight.”

“So was I,” Delia echoed, snuggling in closer to Sami.

“Wait.” Sami pointed from Delia to Javier. “You guys knew about this already? No fair.”

Callie nodded, sitting up straight in her armchair. “No fair is right. What happened?”

Sky braced herself to tell the tragic story of Tessa one more time for Sami and Callie. There was no going back now, so she simply dived in, repeating the details of what she and Tessa had been through ten years ago and why she’d be taking part in the new documentary.

As she spoke, Delia moved to her side and rubbed her back. Sky leaned into her when the emotions threatened to consume her. On her other side, Javier sat like a stalwart support, ready to catch her if she collapsed again. When she’d finished the tale, she settled back against the couch cushion with a long exhale.

“I haven’t given the director my official yes yet.” Sky bounced her leg nervously as she waited for the opinions to come flooding in. “I was going to let him know tonight. But I feel like it’s something I should do, if there’s even a chance of this helping to find justice for Tessa.”

Callie tossed her hands up in the air. “The things you all get yourselves into. But I understand. I’d take part in the documentary, too, if I were in your shoes.”

“You would?” Relief washed over Sky. Of the entire group, Callie’s opinion meant the most to her.

“Yes.” The former FBI agent nodded. “But I’d also be very careful. You’re going into the belly of the beast, so to speak. Tessa’s murderer was never found, and it’s likely that should he get wind of this project, he won’t be too happy about it.”

A shiver ran down Sky’s spine. “You think the killer might show up in New Pleasant?”

“I think it’s possible.” Callie set her empty bowl aside and turned to Sky. “And I don’t like the idea of you going alone.”

“She’s right.” Sami leaned forward and met Sky’s gaze. “The psycho who did this to your friend won’t appreciate everything being dug up for the public eye all this time later. And he especially won’t be happy that you’re taking part in it. In his mind, you were supposed to die in that cave alongside your friend.”

Javier gently patted her knee. “They’re right. That’s why I was going to offer to go with you. To keep you safe.”

Sky rolled her eyes. “I don’t need to be protected. I’m doing this on purpose. Charging into…the belly of the beast or whatever…because I want to.” She returned Sami’s gaze with a fierce look of her own. “I want this to flush out Tessa’s killer. Nothing would make me happier.”

“Or put you in more danger.” Callie stood, collecting the mostly empty popcorn bowls. “Of course you want to find the bastard. So do I. But Javier isn’t wrong. You’re not going to be in the safest position. If some…or maybe all…of us went with you, we could help keep you safe while also hunting this asshole down.”

Blinking back tears that were part frustration and part gratefulness, Sky scanned the group. “But this isn’t your problem. It’s mine. I’ve burdened you guys enough with my crap.”

“You also helped me through mine.” Delia reached over and grabbed her hand. “And you are our friend. Your problems aren’t burdens. We want to help you.”

Sky sat in silence for a minute, completely overwhelmed. “All of you?”

“Yes.” The four answers were unanimous.

She tried to imagine returning to New Pleasant with an entire entourage of friends sleuthing on the side. “How about I get there first and get settled? Find my bearings. And when I’m ready, I can hit the go button or something. Call you guys up.”

Javier gave Sky’s ponytail a playful tug. “You know that means you actually have to hit the button at some point, right? Not just tell us everything is fine and leave us hanging.”

“He’s right.” Callie jerked her chin at Sky. “You have a way of keeping things to yourself.”

“I’ll let you know, I promise.” Sky hoped she was doing a better job of convincing them than she was of convincing herself.

Having friends there would be great as far as moral support went. And Callie’s FBI experience along with Sami’s P.I. skills couldn’t hurt to have around, should Tessa’s murderer turn out to be lurking nearby.

But Sky didn’t trust herself to actually call up the gang, even if she claimed she would. Bringing other people into that world—that hell—she’d left back in New Pleasant seemed like baring her soul on a whole new level.

“Okay.” Callie headed to the kitchen and placed the stack of bowls in the sink. “It’s settled, then. We’re all on standby until Sky calls us up. We’ve got a murderer to catch, folks.”

A chorus of affirmation rang out, filling Callie’s apartment with the comforting sound of unconditional love and support.

She didn’t deserve any of them, but she was so grateful to have them. “I’ll be in touch as soon as I get there and have an idea of what’s going on.”

As she tried to decide on texting, calling, or emailing Shane Eastland her decision to participate in the documentary, Sky wondered if any of her friends could tell she was lying.

12

Sky never should’ve agreed to do the damn documentary. Renting a car. Going back home. Staying with her aunt and uncle. What was she thinking? It was a recipe for disaster.

Only four months had gone by since her cousin’s body was found in a GDL garment bag floating in the Hudson River, and Sky was still shaken to her core. Sleeping in the same room she’d shared with Megan when they were teenagers brought back waves of memories along with fresh, piercing grief.

And Aunt Patty only made things harder, breaking into tears nearly every time Sky was in the room.

Fleeing back to the city wasn’t an option. She’d made the decision to do this for Tessa. But maybe she should be staying elsewhere. A hotel made more sense, but finding a way to relay that to her aunt without making her cry was going to be a struggle.

And when she finished insulting poor Aunt Patty and breaking her heart, she still had to meet with the director and his crew at the scene of the crime.

For a brief moment, Sky considered calling in her backup. If nothing else, the moral support of a friend or two would help soothe her nerves. And since it was a Friday evening, chances were, her friends would be able to get away from the city for a few days. They’d all offered to do so at the drop of a hat anyway.

She crept down the stairs of her aunt’s home, hoping to sneak out the back door without anyone noticing.

“Sky, dear. Come and sit with me while I make dinner. I haven’t seen you since…” Aunt Patty’s words seemed to catch in her throat. She gulped and turned to face the bubbling pot on the stove. “Must’ve added too much pepper or something. It’s making my eyes all watery.”

Megan’s absence was a fresh, jagged hole in her mother’s heart. Though Sky had dealt with her fair share of trauma, she doubted anything could top the loss of a child.

“Pepper will do that to you.” Sky took a seat, allowing her aunt the time she needed to compose herself.

“It’s just so nice to have you here.” Aunt Patty turned around with a weak smile. “I wish it were under better circumstances, though.”

“Me too.” That was the understatement of the century. “I’m not really sure what they want me to do. That Shane guy said there would be an interview. But then he asked me to come out to where they’re shooting.”

Aunt Patty smoothed a wayward strand of her brunette bob. “Those documentaries always try to recreate the scene of the crime. They’re probably going to have you give all the details so they can film it.”

“That’s what I’m afraid of. I want to catch Tessa’s killer more than anything, but my answers are the same now as they were when the police interviewed me years ago.” Sky dreaded the one question she knew she couldn’t answer. The one that had left her feeling like a failure after all these years. If only she could have identified the man who’d shot Tessa, then there would be no documentary. No reason to be here.

Aunt Patty held out a paper towel for Sky. “Spices getting to you too?”

She hadn’t realized how long she’d been sitting there, deep in thought, until the tear dripped from her cheek.

“Thanks.” She accepted the towel and dabbed her eyes. “If they’re searching for new information, they’re going to be sorely disappointed with me.”

“Maybe after so many years, you’ll be able to think of things from a fresh perspective.” Talking about a different dead girl other than her own seemed to steady Aunt Patty. “Can you think of anyone who could’ve wanted to kill Tessa?”

“I have no idea. And I can’t shed any light on the killer’s face.” Sky reached for a chunk of carrot from the pile her aunt had chopped and popped it into her mouth. “I could describe all the insane things I thought I saw in the dark while I sat there with Tessa’s dead body. But unless hallucinations are what they’re after, this is going to be a major waste of time.”

Aunt Patty scooped up the veggies and tossed them into the bubbling broth on the stove. “Fighting for what’s right is never a waste of time. Don’t let the frustration get to you before you’ve even started. They need your help.”

“I wouldn’t have come up here if I didn’t want to help.” Sky tried to keep her annoyance from seeping into her words. “This isn’t exactly easy for me to do. You remember all the therapy sessions. Reliving the death of my best friend and being trapped in that damn cave. I’m definitely not here because I thought it’d be fun.”

“Of course not. I just⁠—”

“You think I’ll let myself get overwhelmed and that’s what will keep me from magically remembering something I didn’t see.” Sky struggled to keep her voice even. Her heart pounded, each beat sending a fresh wave of heat up to her burning cheeks. “But if all the doctors in New York couldn’t get it out of me then, no Hollywood director or producer is going to now. I don’t have what they want.”

“Honey, anger certainly isn’t going to help Tessa’s cause.” Aunt Patty waved her wooden spoon, sending droplets of broth raining on the countertop. “Your uncle is in the next room watching TV. Please try to control your temper.”

Control my temper? Seriously? Am I still sixteen?

Sky rose to her feet. “This was a bad idea. I shouldn’t have come.”

Aunt Patty set the spoon down and rinsed her hands at the sink. “I’m sorry you don’t want to be here, and I understand why, but life is full of things we don’t want to do. Sometimes you have to step up and face your demons.”

Sky planted her hands on her hips. “I’m here, aren’t I?”

Her aunt was acting as if Sky hadn’t already been through literal hell and worked her ass off to get better. She chewed her lip, fighting the urge to spit out another retort.

Thankfully, before she could say anything she’d later regret, her phone buzzed.

“Excuse me…I have to take this.” She whipped out her phone as if it were her lifeline, answering it without even registering who the caller was. Did it matter? This was her ticket out of a conversation she had no desire to take part in. She climbed the stairs two at a time, intent on escaping to her bedroom where she could hopefully get a moment’s peace.

“You sound out of breath. You okay?” Javier’s deep voice was a soothing balm.

“I’m fine.” She sighed. “Just a little stressed.”

“My offer still stands. I can be up there in four hours if you need a friend.”

Hearing the wonderful sounds of city traffic in the background, Sky considered the option as she flopped onto her bed, lying crossways on the mattress with her head toward the wall and her feet dangling off the edge. “No. Better not. I just got into a pretty heated exchange with my aunt. Emotions are running high here. I wouldn’t want to put you in the middle of my crap.”

A low chuckle came through the phone. “That’s literally why people have friends, you know.”

“I’m good.” Maybe if she said it out loud enough times, she’d believe it. “I think I can manage one man with a camera. I just need to get it over with so I can come home.”

“If you’re sure…” His voice lowered, deepened. “Remember that we all agreed to be at your beck and call.”

Sky’s resolve wavered. Having a friend there would be nice. And also confusing. Javier coming up felt like something a boyfriend would do. But would spending the next several days with an attractive, attentive guy who genuinely cared about her really be so bad?

And if Sky were being honest, she found Javier more than just attractive. He was kind, considerate, intelligent, dependable…the list could go on and on. So why had she kept him in the friend zone? Judging from Javier’s subtle hints and body language, she knew their attraction was mutual, even if they’d never acted on it.

I’m just not in the right headspace.

The grief from Megan’s death was still fresh, and now she was reliving the trauma of Tessa’s murder. Maybe one day, Sky would explore the possibility of taking her friendship with Javier to the next level, but today was not that day.

Regardless of her inner turmoil, Javier showing up would surely stir up more family drama. She could almost hear Aunt Patty’s interrogation. The questions would never end.

“I’m sure. I’ll save my Bat-Signal for if any real trouble starts.” She desperately searched for a change of subject. “Distract me. How were your meetings today?”

“You must be either desperate or angling for a scoop on the fashion world for your book.” Javier’s laugh came out dry. His voice seemed flat, at odds with what he was saying.

Sky frowned. Apparently, he needed a distraction too. “What’s Sami doing? He and Delia engaged yet?”

“Not yet, but maybe by the end of the week. I did hear he was taking her to IKEA.” His tone softened. Best friends were an easy topic to talk about.

Javier kept speaking, but Sky wasn’t really listening. Despite having redirected the conversation, she couldn’t shake thoughts of Tessa from her mind.

“I’m sorry.” She interrupted him mid-sentence. “I’m too tired to talk right now.”

“No worries. And seriously, I can come up, no problem.”

She knew he would. All she had to do was say the word, but she couldn’t bring herself to do it. “It’ll be over soon enough. I’ll stay in touch.”

“I’d like it if you would.” His reply was gentle, earnest. Like he was trying to convey more to her in those few words.

Or was she reading too much into things?

She ended the call, frustrated with herself and angry that she was wasting her time locked in this bedroom.

Sky threw her phone on the mattress and rolled over, burying her face in the pillows. The walls were paper-thin, and if she screamed into the pillowcase, she’d end up having to explain why she was throwing a tantrum. That would only confirm her aunt’s theory that she was letting the anger get to her.

She sat up and swung her legs over the side of the bed again. “I can’t stay here.” She spoke to the picture of Tessa that hung on the wall next to the mirror, a headshot her friend had used when auditioning for parts. In looping, childish handwriting was a message from Tessa.

To Sky, my best friend.

Many more memories of her friend still sat on display in the bedroom at her parents’ house, a mile down the road. The thought of how silent and still her childhood home must be at this moment sent a pang of loneliness deep into her gut.

Sky pushed the mental pictures away and rummaged around in the closet. She pulled out an old denim jacket and threw it on over her shirt. Although it was June, nights in upstate New York could get nippy.

She tromped down the stairs, calling out to her aunt in the kitchen. “I’m going out.”

“The soup will be ready in an hour.”

Sky rolled her eyes, feeling like the child she used to be, rather than the adult she was now. “I’ll be back by then.”

The door caught in the breeze and slammed shut behind her. Sky shivered and buttoned the jacket as she walked.

Without stopping to think about where she was going, she headed for the old swimming hole. The spot was a fifteen-minute walk northwest from her aunt and uncle’s house, neither on their land nor her parents’ but directly above and in between the two properties, deep in the woods. Maybe she was drawn there now, to that place, to banish the ghost that had been trailing her ever since she saw her friend’s face plastered all over the television in that café.

She found the path more overgrown than she remembered, harder to follow. Did anyone ever come out to this remote part of the river anymore? Maybe not after the stories that had grown in the wake of the murder. The swimming hole had become a tale of caution to local children, a warning about the dangers of wandering too far from home.

Sky imagined there wasn’t a child in the neighborhood who made the trek out to that particular spot to swim anymore, except on a dare.

She shuddered and pushed through the trees, coming to an abrupt halt as Tessa’s boulder came into view, sitting in the water only twenty feet from where she stood.

Sky had come out of the trees right there, ten years earlier, and witnessed her best friend struggling in the water, being held down by that…that monster. Hovering over Tessa, the man had been more beast than human, a blur of dark colors and demented fury. Like a demon intent on thieving a soul, her best friend’s murderer was a feral creature overcome with the desire to kill. So zeroed in on his prey that he hadn’t immediately noticed Sky’s arrival.

Warily, Sky stepped out of the trees and approached the boulder, almost hearing the thrashing in the water, the muffled cries. Why had she thought this was a good idea? She hopped across to the last place Tessa had truly been alive.

What had she seen from here in those last minutes before her world had changed to one of terror? Sky settled cross-legged with her back to the shore, staring out over the silvery ripples the way she pictured Tessa sitting there in those last minutes.

She pulled her jacket tighter around her torso. Whether she was shivering from the chill out here on the water or from the eeriness of the location, Sky didn’t know. She stared into the watery depths, ignoring the debris being pushed against the rock by the waves, trying to glimpse the murky bottom.

What had it been like for Tessa to be held under like that? In her mind’s eye, Sky went back over what had happened—this time from her friend’s point of view—and shuddered. No. She didn’t want to go there. Instead, she gazed toward the trees. Why hadn’t she run faster and gotten there sooner? Would it have made any difference?

She’d hit the man over the head with a rock. Why hadn’t she been stronger? She’d slammed it down with all her might, and it still hadn’t been enough.

It had bought her time, though. Enough to pull Tessa from the water and run with her along the shore. Her friend had wavered, dazed and confused. She’d needed Sky to pull her stumbling body through the woods and toward the cave.

A shot went off, but scrambling as she’d been to get up the rocks and find leverage, Sky hadn’t truly recognized the sound.

Tessa faltered and crumbled in her arms.

At first, Sky thought her friend had tripped. And poor Tessa had been struggling for breath as it was after almost drowning to death. Sky remembered the pain in her arms as she threw all her strength into pulling Tessa toward the cleft in the rocks.

In hindsight, she knew her friend had been hurt, even before she’d spotted the blood.

Sky jumped off the rock, her sneakers sinking into the mud. As the chilly water swirled around her ankles, she slogged through the muck, retracing their steps as she blinked back tears.

Stop it. It’s over. All in the past. You need to think. To remember what happened. What did you see?

A wave of frustration rippled through her. Why couldn’t she remember more details? Sky studied the scene before her, thinking back to that day. He’d been behind them, and Tessa had fallen. Had she seen his face then?

She’d only been aware of the back of his head when she’d brought the rock down on him. He’d fallen. She’d seen camo paint. Did he have dark hair? She’d told the officers as much when they’d questioned her.

But they needed more than that to go on. How many men had dark hair? The paint on his face had hidden distinguishing marks.

Think!

She forced her mind to go over every detail of that day again. Sky had come up behind him. She’d bashed the attacker’s head with the rock, then he’d fallen. She recalled the camo paint. The dark hair matted with blood from the rock.

Wait. Something else. A scar over the eyebrow? Right or left? She wasn’t sure. Maybe she was imagining it, looking for a detail she’d forgotten and wanting one so much that her mind was inventing a false memory for her.

Maybe he’d had a scar. Maybe not.

During the days of isolation, the utter darkness as Tessa’s dead body stiffened beside her, Sky had conjured up more of a wraith than a man as Tessa’s killer. The cave’s blackness had sent her into a spiral of delusions…muddling her memories of the man into a chaotic swirl of terror and horrific imagination.

Maybe she wasn’t alone at all. Maybe he—it, the savage fiend of a devil—had made his way inside before the rocks fell. At times, he’d seemed to be at her side. Watching her from a distance. Looming overhead, ready to strike her down next to her friend’s corpse.

She’d heard growling from the depths of the cave. Whispers. Taunts. Laughter. She’d even convinced herself that she’d also been shot. That she was dead too. That she’d entered Hell.

Alone.

The stories of fire and brimstone weren’t true. Hell wasn’t a placed where you burned forevermore…it was the complete and total lack of light, of love. Hell was the darkness where you sat covered in your best friend’s blood for all eternity.

Those were the clearest memories Sky had of the entire tragedy. Fumes of madness that had come and gone like demonic vapor.

“But please, Miss Stryker, try to give a clear account of everything you experienced. You’re our only hope of finding him.”

“Argh!”

Her frustrated scream scared up a flock of crows, and they took to the sky. A murder of crows for the murder of her best friend.

Sky stared at the ground, expecting to see blood. This was where she’d lost Tessa. She would die hours later in the cave, but it was here that Sky had truly lost her. From that point on, her friend had been in a daze. In shock. In and out of consciousness. Crying. Not making sense. If she were going to read things that way, she’d lost her in the water.

No. Not in the water. Before then. There had been something wrong in Tessa’s voice when she’d asked Sky out to the swimming hole. Something off about her. Something evasive.

When had she last seen the true Tessa Emerson, her wild and crazy best friend?

Sky straightened and trudged up the bank, retracing the path she’d taken ten years earlier. To her left, the trees towered taller than she remembered. Her feet dragged the closer she got to the cave, but when she hit the right spot, it wasn’t there. She’d forgotten.

After they’d removed Tessa’s body, the Emersons had demanded the cave be sealed permanently. There was only a pile of rock to mark the place where Sky had lost her best friend.

Here was where Tessa died.

Tessa Emerson had died in the dark, behind the rocks and dirt, on the ground in a shallow depression next to her cowering, worthless friend. A grave meant for two. Sky had been driven to the brink of madness in that grave but had somehow been lucky enough to walk away. She’d escaped Hell without having done a damn thing to deserve the privilege of continuing on. Of living.

“It’s not fair!” Her shout echoed off the rocks. “I should have—” She hiccupped a sob. Tears streamed unchecked down her cheeks.

Should have…what? Done something different? There was no answer for that. Only the silence of the woods too weary to tell the tale of what had happened there so long ago.

Sky forced herself closer, surprised at the way bushes had grown up over the piled rocks and dirt that had been used to fill in the cave. Saplings straggled up the rock pile, roots clinging to pockets of dirt between stone.

Eventually, this would be nothing more than a nameless slope. Indistinguishable to the naked eye from any other place, tucked away beneath the trees. All this was already becoming part of the forest. As her aunt always said, “Nature finds a way to reclaim what it has lost.”

Someday, all of this—even Tessa—would be forgotten.

Sky dropped to her knees, allowing herself to sob under the cover of darkness.

How long she stayed like that, she couldn’t say. It was the sharp snapping of a branch behind her that drew her out of her misery, instantly setting her on high alert.

She was on her feet in a flash.

Terror crawled over her skin. Beneath the layers of jacket and t-shirt, her skin prickled, rising into goose bumps as ice crept down her spine, turning her knees to jelly.

Oh, god…

Someone was there. But hadn’t her aunt said no one came here anymore?

She remembered what Callie said. You’re going into the belly of the beast…Tessa’s murderer was never found.

Sky paced in a slow circle. A light wind ruffled the surface of the distant water, unsettling the stillness. The trees hid secrets, things she couldn’t see. The gaze of some unknown watcher bore into her soul. Something…someone was out there.

You’re imagining it. No one is there.

The thought was hollow. A lie she told herself to keep from screaming. She took an unsteady step back against the rock pile, until the sharp edge of a boulder met her back.

Another stick cracked. Closer.

Without thinking, Sky sprang into motion. She ran as fast as her legs would carry her, mirroring what she’d done so many years ago. Whoever was out there, she just hoped they didn’t have a gun. She’d already pressed her luck once.

What were her odds of escaping Hell twice?

13

Branches tore at Sky’s jacket and hair, clawing at her body. She shielded her face as she raced through the trees, searching for the trail and taking half-remembered shortcuts until she emerged out onto the road.

Too far. She was too far away. She’d gotten turned around in the forest and had come out on the road a half mile from her aunt’s house, putting her almost at the halfway point between her parents’ hidden fields of pot and the Nowicki home she’d relocated to once those fields were no longer a secret.

She clutched her tight chest, gasping as she sprinted. Where were the cars? Surely someone would pass…would stop to ask if she were okay.

Or he would.

Oh, god…

With that thought, Sky hauled ass, ignoring the burning in her lungs and legs. She kept running until finally there it was, her aunt’s house. Sky threw open the door, breathless and disheveled, skidding to a halt at the counter where her aunt was cleaning up the plates and bowls from dinner. How long had she been at the river?

Aunt Patty’s eyes widened. “Sky!”

“Sorry.” She panted out the apology. “I know I’m late. Just need…to wash up. Give me a couple minutes.”

Heart still pounding in her throat, Sky bounded up the stairs and into the safety of her room. She bent over, panting until her breathing grew normal again.

She studied her reflection in the mirror. “I don’t want to be here.”

But she’d promised to come. She’d sent Shane a confirmation text during the gathering with the gang at Callie’s, and his response had been nothing short of grateful, ecstatic praise.

I don’t want to be here, but I will not leave until this is over.

Her determination hung in the air as she closed the distance to the door, pushed it shut, and leaned against it. Sliding to the floor, Sky noted the colorful throw rug. She was surprised her aunt had kept it all these years. The covering wasn’t particularly special, or even pretty, for that matter.

Sky had never liked the rug, but it covered most of the wood, hiding a loose floorboard where she’d often stashed things she wanted to keep secret from Megan, as well as from her aunt and uncle.

Having grown up in New Pleasant on her hippie parents’ pot farm that adjoined her aunt and uncle’s property, Sky had spent as much time at Aunt Patty’s house as she had at her own home, if not more. She’d even had her own bed in Megan’s spacious room and shared the space with her. The two were like sisters, and they’d both been close to Tessa.

After her best friend’s murder, Sky had clung to her cousin, sleeping in this bedroom nearly every night for the next two years. When Sky was sixteen, Megan’s older sister, Sadie, had gotten a scholarship to SUNY Albany, and Aunt Patty, Uncle Daryl, and Megan had moved to the city for a fresh start.

Sky had been devastated, having spent so much of the last two years with her cousins. She’d pleaded with her parents to let her spend the summer in Albany, and they’d agreed. In August of that year, Gary and Barbara Stryker’s extracurricular activities had caught up with them, and they’d been arrested.

With her parents serving a minimum of twenty-five years in prison, Sky moved in with the Nowickis permanently. They’d been good to her, helping her through her tumultuous teenage years. After falling in with the wrong crowd on the streets of Albany, Sky eventually got her life back on track, following in her cousin’s footsteps and attending SUNY Albany when she turned eighteen.

Less than five months ago, when Sky moved to Manhattan, her aunt and uncle moved back to New Pleasant, having kept their house as a vacation home of sorts during the last eight years. Sadie had stayed in Albany, working as a nurse and planning her wedding to Nick McNaulty, her police officer fiancé.

With a heavy sigh, Sky shook her head, pushing away thoughts of her complicated family history. She reached out and threw back the rug. One side was neatly trapped by the dresser, and the other was held in place by one foot of the bedframe. Wrangling and untucking the braided fabric, she revealed the hardwood floor beneath.

There, hidden in the shadows between bed and dresser, was one board, somewhat discolored and more warped than the rest. She tried digging her fingers under an edge, but the wood wouldn’t budge. A metal fingernail file always did the trick. Luckily, she had one in her purse, and she made quick work of prying up the board.

Beneath it was a space large enough for a narrow shoebox and a handful of various treasures.

Taking care not to damage the box, she extracted it from its hiding place. “I can’t believe this is still here.”

For a long time, she stared at the faded pink-and-white-striped lid without opening it.

Now that she held it in her hands, she was amazed at how small the shoebox seemed, how light, as though the memories within had faded and turned to dust with the years. For all she knew, maybe they had.

She nudged the lid, sending it tumbling to the floor. Inside were countless artifacts from her friendship with Tessa all those years ago. She’d hidden the box here during those awful days after Tessa’s murder, when she was spending most of her time at this house instead of her own.

With trembling fingers, Sky picked out the faded friendship bracelet she’d worn the day of Tessa’s funeral. A candy wrapper, symbolic of their constant late-night jaunts to the corner store, came next. They’d had many long talks while gorging on candy bars.

Then came a series of postcards sent from Hollywood, followed by a signed headshot, the first one fresh off the press after Tessa had signed with an agent. Sky paused, studying the dazzling smile, overwhelmed by the intensity in her best friend’s eyes. Tessa had been so driven to succeed.

Sky swallowed hard and set aside the picture, finding a brown-and-white stuffed dog. The dingy little furball, Ruffles, had been a constant companion to a hundred sleepovers.

“Oh, Tessa…”

Had her friend known her life was in danger? Was that why she wanted to meet at such an isolated place? Quiet and remote, the swimming hole had served as a safe haven. It was where each of them went to share their deepest, darkest secrets with one another.

“What were you going to tell me, Tessa?” Sky returned all the items to the box and placed the lid on top, tapping it to make sure it was secure. “What were your secrets? What should I have understood from all our phone conversations? What didn’t I hear?”

Now she wondered if those secrets had anything to do with Wyatt Durham.

She held the treasure box a long time before slipping it into the space beneath the floorboards. Then she rolled the rug back into place.

A crescent moon outside cast its silvery light through her window. How many nights had she stared out her bedroom window at her parents’ house down the road, waiting for Tessa’s signal? Two quick bursts from her flashlight meant the coast was clear.

There would have been so many more late-night excursions if Tessa’s young life hadn’t been snuffed out.

As Sky stood, peering out the window, a shadow danced at the edge of the tree line. Too big to be a cat. She squinted, searching for another sign of movement.

The longer she stared, the more the shadow seemed to grow. Something was definitely out there.

A dark figure emerged, streaking across the street toward the house. It disappeared behind Aunt Patty’s car.

This was no figment of her imagination. Had he followed her from the swimming hole?

In a small town like New Pleasant, getting a film crew in to do a TV show was a big deal. If news was spreading, maybe some nosy busybody was snooping around to try and get some dirt on her.

Fury coursed through Sky’s veins. Whoever it was, they had no business being there. This was the reason she’d agreed to do the documentary. She didn’t want it being treated like tabloid gossip. No one was going to sensationalize her best friend’s death. Not if she could help it.

There was no dirt to be had. And she would make sure whoever was trespassing knew it.

Or maybe it was Tessa’s murderer coming back to finish what he started?

I’m not that easy to kill, asshole. Didn’t you figure that out yet?

Sky bounded down the stairs and through the house, flinging open the front door. “Hey, you! Private property. Get the hell out of here!”

The figure ducked and ran. He might have gotten away, too, had he not been brought up short by the neighbor’s fence.

Sky flew off the porch, crossing the lawn and getting close enough to touch his jacket. She would make him stay and answer her. If this guy thought he could trespass on private property and snoop around, he had another think coming.

Lunging, she grasped his jacket and delivered a solid strike to his back before the slick leather slipped between her fingers. As she struggled to maintain balance, the creeper took full advantage of the moment, turning and shoving her hard.

She tumbled into the trio of garbage cans at the end of the driveway, yelping as she knocked the full bins open. Bottles and cans rattled as she scrambled to right herself. By the time she regained her footing, he was gone.

Growling expletives, she chased after the trespasser, her rubber-soled sneakers slapping the pavement. Dogs barked and one of the neighbors yelled after her, but Sky ignored them.

No doubt she’d caused quite a ruckus between shouting at the trespasser and tumbling with the trash cans, but she didn’t care. She kept her gaze focused on the disappearing back of the man in the black leather jacket.

She put on a burst of speed as he took a turn and nearly lost her. Sky dug deep, ignoring the stitch forming in her side as she skidded around the same corner. The pounding of his feet on the pavement broke the still of the evening. Boots. He was running in boots.

He ducked through a hedge, leading her past a swimming pool with various inflatables. She tripped over a skimmer left lying on the lawn, catching herself on her hand. By the time she regained her balance, he was gone.

On the next street over, an engine roared to life. There was no way she could keep up on foot. The mysterious stranger had escaped.

“Dammit!” She leaned against a tree, panting to catch her breath. If only she’d caught a glimpse of the man’s face, she might’ve been able to make a police report.

Sky trudged back toward her aunt and uncle’s house. By the time she reached the driveway, white-hot anger seeped out of her pores. She’d almost caught the bastard lurking on the property. If she’d just been a little faster…

An extra vehicle was parked in the driveway.

Great. The last thing she wanted to deal with was company…probably some neighbor she didn’t know. Who the hell would be visiting at this hour anyway? She peered through the darkness as she made her way up the drive.

Shit. That’s Javier’s Escalade.

Wasn’t that just the icing on the cake?

She’d specifically told him not to come. And as those words were coming out of her mouth, he had already been on his way up here.

It wasn’t that she didn’t appreciate the gesture. She did. But emotions tumbled in her head, overwhelming her. She was in no mood to have to explain her feelings to him.

Javier met her at the porch. “What’s wrong?”

She brushed past him toward the door.

“I’m here to help. I came all this way⁠—”

“I asked you not to come.” She inhaled a deep breath. It took all the strength she had to keep her voice calm.

A hundred hateful things she could say to hurt him swam in her mind. But attacking him wouldn’t be fair. At the same time, she couldn’t help but feel ambushed by his presence when she’d been quite clear about seeing him only after she returned to the city.

He cleared his throat. “I know you’re a strong woman. And I’m not here because I think you can’t handle the stress you’re under. I’m trying to be a good friend and support you.”

“Then listen to me when I say go home.”

“Dammit, Sky. You’re too freaking stubborn to ask for help.” His voice trembled, growing a bit louder. “You’ve been distant and on edge since this documentary came up. And we all agreed a couple nights ago that you don’t have to do this alone.” He sighed and shifted his weight from one foot to the other.

She could tell he was struggling to soften his tone, to keep this from becoming an argument. Still, as good as his intentions were, Sky had asked him not to come. And he’d ignored her request. She squeezed her eyes shut. If one more person demanded another thing from her, she was going to burst.

“Say something. Please.”

She opened her eyes. Of course he looked like a lost little puppy. He probably thought himself the white knight, charging in to save the damsel in distress.

Sky took a step back. She was already stretched beyond capacity, and she did not need saving.

“I can’t…”

Javier curled his lips into an obnoxious, reassuring smile. “You don’t always have to put on a tough face, you know.”

Did he think this was some kind of school play? How could he call himself a friend while downplaying her trauma? How could he stand there acting as if he were God’s gift while she was barely keeping it together?

Anger, betrayal, and disbelief battled inside Sky. Her nostrils flared as she took a few deep breaths. Anger won.

Fine, I’ll show him tough.

“You think this is some mask I’m wearing?” She spat the words out. “This is who I am now because it’s who I have to be. I wasn’t given a choice. Someone murdered my best friend, right beside me.” She slashed a finger through the air. “And got away with it. I had to drag my dying friend into a cave, praying it would keep us safe long enough for the asshole who murdered her to get away.”

“Sky—”

“Tessa died a slow, painful death, cold and wet in my arms. I was right there, totally helpless. I couldn’t save her. I couldn’t take the bullet for her. And what’s worse, I can’t identify the man who killed her. I can’t even tell you why he killed her.”

Javier looked as devastated as she felt. “I⁠—”

“For ten years, he’s been running around free.” Heat gathered in her throat, threatening to choke her. She swallowed it down. “I’ve had to live with that guilt and shame. The police aren’t even searching for him anymore. It’s a cold case. You know who cares about those?”

Javier opened his mouth again, but Sky held up her hand.

“Hollywood types, that’s who.” Her heart was racing so fast, she was afraid she might pass out. But she wasn’t about to let Javier think this was a brave-faced side hobby she’d chosen to pursue. She was here because she had to be. She was tough because she had to be, and she’d give anything in the world to go back to being the happy, innocent kid who’d set off to meet Tessa at the swimming hole on that horrible, godforsaken day.

“Please let me⁠—”

Oh, no. Javier wasn’t going to charm his way out of this one. He’d gotten himself into this mess, and he was going to get the full brunt of her pain. “The only person, if you can call them that, who cares about my friend being killed, is doing it for a profit. Making money off of her death.”

Javier reached out, as if to pull her into a hug. “I⁠—”

“Her killer needs to be caught.” She took a sharp step backward. “But the chances of that happening are next to zero.” Sky blinked away the tears in her eyes. She tried to suck all the pent-up emotions back in before the dam burst. “And the only one who cares about Tessa’s story is going to profit from it. How’s that even allowed?”

“It shouldn’t be. It’s wrong, and you’re here to stop it. To make sure this helps Tessa’s cause. Let me help you help her.”

Sky turned away, her hand on the door knob. “It’s not that simple.” She studied the sunny yellow wreath hanging before her. “You guys want to help, but if I’m being honest, none of you can. I was the only one there. I am the only one who can get the story right, and I don’t need anybody to hold my hand while I tell it.”

It took everything she had to hold back the tears.

I will not let him see me ugly cry.

“I’m sorry, Sky.” He looked it too. But when he reached his hand out to her, she opened the door and stepped one foot over the threshold.

“Just let me work this out on my own. We’ll talk when I’m back in the city.”

Too late. The waterworks were starting. She couldn’t fight it any longer. Before Javier could get another word in, Sky rushed inside and slammed the door in his face.

14

That had been too close a call.

The little bitch had some spunk. I’d give her that. Once again, Sky had given me a run for my money, plus a harsh lesson in hubris.

I needed to get better at being invisible if I was going to continue following her.

When I’d spotted the curtains moving and glimpsed her through the window, I’d foolishly assumed I had been well covered in the shadows.

My uncle’s words echoed from beyond the grave.

“Boy, if you weren’t such a damn cocky bastard…”

As much as I’d tried over the years, I’d never truly learned that subtle difference between confidence and cockiness. Tonight, I would’ve deserved a good whack upside the head. I’d been too sure of myself. I’d alerted her with my hasty run across the street.

Even though she’d spotted me, there was no way she’d seen my face. I was more than certain of that fact. The night was far too dark for her to make out my features at such a distance.

All she would’ve seen was a dark blur as I darted across the street for a better look.

I hadn’t expected her to be so bold. Most women would lock themselves inside, fearing a predator lurking around their home. But not Sky.

Crazy, spitfire thorn in my side, that one.

Why had I underestimated her yet again?

She nearly caught me. Came tearing out of the house like a hyena. Scared me enough to send me tripping over my own feet. Delivered a good thwack on my back that I’d be feeling for weeks. If not for those garbage cans, she might’ve gotten close enough to identify me.

Luck was on my side this time…but just barely.

The wild chase through the neighborhood had been maddening. Adrenaline pumping, nerves firing. Fight-or-flight instincts taking over. I’d been terrified by a pipsqueak twentysomething woman, for Christ’s sake. My heart hadn’t beat that fast in as long as I could remember. Probably not since I’d shot that traitorous bitch ten years ago.

All that running—for nothing—had pissed me off. Granted, if I’d been able to lure her into the woods, the outcome might’ve been different. After all, who knew what perils lay out there in the trees beyond the houses? So many…accidents could happen.

Instead, I’d chosen to drive away. If the opportunity presented itself again, I just might take it. No doubt Sky would’ve taken the bait and followed me into the trees without a single logical thought beforehand.

But for now, I was better off observing her without being seen. Tucked into the shadows, I approached her house once more.

I won’t let myself get cocky this time. You hear me, Uncle? I’m learning.

The boyfriend had showed up. He and Sky seemed to be having a heated debate on the porch.

His being here might put a kink in my plan. According to the guy I’d hired to grab dirt on him, the boyfriend was a fashion executive. He should’ve been too busy to make the trip.

Sky needed to be taken care of before anyone could read that damned book she was writing. Before anything about that day ten years ago was exposed.

I had to destroy all potential clues to my identity and what happened that day with Tessa, and Sky held the biggest clues of anyone. Someday she might remember some all-important detail that got me busted.

Or maybe she already has.

What if I was too late? The redheaded minx had been putting out feelers. Shopping her scandalous tell-all manuscript around. Had she shown the pages to that lady at the party? That editor. M something or other.

The book was rumored to be about her slain cousin, Megan Nowicki. But references to Tessa would surely be made. And just how deep that commentary went…I wouldn’t know until it was too late.

From where I stood, Sky’s anger was palpable as she stormed inside and slammed the door in her boyfriend’s face.

Trouble in paradise?

I couldn’t have written the scene any cheesier. Poor bastard. He was probably considering running in after her.

That’s right, go chase your girl. That’s what she wants. Attention. But sadly, not from you, you fucking moron.

I chuckled louder than I’d intended, but thankfully, no one was around to hear me. The angle. My in. It was so simple. So obvious.

How had I not seen it before?

I’d been going about things all wrong. A formidable man, I’d successfully worked in television for years and knew countless individuals in the movie industry. Important sorts who could make anyone’s Hollywood dream come true.

There were people who would crawl over shattered glass for a moment of my time, hoping to sell me their pitch. Sometimes that pitch came with a script, but more often than not, it was little more than a half-baked idea.

Why was I not using that?

I’d gotten a thousand pitches from hopefuls like Sky. If I wanted to get my hands on the pages, I could easily make them come to me.

Just like the rest of the world, she craved her fifteen minutes of fame. All I had to do was dangle some bait, and Sky would lay that book and herself at my feet.

I’d get what I wanted, and she’d play right into my outstretched hands.

Why stop at the book?

What else did the snarky bitch have on Tessa? What evidence had she hidden away…possibly without even realizing it was evidence at all?

In the meantime, I would learn what I needed through her. And when I had it all…well, there she would be. Within easy reach. I would destroy her the way I should have ten years ago.

Feeling somewhat smug and more satisfied than I had in a long time, I left the cold of the dark woods and headed back to my vehicle.

In the end, I would bring her to me.

And eventually, when I was sure I had everything, I would kill her.

Fade to black. I could finally wrap up this story. No sequel.

15

Javier stared, dumbfounded, as the door slammed shut.

Why did Sky have to be so damn stubborn? She wore her pain for the entire world to see. But somehow Javier was dubbed the asshole for trying to address it. It didn’t make any sense. What were friends supposed to do if not help when they saw someone struggling?

He took a breath and attempted to shake off his annoyance. He was here now. A slammed door in his face might not have been the reception he wanted, but he still intended to support Sky. Even if that meant standing on the sidelines.

His hand trembled as he reached for the knob. This wasn’t his house. He couldn’t just barge in, especially after she’d demanded to be left alone. What if her family was inside? If the vehicles were any indication, they were.

He should just text her instead. Let her know he’d be staying in the hotel down by the river.

But as he turned away, the sound of glass shattering came from inside the house. Hand still on the knob, Javier pushed the door open before he could stop himself.

Sky sat in a crumpled pile, sobbing on the floor beside the shards of a wood-framed mirror.

Another woman came rushing in from the hallway. “What the hell is going on here?”

“I…don’t…I…” Sky hiccupped the words as she pawed at the broken glass.

“Stop that now. You might cut yourself.” The woman’s brow wrinkled with concern as she bent over and placed a hand on Sky’s shoulder. “Come here, honey. Let’s have a look at you. Make sure nothing’s bleeding.”

Javier was acutely aware that he hadn’t been invited in, but he couldn’t stand there like an idiot, with one foot hovering over the threshold. “Can I be of assistance?”

Both women turned their attention to him.

The older woman cast him a wary glance. She had to be Sky’s aunt. “Who are you?”

“I’m a friend of Sky’s.” Javier’s voice cracked like a teenager, and he cleared his throat before continuing. “I came up from Manhattan to help her this weekend.”

“You didn’t tell me you were bringing a…friend up to stay.” She studied Sky’s face. “I suppose I could make up the bed in Sadie’s old room…”

Opening her mouth and closing it again, Sky had been rendered speechless. Tears streamed down her red, puffy cheeks as she stared at Javier. Was that anger in her gaze, or was she pleading for him to save her?

“Don’t worry, ma’am. I’ve got a room booked in town.” Risking more of Sky’s wrath, he crossed the space between them and helped her to her feet. “Please, at least let me help you get cleaned up. I promise I’m not here to make things more difficult for you. I just want to help.”

With a gulp, she leaned forward, resting her head against his chest and nodding. Shards of broken glass glittered as they fell from her hair.

Sky’s aunt waved toward the adjoining hallway. “Bathroom is the second door on the right. There’s a first aid kit in the medicine cabinet.”

Javier wrapped an arm around Sky, more than a little surprised when she didn’t fight him. That was both a good and bad sign. But before he got all the details, he needed to make sure she wasn’t seriously hurt. That mirror looked old and heavy. She’d have quite a goose egg if it had come down on her head.

He leaned down to whisper in her ear. “Can you walk?”

She nodded and allowed him to guide her through the hallway while the older woman swept up the glass and pretended not to notice.

In the bathroom, Javier lowered the toilet lid and eased her onto it before he searched for the first aid kit. “What happened?”

Sky hung her head. “I’m so stupid.”

“Hey, accidents happen.” He rummaged through the cabinet. “What matters is making sure you’re okay.”

“Why are you doing this?” Her voice remained low, despite the accusatory tone.

He rolled his eyes with a loud exhale. “Really? I’m your friend. I’d do the same if I walked in on Sami amid a pile of glass.” First aid kit in his grasp, he turned to face her. “Anything bleeding?”

Sky dusted off her hands and examined her clothes. “Nope. Don’t think so anyway.”

“Where did the mirror hit you?”

“I ran into it. I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going, trying to rush to the stairs.” Sky averted her bloodshot gaze, seeming to find the near-empty toilet paper roll more interesting to look at. “Before I could turn and catch it, the damn thing came down.”

“Well, that’s good. I was afraid it knocked you in the head or something.”

“I’m not that lucky.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Nothing.” She sighed. “Looking for excuses, I guess.”

There was that stubborn streak again. Even now, she was trying to be evasive. She was dealing with a lot and needed a friend. But her pride wouldn’t let her open up.

“I know you don’t want to talk about it. But I’m here for you. I don’t care about the documentary. I don’t care about your family. I’m here to help you…in whatever capacity you need.” He pulled out a bottle of antiseptic spray from the kit. “Even if that means you want to replace me with Callie or Delia. You want me to call them up here? It’s not too bad of a drive.”

“I don’t know. Maybe.” She shrugged. “No. I don’t want to burden anyone.”

“Friends are not burdens.” He flashed her a reassuring grin. “And hey…these are the same friends who said to call them and they’d come up in a heartbeat. Stop acting like that get-together didn’t happen.”

The hint of a smile tugged at her lips as she turned toward him. “Thank you…for being here. Even though I was rude.”

He snorted. “Well, you got your instant karma for that.”

“Aunt Patty is probably trying to figure out what in the world is going on.” Her shoulders slumped. She closed her eyes and took a few deep breaths before continuing. “It’s been a really hectic day. I don’t know what I was thinking staying here. All I’ve done is bring instant chaos into their peaceful home.”

Javier wanted to tell her she was wrong, but he held his tongue. He’d already overstepped once. Now that she was actually talking to him, he didn’t want to risk anything that might make her shut down again.

“It’s just all the memories that come with this place. The pain. And,” she gulped, “I know she means well. But…Aunt Patty has been throwing all her mothering energy at me. She’s still hurting after losing Megan, and I’m not trying to make things harder. But the attention is too much pressure with everything else, you know?”

Javier nodded. The offer for her to stay with him at the nearby hotel was poised and ready, but he thought better of it. She’d shot down all his other attempts to help. No use riling her up more.

Sky reached out and snatched a few squares of toilet paper to blow her nose. “I don’t know what to do. I feel like a burden…to everyone. Why did I agree to do this?”

It took all the strength he had inside to avoid responding. In the time he’d stood listening, she had opened up to him more than she ever had. The answer was there. She was a smart and capable woman. What she truly needed was a sounding board for the clutter in her mind. Javier nodded, holding the silence so she could let it all out.

She met his gaze. “Sorry I’m babbling like an idiot.”

“You’re under a lot of pressure. You can vent to me.” He wanted to reach over and wipe the tear from her cheek. Hell, he wanted to hold her in his arms and take away all her pain. But this wasn’t the time or place for that.

“Maybe I should go check into a hotel room. But then, that might make my aunt feel like I’m abandoning her. I can’t do that. Not with Megan gone.”

“She might understand. You never know.” Javier could make out Aunt Patty lingering in the hallway, no doubt beside herself with the unexpected drama the day had presented. With any luck, Sky staying at a hotel would prove beneficial to both women. “Maybe she’s feeling pressure to be extra motherly because you’re here. Might be a break for you both.”

“You think?” Sky’s voice cracked with a hint of hopefulness.

“Only one way to find out.”

She sniffled and nodded. “You’re right. I should go talk to her.”

“If it helps, I’m staying down the way, at the River Overlook Resort. I could call in a reservation for you. They upgraded my room due to low bookings. There are some renovations being done, and the largest pool isn’t available. Apparently, that’s reason enough for some people to cancel.”

“That sounds nice, actually.” She stood and scooted past him, inspecting herself in the mirror. “Oh, god. Look how puffy I am.”

“Nothing a good night of rest can’t fix. You’ll be back to yourself by morning.” He spotted another shard of glass wrapped in a tangle at the back of her head. “Hold on. Missed one.” He plucked it out and tossed it in the garbage.

“Thank you.” She turned to him, flashing him a weak smile. “And I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have snapped at you. I’ve been a terrible friend.”

Javier waved off her apology. “I’m sorry for steamrolling right over your request for me not to come. Even though I’m glad I did.” He sighed. “You’re under an unbelievable amount of stress. Honestly, if you hadn’t snapped, I’d be worried. First sign of a psychopath, you know. It’s always the quiet ones.”

She responded to his teasing with a playful swat on the arm. “So you’re not helping me cope so much as waiting for me to go on a homicidal rampage, then?”

“Could go either way. I’ve got my eyes on you. All I’m sure of is that it won’t be boring.”

Her expression brightened. “You’re right. If I lose it, you’ll be the first to know.”

This woman was adorable when she smiled. It put a warm glow in Javier’s chest to know that he’d put that smile on her face.

“You go talk to your aunt. I’ll meet you outside. I think I left my cell in the car.”

Sky chewed on her bottom lip as she turned her gaze back to the mirror. “Want to switch?”

“You got this. I know you do.” He reached out and squeezed her shoulder. “And hey, why don’t I call up the gang? Seriously. It couldn’t hurt to have them around.”

Huffing out a dramatic sigh, she closed her eyes. “I can tell you’re not going to let this go, so fine. Call them. They can come.”

Javier grinned. “Good. Because they’re already on their way.”

“What?” Sky’s eyelids popped open. “Seriously? Did none of you listen to me?”

Javier shrugged, noting with relief that she didn’t seem angry at the news. “Maybe we can make this a mini vacation during your downtime. Keep your mind off your troubles, eh? The Overlook has a full spa, a bar, and a steak house. What do you say?”

She licked her lips. “Are you trying to bribe me?”

“Just sweetening the deal to boost your courage.” He waggled his eyebrows. “You know you’re tempted. The spa has a massage menu.”

“That’s not playing fair.”

“Not playing fair would be if I said I’d treat.”

“You’d do that?” Her eyes lit up with excitement. “Really?”

“Oh, no. I didn’t say I would.” He smirked. “I just said that would give me an unfair advantage.”

She sailed another punch into his arm. “Well, now you have no advantage.”

“Then I guess you’re stuck here.” Javier slid past her toward the hallway, hoping she’d take the bait.

Sky caught his elbow and gently tugged. “You know, on second thought…”

He stifled a laugh. “Would a massage really help you that much?”

She shrugged, but her expression said yes.

“Then you’ve got it. But only if you go talk with your aunt.” He nudged her toward the door. “Go on. Just get it over with.”

Sky trudged down the hallway, clearly dreading the conversation.

He watched her square her shoulders as she neared the living room. As much as Javier wanted to help, he realized that Sky—with all her stubbornness—couldn’t let others do her dirty work. That wasn’t her way. What she needed was someone at her back, giving her the courage to do what she needed to do.

Javier realized he’d do well to remember that the next time he was tempted to fix one of her problems. That would be the hard part. He couldn’t let his feelings be known, but he enjoyed the idea of always being there to help Sky solve her problems.

He sucked in a breath. Wherever it had come from, that thought needed to be wiped from his brain right now. That kind of thinking would only lead to trouble.

Both he and Sky had plenty of that, without feelings muddling it all up.

Voices carried through the hall as Sky and her aunt cleared the air.

Javier shook himself. He still had to make that reservation. The day wasn’t over yet. Not until he could ensure Sky got a full night of desperately needed, uninterrupted sleep.

16

Callie glanced in the rearview mirror at Sami and Delia all cozied up in the back seat of her Ford Escape.

“Javier said he was paying, right?” Delia studied her phone, presumably checking out the River Overlook Resort’s website. “This place is way out of my price range.”

“Don’t worry about it, babe. I’ve got you.” Sami sounded way too confident about that, considering Javier’s penchant for high-class everything.

Callie held in an amused snort.

“Are you sure you can afford it?” Delia’s voice warbled with hesitation.

“Javier booked the cottage for several days. It’s not that bad when we divide the cost. Don’t worry about it.” Sami laid the bravado on thick. “Just find us a nice couple’s massage on the Spa and Wellness page. I’ve got this crick in my neck that needs working on.”

Keeping her attention on the road, Callie drummed her fingers on the steering wheel. “We’re supposed to be going up to help keep Sky from stressing out during this documentary process and to possibly hunt down a murderer while we’re at it. This ain’t a vacation.” She stole another glance in the rearview.

Delia nudged Sami in the arm with a giggle. “Look at you over here trying to sweet-talk me when we have a job to do.”

“Guilty as charged.” He grinned. “No rest for the wicked.”

“You two lovebirds need to remember your priorities. I’m sure there will be some time to enjoy the amenities and all, but only when Sky doesn’t need us.” Callie flipped on the turn signal. “I think we’re here.”

Even in the dead of night, the hotel was an impressive sight. If a ski lodge had gotten with a Victorian castle, this building would’ve been their love child. The breathtaking blend of stone, timber, and glass jutted six stories into the nearby mountain facade.

Callie drove down the asphalt path toward a stone porte cochere at the front of the building.

Delia pressed her palms against the window. “How much was that cabin again?”

Sami didn’t answer, but Callie didn’t miss his audible gulp.

Based on outward appearances, I’m guessing poverty-inducing expensive. That crick in his neck will have to wait.

No way in hell were any of them going to be able to afford extra spa time, but Callie couldn’t have cared less. “Don’t worry. You’re here for Sky, and that’s what matters. Although we might need to remind Javier that not all of us here are fashion executives.” She clicked her tongue in disapproval. “Some of us are on a fixed income. I’d have been perfectly happy at the motel we passed in town.”

“I’ll have a word with him.” Sami kept up his overly confident ruse, but Callie had a feeling he was shaking in his budget-friendly boots.

A middle-aged man approached the vehicle, wearing a red-and-gold double-breasted jacket with a standing collar. His bellhop hat was embellished with the name of the hotel in gold print.

He was better dressed than many of the door attendants Callie saw on a regular basis in NYC.

The valet walked up and opened her door. “Evening, ma’am. Checking in? Will you be needing assistance with luggage?”

“We’re already checked in.” She exchanged her keys for a ticket. “Staying in the Cedar Cabin.”

“Excellent, ma’am.” The valet stepped aside to let Callie out and then opened the back door for Delia.

Sami followed and reached out to shake the valet’s hand, palming him a twenty before pulling away. “How do we find the cabins?”

“Straight through the lobby. Once you’re out back, follow the trail markers with your cabin’s name on them.” The valet indicated the large, glass front doors. “Your bags will be delivered within the hour. I regret to say, the grand dining hall is closed at this time, but the lobby bar is open until three. Breakfast begins at seven.” He tipped his hat to the group. “Please enjoy your stay.”

Inside the massive set of glass doors, an expansive, open lobby greeted them. Another set of glass doors to the back of the building revealed twinkling lights that seemed to go on forever in the darkness.

Delia interlaced her fingers with Sami’s. “I bet the view during the day is priceless.”

Oh, there’s a price, all right.

Sami smiled stiffly, and once again, Callie struggled to keep in a chuckle. On the opposite side of the room, past a grand staircase of solid wood, she spotted Javier nursing a drink at the bar. “Found him.” She approached swiftly, still fully aware of their mission, crossing the distance well before Sami and Delia. “Where’s Sky?” She glanced around, as if expecting to find her.

“Sleeping. Finally.” Javier polished off his drink. “I wouldn’t go bugging her right now. She’s exhausted.”

“I’m up for a drink.” Sami signaled for the bartender to come over. “What’s everyone having?”

“You sure about that?” Callie’s voice was skeptical. “Sky’s the type that might tell you she’s going to sleep, but if she’s as worried as you think she is, my guess is she’s wide awake in her room, furiously typing.”

“Either way, she’s away from the stress, comfortable, and doing what she wants to do with no pressure from outside sources.” Javier set down his empty highball glass. “And if she is typing away, then she’s that much closer to finishing her book. Sounds like a win to me.”

The bartender arrived, and Sami placed an order before wandering away with Delia to find a couch in the lounge to relax on.

Something was off about the way Javier was acting. On the phone, he’d been adamant that they all come up tonight. But now that they were here, he seemed in no rush for them to see Sky.

Callie perched her elbow on the bar top and leaned in, ready to interrogate. “You really okay with leaving her alone in the cabin? We came here to be with her. There’s a documentary to be made and a murderer to nail.”

Javier laid a few bills down and led the way to join Sami and Delia. “None of that is happening right now, this second. Plus, I think I’m getting smarter when it comes to Sky.”

“How many times have I heard that?” Sami shook his head as Callie and Javier settled into plush armchairs. “What wisdom was bestowed upon you this time? Go on. I’ll wait…”

“She’s fiercely independent. Frustratingly so, right?” Javier glanced around the group.

“Preaching to the choir, bro. They’re all like that.” Sami turned and smiled at Delia.

“Right. Yes. That’s why Sky and I always butt heads.” Javier wore a stupid grin, like he’d solved an impossible riddle. “We’re both the same.”

Are you?

What was Callie missing? “Okay. That’s debatable…but continue.”

“I can’t just tell her what to do. She’ll shut me down.”

The bartender returned with a tray, carrying four Moscow mules in shiny copper cups.

Sami took the tray and settled it between them on an exquisite marble coffee table. “That’s what you came up with? Should I call you Captain Obvious now?”

Callie grabbed a cold mug and sipped her drink. “Or maybe we should remind you that no one likes to be told what to do.”

“No. Not like that.” Javier palmed his forehead with a growling sigh. “I don’t mean ordering her around. I know that no one likes that. I just mean, if I want to help her, I can’t offer it. I have to let her talk herself into it.”

Callie stopped herself from rolling her eyes. Men could be so thickheaded. “How about you try listening…because that’s what she needs. No ulterior motive.”

Javier’s shoulders slumped. “I didn’t…why do you have to make it sound like I’m some kind of misogynist?”

“I merely summarized your words. Take them how you like.” If Callie had any doubts why Javier—a big-time fashion exec—was still single, now she knew.

“Okay. Maybe my explanation was lousy. But my point was that I got Sky to come here, in the middle of her having a panic attack, without being pushy.” Javier held his drink up, bobbing it in the air as he made his point. “I listened, letting her talk through the problem. I’ve never done that before. Typically, I try to fix whatever problem needs fixing.”

“Well.” Callie swallowed the snark that fought to edge her words. She really did want to be supportive. “I’m sure we’re all proud that you’re growing as a person. I know Sky will appreciate it.”

Sami angled his head at the resort surrounding them. “And while we’re on the subject…did Sky pick this place? Or was that you?”

“All the chain hotels in town were booked by the production company.” Javier shrugged. “This one had plenty of vacancies, though.”

Callie relaxed deeper into the chair, her muscles stiff from the drive. “That’s because the majority of the population can’t afford to stay here. Tell me you know this place is way out of our simpleton budgets, right?”

“Yeah, yeah. No lectures tonight. I’ve got it all covered, and,” Javier shot them each a grin in turn, “I’ve decided to treat you all to the spa while you stay. Just a thank-you for following up on our plan to help Sky solve this case and being able to come up on such short notice.” He tipped his glass in cheers and took a sip.

“Really?” Delia squealed. “Thank you. That is so thoughtful.”

Callie glanced at Sami, who looked as though he might pass out from relief. By contrast, the cracks in Javier’s mask were showing. The corner of his lip twitched as he strained to hold his smile, and his posture was tense, even in the luxurious armchair.

Sami regained his composure. “That’s okay, bro. I’d like to treat my girlfriend to the spa myself, if you don’t mind.”

Delia snuggled in close and gave him a peck on the cheek. “How did I get so lucky?”

Callie had a feeling Sami had asked himself that question every day since she’d agreed to date him. But none of that mattered right now.

“Am I the only one here thinking of Sky?” Callie plunked her cup onto the table. “When is she due on set tomorrow? Are we all going with her? What’s her schedule like? If we’re going to be here for her, we need to be with her. Keep her calm. Soothe her nerves. And be ready to step in when someone or something pushes her buttons.”

Javier leaned forward, holding his cup between his knees. “I didn’t get her full schedule. But I know she’s not due on set until after lunch.”

“Then we best get ourselves to the cabin and get some sleep.” Callie stood and smoothed the wrinkles from her pants. “Planning meeting at breakfast. What did they say? Seven? There’s plenty to be done off set, too, remember. I’d like to dig into every dark corner of this little town. Find some answers.”

Callie’s tone had them all standing at attention. She felt like a hybrid mama bear, drill sergeant. But maybe that was necessary right now. The next day would be a tough one for Sky. They all needed to remember that at the bottom of this documentary business was an actual killer still on the loose.

And I don’t intend to leave New Pleasant until we’ve found the bastard.

17

Sky felt a twinge of pity as Delia stifled a yawn for the umpteenth time that morning. After the four-hour drive the night before, not much sleep, and an absolute blur of a breakfast, her friend was due for a nap. Yet as soon as Sky stood and announced she was heading to the river, Delia had insisted on going with her.

They’d set off through the woods with Sky leading the way. “I have to see it one more time before it’s overrun by the production crew.”

Soon these woods would be invaded by Hollywood types. The entire terrain would change. Sky’s memories might change as well.

Delia stumbled along behind her. The model could strut in six-inch heels on a flat catwalk with no problem, but the rocky ground and trees that seemed to be growing into each other made for a treacherous hike. And her ballet flats and slacks were hardly conducive to traipsing through the woods.

“Hang on, lady. What are you, part mountain goat? How are you going so fast?”

Sky stopped and turned around, a shiver running through her. “Sorry. I just…when I was here last night, I got spooked. I kind of hoped that if I could see it in broad daylight, I could face my fears. Something my old therapist used to suggest.”

“I get that. But do we have to rush?” Delia found her footing and caught up to her.

Sky pointed toward a pair of tall trees. “The clearing should be up this way. Follow the trail.”

Delia let out a frustrated grunt. “You might as well have pointed to the sky. Everything looks the same out here. Just a whole mess of rocks and trees as far as the eye can see. Which is hardly more than a few feet before another tree blocks the view, by the way.”

The grumbling was fair. Delia was out of her element. Then again, Sky hadn’t forced her to come. “We’re almost to the river. Hear that rushing water?”

They fell silent for a moment to allow the babble of moving water to reach their ears. Delia held her hand up. “Just lead the way slowly, please. I don’t want to get lost out here in this forest.”

“You won’t get lost. The road is on one side, the river on the other. These woods aren’t as thick as you might think.” Sky continued into the trees, her backpack bouncing with each surefooted step.

“Then why is it taking us so long to get to the river?”

“Because I’m searching for a specific spot. Mine and Tessa’s. No one went there when we were young because the cliffside was crumbling.” Sky stopped again and glanced around. “Nearly there.”

Delia pointed out a rusty old sign, half hidden in the ground. Years had weathered most of it away, but the image of falling rocks was still visible. “It’s safe now, right?”

“You’re not going cliff diving, are you?” Sky pushed through a thicket of leaves. “Watch that first step. It’s steep.”

Delia gingerly pulled back the branch and took a peek. “Steep is an understatement. You could’ve warned me that we were going rock climbing.”

Sky skidded to a halt at the bottom and waved for her friend to follow. “Take it slow. You’ll be fine.”

She should’ve told Delia to wear jeans and sneakers. Why hadn’t she thought of that before they left the resort?

Maybe my childhood friend’s grisly murder case was distracting me. Go figure.

Delia grumbled incoherently as she slid and staggered to the bottom of the hill.

Sky, who’d been moving like a bat out of hell the whole time, went still and silent. Her gaze locked on the familiar flat-topped boulder half in the water.

In a trance, she lifted her hand and touched the smoothest part of the surface.

“This is it, huh?” Delia squeezed her shoulder. “You doing okay?”

Sky hugged herself. “This was our meeting spot. Before Tessa went off to become a big Hollywood star, we would sneak out here and swim.” She drew in a ragged breath, on the verge of tears.

Delia stepped closer. “If you need to sit and rest for a bit…”

Sky refused to have a breakdown. “Even after Tessa made it big, she’d call me with a date and time, and we’d meet here. Just like old times.” Her lips trembled. “The day she died, I was running late. I got here too late.” A sob caught in her throat.

Delia pulled Sky into a hug and gently stroked her hair. “I’m so sorry.”

“Tessa had said she wanted to tell me something important. She’d been really distant in the last few months, so I didn’t know what to expect. But she was insistent. Like it was something major. I wish I knew what she was going to say.” Sky eased back with a sniffle, her eyes full of unshed tears.

“Some mysteries aren’t meant to be known.” Delia grimaced. “It’s cliché, but it’s true.”

“Yeah.” Sky sighed. “We were kids anyway. She was probably just going to say she got a new role in a movie or something. That would’ve been huge, life-changing news for her.” She moved around the boulder, to the edge of the water, and took a seat.

“Does it hurt to be back here? Or is it therapeutic, like you were hoping?” Delia joined her.

“I went through so much therapy.” Sky swung her backpack around and unzipped it. “Did I tell you that?” She pulled out a bottle of water and took a sip before offering it to Delia.

“It’s not surprising.” Delia waved away the drink. “Did it help, going to see someone?”

“Therapy…no. Coping mechanisms, those were useful.” Sky picked up a rock and inspected it before throwing it into the water. “Be strong. Face your fear. The more times you make yourself face it, the less you will fear it.” She scoffed. “Easy to say when you’re not the one with the fear.”

“That sounds like torture.” Delia frowned, empathy rolling off her in waves. Sky knew her friend had been through her own fair share of hell.

Somewhere up the slope above them, a branch snapped.

They both looked upward.

“You think that’s the film crew?” Delia’s whisper was hopeful.

If it isn’t, we’re screwed. Sky tensed. The last time she’d been caught out here with a stranger, Tessa had died. She held up a hand, keeping her focus on the trees.

“Maybe we should head back for lunch. You know, meet up with the group.” Delia eased to her feet, taking furtive glances around.

Another crack of branches sent a flock of birds fluttering into the air.

Sky jumped up, whipping her bag over her shoulder. “Move.” She whisper-yelled like a drill sergeant.

Before they took two steps, a figure emerged from the tree line and came sliding down the steep incline, sending up a cloud of dirt that obscured their view.

Fear wrapped itself around Sky. She was not going to lose another friend today. “Follow me!” She tried to break into a sprint, but she tripped over a rock and fell hard on her palms.

Delia rushed to her. “You okay?”

Sky struggled to find her footing, kicking up loose pebbles and tripping herself up. “We gotta move. Now.”

“What are you girls doing down here?” A male voice stopped them in their tracks.

Sky’s heart banged in her chest. She turned toward the owner of the voice.

He didn’t look all that threatening. Average height, athletic build, and close to her age, if she had to guess. She inspected his hands, searching for any sign of a weapon.

“I’m going to ask you again. What are you ladies doing down here? This isn’t a safe place.” The man’s voice took on a stern, patronizing tone.

Who the hell did he think he was, talking to them like that? Sky righted herself and dusted off her clothes, meeting the man’s unwavering stare with all the contempt his comment had earned. “Excuse me? I didn’t see any signs saying this area was off-limits to hikers. Now, you want to tell me what gives you the right to come barging down here all arrogant-like and scaring the shit out of us?”

The man peered down at them and gasped. “Sky? Sky Stryker?”

“Who the hell is asking?”

“It is you. I had a word with your aunt not long ago, and she said you’d be back in town.” His demeanor shifted, his smile revealing a perfect set of white teeth. “Part of that film crew scheduled to come in after noon?”

“I’m sorry.” Sky frowned. “Who are you?”

“You don’t remember me? Jeremy Brice.” He placed a palm on his chest.

Sky narrowed her gaze. She still didn’t know him from a hole in the ground.

And then it hit her. “Your dad…he was the detective on Tessa’s case, wasn’t he?”

“Lieutenant now, but yes. And I followed in his footsteps.” Jeremy flashed those brilliant whites again. “Just made detective myself.”

He wasn’t the awkward, gangly teenager she remembered from high school. He’d grown into a handsome man, especially since the acne had cleared up. His improved complexion explained why she hadn’t immediately recognized him.

“Congratulations.” Her voice was monotone. “So why did you come here?”

“Didn’t mean to scare you two.” Jeremy ran his fingers through his dark hair. “But I wanted to do a quick sweep of the area before we gave the film crew access to it. You really shouldn’t be here. You know how dangerous rockslides can be. This area has been off-limits for years, since…well…”

Delia crossed her arms. “Then someone ought to put up signs.”

“Oh, we have. Kids keep tearing them out.” Jeremy shrugged. “But Sky here should know better.”

Sky bit her lip as she shouldered her backpack again. “We’re about to leave anyway.”

“Speaking of things one should know better,” Delia glared at Detective Brice, “before you go sneaking up on two women in the woods, maybe announce yourself first. Makes a better impression.”

Jeremy’s expression turned cold. “Ma’am, there’s no reason to give me an attitude.”

Delia lifted her chin in defiance. “I give as good as I get.”

He squared his shoulders and reached into his pocket, retrieving his badge. “Technically, you ladies are trespassing. If we need to make this an issue, I can bring you down to the station right now.”

Sky tugged on the hem of Delia’s shirt and shook her head, leaning over to whisper. “He’s not worth it. Let’s go.” She jerked her chin at Jeremy. “You have a good day there, Officer.”

“That’s Detective, ma’am.”

She waved his words off like he was a pesky fly. “Whatever you say, junior.”

Delia burst into giggles as they made it up the hill and into the trees.

“I shouldn’t have teased him.” Sky ran her hand over her ponytail, angry with herself.

“He was the one who started it, being all disrespectful and jerky.” Delia jumped to her defense. “I hate men like that. Arrogant pricks who would use their power and position to overpower women. We deal with our fair share of those assholes in the city. Why let some Podunk town cop give us a hard time?”

“Jerks will be jerks. But in small towns, everyone knows everyone else’s business. We need to keep our heads down and not make waves.”

“What?” Delia held up a hand. “Did someone just replace you with an alien? Where’s the Sky I met in NYC? Where’s her fire, her energy? Where’s the girl who coldcocked that serial womanizer in the club? You don’t have to bow down to anybody anywhere.”

Sky’s cheeks flushed. She was a different person up here, as much as she wanted to be her NYC self. “I’m still here. Please just trust me on this one. Flying under the radar is important right now.”

“Okay. Your town, your rules.” Delia threw her arm around Sky’s shoulders. “But I don’t like it.”

Neither do I. But it’s better than making new enemies in my hometown mid-murderer hunt.

Sky glanced over her shoulder. “Seems odd that they would send a detective to go check out a site for some film crew. Why not send a patrol guy for a menial task like that? Unless they’re reinvestigating the case.”

Delia followed Sky’s gaze. “You think maybe they know something is out there? Something they don’t want the film crew to see?”

“No idea.” Sky picked up her pace, heading toward the car. The only thing she was certain of was that she smelled a rat. The son of the same detective who’d handled Tessa’s case ten years ago showing up here today and also now a detective? It was too much of a coincidence. “Let’s get back to the cabin.”

Delia seemed more than eager to do the same, leaving the trail with much more enthusiasm than she’d had when she entered it. Sky wished she could get in the rental car and drive away. All the way to the city.

But I have to be back here in a couple hours.

Would Jeremy Brice be here this afternoon? The idea creeped her out. A situation that had already been murky, traumatizing, and uncomfortable was slowly becoming a brand-new bad dream.

And the first nightmare really hadn’t needed a sequel.

18

Although the rest of the group seemed fine with letting Sky have her quiet time—suggesting that she would speak when she was ready—Callie didn’t agree. Simply being next to someone wasn’t going to help them work through their pain.

There was more going on under the surface than what she’d let on, and Callie couldn’t sit idly by as Sky—who’d become like an adopted child to her—suffered. The young woman had come back from her excursion with Delia more agitated than when she’d left. She remained quiet throughout lunch, hardly touching her food.

The problem was, Callie needed time alone with Sky to get her to open up. But their schedule didn’t allow for much privacy.

Lunch came and went, and before she knew it, Callie was on the road with Javier and Sky, heading to the river. Sami and Delia had opted to stay behind at the cabin, worried that too many extra people on set would create additional stress and chaos.

As the vehicle lumbered down the winding, tree-lined street, Callie peered into the rearview mirror. Poor thing was white as a sheet, expression solemn, like she was heading to the gallows.

Callie could only imagine the thoughts running through Sky’s mind.

“Nearly there.” She turned down a dirt road. “Did the producer tell you where we should park?”

Javier pointed to the left. “I spoke with my buddy, Kevin. You should see a taped-off dirt lot up ahead.”

She spotted the yellow-and-black caution tape draped around makeshift poles jutting from traffic cones. People scurried around like ants, carrying various pieces of equipment as they disappeared into the thick tree line.

Callie put the vehicle in park and glanced up at Sky again. “How we doing back there?”

“Fine.” Her scared expression evaporated, replaced by an unreadable mask. “Let’s get this over with.” Sky clenched her jaw as she reached for the door handle.

In the time Callie had known her, Sky had shown so much courage and fortitude. She was a fighter, a powerhouse when she put her mind to something. But Callie had also witnessed the hidden depths of pain she had endured.

The young woman might be determined to hide her soft underbelly, but the chinks in her armor were there, ready to be exploited. And that was what Callie feared most. That was why she had to be here to support her friend.

“There’s Kevin.” Javier waved at an attractive man carrying an open laptop and wearing a large set of headphones around his neck. “Hey, man!”

Kevin didn’t appear to have heard. He kept walking toward a large tent.

The trio followed.

Inside, the tent had been set up to be a working office. A whiteboard with pictures and diagrams filled one full side of the ten-by-ten space. On the other side, a six-foot folding table held several banker boxes of files.

Kevin sat at the table, his pale-blue gaze intent on his laptop.

Javier waved in front of his face. “You working hard?”

Kevin did a double take. “Whoa. Hey. What are you doing here?”

“I told you I was bringing Sky.” Javier wrapped an arm around her.

“Right.” Kevin sprang from his chair, almost toppling his computer. “She needs to meet with the makeup artist and hair stylist before the interview. Let me show you where to go.”

They were gone in a blur, leaving Callie standing amid all the memories and files behind the scenes of the documentary.

The study was gory, but years in the FBI had familiarized her with the gruesome and brutal images of victims and crimes committed against them. For her part, she’d never been personally connected to one.

Photos from the police records were spread over Kevin’s makeshift desk. Prominent among them were two pictures of the victim. One picture showed Tessa as she was found in a cave, days after she’d died, her body arranged neatly. Attached to it was a sticky note with a handwritten message.

The way Sky left her.

A haunting image, it was a silent tribute to their friendship. If Callie placed her thumb over the torn, bloody fabric, she might have thought that the girl had been sleeping.

The other image was a smiling headshot of Tessa. Forever young and beautiful as an angel.

She picked up the photo.

What a gorgeous smile. She must have lit up every room.

The headshot was a professional piece, one for her acting portfolio, and the photographer had been a good one. Not like the other photo at all. Strange how different a person appeared in death. If Callie didn’t know better, she wouldn’t have realized the images were of the same girl.

She paged through the rest of the pictures, trying not to disturb too much of the filing system. There was a black-and-white image of a landslide. Another showed an outline of where the body had been found. A few from the medical examiner showed the bullet wound with size measurements. Some bore sticky notes, like one with the words, possible stalker. Together, the photos painted a fairly accurate picture of what had happened. Sky had filled in some gaps during their previous talk.

Poor Tessa had bled out in that cave. She’d been long dead by the time her friend was able to dig out and go for help.

The courageousness and fortitude Sky had shown at such a young age was extraordinary. She’d gone above and beyond, doing everything she could in an impossible situation. The fact that she’d been able to dig herself out at all was a miracle.

Shaking her head, Callie picked up the printout from the original report. This must have been the most high-profile case this small town had ever seen. For all that, however, the reports seemed perfunctory at best, with not a lot of time spent chasing down leads.

She couldn’t help but think the murder wasn’t taken as seriously as it should have been. The lack of information was bewildering. As if all the police had done was document it. No statements beyond Sky’s. No real follow-up with friends and associates.

There was nothing in there leading to the next clue, and from there on to the next. That wasn’t usual practice, even in a blink and you’ll miss it small-town police department. Something was off.

In another box, Callie spotted a DVD labeled Sky Stryker. If only she had time or the means to watch it. Most likely a recorded interview with her after the event.

What had Sky been like back then? Teenage Sky must have been at least as much, if not more, of a spitfire.

Callie shook her head and returned to the photos.

She picked up the photo of the body as it was found in the back of the cave and studied it. What had Sky been thinking when she’d laid out her friend in the pose of her final slumber? She’d used her own t-shirt to cover the face, masking eyes that had to seem like they were staring in the dark, even if Sky couldn’t see them. She imagined her as a frightened teenager trying to deal with the unthinkable.

Another picture had Sky’s name attached. A photo of bruised and bloodied hands.

How hard had she worked to dig out of that cave?

A report had been paper-clipped to the image.

It took Sky Stryker three days to dig free of the cave.

Exhibiting signs of dehydration and malnutrition.

Multiple scrapes and bruises to the hands and face.

Extreme disorientation. Hysteria. Reported delusions.

The report stated that she had located a minimal water source to stave off complete dehydration. Most likely runoff.

That she’d dug out at all showed a great deal of grit and determination. If anything, her being able to lead the searchers back to the cave and tell anyone what happened showed a remarkably calm and intelligent mind, considering the stress of the circumstances.

If Callie had been in a similar situation, would she have done so well? It was hard to know how she would’ve acted, especially at age fourteen.

Under the report, she found another photo of the deceased with a piece of paper clipped to it.

Not quite a full medical examiner’s report, but there was a handwritten note scrawled across the top in red ink.

Sexually active.

A shiver stole up the back of Callie’s neck. Fourteen-year-old girls having sex wasn’t abnormal, but the detail became noteworthy when one of them wound up dead. Was Tessa a victim of rape or a willing partner?

It might’ve been a clue, but as Callie studied the original report, there was no indication the police had followed up on potential boyfriends. There wasn’t any indication of who had written the note, or when. Perhaps the documentary’s producer was onto something the police had failed to look into…

The tent flapped as someone entered behind her. Callie set down the files and turned around.

Confusion bloomed on Kevin’s features. “What are you doing in here?”

Poor guy looked exhausted, as if he’d been working around the clock. “I came in with Sky, and you all rushed her away before I knew what was happening. I figured I would wait here for everyone to return.” Callie met his gaze with a smile. “That’s not a problem, is it?”

Before he could answer, the tent flapped again as Javier entered. “There you are.”

Happy to see a friendly face, she shifted her attention to him. “How’s Sky?”

“Nervous, but that’s to be expected.” He shrugged. “They’re doing her hair right now. Kevin, I’d like to introduce you to a very good friend, Calysta Baros. Callie is a former agent with the FBI.”

“Really?” Kevin’s brows shot up. “Nice to meet you, Ms. Baros. I’m Kevin Fitzner, assistant producer of this docuseries. You guys can stay here if you’d like.” He retook his seat. “I’m just going over some of the landscape shots we took earlier.”

How much does he know about the notes and photos?

“A pleasure to meet you as well, Kevin.” Callie attempted to keep her voice as nonchalant as possible. “Obviously, with my history in law enforcement, I find this all very fascinating. Mind if I ask where you got all these files?”

“Couldn’t tell you. I wasn’t involved in the research.” Kevin shrugged. “Shane is the one running the show. He probably has connections with the police department. Some of those look pretty official.” He resumed staring at his laptop screen.

Though he seemed disinterested, his body language didn’t send up any red flags. If Callie had to guess, he was probably as clueless as he claimed. But he’d been right about some of the documents looking official. Someone on this production team had taken a lot of time and care to access and print so many official records when simple screenshots from the internet would’ve done the job.

That’s some real dedication. And if there’s one thing I know about people capable of murder…they’re of the dedicated sort.

“I think I’ll take a walk.” Old habits died hard, and Callie was itching to get more information about the production and those working for it. Might not return any clues, but it was a far better use of her time than sitting in a tent twiddling her thumbs.

19

The makeup artist and hair stylist left Sky sitting alone in a chair, paper towels folded into her collar, somewhere between small-town girl and cover model. She scooched closer to the mirror and studied her reflection, scrutinizing the mask they’d painted across her face.

Her golden-brown eyes looked brighter, and her lips were a deep shade of plum. Normally stick straight, her vibrant auburn hair cascaded around her shoulders in soft waves. No one wanted to see the truth. Years spent in therapy. The nightmares. The constant nagging voice in the back of her mind that chastised her for failing to save her friend.

If you can’t manage a smile, they just paint one on for you. The camera can’t tell the difference.

Hollywood was so fake.

A man pushing sixty with an ash-blond side part and sagging jowls was ushered into the nearly empty hair-and-makeup tent. While batting her lashes, a bright young intern with a clipboard showed the gentleman where to sit and informed him he’d be attended to shortly.

Sky turned her head for a better look and gasped. The newcomer was the director of New York Squad Room, Ricardo Battaglini.

He’d approached Maria and Sky at the party Javier had taken her to, right before Shane had appeared out of thin air and forced her into a conversation about the docuseries.

Actually speaking with Ricardo would’ve been a massive opportunity to boost her career. A massive opportunity she’d missed.

What are the odds he would show up right here, right now?

All things being equal, the simplest explanation was that Shane had probably approached Ricardo to be a part of his documentary that night at the after-party. Because of that encounter, Sky now had the chance to discuss her book with someone who had the means and talent to take it further than she could.

My book is a good enough idea for a TV show. I’m offering them the sleazy underbelly of the fashion industry. That has to be at least on par with this docuseries.

Part of her wanted to shrink into her makeup chair and get out of this experience before the darkness consumed her. But she’d worked so hard to make it in the world after Tessa’s death. And what was it Maria had said to her?

“In publishing, hell, in all the media businesses for that matter, it’s all about who you know.”

Taking a few deep breaths, Sky turned to face the famous director.

The intern scurried off, promising to return with something for Ricardo to snack on while he waited.

“Hello again, Mr. Battaglini. Sir?” Sky’s voice cracked. Her cheeks warmed. If not for the layers of caked-on foundation and powder, she was sure they’d be red as beets.

Picking a piece of lint from his sleeve, he regarded her with mild disinterest. “Do I know you?”

“Yes. Well…not really.” Get it together. Stop coming off like a fawning fangirl! She cleared her throat. “What I mean is, I saw you at the Media and Entertainment after-party when Maria Wagner and I were talking. And I met you on set years ago. Back when Tessa was a regular on your show. I can’t believe that was ten years ago. Seems like only yesterday.”

Stop it. Stop talking now. You sound like an idiot.

“Well, that explains why you’re here. Seems they’re digging up anyone who might have been connected to the poor girl.” There was something in the way he examined her up and down, as though assessing her and finding her lacking. His disdain left her feeling like an exposed nerve.

In the back of her mind, something was trying to rise to the surface. A memory? A feeling? There was a reason Ricardo Battaglini stood out. But why? It couldn’t have just been the connection to Tessa and his show. Could it?

She tried to remember if Tessa had ever said anything important about him, but she drew a blank. As she returned to the moment, Sky berated herself for staring at the man like a crazed stalker.

She played with her hands in her lap. “My name is Sky Stryker.”

With a stiff smile that didn’t reach his light-brown eyes, Ricardo nodded. “Nice to meet you…again, I guess.” He leaned back in his chair with a yawn.

Sky shifted in her seat, wishing she had something in her hands. A bottle of water. Cue cards she could read from to salvage the conversation. Anything. She’d been hoping for the chat to get going so she could find a way to drop information about her book, but his stonewalling was thwarting the conversation before it had a chance to begin.

She had to find some way to get it going again. Maybe a little fangirling would do the trick. Famous types love to brag, right? “Is it true you film in a decommissioned precinct?”

Ricardo grinned, this time revealing his perfect, pearly white teeth. “A fan of the show, eh?”

No. “Yes!”

He’d been in the running for People magazine’s “Sexiest Man” issue several years back. She noted traces of the raw charisma now as he turned on the Hollywood charm and reached a hand across to shake hers. “We do. Yes. Most people find it quite unique and rather interesting that I pay so much attention to detail. Did you know the building was originally built in 1895 and was used as a police precinct for more than fifty years? Bit of trivia for you.”

Disregarding her uneasiness at the breakneck speed at which he’d shifted moods, Sky continued to play along. Stroking his ego might make him more receptive to her pitch. And even if it didn’t, it was a pleasant distraction from the very real reason they were both here.

She leaned in and pretended to hang on his every word as he droned on.

“The squad room had changed a great deal since those early days when we began. Originally, the set had been meant for only a few shots, to establish the setting for the pilot and the handful of episodes that launched the show.”

“You wanted to use the squad room for authenticity.” Now she had his interest. “But the fans liked it so much you started doing all the filming there, right?”

He nodded. “Some, yes, though most of the murders happen on a soundstage in our Brooklyn studio. We’re proud to be based in New York City. Most people think that only Hollywood churns out quality television, but in the last few years, the Big Apple has been producing more offstage content. I’d like to think my studio has had something to do with that.”

“Can’t disagree there.” Sky spotted her opening. “You’re an inspiration for us New York creatives.”

“Oh?” His eyebrow arched with curiosity. “What kind of ‘creative’…is that what the kids are calling it these days?”

“Writer. Author.” Sky blushed. “Working on a gritty true crime book. Written like a fiction thriller but all the stories are real, and the killers are the last people you would’ve ever expected. Names will be changed, obviously, but the details are one hundred percent factual.”

Ricardo sat back as he studied her. “You have my attention. When can I see some sample chapters?”

Sky picked at the clasp on her watch, trying to gain control over her emotions. She hadn’t expected that kind of response from him. At least not this soon. “You get straight to the point, don’t you?”

“My time is valuable, and I don’t like to waste it.” He waved the comment away as if batting at a fly. “Time is money. If you’re not willing to take a bite on something, someone else will. That’s why I’d like to read it as soon as possible.”

“It’s not completely written. Not yet. But I’ll be finished soon.” Sky dropped her head, feeling like a total amateur. She’d been so excited to pitch her book that she hadn’t considered him actually wanting to see it. “I do have a rough outline and chapter summary.”

Ricardo stood and walked to the opening of the tent, peeking outside. When he turned back, his expression had shifted, a hardness to his features that wasn’t there before. He folded his hands together and tapped the tips of his index fingers against his lips. After a moment of awkward silence, he closed the gap between them. “How many others have you pitched?”

“Only testing the waters. No official pitches yet. But I’ve had interest from two editors and the publishing company who has my first book.” Something in the way he stood over her jarred her senses, making her feel trapped in the small chair. She struggled to come up with the right words to say. “Maria wants to have lunch when I get back to town.”

“I’ve known Maria for years. Cockalorum Press is a good publishing house.” He studied her for a long moment, as if calculating his next words to extract the right response. “You’ll need to finish the manuscript, obviously. But if you have a clean outline and some sample chapters, I’d be happy to look through them.”

No. Freaking. Way. “Really?”

“No promises. I’m not making any offers at this time. But seeing as you were a friend of Tessa’s and she was like a daughter to me on set, this is my way to honor her memory.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a card and pen. “I’m giving you my cell and email on the back. That way, you can avoid having to go through my secretary.” He handed her the card but didn’t immediately release it as Sky reached across to take it.

Ricardo’s lips pressed together into a hard line as he met her gaze. “You still have to wow me. I expect the pages to be cleanly edited and concise.” His tone was no longer warm and friendly. If anything, it had taken on a rather sharp note. “Make it worth my time, and it could be your next meal ticket.” He released his hold on the card.

Sky flipped it over and stared at the phone number in black ink. “Thank you. I won’t disappoint you.”

Ricardo chuckled and retook his seat. “They all say that.”

Outside the tent, raised voices rang out. A man, by the sound of it, arguing with other men. She couldn’t quite make out what they were saying, but it was definitely not a happy conversation.

The tent flaps opened, and the intern who had seated Ricardo returned, appearing a bit disheveled. She glanced down at her clipboard. “Sky Stryker?”

“That’s me.” Sky sprang to her feet and ripped the paper towels from her collar.

“We need to reschedule your interview. Production has been shut down by the New Pleasant Police Department until further notice.”

What the hell?

Sky froze, emotions colliding inside her. She’d psyched herself up for this all day, and just as she was supposed to play her part, they canceled her?

The intern clicked her pen. “Do we have your local contact information?”

“Shane has my cell, yes.”

“I need to speak with Shane now.” A vein popped in Ricardo’s temple. “I don’t have time for schedule delays. I have my own show to produce.”

“Ms. Stryker, you can go. We’ll be in contact.” The intern waved her off and turned to address Ricardo. “He’s dealing with the police right now. Do you want to wait, or should I have him call you?”

Not sticking around to hear the rest of the conversation, Sky rushed out to search for Javier and Callie.

Angry shouting came from the producer’s tent. A moment later, a man shoved the flaps aside and stormed out, heading in Sky’s direction.

It was the same guy she’d run into earlier on her hike. “Jeremy?”

Detective Brice looked up, his expression shifting from anger to excitement. “Just the person I wanted to chat with. You have time to come down to the station with me?”

She quirked a brow. “Are you still trying to arrest me for trespassing?”

“No. We found some new evidence regarding Tessa’s case.” He apparently wasn’t going to share more right now. “It’s prompted me to shut down filming temporarily.” His gaze bore into her, as if he was weighing her reaction. “I’d like to have an official conversation with you.”

“I…yes…need…my friends.” Her brain and mouth had lost all coordination.

Jeremy seemed to understand. He nodded. “When you can, please come today. You know where the station is.” He walked toward the taped-off parking area as two other patrol vehicles pulled up.

What evidence could they have possibly found all these years later? Was it enough to point the investigation toward any suspects? And what could it possibly have to do with her?

So many questions. And the answers Sky needed might be revealed sooner rather than later.

Perhaps justice for Tessa was closer than she knew.

20

Sky hesitated as she reached the steps of the New Pleasant Police Department. Part of her was desperate to know what evidence had been discovered, to learn what might be revealed about Tessa’s murder case. The other half of her knew that no matter what had been found, it would dredge up emotions she’d been struggling to keep in check.

Callie came up behind Sky and placed a hand on her shoulder, giving a quick squeeze of solidarity.

That was enough to steel Sky’s courage. With a heavy breath, she climbed the steps and opened the door.

Detective Jeremy Brice met her at the front desk. “Ms. Stryker.”

“Hey, Jeremy. I’m sorry about this morning at the river.” Sky wished she could rewind the entire day. “I didn’t mean to be so rude. This documentary has me all out of sorts, you know?”

He smiled. “Don’t worry about it.”

Callie offered him her hand to shake. “Aren’t you a little young to have made detective?”

Jeremy’s high cheeks flushed red as he took her hand. “Just earned it, ma’am.” He glanced toward the duty sergeant manning the front desk.

“Well, color me impressed. You must’ve worked your ass off to earn that rank so quickly. I like the idea of having a sharp mind and dedicated individual working this case.” Callie nudged Sky’s arm, her hazel eyes twinkling. “Right?”

Sky forced a smile and nodded. High school seemed so long ago. She’d never really hung out with Jeremy back then. He’d had an obvious crush on Tessa when they were fourteen. Other than that, all she knew of him was that he’d come from a long line of men in uniform.

Maybe that attested to his ability as a cop…or was the reason behind his fast promotion. After all, his father had been the one to head up the initial investigation into Tessa’s murder.

And Sky didn’t want to even think about how much Jeremy knew about her parents’ arrest and incarceration.

Embarrassment snaked its way through her veins. She was, technically, the daughter of two convicted criminals…and Jeremy must have long ago formed his own judgments about that fact. About her.

We fell from different trees, to say the least.

Jeremy made a sweeping gesture. “Would you two come with me, please?” He led them toward his desk, winding his way through the crowded station, past other officers and detectives.

The last time Sky had been here was just after Tessa’s death. She’d long since left the small town for a new life, first in Albany, then Hell’s Kitchen. But as she walked the linoleum floor and scanned the sea of faces, the officers shooting her judgy looks brought her back to being fourteen and scared again. Some of the old-timers no doubt remembered her as a sideshow circus freak.

She could feel their hostility building, as if all the men and women she passed were blaming her for bringing drama back to their quiet town.

If Callie picked up on any of those vibes, it didn’t show. She walked with her head high, drawn up to her full five-five stature. Then again, she was former FBI. She probably felt quite at home in this small precinct.

Jeremy picked up a recording device and notebook from his desk. He pointed to a glass-walled room to the right of them. “We’re going into the conference room.”

“Where’s the new evidence?”

“We’re getting to that.” Inside the conference room, he gestured for them to take a seat and chose a chair on the opposite side of the table. “Before we begin, would you like some water? Or coffee? I think we have some tea if that’s something you would prefer.”

Sky flashed him a polite smile. “No, thank you.”

Her anxiety was on full display. Despite her efforts to conceal it, she sat stiff in her chair, picking at the edges of her thumbnail.

Did they really find any new evidence? Was that just a ruse to get me down here? Is he just mining for information? Messing with my head?

Even as Callie squeezed her hand under the table, Sky couldn’t help but fidget.

Jeremy set his recorder on the table between them and turned it on. “Before we begin, I have to advise you that we’ll be recording this session for use in this investigation. If you agree, I ask that you state your name and consent to that effect. Speak loud and clear, please.”

With a shrug, Sky leaned forward to talk into the microphone. “My name is Sky Stryker, and I consent to the recording of this interview.”

Callie repeated the words, a hell of a lot more calmly than Sky had.

“Thank you.” Jeremy flipped open his notebook and set his pen on a blank page. “Okay, Ms. Stryker. I want to start off with a review of the previous case notes.” He reached for a copy of the report taken ten years prior. “You told investigators that you ‘clocked the bastard on the back of the head’ while he was holding Tessa under the water.”

“Yes.” Sky shifted in her chair, crossing and recrossing her legs. “That’s right.”

Jeremy pursed his lips. “What did you clock him with?”

“A large rock.”

“I understand the investigators conducted a thorough search when they arrived.” The detective paged through the report. “No rock was found to have any DNA evidence.”

“That’s not surprising, really. It happened near the edge of the water. If it had fallen in, the DNA would’ve been washed away by the water.” Why was he making her go over the details everyone had already confirmed?

“That was the conclusion of the detective who originally worked the case too. My father.” Detective Brice waved away the question. “I have to make sure all the previous information matches up.”

Callie narrowed her gaze. “Is this the same information that was shared with the documentary crew?”

Jeremy sat up straighter. “We didn’t share our files with the documentary crew. I haven’t been through all their files yet, but I do know they’ve been in contact with the victim’s family, who initially requested copies of the general case files. Perhaps that’s how the documentary crew came by them. So some of the information might be duplicated.”

Callie’s attention remained fixed on Jeremy. “Have you spoken with the parents?”

“They’re due in later this afternoon.” He turned his attention back to the report in his hand. “Getting the rock or DNA evidence of any kind would have helped a great deal.”

Is he trying to rub it in by emphasizing my complete and utter failure?

Sky balled her fists under the table. “I suppose so.”

“A blow to the head can bleed a great deal. Even a minor wound can produce a lot of blood. I would think if you hit him hard enough,” the detective’s dark eyes shifted left to right as he scanned the report, “his head would’ve bled profusely. The original report, however, doesn’t mention any blood, other than Tessa’s and your own, on your person.”

“It happened in the water. I came up behind him.” Sky crossed her arms, angry that this revisiting of the facts was the focus of the conversation when he’d lured her with the “new evidence” ploy. “We ran along the bank, trying to get away. With all the splashing, any blood probably would’ve washed off.”

A dubious expression formed on Jeremy’s handsome features. “I doubt that splashing in the water would’ve washed blood out of clothing.”

She rolled her eyes. “I take it you don’t do your own laundry, do you? Splashing clothes around in water is part of how you get them clean, Detective.”

“Blood doesn’t come out that easy.”

“Try having your period sometime.” Sky dropped her arms and squared her shoulders as irritation welled up inside her. “Every teenage girl out there who’s had an accident while wearing light-colored jeans knows exactly how good cold water is at preventing stains.”

The startled look that flashed across Detective Brice’s face was priceless.

“Excuse me.” Callie placed a hand on the table. “Is this an interrogation or a review of the facts?”

The detective flushed. “It’s⁠—”

“I know you’re still green, Detective, but trying to get a rise out of a victim by badgering them into changing their story doesn’t magically make evidence appear.” Callie leveled him with her stare. “Now you can either finish your little review and tell us why we’re really here, or you can excuse us because we’re not going to sit here and be clumsily interrogated by an incompetent cop who still has the protective plastic on his detective’s badge.”

Go Callie.

His gaze dropped to the badge hanging around his neck as he licked his lips like a chastised pup. “Please accept my sincere apologies, Ms. Stryker. I was hoping maybe you had remembered more than what you had given us back then.”

Sky wasn’t buying his sudden show of regret, though the speed at which Callie had put him in place was inspiring. She channeled the retired FBI agent’s energy. “Do you have anything else you’d like to ask me?”

“Give me a moment, if you would.” Jeremy drew the folder closer, flipping to the next page and scanning it. “When you and Tessa ran to the trees,” he tapped the report, “at that time, the unknown assailant, a man, fired his gun and Tessa was hit. Is that correct?”

“Yes.” Sky’s voice grew colder. Her lip quivered, but she refused to break down. She wouldn’t let him see her cry. “Tessa staggered. At first, I thought she tripped, but she was hit.”

With a heavy sigh, Detective Brice reached for the box of tissues on the table and slid them over to her.

Sky pulled one free and crumpled it in her hand, still fighting to gain control.

“Let me get you some water.” Brice stepped out for a moment and returned with a chilled water bottle. He set it on the table next to Sky. “This cave you hid in. Describe it for me.”

“It was a cave.” Sky shrugged. She twisted open the cap on the bottle. “Just a hole in the side of the rock. A little room, kind of. I settled us behind some piled-up rocks, hoping it would help keep us hidden.” As she took a sip, she caught sight of the fine white scars zigzagging across her hands from when she had to dig herself free.

Normally, they were almost invisible, but in the harsh fluorescent light, they seemed to glow.

Detective Brice was staring at them too.

He should easily have been able to find the medical report about the injuries she’d sustained. Unless he wanted to bring in the medical team who examined her and interrogate them too.

He tapped his pen on the table. “According to your statement, the cave collapsed after you entered with Tessa, correct?”

Sky set the bottle down and replaced the cap. “Yes.”

“Do you know what caused the collapse?”

“No. The guy chased us but didn’t follow us inside. He fired into the cave. Next thing we knew, the cave started rumbling. There was a rockslide, and we were sealed in.”

“A single bullet isn’t exactly going to cause a cave-in.”

“I never said it did. I’m just telling you what happened.”

Callie speared him with her mama bear glower, silently telling him she remained unimpressed by his interrogation style. “Is this going somewhere?”

Jeremy hid behind the file folder. “Just trying to verify the details.”

“How’s a pair of scared and injured young girls going to know what caused the rockslide?” Callie didn’t even blink. “Seems to me your department put your entire investigation on one traumatized child instead of doing the legwork yourselves. And now that you have her back in here, you’re repeating the same damn process. Where is this evidence you found? What’s its significance? That’s the reason you brought Sky down here in the first place.”

Jeremy hesitated. “I can’t actually show you the evidence itself.”

Sky shot Callie a look, trying to contain the anger building inside her. Callie lasered her gaze onto Jeremy. “Detective, you owe us an explanation.”

The detective lifted his chin, a not-so-subtle act of defiance. “It’s classified information for now. But it does exist. I wasn’t lying to you. We’ve discovered something…I just can’t share any more about it with you quite yet.”

Sky was done with his excuses. “Then why the hell did you tell me to come down here?”

“I was hoping that going through the case file might jog your memory. Maybe there was something that was missed. A connection that was overlooked.” Jeremy’s expression was apologetic, but his tone remained firm.

“Let me get this straight.” Sky clenched her fists. “You knew good and well I wasn’t going to be able to see the new evidence. But you used that to lure me here so you could interrogate me. You are an asshole, Jeremy Brice.”

“That I am.” His face was serious. “How the hell do you think I made detective this quickly? It wasn’t by letting things slide. I’m not making the same mistakes my father has.”

Callie snorted and covered her mouth. “Honey, being an asshole doesn’t make you a good cop.” She crossed her arms over her chest and clucked her tongue. “Only those who put in the real work deserve that badge.”

“Easy for you to say, ma’am.” The arrogant look he gave her should’ve earned him a slap across the cheek, but the retired agent knew better than to assault a cop, of course. Jeremy locked eyes with Callie and leaned closer. “Do you have any experience in law enforcement?”

Sky snorted out a laugh and settled back in her chair for the ass-kicking that was about to happen.

Jeremy’s expression darkened as he shifted his attention between Sky and Callie.

“As a matter of fact, junior…” Callie’s grin turned into a full-blown smile. “Retired FBI. Worked in the NYC field office from age twenty-three to fifty-seven. I might have been out of the game for the last six years, honey, but I have more criminal investigation knowledge in my little pinky than you could ever dream to have.”

The detective blanched. “I…”

Callie held up a hand as if to say I’m not finished yet. “You can either straighten up and do this investigation right, or I will make a few calls and have your records reviewed. It’s not often a young pup like you earns detective without a little outside help. You get me?”

Jeremy gulped and tugged at the collar of his shirt. “Loud and clear, ma’am.” He fumbled with the case file, his hands jerky and clumsy with the pages. “Just one…one more question, if you don’t mind.”

“Make it a good one.”

“No disrespect intended.” He coughed. “You were not able to get a clear view of the man’s face, correct?”

“No, I didn’t.” Sky gulped half the contents of her water bottle. There it was. Her biggest regret. She set the bottle down and rubbed the scars on her hands.

“You were close enough to hit him with a rock.” His voice warbled, his congenial tone slipping. “Did you throw it?”

“No, not the first one. I held it and hit him with it.” Sky made the motion, wishing she had something to hit the detective with.

Jeremy frowned. “You were within arm’s reach of him, and you didn’t see the guy’s face?”

“He was wearing greasepaint. That’s really all I can remember.” Sky reached to the darkest recesses of her mind, where she’d buried her trauma. The therapists had called her lack of ability to remember any identifying details of Tessa’s murderer “dissociative amnesia.” The frustrating truth was that her clearest “memories” of the entire traumatic ordeal were the hallucinations she’d experienced in the darkness of the cave.

“Greasepaint?”

She gritted her teeth, impatient with this line of questioning. “Yes, that stuff hunters wear to keep from being reflective, to blend in and cut the glare.”

“Yes, I understand that. But you mean to tell me that you can’t identify the man because his face was dirty?” Brice set the report aside, his cordial tone having morphed to one of complete frustration altogether. “Nothing? A layer of greasepaint doesn’t change bone structure or the size of a nose.”

Sky swallowed the scream that threatened to escape her lungs. “I was fourteen. And I was terrified. I watched someone try to drown my best friend. That same friend died of her injuries, in the cold darkness of that cave. She died in my arms. That’s what I remember.” Her voice rose despite her best efforts to keep it level. “Do you really think I haven’t driven myself insane trying to recall that bastard’s face? I. Can’t. Remember.”

Jeremy’s shoulders slumped with an air of defeat. As though he’d been sure that he was the genius mastermind who’d be able to get more out of her.

She leaned forward, the heat from her gaze so hot she could’ve singed his face. “The only reason you care now is because your department is afraid of looking bad in the public eye. It’s all because of that damn documentary. Admit it. You’re only investigating this case again for PR reasons.”

Jeremy matched her stare. “This case is being reinvestigated because we found new evidence.”

Bullshit. He has ulterior motives. No one digs into a cold case like this without having something to gain.

“New evidence that I’m not allowed to know one damn thing about. Right.” Sky spat the words at him, full of resentment.

The detective’s mouth set in a hard line. “I think you’re a little overwhelmed, Ms. Stryker.” He picked up the folder and stuffed in the pages that had gone askew. Then he tapped the folder against the edge of the table to settle the papers inside. “Maybe we can resume the interview at a later time.”

Sky ignored his comment. “This is personal for you, isn’t it? Beyond the media attention.” She let out a mirthless chuckle as she connected another dot. “How good would you look if you could solve the murder your daddy couldn’t, right as the documentary was being filmed and bringing all this attention to New Pleasant?”

A flush crept up the detective’s neck and settled in his cheeks. “I want to find who’s responsible for Tessa’s murder as much as anybody. In fact, it’s my job. That’s the truth, despite what you think. I do want to solve the case. Her killer is still out there. And yes, the documentary does bring us extra media attention, which can sometimes put pressure on the right people to come forward.”

“You being in the limelight too is just a convenient perk of the job, huh?” Sky couldn’t bring herself to believe that Jeremy’s intentions were noble, no matter what he said. Not in a world like this, where a teenage girl’s murder was treated as a sensation rather than a tragedy.

He folded his hands on top of the report. “Could I ask one last question?”

Sky sighed. “How many last questions are there going to be?”

“This is it. Promise.” He held his palms up in surrender. “You said Tessa asked you to meet her at the water that day. Did she say why?”

Sky allowed her breathing to slow and closed her eyes, once more reaching back into the darkness of her traumatic past. “No. She didn’t. But…I don’t know, she’d changed. I thought it was the schedule she was keeping. She was working so much, but she seemed,” she searched for the right word, “burned out.”

Jeremy gathered the folder and stood. “Thank you for your time, Ms. Stryker. I’ll be in touch.”

Sky rose and hiked her cross-body strap over her shoulder, never happier to be leaving a place. “I’ll be waiting with bated breath.”

21

Damn these Podunk small towns. Had it been anywhere else in the country, I might’ve found a decent parking place to sit and wait for Sky and her friend to exit the New Pleasant Police Department.

But as luck would have it, the building was an island amid a sea of nothingness. No little corner store where I could linger unnoticed. No back alley between buildings. Just a big structure in the middle of nowhere.

I racked my brain, trying to figure out my next move as I sat fuming in my car.

The police here might be stupid, but even they would notice a loiterer in front of their station.

Cursing my rotten luck, I pulled away from the building and drove around aimlessly until I found the parking lot of a chain grocery store. At least here I could idle for a while and collect my thoughts.

“I’m surrounded by morons.” I laughed like a madman. “That’s the only explanation for how royally screwed up this day has been.”

I’d set everything in motion. All the pieces were in place. I had her right where I wanted her. And in a blink…the whole freaking plan came crashing down. All because of some mystery piece of new evidence.

Balling my fist, I punched the steering wheel.

The horn honked, and a lady pulling her stroller out of the back of her van turned and glared at me.

I gave a tentative wave and mouthed, Sorry.

Not that I was sorry. But there was no use in pissing off the townsfolk. I still had work to do here.

Had the police really found new evidence, or did they just want a reason to shut down filming? What did they stand to gain by stalling the documentary?

How any evidence at all hadn’t disintegrated in ten years, I would never understand. But that point was moot with the police throwing their weight around.

And maybe the evidence wasn’t physical. Maybe someone had told them something.

Sky.

She was a blight on my life. A cancer that needed to be cut away.

Glaring, I studied my reflection in the mirror. “That hotshot detective probably has her wrapped around his pinky. Or she’s sharing everything she knows with that nosy fashion exec boyfriend of hers. Maybe all that flapping of her lips jogs her memory. She might have figured out who I am by now.”

I shivered at the thought. My life would be over if that were true.

No. She would’ve realized that the first time she laid eyes on me.

That face paint had been my smartest move ever. With all that grease on my skin, there was no way she’d have gotten a good look at me. Although I’d had no idea Sky would show up that day—let alone survive—I thanked my lucky stars I’d had the foresight to cover my face.

I raised my fist skyward and glanced up. “See, Uncle? I’m not a total idiot. I didn’t completely mess up that day. It just didn’t all go as planned…”

Who am I kidding? In this life, it’s black or white. There is no shade of gray with murder. You get it right or you fail.

If the old bastard was up there, he wouldn’t be wasting his time looking down on a disappointment like me. I’d left a witness alive.

There was no worse kind of screwup.

I have to stop doing this. This bitch is consuming all my time and energy. I need to quit fixating on her.

Other things demanded my attention.

Focus, dammit! What would my uncle say?

I took a breath to calm my nerves. If I didn’t get back in the zone, my work would suffer. That was my moneymaker. Not Sky, a nobody writer with a notion to tell the world her stories.

She wasn’t worth the time I’d already wasted on her.

When my plumbing backs up, I have more important tasks to do than attack a clog with a plunger. I have better things to do with my time, so I hire a plumber. When my car isn’t running, I take it to a mechanic. I have people for just about every job I don’t care to do.

Perhaps it was time for me to delegate authority.

Pulling out my cell phone, I scrolled through the contacts list.

What I needed was a hitter. I had too much to lose if the job didn’t get done right.

On the other hand, finding someone who would kill for money wasn’t as easy as television would have people believe. There had been more than a few TV episodes in the past ten years that should be rewritten given what I’d experienced. Cop shows written by stupid writers who couldn’t take the time to do the proper research.

I dialed an old contact. A low-level criminal named Harlan. He wouldn’t be my hitter, but he knew the right kind of people who might take the job.

The call connected, but Harlan didn’t say a word.

Overly cautious bastard.

Still, wasn’t I paying for caution?

“It’s me. I’ve got a proposition for you. I’m sending you an address. Meet me there tonight.” I disconnected the call and sent the address.

Just like that, I put the next plan in motion. I had no doubt he would follow through. But then, I was used to people doing what I told them to do. Especially when they were well paid for their trouble.

22

The aroma drifting out of the main dining room was mouthwatering, and Sami didn’t know how long he could hold out. When he and Delia had agreed to hang back while Javier and Callie went with Sky to the river, he’d only expected them to be gone a couple of hours. But now it was well past eight, and other than a text from Javier about dinner reservations, he hadn’t heard from any of the group.

Their reservation had been made for seven. Luckily, the resort wasn’t too full. Even so, Sami had pushed back the reservation twice. His stomach growled in protest. If the group didn’t show up in the next five minutes, he was going to eat without them.

Delia returned from the bar with two drinks. “Babe, let’s eat. They won’t mind if we get started.”

“Fine.” He nodded, trying not to let his frustration show as he ran a hand through his jet-black waves. Since his military days were past, he’d decided to let his hair grow out, and it was currently to his chin. “I was just looking forward to a nice meal with the entire group, you know?”

“What was the last text from Javier?” Delia set one of the beverages in front of him and motioned toward his phone. “What time did he say to make the reservation?”

Sami didn’t need to look. “Point made. Let’s go get a table.” He held the door for Delia and made a sweeping gesture for her to enter the restaurant.

Beyond the reception stand, tables were arranged so that each one offered views of the river view through the wall of windows. The sun was easing toward the horizon, and candles flickered on each table, throwing dancing shadows on the rich wood walls. Their light reflected on the glass, giving the entire room a cozy, romantic feel.

Maybe it’s a good thing the others haven’t returned.

He and Delia had enjoyed their afternoon alone together. Back in the city, they both were so busy with work, they were lucky to steal a few hours here and there. But today, they’d taken a leisurely stroll along the river, enjoyed a couple’s massage with hot stones, and rented kayaks. Delia made him want to try new things, and he hoped to return the favor. If they had time tomorrow, he wanted to take her cliff diving.

The hostess picked up menus and two rolls of silverware wrapped in cloth napkins. “Just the two of you?”

Sami forced a smile. “The rest of our party might still show up.”

The hostess didn’t seem convinced. She’d seen him come and go multiple times as he kept pushing back his reservation. But to her credit, she didn’t press the issue. Instead, she picked up additional menus and led them to a quiet corner table.

When Delia peered out the window, Sami admired the picture she made, standing there against the flickering candlelight. She wore a dress of deep red, so crimson it appeared almost black in the dim light, her short ebony hair worn up for a change, showing off the long sweep of her neck.

Her emerald eyes appeared thoughtful as she turned to look at him. “This place is so nice. We’ll have to remember to come back again.”

He was going to have to take extra clients to afford another trip. But it was worth it to see how happy Delia was. She wasn’t the complaining type, but she worked twice as hard as any of the other models Sami had met. And the fact she had not yet achieved international fame weighed heavily on her mind. She deserved the recognition and the payoff for all the effort she’d put in over the years.

“Definitely.” Sami held out the chair for her before taking his own. “This place is spectacular.”

The hostess deposited the menus on the table and gave a polite bow.

Sami unfolded his napkin and opened the menu. His mouth watered as he perused the selections.

“Are you in the mood for seafood tonight?” Delia peeked over the top of her menu. “Their lobster ravioli sounds tasty.”

The restaurant doors opened, and Javier breezed through. He scanned the spacious room before his gaze landed on their table.

There goes my chance for a romantic dinner…

Sami waved and set his menu down. “I’ll eat anything with lobster in it.”

Delia was still studying the options when Javier reached them.

“Where are the others?” Javier swiped a menu from the table and glanced over it. “Still dressing for dinner?”

That was news to Sami. He’d assumed those three had been together all day. “They didn’t come back with you?”

“We split up when the site was shut down. The police showed up on the scene and said they’d discovered some new evidence about the murder. Closed the whole thing down.” Javier’s eyes slid back and forth as he scanned the menu. “They asked Sky to come to the station, so she took Callie with her. After I met Shane, the director, I hung out with Kevin for the rest of the day. I must’ve lost track of time.”

Sami took a sip of his mixed drink to cover his annoyance. “Where did the girls go?”

Javier shrugged. “Sky said she might give Callie a drive-around tour of her hometown after the police station. She said not to worry if they didn’t make it to dinner.”

Delia frowned. “Information that would have been nice to have.”

Javier’s head snapped up, his brow wrinkled. “I’m sorry. I was supposed to relay the message. I forgot.”

“Because you were having a good time with your old buddy?” Delia’s tone had a sharp edge to it. “And what happened to being here for Sky? How is hanging out with Kevin being there for her?”

Sami tilted his head, his eyes narrowed at Delia. She looked ready to bite Javier’s head off.

Javier hid behind the menu, clearly having no good answer that would appease her. “I’m sorry. Next time I’ll coordinate better.” He pointed to the wine list. “There’s a local winery here. How about I order us a bottle as a peace offering?”

“You can’t bribe me with…” Her eyes went wide. “Sixty dollars! That’s a rip-off. I bet that same bottle costs fifteen if you buy it on-site.” She slid the wine list back toward Javier. “But hey, if you want to be the sucker that falls for it, be my guest.”

Javier reddened.

Sami studied them in turn. His buddy had meant well. He was the kind of guy who spent his money on others because he could. Delia hadn’t known him long enough to understand that.

“It’s okay, man.” Sami grinned. “I’m more than happy to let you buy me some of that lobster if you’re making amends and all.” He winked.

Javier folded his menu and set it on the table beside him, his expression brightening. “Lobster all around, then?”

Sami nodded, happy to be one step closer to food. His stomach was beginning to eat itself.

“Actually, I think I want the seared crab cakes, followed by the ahi poke bowl.” Delia licked her lips as she flipped to the next page. “Oh, and I have to try the lemon cheesecake with blueberry drizzle.”

Sami chuckled at her expression. She’d gone from dangerous to drooling in the time it took her to say “blueberry.”

She shrugged when she caught Sami staring. “What can I say? I stress eat.”

“You’ll never hear me complain about that.” He lifted his glass in mock tribute. “Maybe we should order dessert first. I could do with a little of that lemon blueberry cheesecake myself.”

When the server strolled up to the table with a notepad and pencil, Javier placed their order. With a nod, she scurried off, disappearing into the kitchen.

Sami reached for the carafe of water and poured himself a glass. “So how is Kevin handling his new job as assistant producer?”

Javier smirked and shook his head. “You know how he is. Dive in headfirst without knowing how deep the water is.”

“That bad, eh?” Sami filled Delia’s glass as well and winked at her.

“He’ll be fine.” Javier grabbed the pitcher and poured himself a glass. “But no one is sure when the production is going to start back up. They’re under a minimum forty-eight-hour hold while the New Pleasant Police Department investigates whatever evidence they’ve found.”

Delia’s brow furrowed. It gave her the look of a confused puppy that Sami found adorable. “It’s hard to imagine what they’ve come across ten years later.”

“That’s what Kevin said.” Javier set the carafe back on the table. “He didn’t seem worried about them finding any case-breaking evidence. But he’s financially tied to the success of this documentary, so delays mean lost dollars.”

“Isn’t he the guy in charge?” Delia sipped of her water. “Can’t he just take care of the stuff that isn’t going to be filmed on the river? You know, interviews and that kind of thing.”

“Nah. Kevin’s only the assistant director.”

Sami chuckled. “So he’s got a fancy title but not much power?” He didn’t know Kevin as well as Javier, but from the times they’d hung out, Sami had gotten the distinct impression Kevin was the kind of guy who liked to be on the top of the food chain.

The server returned with a basket of warm bread and butter. Javier reached for a slice before she’d set it on the table. Sami drummed his fingers, waiting for his turn with the bread. After all, it was Javier who had been late.

“Right. Kevin got his title by helping to fund the production, but it’s the executive producer and head director who has all the decision-making power. That’s Shane.” Javier slathered some butter onto his bread. “And he was livid.”

As their appetizer and meals arrived, the three of them dug in.

Delia cut through the tender, flaky crust of a crab cake and speared a healthy chunk on her fork. As she dipped it into the rémoulade sauce, a piece of meat fell to the plate.

These weren’t the imitation shreds Sami was used to seeing. There was a generous portion of real lump crab in there.

“Something might’ve been up from the start of the day anyway.” Javier forked a hunk of lobster from his plate. “There was already a cop on-site, according to Kevin, when they arrived to begin setup. Before the production shutdown and all the hoopla.”

“That doesn’t seem normal, does it?” Delia scrunched her face, thinking. “Unless the director hired security for filming. Or maybe that cop was going to be interviewed.”

“Or maybe they were protecting the site.” Though the statement was plausible, Javier didn’t sound like he believed it.

Delia scooped up a piece of ahi tuna with her fork, seemingly lost in thought. “Protecting it? Like it’s some kind of shrine?”

“That sounds like stalker behavior, if you ask me.” Sami knew he was probably jumping to conclusions, but he had seen more than his fair share of suspicious characters over the years. Stalkers and cheating husbands were the foundation of his business.

“Wait.” Delia’s fork hung midway between her plate and lips. “The cop. Was he in plain clothes?” She shoveled the bite into her mouth.

Sami nodded, remembering that she and Sky had a run-in with a rude officer earlier that morning. Skulking around and scaring them half to death. “That jerk?”

“He’s a detective. Street clothes, but he had a badge around his neck on a chain.” Another slice of fresh bread disappeared from the communal basket as Javier used it to mop up the creamy sauce from his plate. “Young guy, though. He had a chip on his shoulder, like he had something to prove.”

As the last bite of their entrées went down, the hostess returned with dessert. Each generous slice of lemon cheesecake was overflowing with blueberry compote.

“Probably compensating for something stupid, like being stuck here in a small town.” Delia immediately reached for her fork.

Javier didn’t waste any time digging into his dessert either. “That’s his fault if he’s stuck here. He could choose from any of the five boroughs in New York City. They’re always in need of good officers.”

“Being the big dog in a little town offers a lot more power.” In his time, Sami had run across many individuals in law enforcement who preferred small-town stations for the sheer notoriety of the position. That type needed the ego boost more than they loved the job.

“I’ll get the check.” Javier raised his hand to flag the server. “And then maybe we head back to the cabin? Get a good night’s sleep and try again tomorrow?”

Full of lobster, crab, and cheesecake, Sami was slow to rise to his feet. His eyes had been bigger than his stomach, and he had to let his belt out to breathe comfortably.

Maybe no cliff diving tomorrow.

“I don’t feel like we accomplished all that much today, case-wise. I almost feel guilty.”

Delia’s eyes glimmered with hope. “Maybe Sky and Callie got some important info at the police station.”

In Sami’s estimation, Sky would’ve let them know immediately had any new leads fallen into their laps. But he didn’t want to erase the expectant look from his girlfriend’s face.

“Maybe.” He took her hand as they left the dining room. “Let’s hope so.”

23

The morning came too quickly for Sky’s liking. She’d only just closed her eyes, and now daylight streamed through her window.

In an attempt to prolong her time in bed, she reached for her phone for a little mindless scrolling of social media and message checking.

Right at the top of her notifications was an email from Detective Jeremy Brice.

My behavior yesterday was out of line. I do have a personal stake in this case, and for the first time in ten years, the department was willing to take another look at it. If we have any hope of figuring this out, it will come from new information. If you remember anything that might be helpful or have any additional details you can provide, please contact me. Anything at all. I don’t care how insignificant you think it might be.

I want justice for Tessa too.

If she were being truthful with herself, she’d been a bit of a jerk too. And he was right. With all the media attention, this would be the best opportunity for fresh eyes to catch what had been missed.

But what could she give the detective?

As she let her thoughts marinate, her phone pinged with a new notification.

Shane Eastland had sent a bulk message to everyone in the production.

We are working with New Pleasant PD to get our filming schedule back on track. Until then, we are searching for an alternate location to film the individual interviews. Schedules will be sent out by the end of the day. For now, enjoy the beautiful weather and visit some of the area’s fascinating sights.

The email sounded too formal to have actually come from the producer-slash-director, but it was nice to know the production had not been completely derailed. Getting her interview over with sooner rather than later would help ease the tension she’d been feeling.

Sky’s stomach growled as the tantalizing aroma of freshly cooked bacon and coffee diffused into her room. Like a siren’s call, it roused her from the bed. She padded across the wooden floor and opened the door.

In the living area, the hotel steward was setting out trays of breakfast foods on the oversize coffee table. As he unloaded the last tray from his rolling cart, Javier took a seat on the L-shaped couch, rubbing his hands together.

Across the room, another door opened, and Sami stepped out, licking his lips. “Now that’s the way to wake a man up.”

No one could resist the call of a piping hot breakfast. And the spread that had been delivered was a buffet of some of Sky’s favorite foods. She grabbed a plate and scooped up a healthy portion of scrambled eggs and bacon before swiping two pancakes and a packet of syrup.

Javier chuckled as she tried to balance her food and find a spot to sit on the couch. “Someone’s hungry today.”

“I grew up with my cousins. When you’re in a house with multiple kids, it’s survival of the fittest.” She snickered, recalling many Sunday breakfasts where her aunt couldn’t make the food fast enough to keep up with demand. “I learned quickly that, no matter how much food was set out, if you didn’t fill your plate on the first go, you wouldn’t get more.”

Sami grabbed a mug of coffee and claimed a spot on the edge of the couch. He studied the food as if plotting his strategy of attack.

Javier picked at the bacon on his plate. “Heard anything about the documentary?” He held up the limp and greasy meat and shook his head. Despite his displeased expression, he still shoved the whole piece into his mouth.

“Today is a free day. They’re working with the police to get clearance to film again.” Soggy bacon or crispy, it didn’t matter to Sky. She’d gladly eat it in any form. The meat was delicious when dipped in maple syrup. With that thought, she grabbed a few more strips and piled them on top of her pancakes. “Speaking of…the detective emailed me.”

“Really?” Sami cocked his head as he tore his gaze from the sausage links. “What did he want?”

“Well, he apologized for his behavior. And since I was there…you know, when Tessa died,” she hated having to say those words over and over, “he hoped being back here might jog my memory. He asked me to let him know if I could give him anything new to work with.” She fell silent as she chewed her bacon, still unsure she could add anything to the investigation.

Javier shoved his plate aside, turning his attention to Sky. “How do you feel about that?”

“To be honest, I don’t…” She paused. Finishing that sentence felt selfish. If there was a chance that something she could remember would help solve the case, she had to try.

Sky shoveled a forkful of eggs into her mouth to give herself time to figure out what to say. She’d been pretty helpful in solving Megan’s murder. And she’d recently helped take down the Mill. Being able to make a difference and bring justice to her friends had given Sky a sense of pride and direction.

That was the reason she’d gained so much outside interest in her book. A book that still needed to be finished. A book that, frankly, shouldn’t be so popular or talked about so widely among the media elite.

“My book.” The words tumbled out before she could stop herself.

Javier nodded. “Working on that might be a good way to get your mind off things.” He picked up a bagel and smeared a heap of cream cheese on it.

“That’s not what I meant.” Sky shook her head, not quite sure how to describe the sinking feeling she had. “I just had a thought. My book. Why has it gotten so much attention? I’m a nobody, right? And I haven’t even written it yet. Well…not completely.”

Sami rounded the table, loading up his plate with a little of everything. “Don’t sell yourself short.”

“No, it’s not that.” There seemed to be a disconnect between her mouth and her brain. Sky took a breath and tried to follow the thread her memory had started. “When I was in the hair-and-makeup tent, I had a chat with Ricardo Battaglini.”

“That’s the director who does the cop drama, right?” Sami carried his overloaded plate to the nearby two-seater kitchen table.

Javier nodded and pointed his fork at Sami as he swallowed his bite of eggs. “Yeah. He was at the awards event we went to. Pretty big name in the New York film circuit.”

“Tessa worked on his TV show ten years ago. She was part of the cast when she…” Sky couldn’t force herself to say the words yet again. “Anyway…that’s why he was on set. To be interviewed. Just like me.”

“So he was interested in your book too?” Javier knitted his brows. “That’s good, right?”

“Forget the book and follow me for a second here. Isn’t it odd that a big-time director would agree to come down and be part of this two-bit documentary? The man has to have better things to occupy his time.”

The more she spoke, the more confused Javier’s face became. “Maybe he was close with Tessa and thought it was the right thing to do.”

Oh, please.

“The guy is an ass. He’s self-important and rude and all that stereotypical Hollywood bullshit. I’d met him before, back when Tessa was on his show. But he only warmed up to me after I boosted his ego about his dumb cop show.”

When Maria and I were finishing our talk at the party, Ricardo looked at me like I was inconveniencing him just by breathing.

“A person is interested in your book and you want to hang them for murder.” Javier broke into a fit of laughter. “That’s not how you get it published, Sky.”

She squeezed her eyes shut and pinched the bridge of her nose. Was she not speaking the same English they were? How was he completely missing her point?

“Let me try this again.” She took a breath and leveled her gaze at Javier. “After my sucking up turned Mr. Big Shot Hollywood Director into a yes-man, he told me he was doing it all for Tessa, that she was like a daughter to him. If that isn’t a case of guilt playing out for all to see, then what is?”

“Why would he come back if he was guilty of the murder in the first place?” Sami took a swig of his coffee. “Criminals do often return to the scene of the crime, but not ten years later to give on-camera interviews.”

“Maybe he wants to know if the documentary unearths something that could point to him. If he’s there, in the action, he can do damage control.”

Javier’s confused expression shifted to what looked like pity. He set down his plate and turned his whole body in her direction. “I know you want to help find her killer, but if Ricardo had been a suspect, he was cleared or he wouldn’t still be working, making TV shows.”

“Oh, like there aren’t dozens of rapists working in Hollywood whose crimes are an open secret? How long did Weinstein get away with it? Money and power talk. You know that.” Sky glared at him. His condescending tone masking as sympathy was the icing on the cake. How could he not see what she was seeing?

Javier flushed. “Sorry. But⁠—”

“I’m not letting this go. I can’t. I let this sit for ten years. Something in my gut says this man needs to be investigated. Isn’t that what we all agreed to come here to do anyway? And the detective told me to give him any information I had.”

Javier laced his fingers together on his lap. “You have a hunch, not proof. Coincidental information is not enough to make a case. Ricardo Battaglini isn’t just anybody. You’re right that money and power talk, and Ricardo has those in spades, not to mention fame. Not someone you want to make an enemy of by throwing out cries of ‘guilty’ in the town square.”

Sky reached into her pocket and pulled out her phone. “Guilty or not, that’s up to the New Pleasant Police Department.” She replied to the email Detective Brice had sent her, outlining her suspicion. As she typed, Javier shook his head.

He didn’t have to believe her. For the first time since she had learned of this documentary, Sky felt like she had a purpose. A real shot at redeeming herself for not being able to identify the attacker all those years ago.

“You know,” Sami swallowed his mouthful of scrambled eggs, “she might be on to something. I would love to know how closely the original investigators scrutinized the cast and crew of that show she was on. You said it was filmed in Manhattan?”

“The old precinct is there, yeah.” Sky finished typing the last sentence and hit send. “But his studio is across the bridge in Brooklyn.”

“That’s a short drive. Easy for someone to do.” Sami severed a sausage link in half with his fork. “And she was killed in an area where it would be hard to find a body. I could see someone following her to her hometown, doing the deed, and being back with enough time to have a loose alibi. If the cops weren’t that thorough, it would be easy to overlook.”

Sky shot up from the couch with a smile. “Sami, I love you. That’s brilliant.”

“Are you trying to steal my man?” Delia appeared, sleepy-eyed, at the doorway to her and Sami’s bedroom. “Is that coffee?”

“No. Yes. And eat up quick.” Sky bounced over to the door to Callie’s bedroom. “We have some work to do.”

Javier chewed his last bite of breakfast and swallowed. “What are we doing now?”

Sky was tempted to tell him that if he wasn’t careful, that wrinkle between his brows would become permanent. She refrained.

“We’ve got the whole team here.” She swept her arms wide. “With Sami’s hacking, Callie’s FBI background, my memory, and Delia’s input, we can do a little investigating of Ricardo on our own.” Yes. This was exactly what Sky needed. If she could help the detective solve the case, maybe she could atone for her failure ten years ago.

Empty plate in hand, Javier stood. “What am I supposed to do?”

Sit there and look pretty?

“I don’t know. Go play tennis. Didn’t you say you booked the court?” If he truly believed her lead was a bad idea, it really didn’t matter what he did. And better he be out of her hair, off doing something fun, than sitting here and shitting all over her instincts.

“That was a joke.” He growled with frustration and glanced at Sami as if his buddy might bail him out. “C’mon. I want to help. I was just trying to say that Ricardo might not be the best place to start.”

“Well, you can help by not being so dismissive.” Sky turned to the door and knocked. “Callie, rise and shine. We’ve got a case to build.”

24

Callie picked up her cell and dialed the front desk. “If we’re going to do this, we do it right.” As the phone rang, all eyes were on her as if waiting for direction. Smart as those kids were, sometimes they needed a little hand-holding. “If you brought them, get out your laptops.”

Sami disappeared into his room and reemerged with his computer.

On the fifth ring, a woman answered.

Finally.

“Hi. If possible, I’d love to borrow a whiteboard, markers, and notepads from your conference center.”

She’d expected a little pushback, but the lady at the front desk sounded happy to fulfill her request.

She winked at Javier as she disconnected the call. “This place has the best customer service I’ve ever seen.” Then her expression turned more serious. “Okay, we have Battaglini on our radar, but I think we should expand our suspect pool to everyone involved in Tessa’s show.”

Sami plugged in his laptop and set it on the small dining table. “I’ll pull up the professional credits for Tessa and see what productions she was involved in.”

“Good. We can pull our list of suspects from the cast and crew and start narrowing them down.” She’d expected as much from Sami. Having a technologically advanced P.I. on the team made life a lot easier, especially since this group always seemed to be investigating something.

After being out of the game for the last six years, Callie had begun to miss it. The data analysis, the covert operations, and the knowledge that she was making a difference in people’s lives.

She’d been considering asking if Sami was looking for a partner, but a good time for that conversation hadn’t presented itself. Maybe after they solved this case, she could work part-time. That idea brought a smile to her face.

Sky’s voice broke through her thoughts. “I can run back to my aunt’s house and see if my old scrapbooks are there. If they are, I’m pretty sure I’ve got letters from Tessa in there. She used to write me all the time. Said it kept her sane during the long days of reshoots. I’ll bet she mentioned some of the people she was close with on set.” She slipped on her shoes and grabbed her cross-body bag.

After her cousin’s murder, Sky’s aunt had given her a box of Megan’s belongings, including the purse. When Callie had complimented the black leather bag one day, Sky had given her a wistful smile. She’d said she felt like a part of her cousin was always with her.

Callie nodded thoughtfully. “Good idea. You and Delia should go gather any material you can. We need to try to paint a picture of what her life was like. Everyone she encountered.” As she delivered these marching orders, Delia stood and Sky reached for the keys to her rental car.

Javier sipped a cup of coffee on the couch. “What do you need me to do?”

Poor thing still looked like he’d eaten a shit sandwich. He hadn’t spoken much since Callie had come out of her room. She hadn’t heard the full argument but had gathered that Javier didn’t think going for someone as powerful as Ricardo Battaglini right off the bat was the best idea in the world. It was clear his opinion had somehow set Sky off, because the young writer hadn’t spoken a word to him since.

Callie pointed toward the table where Sami was already clacking away at his laptop. “You and Sami are on research.”

“Ten years of a TV show is going to generate quite a bit of content.” Sami raked a hand through his shiny chin-length hair as he stared at the screen. “Let’s check movie database sites first.”

“How many episodes was Tessa listed as part of the cast?” Callie didn’t know much about the show at all. “Maybe that would narrow down the field.”

“It should help. But we’re talking about a big production.” Sami swiveled around to face her. “That means actors, camera crew, makeup, wardrobe, props. Not to mention managers. A lot to read through no matter how fast we find it.”

Tapping her lip with her index finger, she pondered the best way to categorize the names to make cross-referencing them easier. “Let’s put all the names in a spreadsheet and break them out by job type. Cast, crew, and design. Then we can each take a category and search for proximity. Anyone living in the tristate area who could have easily traveled between the studio and New Pleasant during the time of the murder.”

When Sky and Delia returned to the cabin, a big whiteboard covered the front window.

They hadn’t been gone all that long, but in that time, Callie and the boys had filled the board with names in various colors. The three of them had been so focused on what they were doing, they didn’t seem to notice when Sky and Delia arrived.

“I got a comprehensive list of projects Tessa had been working on.” Sami studied the screen in front of him.

Sky cleared her throat. “We’re back!”

Adjusting the heavy box full of scrapbooks, mementos, and the secret treasure box she’d kept hidden under the rug, she crossed the room and found a workspace on the far end of the L-shaped couch.

Callie tossed a pad of paper and a pen at her. “You ready to work?”

Sky waggled her eyebrows. “I am so ready.” The weight of her sadness had lifted, at least for now. With the prospect of bringing justice to Tessa, a newfound energy lightened her. “Just tell me what you want me to start with.”

“Right now, I need you to give me all the names you can come up with for people that Tessa would’ve been close to.” Callie pointed to the whiteboard. “Men only, for obvious reasons.”

“Here’s a good one.” Sami chuckled. “Ignatius Digby. What a name. Must be an old guy…yep.”

“Put him on the list.” Callie gestured toward the board before focusing on Sky. “I’m hoping your input will help us narrow down that hot mess of a list.”

“I’m on it.” As Sky dived into the box, she barely noted when Delia stretched and muttered something about stepping out. Still leaning hard into her working theory, she kept Ricardo Battaglini at the top of her mind. But as she riffled through notebooks and folded letters, she failed to find any mention of the man.

Nothing.

In fact, the only male name that came up at all in regard to Tessa’s work was someone named Antonio.

She’d sent multiple letters that mentioned him. Sky picked up on how many times he was listed. And yet, she didn’t have a face to go with such an important name.

Antonio said I should try wearing my hair up for the audition I’m doing next Tuesday. It makes me look older.

I think Antonio was right. Emma is a jealous cat.

Antonio and I ate lunch in the storeroom.

Antonio thinks I’m working too hard.

Strange how reading them together built a pattern she hadn’t seen until now. Over quite some time, Tessa had mentioned this Antonio person in almost every letter. Never overly gushing, which could be why Sky hadn’t connected the dots. One thing was clear, though. She respected him enough to be interested in his opinions.

Sky made a note of the names on the paper Callie had given her. “You guys have anyone on your list by the name of Antonio?”

“Actors, crew, or design?” Sami hadn’t bothered to turn around, but the clacking of keys served as confirmation he’d already begun searching.

She set the letters aside and resumed browsing the box she’d prepared. “Don’t know yet. Looks like a potential romantic connection. For Antonio, at least.”

Moments went by in silence, only broken by the pecking of keys or the shuffling of pages as each of them focused on their tasks.

“This site listing has all kinds of jobs attributed to Antonio. Grip, whatever that is.” Sami chuckled. “Camera assistant. Extra. Location scout. He was even in wardrobe. Assistant manager. Damn. This guy did it all.”

“Any pictures or other information?” Sky jumped up and ran over to view Sami’s screen. “Antonio Narváez. Never heard of him.”

Javier peeked over his computer. “Could be a stage name.”

“He’s got credits for acting and production going back at least ten years before Single Man with Kids ever aired.” Sami clicked on another link. “Looks like he worked on Fortune’s Fool before making the switch to Single Man.”

“He was working with her on that show too!” Sky remembered hearing how much Tessa disliked her role in Fortune’s Fool. She’d gotten away from that show pretty quickly, finding greener pastures.

Sami’s gaze darted across the screen. “Antonio was definitely working for the Single Man with Kids production crew when Tessa was acting on the show too. The dates all match.”

Sky wondered if the connection could really be that simple. “See if you can find a picture of him.”

Whoever this Antonio was—if she could find him—maybe he wasn’t their guy. But perhaps he would be able to provide some kind of clue to Tessa’s life on set. Maybe explain why she came home so suddenly and demanded Sky meet her at their secret place.

“From the looks of things, Antonio stopped working not long after Tessa died. There are no other credits attached to his name.” Sami growled and slammed his hand on the table. “Dammit! And it appears as if his image has been scrubbed from every database that compiles actor and production credits. He’s a ghost.”

“Who does that? Just stops working when they’ve done so much for so long?” Sky flopped onto the couch, frustration rippling through her. “People don’t just disappear unless they’re trying to. There has to be a trail somewhere.”

Delia came in through the front door, carrying a plastic to-go bag. “Anyone hungry? I grabbed some subs from the café.”

Sami’s face lit up. “Perfect timing, babe. We’ve hit a roadblock.”

Frustrated as they all were, everyone abandoned their workstations to feast on the Italian sub sandwiches and iced teas she’d brought.

After devouring their quick meal, the group got back to work. The more Sky dug into her old letters and mementos, the more this Antonio guy kept popping up. Never more than a quick line or two. But his presence seemed to match with some of the shifts Tessa made and roles she sought.

“I can’t stop thinking that we have to find this Antonio guy.” Sky sighed as she tossed the stack of unfolded letters back into the box. “He was definitely a mentor to her. He suggested auditions for parts she later got. He suggested outfits she was later seen wearing. It sounds like they were close. Maybe too close.”

Sami nodded as he scrolled. “I’m still digging.”

Javier sighed. “Did no one hear me say that Antonio Narváez could be a stage name? If he never existed to begin with, you’re not going to find him.”

“Well, aren’t you just the fountain of information? How does that help us exactly?” As soon as the words left her lips, Sky felt guilty. Even though she was still pissed at Javier for so quickly shooting down her Ricardo Battaglini hunch, he was still here, helping any way he could. And she had no excuse to be so hostile to her friend. She took a deep breath. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be so rude. It’s just⁠—”

“Don’t worry about it.” His lips turned up in a slow smile. “I know you’re stressed.”

As true as that statement was, Sky couldn’t quite shake the guilt that had settled into the pit of her stomach.

“Antonio was an actor, right?” Delia polished off the last of her soda and tossed the bottle in the recycling bin. “Who was his agent? Find the agent, and you’ll find the person you’re looking for.”

Representation. Delia was right. It was so simple and brilliant.

Sami typed furiously as each person in the room waited for him to come to the rescue with the missing information.

The silence turned to frustrated grunts and grumbles as, site after site, Sami failed to locate the details they needed.

“I hope I’m wrong, but again, you might not find that information. He could’ve used a fake agent name as well. If this guy went off the grid, he probably had his reasons. Nefarious or not, he wanted to vaporize.” Javier’s weary comment was like a smack in the face. “We shouldn’t be fixating on one person this early on.”

Fixating? They’d made a list of every man they could possibly think of who could have worked with Tessa. Sky couldn’t prevent her temper from flaring red hot again. “Of course you would say that. This lead is just as dumb as the Ricardo Battaglini lead, right?”

“Seriously? I never said that. Where did you even get that idea?” Javier rose from his seat, shoving his hands into his pockets. “Have I not been here all freaking day helping with this?”

“And this has been your attitude the whole damn time.” Sky lifted her chin.

“I’m supposed to apologize for my caution? Logic? Sky, you’re desperate to solve a case that, quite frankly, might not be solvable. We’re going to do everything we can, but throwing blame without evidence isn’t going to help Tessa.”

She shot him the iciest glare she could muster. “At least I’m not giving up.”

Javier blew out a breath. “And I’d never tell you to. Your heart is in the right place. No doubt about that. But you have to be realistic about this. You can’t get so hell-bent on one single person being guilty every time something comes to mind.”

What the actual hell? With an attitude like that, they wouldn’t be solving any cases.

“What about Megan’s murder? Or the Mill? Have you forgotten about them?” Sky clenched her fists. “My instincts are good. I’m not a complete moron.”

“I never said you were⁠—”

“And what have you actually done this whole time?” Sky’s voice was a low growl that she barely even recognized. “For all I know, you could be playing solitaire on your computer back there.”

So pissed she was shaking, Sky gave Javier a withering scowl that dared him to open his mouth.

He deserved every bit of her accusation.

Didn’t he?

She gazed at the rest of the group. But instead of the solidarity she’d counted on, each somber face sported a horrified you’re way out of line expression.

She drew in a deep, shaking breath. It was possible tunnel vision had led her far astray.

This is too much. I never should’ve come back here.

“You know what…” She chewed her lip as the walls around her started closing in, squeezing so hard she could barely breathe. “I need to get out of here for a while. I’m going to go for a drive.”

Hands on her hips, Callie pursed her lips, her gaze burning through to peer into Sky’s soul.

Don’t squirm. Stand your ground.

“I promise not to do anything stupid. I just need some air. A change of scenery.” She grabbed her car keys. “I’ll be back by dinner.”

25

Sky stalked away from the cabin without giving any thought to where she was going. She just needed to get out of that room with all the judgmental stares.

Dammit, Javier. I have a headache from all the head-butting.

His rejection of her instincts and excitement had felt like a betrayal. That bothered her more than anything else. She let his opinion get under her skin so deeply, as if his was the only opinion that mattered. He hadn’t been the only one in that room. The whole gang had been helping with this case.

She found her rental car and set off down the winding, tree-lined drive.

As she rolled the windows down, she relished the cool evening breeze whipping through her hair. That was the only thing she’d missed since moving to Manhattan. The city had a distinct smell all its own, but out here, the air was crisp and fresh.

Might smell a hell of a lot better, but not everything about living in the country was a plus. Small-town life was supposed to be wholesome and safe compared to the terrors of the big city. But Tessa had been murdered here all the same.

And just when I found the strength to make a difference, Javier came in and shat all over my ideas. “Don’t fixate.” This whole documentary, this entire investigation, is a fixation. That’s the damn point, isn’t it?

Even as the thought stirred her, she couldn’t bring herself to condemn Javier entirely. She was sure he meant well, and he’d helped in his own way.

Javier had been there for Sky when she was having a mental breakdown. He’d read between the lines and pressed go on the gang’s plan to provide backup, calling in her friends. And he’d provided a super nice place for all of them to stay.

Then when Sky had gotten an idea and run with it, he’d tried to be the voice of reason. To keep her grounded. Sure, he was headstrong, opinionated, and brutally honest, but so was she. Maybe he hadn’t been trying to control the situation so much as he was pointing out that, in her haste to solve Tessa’s murder, she was in danger of rushing into treacherous territory.

Dammit. Now I’m the asshole! What is wrong with me?

Sky sped along the road until she reached the heart of town. Funny how the thick pines could create a natural wall from the world, then suddenly open up into civilization as if it were some mirage.

For a moment, she cast her swirling thoughts aside and breathed in the scenery. The town was a blink and you’ll miss it kind of place. She didn’t want to waste gas driving around aimlessly, so she pulled into an old park she used to visit, back when her life was a lot simpler.

The quiet serenity of the breeze rustling the leaves and the occasional chirp of crickets welcomed her. She stepped out of the vehicle and found the path into the heart of the park. Here again, thick pines walled her off from the rest of the world.

Sky racked her brain to recall the layout of the park. It had been so long since she’d played here. A slide and swing set were set off the path, and somewhere to the right—just past the trees—lay a basketball court.

The last thing she wanted was to run into a stroller-pushing someone she went to high school with who might start asking questions. Not in the mood for idle chitchat, Sky needed to get beyond the trail to where the path split. The branch to the left skirted a duck pond, with a jogging path following the perimeter, meandering between trees and shore. Occasional benches lined the walkway.

Thunder rumbled in the distance. She glanced up to find a dark, bluish-gray hue replacing the azure sky. Thankfully, she met no one on the path. The playground she passed was empty, the abandoned swings swaying in the rising wind.

Sky recalled Javier—the pity in his expression.

“You have a hunch, not proof. Coincidental information is not enough to make a case. Ricardo Battaglini isn’t just anybody. You’re right that money and power talk, and Ricardo has those in spades, not to mention fame. Not someone you want to make an enemy of by throwing out cries of ‘guilty’ in the town square.”

“Ha.” The word exploded from her as she pivoted toward the pond. “Maybe he doesn’t want to make an enemy of me, Javier. Ever think of that?”

No. Of course not. He was trying to be protective. Worrying for me in his own stupid, patronizing way.

“I never asked for a white knight to come in and rescue me.” She grumbled under her breath. “I can take care of myself.”

She’d always had to. No one else dug her out of that cave. She did it herself.

Sky had lived through plenty of trauma, and she’d survived it by protecting herself and following her gut.

She tilted her head up to the darkening sky. That was why the betrayal stung so much. Javier was telling her to reject her instincts—or at least question them—when they were the one thing that had kept her going all these years.

She quickened her pace as the jogging path led her through the trees. The quiet helped to soothe her hurt feelings, allowing her to work through her thoughts without the raging anger getting in the way.

Javier hadn’t even tried to understand her reasoning. If he had, maybe he wouldn’t have been so dismissive.

And sure, she’d lashed out in self-defense, but hurting him hadn’t been the goal. Although she would always call him on his bullshit, she needed to acknowledge that, in this situation, he was only trying to help her.

Sweeping the hair from her eyes, she slowed as she reached the pond. She paused on the shore and gazed out over the rippling water, sensing the oncoming storm through the dancing trees.

When had the park gotten so overgrown? She didn’t remember the trees being quite so tall or the branches so close to the path. With careful steps, she stayed in the center of the walkway to keep the limbs from reaching for her hair.

How many times had she played in this park as a kid? She knew every step of the way, but with the violent clouds blocking out the sun, the eerie darkness distorted her perception. The landscape seemed to shift and change, and beyond the trees, the water in the pond took on a dreary gray quality, cold and uninviting.

Sky became acutely aware of just how alone she was, not having met another soul since entering the park.

Behind her, the wind tore at the trees. Branches rattled, and twigs snapped. In her imagination, the sounds became magnified. Footfalls and laughter. Sky wrapped her arms around her torso, wishing she’d brought a light jacket as she told her overactive imagination to shut up and go away.

Where was the exit to the street?

Icy tendrils snaked through her, causing a violent shiver. For a moment she paused, uncertain. Had she passed the turnoff already, or was there another? She was fast losing her bearings.

She shouldn’t have even left. If she’d stayed and worked through the conflict instead of running away, she’d be nice and cozy in⁠—

A twig cracked, and something rustled in the bushes to her left.

Sky bolted, taking off before she had a chance to think.

The path twisted and turned. This was supposed to be a scenic trail, a serene respite from the world. But as her feet pounded the pavement and her heart thundered in her chest, she was anything but serene. She sprinted, following the path through the densest part of the trees.

The pond, lost from view now, was still to her right. To her left somewhere was the road, but to cut through the trees would bring her up against the fence. She’d be trapped, at the mercy of whatever was behind her.

Lungs burning, Sky suppressed a sob of fear. She hurtled through the trees, thinking only to find the path that would lead out, back toward the road, to civilization. She had to be close to the other side.

Large raindrops fell from the sky, splashing her skin. The storm broke as she left the trees.

Running as fast as her legs could carry her, Sky cast a furtive glance over her shoulder. When she faced forward again, she didn’t spot the man in her path until it was too late.

26

Javier stared at the door after Sky stormed out, trying to figure out where he’d gone wrong. He stood there, mouth agape for what felt like an eternity, before Callie broke the silence in the room.

“Just give her a bit.” She patted his shoulder. “She’s dealing with a lot of stress, and I don’t think she realizes how she’s acting.”

“Well, that’s no reason to attack Javier. Especially after all he’s done for her this week.” Delia plopped onto the couch and crossed her arms. “I mean, I understand she wants to find this killer, but if she’s going to fly off the handle at anyone who disagrees with her, we might as well go home.”

“No. Callie’s right.” Javier didn’t want to see Delia turning on Sky, especially not in defense of him. “She isn’t being herself right now.”

Delia didn’t seem convinced. “That doesn’t give her any right to go taking it out on you, though.”

“No, it doesn’t. But I’ll bet she comes back with an apology.”

Sami agreed, nodding from his spot at the table. “She’ll cool off, and this’ll blow over. But I wouldn’t necessarily count on an apology.”

Through all the drama and storming out, he’d remained hard at work. Javier sauntered over to the table, taking in the spread of papers that fanned around Sami’s laptop. Part of what made him such an impressive private investigator—aside from his hacking skills—was his dedication to the case. He was the kind of guy who had to know the answers.

Javier stuck his hand out. “How much you want to bet she apologizes?”

“Uh…” Sami’s smile faltered as his gaze traveled from Javier’s hand to his cocky grin. “Maybe not. I’ve seen that look before.”

“Are we going to sit here making childish bets? Or are we going to get back to work?” Callie tapped the end of a marker on the whiteboard. “I still have too many names up here. Let’s cross some out. Just because Sky isn’t here doesn’t mean we can rest on our laurels.”

Delia reached for the box Sky had left on the couch. She hesitated, as if second-guessing the motion, and dropped her hands to her lap. “I don’t think I can riffle through her personal stuff.”

“That’s okay, dear. Come help me with this list.” Callie pointed to the notepad on the coffee table.

Javier settled back at the table in front of his laptop. He’d been scrolling through the Internet Movie Database, noting the people working production during the time that Tessa had been on Ricardo’s show. “Find anything on this Antonio?”

“Not yet. I’ve got a couple of crawlers working in the background while I work on this new lead. If anything pings, they’ll let me know. You’re still on the production crew for New York Squad Room, right?”

At first, Javier had written Ricardo off as a suspect, but after thinking about it, he realized Sky had a pretty good bullshit filter. If she pegged someone as bad, nine times out of ten, they turned out to be. Maybe it was time to take a closer look at the man himself. Find out where he lived and vacationed. Unearth any gossip about him. Especially the juicy stuff like scandals attached to his career during the time Tessa had been murdered.

“I’m digging into Ricardo right now.”

“That, my friend, is a remarkably sensible attitude.” Sami sipped his water. “Glad to see you being more open-minded about the suspect list.”

“Those big shot types often have private vacation homes in out-of-the-way places.” Callie twisted to look at him. “Look into personal property and assets. See if he has any real estate.”

“Hmm. This is interesting.” Sami leaned back in his chair and stretched. “There is another young actress who seems to have been in a lot of similar bookings to Tessa. Monica Wright.” His fingers flew over the keys. A few clicks of the mouse later, he rubbed his hands together. “Bingo. She’s still an active listing.”

“But we’re not searching for women.” Javier frowned. “The killer was a man.”

“No shit, Sherlock.” Sami snorted. “If this girl worked with Tessa, she might have some insights we don’t.”

Across the room, Delia and Callie giggled.

Javier’s cheeks burned. “Fair point.” He ducked, hiding behind his laptop screen.

“Stick to fashion, buddy.” Sami put his feet up on the table and rested his computer on his thighs. “Now comes the fun part. Trying to track down her contact information.”

27

Sky scrambled to her feet as the small dog made a desperate attempt to trip her again. Not paying attention to where she’d been running, she’d barreled into an elderly man and his Pomeranian. Her ankle was hopelessly tangled in the canine’s leash. After a fair bit of hopping on one foot and shaking off loops of the dog’s lead while the tiny puffball barked, she finally managed to free herself.

“Are you all right, sir?” She held her hand out for the man to grasp. “I’m so very sorry about that. I didn’t see you.”

Careful not to exacerbate any injuries the man might have sustained in the collision, Sky eased the dog’s owner to his feet. It didn’t help that the obnoxious pup kept dancing around between them, barking like a little alarm clock.

“I’ll live.” He wiggled his fingers. The man was older than she’d first thought. A sense of dread washed over Sky as she took in the deep lines wrinkling his face. Perhaps she shouldn’t have hauled him up. He could’ve broken a bone in a fall like that.

“Maybe you should sit.” Sky had to shout over the incessant yipping from the ankle biter. “Or lie down. Let me call you an ambulance.”

To her surprise, the man burst into laughter. “I’m fine. Truly. It is you who took the worst of the fall. Check out those poor hands of yours!”

Too worried about possibly having broken the old man’s brittle bones, Sky hadn’t even realized she was hurt. She glanced at her palms, which resembled something out of a horror movie. Blood welled in the shallow cuts from the gravel path, pocked and marked with bits of dirt and all manner of debris that embedded itself in her flesh when she’d fallen.

“Oh, no, I got blood all over you. I’m so, so sorry.”

“Hold on. I can’t hear. Hush, Oscar.” The man tugged at the leash. Right away, the demon dog sat, quit barking, and turned his bright eyes to his owner.

Sky stared, her eyes wide. “That’s amazing. I could never get a dog to behave like that.”

“Time and patience is all it takes. Then again, with all that rushing around you were doing, I suspect you don’t have much of either, do you?” The old man gave her a wry smile.

Sky’s cheeks burned with embarrassment. He’d called her out for sure. “Umm, I guess not. Again, I’m really sorry.” She laughed.

“Don’t give it another thought. You need those tended to.” He grasped one of her damaged hands. “You could get a nasty infection if they’re not cleaned out properly.”

“It’s just dirt.”

“And heaven knows what else from this park.” He frowned at the pond beside them. She followed his gaze. Empty beer bottles floated at the edge of the water.

“Point taken. Mister…”

“Digby. Ignatius Digby.”

Sky blinked. Digby. The name wasn’t all that common. She had heard it somewhere before, but as she racked her brain, she couldn’t remember where.

“Sky Stryker.” Instinct had her raising her free hand to shake before she realized he was already holding her other one. “Are you sure you’re all right? That was quite a fall.”

He released her and dusted off his pants. “I think so. I landed on the grass while you took the path. A gentleman would’ve arranged it the other way around.”

“A gentleman wouldn’t have let the lady fall at all.” Sky grinned as his eyes widened in surprise. She lifted her palms, wincing at the movement. “Hey, don’t look at me. I don’t make the rules. I have a misspent youth to blame. John Wayne. Cary Grant. Spencer Tracy.”

Wayward almost-homeless youth was more like it, but she wasn’t going to get into those details with Mr. Digby.

“Humphrey Bogart. Jimmy Stewart!” Mr. Digby returned her smile. “If such is a misspent youth, I’m all in favor to a return of such delinquency. I might have something for your cuts. Some iodine perhaps, if you don’t mind seeing an old man home.”

Sky opened her mouth to protest, wary still, though surely a man who barely topped five feet and would blow away in a strong wind posed little threat. He had to be at least eighty, by her estimate.

Mr. Digby took a step and winced. That settled it. Horrified, she lurched forward to grab his arm to steady him a second time, heedless of the blood she left on his sleeve.

“I don’t mind at all. It’s the least I can do after bowling you over like that.” She cast a dubious glance at the street. “Are you sure you don’t need an ambulance?”

“Quite sure. My house is right there.” He pointed to a blue structure with gray trim at the end of a side road. Only half a block from where they stood.

“But…”

“I don’t like hospitals.” The elderly man dropped his gaze, his voice barely above a whisper. “I never have. I’m fine.”

Sky flinched. Many of the residents of New Pleasant were of an older generation, living on a very fixed income. Was he too poor to go to the hospital or too proud? Whatever the reason, her heart went out to the old man. What could she do but try to get him home safely?

“You sure nothing is broken?” She bent to examine his leg and foot with careful fingers. “I’ll admit I don’t know what I’m looking for, but it doesn’t feel like anything is sticking out, at any rate.”

“For that we will both be grateful.” He flashed her a smile that Sky assumed was meant to be reassuring. “I’m certain it’s only a sprain. Wouldn’t be the first time and won’t be the last. Ice. Elevation. Rest. That’s all these old bones need. There’s no reason to get a doctor involved. They’d just tell me what I already know.”

She straightened, eyeing him with uncertainty. “Only you shouldn’t be walking on it.”

“Perhaps I can lean on the strength of youth. If you were to walk slowly with me, we should have no trouble getting to my home. Unless you have somewhere to be? You seemed to be in a great hurry.”

Sky glanced back at the trees, but there wasn’t another soul in sight. No one lurked in the shadows. “No, sir. I can help you get home.” She ducked to hide her blush, shifting her focus to the dog, which was still sitting at his master’s feet. “You said his name is Oscar?”

“Yes. I think you will understand when you see my house.” Mr. Digby chuckled and made a clicking noise with this tongue. The dog came to heel, planting himself firmly at his owner’s left foot.

Sky raised a brow. “I’m not entirely sure you need me to help. A dog like that is likely to fetch a car and bring it back, just to keep you from walking at all.”

He laughed and crooked his elbow so she could take his arm.

They made their progress in silence, taking step after careful step. After a few minutes, Sky peeked at Mr. Digby. His jaw was set tight, and his lips had formed a hard line.

This walk was more of an effort than he wanted her to know. She opened her mouth, intent on filling the silence with words or mindless babble to make this less awkward, but she couldn’t come up with anything to say. The adrenaline burst from her frightened run through the trees had left her feeling drained and thickheaded in its wake. Hopefully, he considered walking in silence as companionable rather than rude, under the circumstances.

But despite the comfortable silence they settled into, Sky glanced behind her every so often, unable to shake the feeling that the surrounding trees were hiding something dark and sinister.

Wouldn’t be the first time this week she’d seen a stalker come out of the woods. Being cautious was practical, given the situation.

Once they reached Mr. Digby’s home, he seemed to sag, as if the short walk had aged him. The feeble man fumbled with his keys.

Sky held out a hand. “Let me help.”

He shook his head. “With your scraped palms? It will only take me a moment.”

The man was stubborn. She’d give him that. Game recognized game.

As the door swung open, the dog bolted inside, as though rejoicing in the fact they’d gotten there safely. Despite the strength he’d shown, as Sky helped Mr. Digby up the single step into the house, the fragile way he held her arm for support revealed how truly frail he was.

She guided him to an overstuffed reclining chair.

“Now we need to bandage those hands of yours.” He eased into a comfortable sitting position and, with a flick of the handle, extended the footrest.

Sky paid little attention to his words, distracted by her surroundings. The house was tiny, but every inch of wall space was decorated. Photographs hung in vintage-looking frames, signed pictures of famous movie stars from ages past. “Cary Grant.” She studied the next image. “Jimmy Stewart.” In each picture was a second figure, a much younger man who could’ve been her age. “It’s no wonder you’re a gentleman. You learned from the best.”

“I did.” Mr. Digby relaxed against the cushions with a look of pained satisfaction. “I spent many years behind the camera and knew them all.”

As she wandered the room, Sky noted a chronology in the pictures, starting in black and white but moving to color. Some snapshots were so old, the colors had almost faded away, but more contemporary stars smiled back at her from the more recent photographs. Robert Redford. Doris Day. John Travolta. “Behind the camera? You were a cinematographer then?”

“Just a cameraman. A good one, though.” He gestured at a series of photos on the wall by the kitchen door. “Even did a little television toward the end.”

Cast photos. She ran a finger across the corner of a framed photo. Wyatt Durham. She spun to face him.

“You must’ve seen quite a few scandals in all that time.”

Mr. Digby laughed outright at that. “You sound like a journalist.”

Sky hunched her shoulders. “Sort of. I’m a writer.” She gestured toward the Pomeranian, which was asleep at his feet on the recliner. “Oscar. For the award. It makes sense.” She laughed. “Let’s see about that foot.”

He waved her away with an imperious tilt to his head. “And your hands.”

“Where is your bathroom?”

He pointed, and Sky slipped down the hallway, so caught up in her thoughts that she turned left instead of right. She opened the door, revealing a bedroom instead of the bathroom.

Pay attention. He pointed the other way.

As she backed out of the room, another picture on the top of the bureau caught her eye.

Sky’s heart slammed against her ribs so hard she forgot to breathe. “Tessa.” The name left her lips unbidden as her thoughts raced, and she advanced toward the dresser to get a closer look.

What was this man doing with a snapshot of her friend? How had he known her?

A noise at the door brought her up short. Mr. Digby stood there leaning on a cane, his expression grim. “Got lost?”

Sky flinched away from him, going the only way she could, deeper into the room. The tiny bungalow had an old-fashioned design. This was no master suite, and the old man was blocking the room’s exit.

Don’t go home with strangers.

Every child was taught these words from the moment they could walk. Such a simple truth, so easily forgotten.

28

Sky gulped and shifted her gaze to the photograph again. Not a publicity shot. This was Tessa, laughing and relaxed. Her yearbook picture from the last year she’d been at school. “How did you know Tessa?”

Mr. Digby’s expression softened, his blue eyes watering. “I came to see if you were having trouble finding the bandages. It occurred to me I might not have left them where I thought I had.” He turned away, lumbering toward the bathroom across the hall. “Since you introduced yourself, I’ve been turning your name over in my mind. Then it dawned on me who you are. Tessa’s Sky. She talked about you all the time.”

You didn’t answer my question.

She followed, still wary, until she noted how he struggled to pull the first aid kit from the bottom drawer of the bathroom vanity.

Feeling silly, she reached past him to help, stepping in close enough to brush her arm against his. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to snoop back there.” She handed him the kit and followed him to the kitchen.

Sky wanted to protest that he didn’t need to do this kindness for her. The scrapes were hardly serious, but she let him tend them all the same, not wanting to be ruder than she already had been.

As he motioned for Sky to sit at the table and hold out her palms, Mr. Digby eased into a chair beside her. “I had a long career in Hollywood. Knew a lot of people, as you can see from my walls. Tessa, though…” He sighed. “Well, she was extra special.”

“She was.” Sky bit her lip as he spritzed hydrogen peroxide over her wounds. In truth, it wasn’t the medication that burned. His words cut straight through her. “How did you know her?”

Mr. Digby went silent as he dabbed her skin with a clean cloth, probing to make sure there were no traces of gravel hidden within the torn flesh. For a moment, she thought he wouldn’t answer.

He set the cloth aside and rummaged through the kit again. “I was on my way out. I’d had my career. More behind the camera than in front of it, though on occasion I would act as well. Funny how everybody goes out to Hollywood to be an actor and more often than not becomes something else entirely.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. Now, I had a few parts. Even worked opposite some greats. But the real work I got, the steady stuff, that is, was all on the tech side. Cameras were never my passion, but I could point where someone told me to and frame up a shot nice as you please. But I still wanted to act.” He chuckled as he smeared antibiotic ointment across her wounds. “Ask any real actor, and they’ll tell you the same.”

Sky ignored the burning sensation in her palms. “I can imagine.”

The hint of a smile tugged at his lips. “When I met Tessa, I’d lucked into a bit on a commercial. They’d been having trouble all day with the hired actor, and the director looked over at me and said, ‘Even that guy could do better.’ I jumped on the opportunity. Told him to try me and I’d prove myself. He hadn’t meant it, was only blowing smoke, but I’ll be honest, I was a little intoxicated at the time.”

“You were drinking on the set?” Sky smoothed a bandage over the worst of her grazed palm and motioned for him to sit back and put his leg up. “Turnabout is fair play.” She held up a elastic bandage wrap she’d found in the first aid kit. “Let me at least brace your ankle until you can go to a doctor and have it looked it.”

“Told you, I’m fine. All they do at hospitals is get up in your business with too many nosy questions.” Still, he lifted his leg as she’d ordered. “Ran through the savings a while ago. I had a drinking problem for years. It got me fired off jobs more times than I can count. That commercial was one of the rare times where having a few under my belt served me. I was a belligerent drunk sometimes, I’ll admit. Especially when I pulled out all the stops.”

This sweet little old man? “You? Belligerent?”

He chuckled. “Yes, believe it or not. Sometimes I could pull it together when I needed to, but I earned myself a bit of a reputation. That day, I wasn’t so buzzed I couldn’t act. Hell, I’d been acting every day since I showed up for work drunk. Became a game. See if anyone would notice.”

He winced as she helped him remove his shoe and sock, revealing a swollen ankle.

“Did they?” Sky probed the injury, unsure of what to look for in a broken bone. Nothing seemed out of place, though.

“Notice? I’m sure they did. That director probably knew. I suspect he put me in front of the camera for laughs. It had been a long day. Meanwhile, Tessa, she was just starting out. She was pretty, young, and tired as all hell.” His eyes held a faraway look. “Sweet little thing, though. She was playing the part of a granddaughter who makes a big mess in the kitchen. Her grandfather comes in and tells her it’s okay and helps her clean it up. Some paper towel company.”

“I remember that commercial. It was her big break.” Sky reared back to study the elderly man. “Oh, my gosh, that was you. I should’ve seen it immediately.”

He waved her off. “I’ve lost a lot of weight since then. Changed over the years. Anyway, we clicked. She was a fun kid, and I loved to make her smile. I started horsing around with her a little, trying to perk her up, and the director ate it up.”

“That sounds like Tessa. She lit up every room she entered.”

“That she did. We did about a dozen commercials together over the next couple of years, until she got too old for them. That was the last time I worked in front of the camera.” His tone turned wistful. “I had a few more years behind the equipment, working out of a studio in Brooklyn before I hurt my back. By then, it seemed smart to retire.”

Sky did the mental math. Would they have still been working together at the time of her death? Tessa hadn’t gotten into working on TV shows until after the ads had pretty well run their course. At first, she’d picked up a few guest spots on popular shows, gaining enough momentum to land a couple of recurring roles.

“We stayed in touch, though. We even visited at times.”

Sky’s head popped up. Distracted, she lost the end of the bandage, the whole thing unraveling around his ankle as it hung in loops. “She visited you? Here? Or in Brooklyn?”

He eyed the mess around his leg and grinned. “When I was working, she used to come around my apartment all the time. Sweetest girl in the world. Right about the time I retired, I had a stroke. She visited me at the hospital almost every day and then stayed on me to do my exercises. She’s the reason I retired out here. She said she needed her grandpa to be close. I was tickled pink.”

Why haven’t I ever heard of you before?

“I’m glad you were there for her.”

Mr. Digby patted her hand. “So am I. ’Course, the cost of living here is a hell of a lot cheaper than anything you could get in the city. Money stretched a lot further, and the air did me good. And every time she came home from her shoots in Brooklyn, she’d show up here as promised. We’d talk about the old days, and she’d tell me about her life.”

Sky finished wrapping his ankle and checked to make sure it wasn’t too snug. “She often mentioned going to visit her grandpa. I just never thought…” Sky bit her lip. She hadn’t cared. Hadn’t asked. Kids visited their grandfathers all the time, and she’d thought nothing of it at all. She had no idea where Tessa’s actual grandparents even lived.

Mr. Digby sighed. “She was a good kid.” Tears trailed the wrinkles on his cheeks, following all the deep lines to drip from his chin. “And this godforsaken documentary business they’ve got going on now… They have no right. Let that poor child rest in peace. She went through enough. When she died, part of me died too.” He bowed his head and shielded his face with his hand.

Sky shut the first aid kit, pretending not to notice his grief. “I’m surprised you stayed here. Unless you had other family nearby? Kids or grandkids, maybe?” She stood to put the kit back where she’d found it, pausing when he spoke.

“Married once, but no children. Got a niece, but I never see her. My sister sent me a picture of her kid. Looks just like her.” He mopped at his face, erasing the traces of tears as he hobbled back to his easy chair. “Drink messed up my life pretty bad. I used to lie about it to my wife. Can’t blame her for leaving. Used to lie about everything.” He patted his thigh, and the little Pomeranian pranced up and put his paws on the chair. “Secrets will do that to you. Destroy your life, the way they destroyed Tessa’s.”

Sky froze, clutching the first aid box to her chest.

Secrets.

“What do you mean?” She turned back toward him. “What secrets did she have?”

Mr. Digby yawned, sounding like a roaring lion. “So sorry. I had a shot of whiskey to ease the pain while you were searching for the first aid kit.” He yawned again. “So…sleepy. Tessa…fell into the wrong crowd. They all do…some point. Tessa, Monica, Tony… East…Nav…Ric…” He began to doze as he listed off names, each one becoming harder to understand as he spoke.

Tony? Antonio? Was Mr. Digby referring to the same Antonio that Tessa wrote about?

As much as she wanted to press him for more information, it was clear the man needed his rest. His eyes closed, and a moment later, soft snores filled her ears.

Sky lifted her head, feeling all the eyes of Hollywood upon her. Watching. Waiting for her next move. She had no answer for them, no more ideas. What Mr. Digby had told her was a revelation, a piece of Tessa’s life that she had known nothing about.

It begged the question, what else didn’t she know about Tessa?

29

Javier paced up and down the driveway. He couldn’t sit still, not with Sky having vanished the way she had.

Sky had said she’d be back before dinner, but that time had come and gone. The live entertainment provided by the hotel for dinner guests had already been on stage for half an hour, and she still hadn’t returned.

He tried her phone, but the call went straight to voicemail.

He stood at the corner of the porch and peered out toward the path, hoping Sky might be there.

No such luck.

Javier couldn’t escape the feeling that if he left to search for her, she would return while he was gone. And as furious as she’d been at him when she stormed off, if he wasn’t here when she returned, it would only reinforce her negative impression of him.

No. He needed to be here. Javier had to clear the air and make her understand he was on her side.

He paced from one corner to the other, walking the length of the wooden porch. Patience had never been his strong suit, and this waiting was making him crazy.

Reaching the porch staircase as he rounded the structure for the third time, Javier altered course, taking the short flight of steps down to the rocky path below.

To his surprise, a solitary figure walked in the distance, a shadow moving through the trees and heading toward the cabin.

Javier took a few tentative steps toward the woman. “Sky?” The way she walked, the hip movement, the swing of her arms clicked in his mind. In that instant, he knew beyond any question this was her, and he broke into a sprint. “I’m sorry. I was being a jerk earlier.”

A smile lifted her cheeks and lit up her eyes. She pulled him into a hug, wrapping her arms around his torso and squeezing tight. “Shut up. You’re being too damn nice to me.” She mumbled the words into his chest. “I’m the one who’s been a jerk, while you and the others have bent over backward to help me through this.” She stepped back and let out a heavy sigh.

“Can we call a truce?” He met her gaze. “We’ve both been a little snippy. But…given the circumstances, I think we both deserve a pass. Don’t you?”

Sky nodded. “If you say so. But tomorrow, we’re both on our best behavior. Deal?”

“Whatever gets me out of the doghouse.” He laughed, relief flooding him. Thank god her mood had improved. If he’d proposed that a few hours earlier, she might’ve bitten his head off.

Sky rolled her eyes as she turned to face the cabin. “This is hardly a doghouse.”

“If it is, I’d be glad to be the dog.” Javier realized how stupid the joke sounded the instant the words left his lips. He scrambled to change the subject. “So…um…want to tell me where you were all this time? You missed dinner.”

“Are the others upset with me?”

“More concerned than upset.” Javier shrugged, trying to come across as casual. In truth, they had spent the last hour mapping out the city in case they had to go searching for her. “We were a little worried.”

“I didn’t mean to be out so late.” Sky sighed. “I was actually on my way back when I ran into an old gentleman. Literally.” She held up her bandaged palms as proof.

The scrapes peeking out from underneath the dressings were disconcerting. He grabbed her hands. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.” She slid her hands out of his and dropped them to her side. “Forget the bandages. I’m trying to tell you about the guy.”

“Sorry. I know you’re perfectly capable of taking care of yourself. But promise me you’ll be cautious.”

Sky chewed her lip, crossing her arms. “I will.” She sucked in a breath. “Listen. This guy. His name is Digby…Ignatius Digby. He knew Tessa. Worked with her. No. He was closer than that. She called him her grandpa.”

Javier frowned, realizing that her revelation would not break the case. “I assume Tessa knew many people in this area. She grew up here.”

“Yes.” Sky shook her head. “I mean, no. That’s not the point. They met doing a commercial when Tessa was really young. It was a paper towel commercial. He played her grandfather. She makes a mess, he helps her clean it up…”

“I think I remember that. Kind of.” The premise seemed familiar. Granted, wasn’t that how every paper towel commercial went? But he couldn’t for the life of him summon the faces of the actors.

“Javier, he worked with Tessa. They stayed friends until her death. She was the reason he retired here in New Pleasant.”

His eyes widened. “Any chance he could be…” The name had turned up earlier during their search, but he couldn’t remember much about the man. His age had disqualified him as a suspect.

“No.” Sky answered before he could retract the statement. “That poor old man can barely get around as it is. He’s frail. At the time of the murder, he’d recently had a stroke.”

Javier wasn’t sure how to respond. She seemed so enthusiastic about having met this man, but he couldn’t see how it helped them figure out who the killer might have been. But not wanting to repeat his earlier mistakes, he avoided replying with anything negative. “So did you have a nice visit with ‘Grandpa’?”

Sky nodded and took the stairs up to the porch. “He told me a lot about Tessa, though I’ll have to wait to get the answers I need. I don’t think he’s in the best of health, and he fell asleep as I was wrapping his ankle. I didn’t want to wake him. Especially considering I wanted him to dig around in some old memories of someone he once thought of as a granddaughter.”

“Wait, what? Ankle?”

“I told you I ran into him.” Sky gave a dismissive wave. “He had just started talking about the people he and Tessa had worked closely with. There was a Monica…Nav…Tony. And Ric. Maybe he meant Ricardo?” She counted on her fingers as she recited the names. “He also mentioned East.”

Javier stopped behind her on the steps. “What was the first name?”

Sky’s eyes closed as she sought to remember. “The names were very random, but Tony came just before East, I believe.”

“Interesting. I wonder if he meant Eastland.” Javier hadn’t seen the name Shane Eastland come up in any of the searches, nor the name Tony Eastland. Maybe the old man had misspoken. Then again, maybe Shane had a relative who had done some acting back then. “We didn’t find a Tony Eastland. Antonio Narváez, however, came up a lot.”

“Tony…Antonio. Yes. He was the one Tessa kept mentioning in her journal.” The confused look still haunted her face. “You think…no, it’s stupid.”

“What?”

“Nothing. Maybe I should bring the list with me and go visit with Mr. Digby again, during the day. I’ll bet he can clear up any confusion. It’s entirely possible he got a name wrong.”

“Sounds like a reasonable plan. And it may not be a bad idea to tell Detective Brice you met Digby…you know, since he knew Tessa.”

Sky pulled out her cell phone. “Good idea. I’ll text Brice now.” She fired off a message and gave him a half grin. “I’m just a little surprised you’re not going to try to stop me from visiting Mr. Digby because it’s too dangerous.”

“Why try if you’re not going to stop anyway?”

Sky grinned fully and shook her head. “No, I’m not, but it’s sweet that you care. Don’t worry. I’ll be careful. I can stop by after I meet with Shane.”

“Is the documentary back on?”

“Sort of.” She shrugged. “I got an email from him asking me to take him around New Pleasant and show him all the places where Tessa and I hung out. Since they can’t film at the river, he wants the individual interviews to be shot around town. Something about authenticity.”

“You know I can go with you.”

“I appreciate the offer, but I don’t need a babysitter.” She touched his arm, sending a brief electric jolt through him. “Besides, there will be cameras on me the whole time. Safe as can be. I can even ask Shane if he has a brother or someone in his family named Tony or Antonio. Kill two birds with one stone.”

“I’m not worried about your safety so much.” He was, but it wouldn’t do any good to tell her that. “I was trying to be a good friend. You know, in case things get a little too heavy. You’re going to literally walk down memory lane.”

“There it is.” Sky rested her hand on his chest and lifted on tiptoes to give him a kiss on the cheek. Being on the step above him on the porch, she didn’t have to reach up as far as she usually did. “The ‘Sky is on the edge of a mental breakdown’ speech comes at last.”

Something unexpected stirred in Javier, but he shoved the emotion aside. Now was not the time or place to analyze how the chaste peck on the cheek made him feel or what she meant by it. “Sky…”

“No.” All playfulness was gone from her voice. “I don’t know if you understand how frustrating it is that I was the one person who was with her when she died. The one person who got a look at the killer. I could have put him away if I’d remembered his face. That was my failure. That’s where my pain comes from.”

“And you feel like you need to make up for that?”

She heaved a sigh. “Yeah…I have the chance to make it right. I might not remember the face, but we can track down the names.” She rested her hands on his shoulders and gave him a little shake. “I’m not about to break down, Javier. I’m about to have a breakthrough.”

“Let me at least come with you?” He was careful not to make the question sound like a veiled demand.

Sky’s expression darkened, leaving him with the sneaking suspicion that she would refuse. But after a moment, she nodded.

“That’s fair.” The corner of her lip curved up. “I guess you can be my assistant errand boy.”

“I’ll happily fetch you bottles of water.” Javier grinned as he reached for the door. “C’mon, now. We’ve stayed too long out here. The others are waiting to guilt-trip you for missing dinner.”

30

My phone buzzed, vibrating against the wooden nightstand. I cracked open my eyelids and peered at the clock on the dresser.

Almost midnight. Only one person would call me this late.

Pawing at the device, I cursed under my breath. “This had better be good.”

Harlan’s name flashed across the screen.

I rubbed the sleep from my eyes and swiped to answer. “What?”

“You said I should tell you if the girl speaks to anyone.” The low-level criminal’s voice was slurred, sounding like a drunk fresh out of the bar.

“Get on with it, then.”

“She left the fancy hotel without her friends. Drove like a bat out of hell. I followed her to that park down by Church and Mulberry. You know the one. They got that nice hidden path that loops around the pond.”

I gritted my teeth. “Did you drown her in it?”

“No, sir. She got spooked and took off running when I trailed her on foot. Wiped out this old guy who was out walking his ragamuffin mutt. Didn’t think nothing at first. She helped the old man to his home. Seems like a good kid. Are you sure she’s…?”

Tired and grumpy from the drunk’s rambling, my patience was wearing thin. I was about to hang up on the bastard, but a name in the middle of his prattling caught my attention.

Ignatius Digby.

“Did you just say she met Ignatius Digby?” My question came out a growl.

“Yeah, Boss. She went into his house and stayed for a while. I did a quick search on the assessor’s website while I waited to see what her next move would be. Confirmed the owner of the home. But I don’t see how an old codger like that is going to be any trouble for us.”

Of all the dumb luck. In a town of ten thousand people, she had to run into Ignatius.

“How many beers did you put away while you were waiting?” I sat up in bed, kicking the sheets off.

“Tailing people’s thirsty work. But don’t you worry. I do my diligence, even if I have a drink or two. And Sky didn’t see me.”

Harlan wouldn’t have made the connection, but that “old codger,” as he put it, was the last person I wanted Sky to talk to. If he still had his wits about him, Ignatius would be the number one source for all the rumors and dirt a wannabe investigative journalist could dream of. He was the one man in this town who could connect the old me with my current identity.

Little Miss Tell-All could write an entire series from the memories in that bastard’s head, and I would be the primary villain.

“Did you catch any of their conversation?”

“’Fraid not, Boss. There were no open windows.” He sighed. “You want me to follow up on this Digby fellow? See what he’s been up to, or should I go back to shadowing Sky?”

“Did she stay with Digby or return to her hotel?”

“She’s back at the hotel. I’m sitting here in the parking lot.”

Sky would probably sit tight, at least for tonight. And while she was safely out of my hair for the moment, there was something else I needed. “How do you feel about stopping by the police station for me?”

“This late at night?” Harlan sounded less than enthused. “That’s going to cost extra.”

I exhaled hard. “Have I ever given you the impression that money was a problem? You’ll get payment for duties performed satisfactorily.”

“Long as you’re paying, I’m your man.”

That seemed to put a little pep into his voice. He and I had different definitions of what satisfactorily completing a job meant, but we could iron out those details later if he completed his assigned tasks.

“I need to get my hands on this new evidence the police have found. Bring me what they’ve got.”

Before he could respond, I disconnected the call and tossed my phone onto the nightstand.

The task I had assigned him was damn near impossible, but it wasn’t my neck on the line. If he managed to get me the evidence, he deserved his payment.

But if he got caught…well, that was the price he’d pay for being drunk and sloppy.

What if he started flapping his lips to the police?

I learned long ago to never trust a rat. The only thing that kept them quiet was money, and that wouldn’t do Harlan much good locked up in a jail cell in Podunk, Nowhere.

Of course, small-town hell that it was, I’d be willing to bet the cops weren’t as by the book as they were down in Manhattan.

I doubt they’d give much credit to the word of an alcoholic. Especially if he tries to slander a man of my stature with his accusations.

I chewed the inside of my cheek, nodding to myself.

Besides, with the documentary creating all kinds of buzz, everyone who knew Tessa would have a legitimate reason for wanting to get a look at that damn evidence.

The fly in the ointment was Digby.

Could he have told Sky anything that might be damning?

Around the time Tessa died, the old man had gone into retirement due to a stroke. His mind hadn’t been all that sharp when the police had originally investigated Tessa’s death. I had no reason to believe he would be a problem back then.

Age should have withered him. The old bastard should have gone to a nursing home. That was where washed-up old has-beens went to disappear.

The fact that he hadn’t gone to fade away among those waiting to die, that he was still around and kicking, suggested he had his wits about him.

Just my luck.

Digby knew how close I was with Tessa back then. Maybe not all the details of our little…business arrangement, but enough to get the detective’s mind working should a busybody snitch go gossiping.

As Shakespeare put it, I was fortune’s fool. Only I wasn’t as stupid as his Romeo.

He killed himself over a damn bimbo. Girls were a dime a dozen. My life was worth far more than that. And I would do all I could, despite fate’s determination to place roadblocks in my path.

I’ll have to pay Mr. Digby a visit in the morning. It’s only right. Old buddies reuniting after such a long time.

As my uncle used to say, “Do the job yourself if you want to make sure it’s done right.”

Once I knew what the old man said to Sky, I could rewrite the script. Send her down a different path. Point her toward old acquaintances and rivals Tessa had made during her truncated career. That would guarantee she and the police would continue to chase their tails, giving me plenty of time to plan Sky’s final act.

Despite the abrupt way I’d been woken, as I leaned into the soft pillows, a sense of calm washed over me.

Maybe fate wasn’t working against me after all. This Digby situation might actually be a good thing.

31

After a late breakfast and a stroll around the hotel grounds, Sky drove to meet Shane and his camera crew at Hasbrouck Park, where she’d run into Mr. Digby last night. And since she and Tessa had loved this place when they were kids, it seemed fitting to start their tour here.

The swing set appeared smaller than she remembered. But to a kid, the swings would’ve been massive. Sky smiled as she recalled how Tessa had always said she could make a full rotation if she swung high enough. How many times had Sky tried? Always getting so close, but never quite making it go all the way around.

At some point, she’d decided Tessa was full of it. Especially since Sky had never witnessed her friend achieve the legendary loop either.

“Glad you could make it.” Shane strolled over with his hand out to shake. “I want you to try to forget that the cameras are here. You’re just going to walk and talk with me, okay? Can you do that?”

Sky held in a nervous laugh as she shook his hand. How the hell was she going to ignore an entire entourage of people following her around?

With a deep breath, she reminded herself that this was what acting was all about. She could do this. “Sure. Yes, I can do it.”

She glanced back at Javier, who appeared to be trying and failing to stay out of the way. Last night, she’d been apprehensive about bringing him along, but now she was glad he was here. She needed the moral support.

“Okay, then.” Shane grinned, the corners around his dark-brown eyes crinkling. “You’re my tour guide. Show me around. Tell me your stories.”

With his chiseled features and athletic build, the producer was an attractive guy, even though he had to be old enough to be Sky’s dad. Late forties, if she had to guess.

She surveyed the area. “How about we swing by the middle school?” Sky started toward Mohonk Avenue, remembering how she and Tessa used to cut through the college campus when they were running late. If memory served, the path through the property should drop them off behind New Pleasant Middle School.

As they walked, the entire entourage of the camera operators and sound crew followed.

Although it was impossible to feel unsafe in such a crowd, it was Javier’s presence that helped her to relax and talk about each place on the tour.

When they reached the middle school, Sky faltered. She swallowed hard, caught off guard by the overwhelming wave of emotions that washed over her. That red brick building with the white steeple. She took a deep breath to hold back the tears. So many memories. Good times and bad. They all came rushing to the surface.

Not here. Not now with this man and the cameras and crowd. Pull yourself together.

Shane flashed her a dazzling smile. “You and Tessa were in the same grade, right?”

She nodded, unable to get the words out. They’d spent so many nights daydreaming of what high school would be like. Not that Tessa had spent much time in school toward the end.

“Was it hard for you to return after Tessa’s death?” Shane’s tone remained level, but Sky caught the insistent edge as he lobbed the painful question at her.

“I never went back. Tessa was killed during the summer, and the next year, I moved on to the high school building with my class.” And the year after that, her parents had been arrested for their pot farm. Not that she was about to say that on camera. “When I was sixteen, I moved to Albany with my aunt and uncle.”

She stared at the double doors that led into the building. What would it have been like if they’d forced her to face her peers and memories in the last place she’d shared with Tessa?

There was nothing sinister about the building itself. The middle school was built like almost every other school in America, wide and broad, constructed solidly of brick. The flag flew at half-mast, symbolic and even somewhat fitting given the circumstances. For a moment, Sky wondered if Shane had asked them to lower the flag for the sake of appearances.

Had they flown the flag at half-mast for Tessa when she died?

“You never went inside this building again?” Shane’s gaze was sympathetic as he leaned in, as though ready for a reaction. More than likely, he was hoping for a chance to slip her a handkerchief when she broke down in tears.

Sky shook her head. “I had no reason to. When school started that fall, I wanted to visit this building…our old homeroom, her old locker…but I couldn’t bring myself to do it.” She coughed, trying to clear the sadness in her voice. “It shouldn’t have been so difficult. Half the school year, she was gone away shooting some commercial or TV show. But I knew the building would feel…emptier without the possibility of her coming through those doors.”

He nudged her arm, indicating she should walk up the sidewalk toward the school, the camera operator following behind. “What do you mean?”

Sky peeked back at Javier for strength.

He stood behind a man who held a large fluffy boom mic that hovered over Shane’s head.

“What was it like when she was on set and you were stuck here?” Another nudge from Shane sent Sky forward.

“It’s hard to explain.” She trudged up the steps to the double doors. “I was used to her not being here. But sometimes she would show up unexpectedly.”

“Did she do that often? Show up without letting you know she was home?”

“Tessa did like to surprise people.” The memory made Sky smile. “There was a day she came back. Gosh, it must have been a month or so before she died.”

“Tell me about that day.” Shane’s tone was gentle, but with a quiet insistence.

“I’d been out with chicken pox, which was stupid because no one got that at our age. Anyway, it was my first day back. I’d been stressing about returning to school all weekend on the phone to her,” she waved her hand in a circle, “because you know how it is. When you’re out for a couple weeks, you start to feel like you don’t belong. As if the world moved on and forgot about you. At that age, it’s especially bad.”

“And she showed up?”

Sky stopped on the steps leading up to the door. “I think I was right here.” She mimed dragging her backpack. “I’d been trying to do my homework from home, so I must’ve had the contents of my entire locker in my bag. I was dreading going in. Suddenly, there she was. She grabbed my backpack and ushered me inside, chattering all the while as though it were a regular day of school and nothing had changed at all.”

He smoothed his wavy hair tinged with gray at the sides. “You weren’t expecting her?”

She shook her head. Laughter bubbled up at the memory. “It was so like her to do that. She must’ve called in sick or something so she could be there for me. I knew for a fact she was supposed to be shooting that week. She went back that night so she could get there bright and early the next day.” The laughter died away. “Gosh…that was probably one of the last times I saw her before…”

Sky swallowed hard. She couldn’t finish the sentence.

“Before she died.” Shane’s words pierced her like a sword to the heart.

He was prodding her. Goading her. Sky swiped at a tear. “Yes.” This wasn’t what she wanted to talk about. She’d only been showing him scenery, background for a tragedy not meant to be her own. She glanced up at the glass doors. “Are we going in?”

“Not today. We can walk back the way we came. Why don’t you tell me about the last time you saw her?”

He might as well have twisted that imaginary blade he’d plunged into her chest. “I’d rather not.”

A hardness flickered across his features. “You agreed to be interviewed.”

Sky shot Javier a look that had him stand at attention. All she had to do was say the word, and he would whisk her away to safety. But as much as she wanted to call in her reinforcement, Shane was right. She’d agreed to this. Sky had to honor her commitment. This was to preserve Tessa’s memory…and flush out the bastard who’d stolen her future.

How many times had she gone over that same story in the past? Dozens of police interviews, her parents, Tessa’s parents. She’d said the words so many times that the meaning ought to have been stripped from them by now.

But if anything, time had given the words even more meaning. Gritting her teeth, she followed Shane down the stairs to the walk that led out to the street.

The director stopped when they reached the sidewalk in front of the school. He paused to frame the shot, making sure the building was clearly visible behind her. The flag flapped at half-mast just over her left shoulder. “The last time you saw her?” His tone was not so gentle now.

“We met at our favorite swimming hole at the river.” Sky brushed her hair from her forehead, a nervous gesture she couldn’t seem to stop herself from making, even though she was well aware of the camera pointed at her. “She’d called me that morning and said she wanted to talk. I could tell from her voice she was holding back. Something was bothering her. She seemed distracted. But then, she’d seemed distracted a lot that year.”

“Any idea why?”

Sky shrugged. “What are teenage girls distracted by? At that age, I suppose the same could be said of me. I worried about my grades, being popular, and boys. You know, the usual teen stuff. I assumed that was the case with her. Honestly, when I went out to meet her, I expected a day of gossiping and probably didn’t hurry the way she’d wanted me to. I think sometimes she might still be here if I had.”

Raw pain sliced through her. She’d never said that part out loud before. Somehow, Shane’s prodding had dredged it up from deep inside her.

“You didn’t want to see her?”

Sky gasped. “Of course I did! I just wanted a few minutes to gather my own thoughts. But lately, we’d been kind of stiff with each other, and I thought she might be mad at me. I thought maybe she’d outgrown our friendship, you know?” She took in a shaky breath, trying to undo the knot in her stomach. “She was a rising star with regular television appearances. She’d seemed…I don’t know. Maybe more mature than me, like she was worlds beyond me in experience somehow. So no, I wasn’t entirely in a hurry to get there.”

Shane’s eyebrows arched. “Stiff? Really?”

How had she gotten herself into this mess? Sky hadn’t been expecting the focus to turn toward her like this. She blew out an exasperated breath.

“You know…she wasn’t confiding in me like she used to. I knew stuff was going on in her life, and I didn’t know where I fit in anymore. So I walked kind of slow, thinking if she were ending the friendship, she’d have to wait until I got there to do it.” In her mind’s eye, Sky was back there, walking through the woods, the dirt soft beneath her feet. “Only, when I arrived, he was there.”

“Her killer?”

“Yes. For a minute, I was confused, didn’t even see her. Just some man, shoving something into the water.” Sky clasped her hands tight together to keep Shane from seeing how they trembled. “But then I realized it wasn’t something. It was someone. It was Tessa, and she was trying to fight back because…because he was trying to kill her.”

The corner of Shane’s mouth tipped into the briefest of smiles. “And then…?”

Sky gulped back the emotions threatening to overtake her composure. “When I realized what was happening, I screamed. I ran to her.” She sucked in a sharp breath. “The rest was in my report. I’m sure you’ve read it. Some newspaper got ahold of my interview with the police somehow, and the details are pretty much public knowledge.”

Shane’s gaze never wavered from her face. He leaned in closer, lips parting as though in anticipation of a treat. “Why don’t you share it in your own words?”

Sky took an instinctual step back. “I⁠—”

A truck squealed to a stop in front of the camera crew, nearly wiping out a power-line pole. Sky jumped, her heart rate ratcheting as quickly as the vehicle had come barreling in.

The crowd turned toward the noise.

“You!” A man shouted from the open window, seeming unfazed that he’d almost wrecked his vehicle.

He shoved the door open, revealing the logo of a construction company. The driver lurched out on unsteady feet. “You! Film guy.” He squared up, staring in Shane’s direction, bracing for a fight.

Recognition flickered through Sky. She hadn’t seen the guy in years, but she’d know him anywhere. He was a much older, male version of her best friend. “Mr. Emerson?”

“Doug Emerson, Tessa’s father.” Shane narrated to the camera, adding identification to the scene as though he had some right to call the play-by-play.

Sky inched forward, hands out, hoping to placate Mr. Emerson. Judging from his behavior and the stench of alcohol that rolled off him in waves, the man was three sheets to the wind. But she needed to put a stop to what was bound to become an embarrassing piece of footage that he would regret later. Not that she was intervening for his sake, but for Tessa, who would have hated to see her dad like this.

Sky lowered her voice, tossing an adamant whisper over her shoulder. “Shane, please tell them to stop filming.”

He didn’t answer. Did she expect him to? If anything, he seemed positively gleeful to be shooting this confrontation.

What a slimeball.

Ignoring the cameras and crew, Sky advanced toward Tessa’s father.

“Mr. Emerson, could I drive you home?”

“How…dare you!” Doug pointed a heavy-duty metal carpenter’s triangle at Shane. When he cocked his arm back, Sky’s blood turned to ice. The tool in Mr. Emerson’s hand was about to take on a new use as a deadly projectile. “Profiting off the memory of my pre…pre…cious baby girl.”

Sky’s heart broke for the poor man. She’d struggled with many emotions when she’d learned of the documentary. She’d been close to a breakdown more times over the past several days than she cared to count. Dangerous and unpredictable as Tessa’s father seemed, he was crying out for someone to save him from the pain. And for that reason alone, she persevered, trying to talk him off the ledge before the situation escalated.

“Mr. Emerson.” She held her hands up where he could see them as she took several cautious steps forward. “I can’t pretend to know what it feels like to lose a daughter, but trust me when I tell you how much I loved Tessa. I want to see her memory honored. That’s what Shane is trying to do.”

Doug staggered toward her, recognition dawning through his drunken stupor. “How much…is…paying you to tell stories about…T-Tessa?”

She was close enough to make out the vein throbbing in his forehead, to see the sheer grief in his eyes. “It’s not like that. I’m only here because I want to find justice for Tessa. I would never take a penny to⁠—”

“I’m…not buying it…little…girl!” He swayed like a leaf in the breeze. “They’re l-liars… Tr-tryin’ to t-t-tell me…this is all…voluntary. Bullshit it is. B-bullshit.”

He wound his arm back, and she got the disturbing impression he was about to use the metal triangle on her like a hammer.

“Whoa. Easy there.”

Tessa’s dad wouldn’t have hurt a fly when he was sober. Especially not in the days before his daughter was so brutally taken from him. But today was different. Sky tried to duck out of the path of the triangle, realizing she’d moved too late. The metal arced through the air, and she braced for contact.

Instead, a swift jolt to her ribs sent her flying sideways as someone tackled her to the ground with the force of a linebacker.

As she hit the grass, Javier landed on top of her.

Where the hell did you come from?

A chorus of shouts filled the air. Sky pushed Javier off and cast a frantic glance around, searching for Mr. Emerson. The metal triangle lay in the grass next to the sidewalk, only inches from where she had landed. The edge glinted in the sun, sharp enough to have done severe damage had the crazed man struck her with the tool.

Javier pulled her to her feet. “Are you okay?”

She dusted herself off, glad he’d been quick with the tackle while somehow managing to not break her ribs, and that his aim had sent them to the grass rather than the concrete walkway. “I’m good. Nothing but grass stains. Where’s Doug?”

Several men had dogpiled Tessa’s father to the ground and were holding him down.

Sky whipped around and found Shane standing out of the way, calm as ever, despite the chaos. Beside him, the camera operator never so much as paused, documenting the melee for all posterity.

The exact thing she had tried to stop from happening. The truth of Shane’s motivation dawned clear as sunlight on her. He wasn’t making this documentary out of the goodness of his heart, to shed light on cold cases that needed solving. He was chasing a fad. And she had fallen for his sales pitch. Bought into the honor of preserving Tessa’s memory, when all he wanted was to score a story, rile up some small-town folks, and get himself a ratings boost.

“Shane, we’re done here.” Sky called out loud enough for everyone in the vicinity to hear. “But don’t worry. I’ll make sure to dedicate a special tell-all blog post to you in the very near future.” She marched away, still speaking loudly to him over her shoulder. “Someone needs to tell the world just how much of a fraud you are. Profiting off the pain of this family.”

“Wait.” Shane’s command halted her in her tracks. “I know you’re upset, and it was never my intention to cause you or Tessa’s family distress. What just happened is…unfortunate.”

She snorted. “You think?”

“Look, emotions are running high right now, and that’s understandable. You’ve been through⁠—”

“It’s not about me and what I’ve been through.” Anger simmered in Sky’s veins. How dare this fraud try to placate her when he clearly didn’t give a shit about the anguish Tessa’s father was experiencing? “It’s about honoring Tessa’s memory and finding justice for her murder. Exploiting her family’s pain does neither.”

“I’m sorry. I truly am. Like I said, that wasn’t my intention. And I promise I want to seek justice for Tessa as much as you do.” Shane heaved a sigh. “What’s more, shedding light on similar crimes would go a step further in honoring your friend’s memory.” He cleared his throat. “Which is why I’d like to explore the possibility of turning your tell-all book into a film.”

Disgust filled Sky as bile rose in her throat. “In other words, you’re trying to bribe me to continue working with you on the documentary.” She scoffed as the realization of just how low this man was willing to go to get what he wanted sank in. “Not interested.”

32

Callie didn’t need to ask how the interview had gone.

The way Sky stormed into the cabin that afternoon—like a woman on a mission—was evidence enough that things had not gone smoothly.

Javier stalked in behind her and flopped onto the couch. As he met Callie’s gaze, he shook his head. Clearly, now was not the time for conversation.

Without a word, Sky blew past the couch, making a beeline for her bedroom and slamming the door behind her.

Callie turned her attention to Javier. “Well? Are you going to tell me what happened? Or do I have to get out the spotlight and interrogate you?”

“Sky quit the documentary when Shane used Tessa’s father for some reality television-style drama.” He rolled his eyes. “I’m not sure if she’s packing in there or what. She barely said two words to me on the drive here.”

Unsurprised by the revelation that the producer was a typical Hollywood jerk, Callie understood the crisis of consciousness Sky had to be going through. All her good intentions for participating in the documentary had been conceived in a lie. But knowing Sky as well as she did, Callie was certain she wasn’t packing.

“Did you go talk to Mr. Digby yet?” Maybe there would be some good news to mitigate the bad.

Javier groaned and slapped his forehead. “No. I should’ve thought of that. He would have provided the perfect distraction for her.”

“Let her cool down.” She joined Javier on the couch. “She’ll come out when she’s ready. If you go in there now, you’re liable to get your head bitten off. Again.”

He cringed, giving a funny look that confirmed he knew exactly how that would feel. Sky had been harsher with him this week than Callie had ever seen her act before. “Speaking of distractions, where are Sami and Delia?”

“They’re taking a well-deserved break.” She pointed to the overcrowded whiteboard. “We’ve been working on narrowing down the list all day. I told them to go take a walk.”

Javier’s gaze shifted from the board to the pile of papers still littering the coffee table. “Talking to Mr. Digby would’ve been helpful.” He checked his watch and let out a heavy sigh. “But unless Sky cools down quick, we’re going to be too late in the day to visit an old-timer like him.”

“Don’t rush her. You know how that ends.” The impetuousness of youth. Always in such a hurry. Years of experience had taught Callie that getting the information right was always better than fast. She’d seen so many cases thrown out due to mishandling of procedure. Even when they had a criminal dead to rights, all it took was one small screwup to get evidence omitted and ruin a case. But she didn’t want to lecture the poor guy. He’d endured enough hectoring this weekend.

“You’re right. It’s just that…I don’t want to twiddle my thumbs. Not when there’s something I could do to help. But I don’t even know if she wants that. Maybe she wants to go home. But I can’t ask her that. She’ll think I’m working against her.” Javier groaned and buried his face in his hands.

His concern for Sky’s needs was endearing. Not something Callie saw often, especially in young men. When she’d first met him some months ago, he’d come off as brash and arrogant. But even before he knew Sky well, he was protective and caring, always considerate of the trauma she’d endured.

“Honey, you can’t save the world single-handedly.” Callie reached out and patted his knee. “You deserve a break too.”

“I have no other reason to be here than to help.” Javier leaned forward and thumbed through the pile of papers. “Did we learn more about the girl…what’s her name?” He shuffled and scattered the pages. “Monique…no…Monica…”

Despite her instinct to insist he take a break, she knew the drive to solve a case could be like a drug. She’d had more than her fair share of all-nighters in the heat of passion, hunting down that one key piece of the puzzle that would guarantee her a search warrant. She’d be a hypocrite to suggest otherwise, given the circumstances.

“I think I saw something earlier. Here…it’s on one of these lists.” Joining in his search, Callie scooted to the edge of the cushion and shuffled through papers and various notes they’d been making.

There were lists upon lists of every production. Each person of interest now had a makeshift dossier composed of disparate items paper-clipped together. And those who were on multiple programs were duplicated and attached for easy cross-referencing. No matter how small, if anyone had contact with Tessa, they were included.

Scanning each list, Callie spotted the name. “Got it.” She waved the stack of pages clipped together. “Monica was on Single Man with Kids, just like Tessa. It was a classic sitcom, right?”

Javier wrinkled his nose. “Yes, but one with a reputation, and not for good ratings. The premise was thin. Joe Nobody, standard thirtysomething guy buys a lottery ticket on a whim. Next thing you know, he wins a ton of money. At the same time, there’s a terrible accident of some kind. His brother or sister…I forget which.”

She nodded. “A trope, for sure.”

“Yeah. Well, the couple dies, leaving their eight wild and crazy kids in the care of the new millionaire. Suddenly, he’s the dad of all these kids who are completely out of control. So he’s got this fortune, but the money was just an excuse for the writers to give the kids enormous problems that involve outlandish, not to mention expensive, solutions.”

“I must’ve seen ads for the show when it was on but I never watched it. Something about a yacht, I think.”

Javier snorted. “That’s the one. I’ll admit I never really watched it either. The lead actor was Wyatt Durham. He’s a real piece of work, and he’s where the bad reputation started.”

Callie shuffled through another pile of papers. “That name does sound familiar. Wasn’t he in the news for…” She slapped the papers on the table. “Sex scandals with young actresses. Oh, those poor girls.”

“We should’ve been looking at him.” Javier flew from the couch and disappeared into his room. “Why haven’t we?”

The question hadn’t been directed at her, but Callie was ashamed at how rusty she’d gotten. Only six years into retirement, she should’ve been sharper than that. She should have caught the connection right away. Not that it absolved her, but she and the rest of the team had been so focused on Antonio and Ricardo that the biggest—and most notorious—star of Tessa’s show had escaped their attention.

“We saw Wyatt at the party after the awards.” Javier emerged from his room, laptop booting up in his hands. He plopped down onto the couch again. “There were a lot of people there, but he was drawing a crowd, mainly because he was picking fights and causing a scene.”

“Once a jerk, always a jerk.” Callie had seen plenty of those over the years. “How recently was he under investigation, though? When did the accusations come out?”

Javier’s fingers flew over the keyboard. He stared intently at the screen, furrowing his brows as he searched.

The door to Sky’s room opened. “Did I hear you talking about Wyatt Durham?”

Callie met Javier’s gaze before they both turned to face Sky.

“I had a thought about him.” Sky tucked a lock of disheveled auburn hair behind her ear. “I hadn’t wanted to connect the dots before, but…” Her nostrils flared as her jaw tightened, anger flashing in her eyes. She might not have been the biggest thing in the world, but that feisty young woman could be pretty damn intimidating when she wanted.

Callie waited for Sky to compose herself, giving her all the time she needed to continue her thoughts.

“It’s clear that the film industry is full of self-important, lying bastards.” Sky balled a fist at her side. “And that one…Wyatt. Even if he has enough money to get acquitted, he has a record. One that probably goes back longer than we know.” She took a breath and made her way over to the couch. “Because women rarely come forward when they’re attacked.”

Sweet girl. Callie’s heart broke as Sky’s expression shifted from anger to fear and back. She’d experienced enough trauma in her life to know that for a fact. And she’d been there to help Delia when the Mill had abused her.

“While I was showing Shane around today,” Sky drew another heavy breath, “and we were talking about how I hadn’t seen much of Tessa that last year, I was telling him how Tessa had been distant. How I had worried she had outgrown me as a best friend. But…maybe it was something much worse.”

Callie scooted over to give Sky room to sit. “What are you thinking, doll?”

“Maybe I didn’t know her as well as I thought.” Sky stared at the whiteboard, but Callie could tell her gaze was locked on something from ten years ago.

Javier folded his laptop closed. He reached for Sky’s hand but stopped midway and dropped his arm to the cushion. “Working in the industry can be hard, especially for child actors.”

“It wasn’t fatigue.” Sky shook her head. “Tessa was a free spirit. She took risks. She laughed easily and was fearless. But that last year,” she turned to him, her hands fluttering, refusing to settle, “she changed. It didn’t happen overnight. It was a slow pull away. That’s why I thought she was outgrowing our friendship. But maybe it wasn’t that at all.”

Callie suspected what Sky was hinting toward, but she prayed her instinct was wrong.

Squirming on the couch like she’d sat in a pile of ants, Sky shot up and began pacing the room. “She lost the spark, the fearlessness. I remember talking with her on the phone. She used to tell me all about life on set, but that last year, she was tight-lipped. She let me do most of the talking, but even then, she sounded as if she really didn’t care. I should’ve seen it, but I didn’t. She was acting like…”

“Like she was being abused?” Javier ran a hand through his tousled brown hair.

“Yes.” Sky’s voice was a whisper. “Exactly. I acted the same way after I was attacked. Delia had been the same after her issues with the Mill. Hiding the pain but doing a bad job of it.” She lifted her gaze toward the ceiling. “Why didn’t I see what was happening back then?”

“Because you had no point of reference.” Callie couldn’t stand how much guilt that girl was putting on herself. She rose and pulled Sky into a hug before she could utter another word. “You are not at fault here. Believe that. To your core.”

Javier shifted in his seat, his expression grave. “You think someone did a Weinstein to her?”

“He’s not the first producer to have a casting couch.” The words were bitter in Callie’s mouth. “Oh, don’t look at me that way. The fashion industry has plenty of demons, and we both know it. Hollywood is no different. Weinstein was just the biggest guy in Hollywood to get caught.”

“I have to admit, the theory makes sense.” Javier cringed, blanching. “God…she was fourteen!”

Callie rubbed Sky’s back. “I think it happens more often than Hollywood wants to admit.”

“And if she threatened to expose her abuser…” Sky wiggled free from Callie’s embrace, anger practically rolling off her in waves. At least this time, her ire was directed at bastards who abuse fourteen-year-old girls instead of at Javier. “We have motive for a murder in the woods where no one would find her.”

“Any asshole who would even think about a minor in that way,” Javier inhaled a shaky breath, “needs to be brought down. Hard.”

Callie sank back onto the couch. “We need to take a closer look at Single Man with Kids. Cross-reference the dates she worked with him, where the show was taped, and see if it lines up to give him the ability to move between the set and New Pleasant without suspicion.”

Javier was already tapping away at his laptop. “On it. I have the episode guide in front of me now. According to the dates, her episodes were spaced out, so she would’ve been on the set only a few days spread out over several months.”

“Which is plenty of time to get to know people on the set.” Sky stopped in the middle of the room. “Especially if she wasn’t in many scenes and had plenty of downtime. A kid on set can get to know the other people there fairly well, particularly if there’s a lot of other kids around and supervision is lax.”

“That’s likely, given the nature of the charges.” Javier tapped the computer screen. “The woman who played the eldest teenage daughter has quite a laundry list of charges against Durham here. She was nearly eighteen when she was on set with Tessa.”

Horror flickered on Sky’s face as she started pacing again. “That just proves the creepy, pervy, interested in younger girls angle. I’m sending Detective Brice another email. This time about Wyatt. Maybe he can do some digging of his own.”

The evidence pointing toward Durham was still circumstantial, but Callie had to admit he fit the pervert profile to the letter. They just needed to find that smoking gun. “Did any of the other kids on the show come forward with similar charges?”

“Not any of the daughters.” Javier’s eyebrow rose as he scrolled. “Hold on. There was a complaint from one of the boys.” He glanced up. “There are also reports of complaints against Antonio Narváez on set, but it doesn’t say of what nature, and nothing went to trial. Wonder if that explains why he dropped off the face of the earth after?”

“Men with big pockets making nuisances disappear?” Sky walked back and forth, back and forth, the length of the room. She’d wear a line in the wood floor by morning if she kept that up.

Javier turned his laptop around so Callie could see. “Found Monica.”

The screen filled with a display of pictures of the actress, a lithe woman with flawless dark skin. Her smile lit up her entire face. She was a beautiful woman, standing on the red carpet at some premiere, wearing a gown of red-and-orange silk and sequins that made her the embodiment of living flame.

Callie arched her brow. “She knows how to stand to draw the eye and the lights.”

Javier nodded. “Not everyone could pull off that look on a red carpet and have it come out so flawlessly. She knows what she’s doing. I’ll bet she has some modeling in her credits.”

Sky shot him a pointed stare. “Are you helping solve a murder or scouting for the new face of GDL?”

“Both. I’m thinking I could do some checking. We need more models of color, and if she’s in the business, I have an obligation to GDL to find the best fits for the brand.”

Sky reached over him and tapped on a link next to her picture. “She’s already got plenty of work. Get a load of her résumé.”

“This is the same Monica that Digby mentioned, right?” When Sky straightened, Javier reclaimed his laptop and scrolled down the webpage. “Looks like she’s still in NYC. Broadway. She might make a good source to speak to. I’ll pull up her agent’s information.”

“We still need to talk with Digby. He said Tessa had secrets, and that she and Monica fell into the wrong crowd. That was right before he fell asleep.”

Javier glanced at his watch. “Probably too late now for a social call. First thing in the morning, though.”

“Yeah. It’s not like I have anything else to do.” Sky hunched her shoulders. Her phone dinged with a text notification, and she dug the device out of her pocket and stared at the screen in surprise. “Speak of the devil.”

“Who is it?”

“Shane.” She rolled her eyes as she scrolled through her phone. “He’s apologizing for his behavior. Says he didn’t press charges against Mr. Emerson and vows that none of the footage caught today will be released to the public.”

“He still wants his story, and he can’t do it without your firsthand account.” Javier leaned back into the couch cushions, shaking his head. “You’re not falling for that, are you?”

Her features twisted in annoyance as she scrolled. “Blah blah blah. ‘I respect your character and conviction to do the right thing, so I understand your decision not to continue on this project. If I had been in your shoes, I would’ve done the same. My actions were reprehensible. For that, I apologize. If there is any way I can make it up to you, please let me know. Reputation is everything in my business, and unlike others, I have worked hard to keep mine clean.’”

“He really is full of himself, isn’t he?” Callie spat the words out. These Hollywood types made her skin crawl.

“Extremely.” Sky cleared her throat. “‘If there’s a chance I could get you to come back to finish the interview, I can promise it will be done with the utmost respect for your privacy. I have called in several actors and film crew members who worked with Tessa on set, and knowing how close you were with her, maybe seeing them could help jog old memories.’”

“Did the man send you an entire essay?” Javier’s eye roll was practically audible.

“He’s still not done!” Sky inhaled a dramatic breath. “‘It is my ultimate goal to create something that can help lead the police to solving her cold case. These interviews will be held tomorrow, at a private residence, to ensure no disruptions or disturbances. I hope you can look past my horrible manners today and help finish this project for Tessa.’”

“Wow, he’s got a pair on him.” Callie clucked, crossing her arms. “Pulled out all the stops to reel you back in.”

“Dammit!” Sky threw her phone on the couch. “If he has Monica, or the elusive Antonio we’ve been looking for, I think we have to go.”

Javier peered up from his computer and arched a brow. “We?”

“Well, yeah. I’m not going alone. Didn’t you promise to be my intern this week? You know, grab me bottles of water and punch out jerky producers if they screw with me again?”

With a burst of laughter, Javier mock saluted her. “And bodily remove you to safety when people throw sharp objects at you.”

She rubbed her elbow, which still stung from where she’d landed on it. “I’m only going back to speak with the other actors and give Shane a piece of my mind. He definitely isn’t getting any more of my insight or memories for his bullshit documentary.”

The “bullshit documentary” might have been the reason they were all up in this small town, but Callie knew they weren’t leaving until they’d gotten what they really came for. Justice.

33

Javier brewed a strong pot of coffee, knowing caffeine would be essential for the day Sky had planned. The rest of the cabin was still asleep, but he’d already gone out for a run, showered, and checked a few emails.

As the carafe filled, he flipped on the television. Like most hotels, the Riverside Overlook offered a paltry selection of channels, but Javier hoped the local news might have some basic updates on the stock market.

The rich scent of the house-branded Mountain Blend coffee permeated the room. The package hadn’t listed vanilla, but there were heavy notes of it tempting Javier back into the tiny kitchenette.

He prepped a mug with a single prepackaged creamer and two teaspoons of sugar. As soon as the carafe had filled, he poured a generous serving of liquid energy.

The news anchors on television droned on about a break-in at the police station. Javier wasn’t really paying attention, but when one anchor said the words “Tessa Emerson,” his ears perked up.

“Harlan Zielinski, seen here being led to a holding cell by Detective Brice, maintains he accidentally locked himself inside the police precinct’s evidence locker. He is being detained for questioning. At this time, there is no word on whether charges will be brought against him, and we are awaiting confirmation that it is related to the murder of Tessa Emerson ten years ago. Nothing appears to be missing from the locker where Zielinski was found. Accident or not, he was trespassing in an unauthorized area. More on that as the story develops.”

Sky lumbered into the living room, yawning. “Do I smell coffee?”

“Just brewed some.” Javier held up his mug with a nod. “Hey. Someone got caught in the evidence locker at the precinct last night. Harlan Z…something. You know anything about him?”

She blinked at the television. “Doesn’t sound familiar.” She continued her zombielike trudge toward the kitchenette.

“The news reporter thinks it has something to do with Tessa’s documentary.” He shrugged. “Then again, everyone in town is probably trying to tie everything to the media. Cash in a little on the buzz.”

“I’ll be glad to put this all behind me.” Coffee in hand, Sky joined him on the couch. She stared at the screen, but tired as she looked, Javier didn’t think she was registering what was there.

“We can check out and go home this morning, if you’d like.”

Her head snapped sideways, and she narrowed her gaze.

“I didn’t mean to rush you.” Dammit. He should’ve kept his mouth shut. “Look. You don’t owe Shane anything. You know he’s a jerk.”

“I’m not going there for him to interview me. I just want to talk to the others. Better here, where they’re all gathered, than trying to track them down back home in Manhattan.”

“You’re right.” Javier sipped his coffee to give his mouth something else to do. Either that or stick his foot in it again.

Sky’s phone buzzed in her pocket, and Javier was grateful for the interruption.

“Detective Brice?” Her brow furrowed as she peered at the caller’s name and pressed the speakerphone button. She set her mug on the table. “Did you check on Ricardo?”

If the detective was calling her, it couldn’t be good. Javier leaned in closer.

“I’m sorry, but that’s not what this phone call is about.” Jeremy’s voice held a familiar dark and sympathetic tone. “I was calling to let you know Ignatius Digby has passed away.”

“Passed away?” Sky looked up at Javier, her eyes wide. “Hold on. Say that again.”

Javier leaned closer to the phone, certain he had heard Brice incorrectly.

“Ignatius Digby has passed away.” The detective let out a heavy sigh. “The call came in right after the news finished filming. Home health care stopped by for their weekly check-in and found him dead in his recliner. They don’t have an official cause of death, but with the empty bottle of his blood pressure medication in the chair with him, suicide has been suggested.”

“Oh, my god.” Sky shook her head. “No. I just saw him. I just saw him.”

Detective Brice took a gulp of something. “Did he seem suicidal when you talked with him?”

Sky leaned against Javier ever so slightly. He squeezed her arm. “I didn’t know him well enough for that, but he seemed okay when I was there. Tired, maybe, but not…done.”

“I’ll be looking into this deeper today.” Determination flooded the detective’s tone. “I’ll keep you updated.”

She dropped her head, surely trying to wrap her mind around the news. “Did you have any time to check into the info I sent you on Ricardo Battaglini and Wyatt Durham?”

Jeremy cleared his throat. “I did. Ricardo came in for an interview willingly. He’s on the record as having been questioned ten years earlier, and his alibi continues to check out. We’ve cleared him…again…as a suspect. Wyatt is currently in court back in Manhattan. The NYPD spoke with him, and his response was, ‘I’m not a murderer.’ Of course, he won’t admit to being a rapist either, so he could certainly be lying.”

Javier rubbed his forehead. The caffeine was finally starting to work through his system, and the way the morning was turning out, he was going to need it.

“Oh.” Sky chewed her lip.

“Sky…Ms. Stryker,” Detective Brice continued, “Wyatt’s already tied up in NYC because of his trial, so we won’t get anything out of him anytime soon. But I’d be lying if I said we were seriously considering him at this time.”

Sky sank against the couch cushions. “Okay. Well, thank you for the update.”

“Of course. And once I know more about Mr. Digby’s situation, I’ll be in touch.”

As the detective ended the call, Sky turned toward Javier, still clutching her phone.

Before he could say a word, Sami burst into the living room. “Whoever made the coffee, you’re a lifesaver.” His voice was way too chipper for as early as it was.

Javier twisted to face his friend. “I had a feeling it was going to be a necessity this morning. And I was right. Sky just got call from Detective Brice, and he had some unfortunate news.”

Sami froze as Sky dropped her device on the couch and met his gaze. “Mr. Digby’s dead.”

“You’ve got to be kidding.” Sami’s jaw dropped, his hand on the 9*. “Is this the same Mr. Digby you were planning to go talk with? Seriously? How?”

Javier gave him a brief rundown of the recent developments, sparing Sky the trouble.

“The worst part is, it felt like we were closer to getting real information about Tessa’s life, thanks to him.” Javier blew out a hard breath. The news report came back on, a repeat broadcast of what had been playing while he brewed the coffee.

“If you ask me, I think the murderer is here.” Sami poured himself a cup. “It’s too much of a coincidence that this Digby fellow turns up dead right after the police began investigating the case again, especially considering he was in the business and had been close to Tessa.”

Sami was right, and Javier had never believed that coincidences were a natural occurrence. “Didn’t you say when Tessa died, Digby had just come off a stroke, and he was unable to be interviewed?”

“Yes. He said Tessa was the reason he moved here too.” Sky stared at the television as the report about Harlan played. Her brows pulled together as the image of him being carted off in cuffs to a holding cell flashed on the screen.

“You know him?” Javier held his breath, waiting for her next words.

Her jaw clenched. “I…don’t think so. But I feel like I have seen him. I just can’t put a finger on where.”

“Maybe he’s a townie. It’s been years since you lived here, so it would make sense if you can’t place him.” The last thing they needed was another suspect to add to their already bloated list. Though Detective Brice, it seemed, was making quick work of disqualifying people.

“You’re probably right.” She grabbed her mug and took several sips of her coffee.

Sami waved toward his bedroom. “Delia is showering. She’ll be out shortly if you want us to join you. That is, if you’re still going to the interview today.”

“Speaking of, where is the set?” Sky hadn’t given Javier an address last night, but he remembered her saying it was going to be somewhere private.

“Not really sure.” She picked up her phone and scrolled through her emails. “Looks like a big house. Down by the river.”

“A house? I don’t like the sound of that.” Javier fought to keep his voice level.

“Read the email for yourself.” Sky tossed her device at him and headed toward the nearly empty coffeepot. “I’m going to brew some more. Someone want to ask Callie if she wants the last cup?”

Javier pulled up a map of the address. The house was in a lone clearing among the woods that bordered the Wallkill River. While it was large and impressive looking, its seclusion added another level of worry to his overloaded mind. It was curious that Shane was conducting interviews there and not some place in town. He opened his text app and fired a message off to Kevin. If anyone had the inside information on what was going on with this production, it would be him.

Hey, man. Just confirming the interview today for Sky and Shane. He never gave her a time to come to the house. Can you let me know?

“I just had a thought.” Sky returned to the couch with a granola bar. “Since Ricardo has been so good with the local cops, and clearly he knew Tessa, maybe I can meet with him and compare notes.”

Javier tossed the phone back to Sky. “You just got him reinvestigated about Tessa’s murder. And didn’t you call him a Hollywood jerk? I seem to recall you were pretty quick to point the finger at him.”

“He doesn’t know it was me that got him questioned. And of course I still think he’s an ego-inflated ass. But that lady I met at the awards…Maria,” she waved the granola bar as she spoke, “she told me it’s always who you know that matters. If he is innocent of the crime, that makes him a good source for me. And I still have his card.” She pulled the back cover off her phone, revealing a business card hidden beneath.

“I don’t like this idea…”

Sky was already dialing and gave no indication she’d heard his comment. Javier understood why she was doing it. But the dread that had begun to churn in his belly felt like a warning that shouldn’t be ignored.

“Hello? Mr. Battaglini? This is Sky Stryker. I’d like to talk to you about Tessa.” She gave Javier a thumbs-up, smiling. “No, I’m not done. But I was actually calling because I thought maybe we could get together and talk about Tessa. I know you’re just as eager for her killer to be caught, and you worked closely with her. You probably have some amazing insight.”

Javier shook his head. Among Sky’s many talents, she was an excellent bullshitter.

“And just think if you were the one to solve the case. I think it’s completely possible. I mean, I could write an entire book about that alone.”

She was obviously using Ricardo’s own egocentric personality to butter him up, but what if Sky had been right about him? She had thought Ricardo made the most likely suspect. Guys with money and resources knew that hiring others to do their dirty work was the best alibi they could buy. His heart sped as his mind wandered through scenarios he didn’t want to consider.

“Sure. We can discuss that more. Thank you.” Sky disconnected the call, a grin on her face. “You can relax about the location of the interview. Ricardo said he was scheduled to come in just before lunch to do his. So I’m going to meet him there.” She jumped up with the remainder of her breakfast bar and headed toward her room. “Better go get ready.”

Javier’s phone buzzed. A message from Kevin popped up on the screen.

I don’t know about any interviews. Shane sent my crew home for the weekend. New Pleasant PD has been making his life hell, and he didn’t want to have to pay us to sit on our asses. Better have Sky get in touch with him about the schedule. Maybe he’s got some single-camera setup planned for her.

Javier’s apprehension grew as he read the text. He turned to talk to Sami, but he had also disappeared into his room. Private interviews in a house in the middle of nowhere. That didn’t add up.

Then again, Sky had said Ricardo was going to be there for an interview too. It wasn’t farfetched for a production to reduce cost when circumstances required it. Maybe he was overreacting.

One thing was for sure. Sky had her mind set on going, so there was no way in hell he was going to talk her out of it.

If I tried that, I’d never hear the end of it. He watched Sky disappear into her room. But I’m tagging along whether she likes it or not, pride be damned.

34

By the time they arrived at the secluded riverside home, Sky was surprised to find only one other car in the expansive driveway. If Shane was using this house for shooting, shouldn’t there be more people around?

Then again, Kevin had said that Shane sent his crew home. Even if he’d kept a camera operator or two on hand, their vehicles were probably parked in the detached, four-car garage sitting just a few feet from the house.

Javier pointed at the stairs leading toward an ornate, glass-paneled front door. “You ready for this?”

“I was hoping to meet with Ricardo outside. Maybe I should send him a message first.” Sky grabbed her phone and fired off a quick text, asking for Ricardo to let her know when his interview was done.

“I’m good with waiting outside.” Javier glanced back at the house. “The less time we have to spend around Shane, the better.”

“You think the rest of the gang is mad I told them not to come?”

He shrugged. “I think Callie is sitting by the phone waiting to hear from us or already on her way over. Sami and Delia have been pretty good at distracting each other this trip.” He gestured at the quiet setting surrounded by tall, leafy trees. “It doesn’t look like there’s much to miss anyway. Barely anything happening.”

“This place is nice though. I’ll bet it’s gorgeous inside.” She took in the light-gray painted wood on the old farmhouse-style home. The ornately detailed front porch had been left its natural mahogany color, the contrast warm and welcoming. It was the kind of house that showed the owner took pride in keeping it maintained. “You think this is Shane’s place? Or is it just a vacation rental?”

Javier shielded his eyes from the sun as he scanned the property. “My guess, he probably owns it. This isn’t exactly my top pic for vacation spots, but with its remote location, it makes for a great getaway. I’ve known plenty of wealthy people who pick places like this to be their sanctuary from the nonstop noise of city life.”

Sky peered up at the gargantuan house. “So he’s making a documentary in a town where he owns a home. Interesting.”

Javier swiped at a pesky gnat making repeated attempts to land on his face. “That might be how he got so interested in Tessa’s case to begin with.”

Sky’s phone buzzed, and Ricardo’s name flashed on the screen with a text message notice.

We’re about to get started. Filming is happening in the upstairs loft. I have a moment to chat about your book, so why don’t you come on up?

“Well, there goes my hope for getting in and out quickly.” She sighed and pocketed her device. “He says they’re just getting started. But he wants to talk now.”

“Why don’t you just talk to him when he’s done?” Javier’s voice had an anxious edge.

“Sure, let me just tell Mr. Big Shot Director and Television Star what he should do to accommodate my schedule.” Sky cocked her head. “I’m sure he’ll be all for that.”

He held up his hands in surrender. “It was only a thought.”

Sky grumbled and reached for the handle. “C’mon.” A fresh breeze floated off the nearby water, blowing through her hair as she stepped out onto the gravel driveway.

She spotted a glass-enclosed sunroom off the side of the house, and through the clear windowpanes, the river glistened under the midday sun. This place really was beautiful. Sky could see why he would choose it. The dramatic backdrop was better than any set he might have used in a studio.

Above the front door, she made out the silhouette of a man standing in the second-story window. “Looks like we’ve been spotted. No backing out now.” Though she couldn’t discern a face, the figure appeared to be waving at her.

“Just say the word, and I’ll whisk you away.” Javier squinted as he peered up. “You don’t have to put up with Shane any longer than you want to, okay?”

“Should we make up a code word?” It was meant as a joke, but as the words left her lips, she realized the idea wasn’t bad. After all, it had come in handy last time, when they helped take down the Mill.

“Sure.” Javier nodded. “If you say ‘peanut butter,’ I’ll know you’re done.”

“Why peanut butter? That’s so random.” Sky scrunched her face as she stepped up onto the porch.

“Because I don’t think that’s a phrase that will come up naturally in conversation.” He scooted past her to reach for the door. “Code words are supposed to be random. Let’s make it ‘I’m starving and wouldn’t mind a peanut butter and jelly sandwich right now,’ just to be safe.”

She twisted her hands together in a nervous knot. “I’m going to ask Shane about Antonio. See his reaction. Maybe he’s got the missing piece of information that can end all of this.”

“Right.” He gave her an encouraging pat on the back. “Perhaps Ignatius Digby wasn’t just mumbling names randomly that night.”

“Antonio Eastland could’ve been a real person.” Sky turned the idea around in her brain. “Or somebody Ignatius Digby’s alcohol-addled brain made up.”

“Or someone related to Shane.” Javier twisted the knob and pushed the door open.

She followed him in, unable to argue the logic. Hesitating at the threshold, she listened for conversation. Ricardo had directed her to the upstairs loft, but as she strained for any commotion, she heard nary a peep.

Javier quirked a brow. “Are you waiting for an invitation?”

She stepped inside, amazed by the way the old farmhouse had been transformed for modern living while retaining its structural roots and character. “I guess. Sort of expected someone to be down here. It feels strange to go traipsing through someone else’s home unannounced.”

The back of the house was nearly wall-to-wall windows, creating an unobstructed view of the river from anywhere inside.

“This whole week has been odd.” Javier’s tone soured. “My guess is we’re supposed to go up the steps here.” He pointed up the narrow stairwell.

Sky craned her neck, trying to make out what was beyond the first landing, but the stairs turned and went up in a different direction, making the top impossible to see.

She started her ascent, each wooden step creaking beneath her weight and further emphasizing the eerie silence. When she reached the top, Sky found that the expansive loft looked more like a studio than a living space. Cameras and light boxes sat atop spindly tripods. Acoustic panels covered most of the wall surface. Only the windows were left unobstructed. The whole place seemed fit for purpose…though it lacked an important element. People.

“Okay, seriously, where are they?” She placed a tentative hand on Javier’s arm, lowering her voice. “This place is giving me the creeps.”

“Hold on.” Javier strolled toward a foam-covered acoustic wall. “There’s a knob here.” He turned the handle, but it didn’t open.

This was beginning to feel like a wild-goose chase. “Shane? Mr. Eastland…hello?” Her gaze landed on another hidden knob between the acoustic panels. Sky skirted a tripod leaning precariously against a pile of black sheets. “Mr. Battaglini?”

Gingerly, she twisted the handle, finding to her delight that it was unlocked. As she pulled the door open, a large, heavy pile of fabric spilled out. It crashed into her with a weight heavier than cloth.

Sky hit the ground as the mass tumbled on top of her, and she struggled to untangle herself from the yards of fabric. “Oh, my god. Javier.” Her voice rose an octave in panic as she unwrapped the mass that had knocked her to the ground.

Horror flooded her, and she swallowed the scream that threatened to escape.

No. Can’t be…happening.

Blood pooled beneath Ricardo Battaglini’s head, sticky and still warm as it soaked through the sheets he’d been wrapped in. A deep, dark gash ran along his neck. His glassy, unfocused eyes reflected the light filtering in from the picture window behind them.

Dead. Ricardo, dead.

Sky couldn’t breathe, a knot closing her throat as she attempted to speak. “Call 911!”

“We need to get out of here.” Javier pawed at her shoulder, trying to gain enough grip to haul her up. “Right⁠—”

Footsteps thudded up the stairwell.

Sky scrambled backward, away from the body, but there was nowhere for her or Javier to go. The stairs were the only way down from the loft.

We’re trapped.

35

I sent Sky another text from Ricardo’s phone.

Are you ready for your turn?

The echo of her notification ping came seconds before the satisfying sound of her muffled gasp.

Her reaction was better than expected. A balm to nerves that still jangled from the death I’d been forced to deliver to the officious director.

Digby had been easy enough. One too many of his blood pressure pills was the perfect solution to silence that old geezer. Thankfully, I’d gotten to him before he could reveal my secret. Ricardo, however, had been a wild card I hadn’t anticipated. I’d assumed he would be too self-important to waste his time speaking to a nobody like Sky. But for some unknown reason, he’d been unusually eager to talk to the troublesome girl about her industry-revealing tell-all book.

God only knew what he would’ve eventually told her if he’d been given the time to go gabbing. The way he’d been acting, it was almost as if he wanted to expose the industry for what it was. Or maybe he wanted to expose me. I’d had my suspicions about him from the moment he’d shown interest in my production. He had to die. No loose ends, as my uncle always instructed.

I hadn’t intended to use the knife on him. I’d wanted to mimic Tessa’s death, but I couldn’t get the bastard to cooperate. Ricardo tried to fight me instead of turning to run like he was supposed to do. The director had never been able to take direction well himself.

And I’d missed the opportunity to shoot him in the stomach. If I’d had the time to properly set the scene, I would have buried his body under an avalanche of equipment. But Sky—always ruining my plans—had arrived earlier than I’d expected.

Why must every death I plot go so horribly wrong?

I could plan and execute scenes behind the camera to perfection, but unscripted work had proven the bane of my existence.

In the end, when I set fire to the house to cover my tracks, it wouldn’t matter how perfectly I killed them all. Making sure they all died, leaving no loose ends that could come back to haunt me, was the only way out.

I took another heavy step up the staircase, enjoying the game. Sky was trapped and afraid. She had nowhere to go. I’d ensured that by luring her to the loft.

Her boyfriend, no doubt, would come at me first.

My gun was ready for him. And as she watched him die, her terror would rise, leaving her frozen in place, awaiting her own end.

From above, her breaths came hard and fast, heavy with small, sobbing whimpers.

Electrical cords that I’d left draping down through the banister into the stairwell dangled in front of my view. I grabbed one and pulled hard. The light box it was attached to toppled, knocking other equipment over like dominos. Everything came clattering to the hardwood floor.

Sky yelped. I could make out the muffled thumps of her movements.

I led with the gun as I took another step, keeping my eyes peeled for any signs of Sky or her troublesome boyfriend. “Scramble around all you like. There’s nowhere for you to run. No place to hide. You’re finished.”

They were too quiet. I needed to get them talking—crying, begging for mercy—so I’d know exactly where they were by the time I reached the landing. I wasn’t going to fail this time.

“Did I scare you?” Playing with fear was too addictive, too gratifying. I wanted to savor the last moments before the light left her eyes. That delicacy had been stolen from me ten years earlier when Sky had ruined Tessa’s final act.

“Shane?” Sky’s voice warbled, laced with delicious fear. “Why are you doing this?”

“The first time I spoke with you face-to-face…at the after-party…I was sure you would recognize me.” How could she not remember my eyes? If I had stared down death, there was no way in hell I would forget the look of it.

Then again, she wasn’t used to scrutinizing faces as I was. Years spent staring at actors while coaching them to deliver the right emotional expressions. A curl of the lip here. A softening of the jaw there. The three-lined crease between the brows as eyes narrowed with deadly intent.

Sky was oblivious to so much, though she fancied herself a revealer of secrets.

When she didn’t reply, I continued my teasing monologue, though I inwardly winced how cliché doing so would be. How often had I gritted my teeth when the bad guy spilled all his secrets before eliminating the protagonist? Yet here I was, desperate to reveal all I’d managed to accomplish.

She needed to know how I’d outsmarted them all.

“Once my attempts on your life didn’t go as planned, I had to have you on board for all the juicy documentary footage. Figured I’d at least go through with the interview before I killed you.” I crept up the stairs slowly, one step at a time. “I am a man of the craft, after all. Besides, I had you followed to be sure you didn’t go blabbing anything you might remember about me.”

“What?” Confusion clouded her tone. She still didn’t understand.

I took another step up, peeking through the banister at the mess my loft had become. She could be hiding anywhere.

“Clearly, I gave you far too much credit. What with that tell-all book you have so many people interested in, have you not figured it out yet?”

She mumbled something, probably to her boyfriend, before answering. “Is that why you killed Ricardo?”

“Why do you care if he’s dead?” I reached the top landing and took a cautious peak around the corner. “Afraid that with him gone, no one will make anything of your precious book?” I was quickly tiring of this game. “You won’t have to worry about that when I’m done with you. In fact, you won’t worry about anything anymore.” I kicked a light box out of the way, sending it smashing into a camera.

Ricardo’s body lay half-unwrapped on the ground. Blood still oozed from the wound that had felled him. Knowing a good cinematic climax when I saw one, I dipped my fingers into it and painted my face as it had been that fateful day.

36

Sky peeked out from behind a toppled interview chair. Crimson blood streaked across Shane’s face, mimicking the black grease of her nightmares.

It was him. Tessa’s killer.

She would finally look him in the eyes.

Her chest tightened with terror, a wave of dizziness encouraging her to sink back into the mess of equipment. To hide.

Again.

No. I will not. I will not run from this sadistic asshole. I’m done hiding.

Shane slowly curled his lips into a menacing smile, the whites of his teeth disturbingly bright against his red-streaked cheeks.

“You unbelievable bastard.” Sky’s voice shook with rage. “You killed Tessa.”

“Took you long enough.” His grin widened. “I bet you weren’t very good at connect-the-dots when you were a kid, huh?” He raised his gun to her chest. “Your boyfriend better not try anything stupid. No funny business from either of you. One step, and you’ll be as dead as your friend.”

Sky ached to charge Shane and rip his bloody face to pieces. Leave him in a mess of his own blood. But with a rifle pointed at her, she obediently stayed put. “How could you? Why?” A tear streamed down her cheek even as hatred seared deep into her bones.

“Trying to keep me talking?” He tilted his head, analyzing her like a lab rat. “Probably trying to give yourself time to figure out an escape route. Adorable that you think you still have a chance.” He let out a sick little chuckle that sent a chill down her spine. “Yes. I killed Tessa. She was mine.”

“She was never yours.” Sky spat the words, breathing hard as she braced herself against the back of the chair. “She never told me about you. You were nothing to her.”

Shane’s smile fell, and he tightened his hold on the rifle, his expression transforming into fury. “How dare you speak to me about something you know nothing about? I was everything to her. I was her Antonio.”

Shit. That’s why we couldn’t find him. Antonio and Shane aren’t related. Shane and Antonio are one and the same.

It all made sense now. Digby had been saying parts of the names before passing out. Shane had to have known that Sky talking to Digby would lead to them making that connection with his name.

Ignatius’s death hadn’t been a suicide at all.

“I created her. If not for me, Tessa would never have risen so high. I was her manager. Well, assistant manager, but I was the one responsible for her success.” Shane kicked a microphone stand, flinging it across the room. Sky flinched as it crashed against the wall behind her. “I gave that beautiful little girl everything.”

Just like Megan, Tessa’s fatal beauty had been a blessing and a curse.

“Why? If you were everything to Tessa, why did you kill her?” Sky issued the challenge with a feral growl, staring him down with an unflinching gaze.

“Oh, you poor, angry little thing.” His bloodied cheeks glistened in the sunlight streaming through the windows. “Tessa had that same look when she told me to fuck off all those years ago. Haughty. Self-important. You have no idea how badly I want to squeeze this trigger and put an end to you, just like I ended your bitch of a bestie.”

Sky’s heartbeat pounded in her ears. “Do it, then.”

“Ha.” There was no humor in Shane’s voice now. “We’re getting there. But until I know where your boyfriend is hiding, I’m not ready to dispatch you just yet. Gotta do this right, you know. Make sure there aren’t any survivors this time.”

“She didn’t deserve to die.” Sweat trickled from Sky’s forehead as she fought to keep her voice steady.

Shane shrugged, the rifle heaving up and down with his shoulders. “Tessa didn’t want to reciprocate all the work I’d put into making her a star. Didn’t appreciate the…arrangement we had. The little bitch threatened to ruin me and left.”

Arrangement. He made “an arrangement” with my best friend. A perverted, fucked-up arrangement.

Sky swallowed hard, pulse racing at the base of her throat. “Tessa was a kind and compassionate person. It was you who demanded too much from her.”

“Oh, Tessa was hardly the saint you think she was. If you only knew how much…pleasure she gave me…” He licked his lips, as if revisiting the memory.

“You’re a sick piece of shit.” Sky’s vision blurred, transforming the man in front of her into the demon wraith of her hallucinations. But instead of a mass of evil blackness, the monster had become a glittering crimson devil.

Shane shook his head, bringing his features back into focus. “You keep sharing your opinions like I actually care. This isn’t a fucking blog post. You’re about to die. I’ve waited ten years to right this dreadful wrong. You were never supposed to leave that cave.” He stalked toward her. “My entire career, my life spiraled out of control from the moment I failed to kill you. But that gets fixed. Today. Life will be better because you will finally be gone.”

He hates me for making it out of his handmade tomb alive. She’d always known that, even when she hadn’t known who “he” was. She’d sensed his rage lingering around her life. Sprinkling droplets of terror where there should have been peace.

But her fear ebbed away, replaced with a fierce determination. “How is your life going to be better when you’re in prison for murdering Ricardo and me?”

“And your stupid boyfriend.” Shane gave the gun a quick whirl around the room. “I’m not going to forget he’s here. And don’t you worry about me. With this horrific turn of events, my documentary on the murder of Tessa will now culminate here in the tragic loss of her best friend. An act of arson by a riled-up community that wanted the truth covered up. I will emerge from the ashes triumphant while the masses devour the story I’ve so carefully crafted for them.”

Cover it all up with a fire. Of course you’d do that. Just like you tried to cover it all up with a rockslide.

Another tear streamed down Sky’s face. She glanced at the floor as she wiped it away. Ricardo’s corpse served as a reminder of what Shane intended to do to her. A reminder of what he’d done to Tessa.

“Look at you.” He inched toward her. “Once again, you’re alone with a dead person. Brings back memories, doesn’t it?”

The statement hit Sky low and hard in the gut, powerful enough to make her recoil. She shifted her gaze to the hidden closet then quickly away.

But not quick enough. Shane had followed the glance. “Stupid girl. You just gave away the location of your would-be savior.” His grip on the rifle tightened. Sky could practically see bone through his white knuckles. “I think it’s time we end this. Don’t you? Should I kill you first, or would you rather I shoot your boyfriend, cowering in the closet?”

Again, her gaze darted to the closet door hidden behind the acoustic foam as she spoke with frantic horror. “You wouldn’t.”

“You really need to stop challenging me, you stupid bitch.” Shane swung the rifle toward the closet, immediately firing off two rounds and sending the bullets whizzing through the padded door.

Sky screamed, ducking behind the chair for cover.

“Now!” Javier’s voice roared out from behind Shane, causing the murderer to turn just as Javier swung a mounted camera like a baseball bat.

The lens hood caught Shane right in the jaw before the rest of the beastly camera sent his whole head sideways. He fired off a shot as he fell, losing his grip on the gun as he crumpled to the ground.

Sky dived across the room and snatched the weapon while Javier kicked Shane hard in the ribs a few times for good measure. She rose to her feet and stepped forward, aiming the rifle straight at Shane’s face.

“You so much as sneeze, I will shoot you.” She stomped hard on his hand, relishing the fear in his eyes. Justice had finally arrived. “I guess you forgot about your other little closet. The one you stashed Ricardo’s body in. You shot the wrong closet, moron. That means you’ve messed up your plans to take me out twice now, in case you’re counting.”

Shane groaned, his gaze shifting from Sky to the second closet and back. “You bitch, you tricked me.”

All those furtive glances toward the door nearest her had done the job. Shane had followed the misleading trail like a well-trained dog. Sky’s chest swelled with victory as Javier came to her side, one hand pressed against his shoulder and a grimace on his face.

Victory faded to panic. Blood seeped through his fingers. Sky’s gaze bounced between him and Shane. Until the monster was in handcuffs, she couldn’t take her eyes off of him.

“I did trick you.” She returned her focus to Shane, taking comfort in the fact that Javier was upright and mobile. “And if you move, I will kill you.”

Shane clenched his jaw and let out a weak little chuckle.

Surely, he understood his career had just gone down the drain. It was over. He was over. He was going to prison for the rest of his life. The wisest move now was to cooperate.

Shane glared up at her fiercely. “Let’s test that theory.” With a snarl, he lunged at Sky, reaching for the rifle.

A deafening blast rang through the loft as she fired the gun, and a spray of scarlet painted the floor.

37

Sky approached Javier, who was gently probing his shoulder as he perched on the bumper of an ambulance parked in front of the house. “How bad does it hurt?”

“I’ll live.” He flashed her a strained smile. “The flesh is tender, and the outer edges of the gunshot wound will likely bruise given time, but it could’ve been a lot worse. Shane fired that round with no direction whatsoever.” He bit his lip. “He could’ve killed you, Sky.”

“Me?” Her voice warbled with emotion. “He hit you. He could’ve killed you.” She held his gaze for several beats. Then she leaned in and kissed him on the cheek.

An emotion she refused to name flickered on Javier’s gaze.

“Get to the hospital and get checked out.” The EMT tending to Javier closed her med kit. “I don’t think anything is broken, but without x-rays, we can’t be certain.”

Sky knew he had no plans to follow through on those instructions. Stubborn men. “I’ll make sure he does.”

The EMT nodded and turned back to the gurney across the driveway where Shane lay strapped down, howling in pain and rage.

Sky stared at Tessa’s murderer in disbelief, her hands trembling. “I can’t believe I shot him. I didn’t…I never saw myself shooting anyone. Ever. And now I’ve pulled the trigger on two people in four months.”

“I gotta say, I hadn’t expected to see much gunfire now that my military days are behind me.” Javier’s tone softened. “But you fired in self-defense. You weren’t given a choice. And Shane is going to heal and stand trial. Although depending on how much damage the bullet did to his leg, it might be a while before the bastard can stand without assistance.”

“You know,” Sky had the sensation that she’d entered a different universe altogether, “I can’t even say I feel bad for doing it. We caught him. We stopped him. It had to happen.”

Given Shane’s wounds, he wasn’t going anywhere, but the EMTs and police weren’t taking any chances. He was loaded into a second ambulance with an armed escort to be transported to the hospital.

“Once all the crime scene photos are taken, Ricardo Battaglini will be taken to the morgue.” Javier paused, tilting his head toward her. “The documentary will never be finished. But I doubt you care, considering the killer has been apprehended.”

“All’s well that ends well, right?” Sky gave a half-hearted, bittersweet chuckle. “I’m just glad Tessa has justice, and her family won’t be put through hell with that whole documentary mess. They didn’t deserve to relive all their pain again.”

“Neither did you.” Javier lifted a hand as though he might touch her cheek…but lowered it without doing so.

“Are you sure you’re all right?” Sky swiped at a lone tear on her face and hovered over the bandages wrapped around his shoulder, butterfly-like and too afraid to touch him.

“I think so.” He stretched his shoulder, wincing at the activity. “I can move the joint. It just hurts like hell. But I don’t think there’s going to be any permanent damage.”

Sky settled on the rear bumper next to him, and they witnessed the swarm of activity as various uniformed officers went in and out of the house. “Detective Brice asked for us to hang around a little while longer. He wants to go over our statements.”

“He’s probably just waiting on the news reporters to show up so he can get on TV with us.” Javier rotated his shoulder slowly. “You know, to grab that fifteen minutes of fame. The cop who finally solved Tessa’s case.”

“But he didn’t.” Sky rolled her eyes. “Though I don’t doubt he’ll try to take the credit. If you see news cameras, run.”

“You kidding?” He pointed to his wounded shoulder. “I can’t even laugh without screaming like an idiot.”

“You got the idiot part right.” She nudged his good arm with a soft chuckle.

“That’s the thanks I get for taking a bullet for you?” He feigned offense with a dramatic hand to his chest.

“Shut up. You’re my hero, and you know it.” Sky squeezed his hand. “And…I’m sorry for…everything. This whole nightmare, all the money you spent for the hotel, and dealing with my attitude, your shoulder…” She pulled back, looking away.

“Hey. Don’t do that. Come back.” Javier carefully wrapped his good arm around her shoulders. “I thought I might lose you in there. I really did. All the petty stuff pales in comparison.”

“You were brilliant, hiding in the closet like that.” She angled her head up, meeting his eyes and blushing at the emotion she found there. “That was quick thinking.”

“But you sold it with all the nervous glances you were giving the locked door.” He leaned into her a bit. “Ever thought of trying a career in acting?”

Sky snorted and swatted his thigh. “Don’t you start with me. I want nothing to do with that life. It’s even worse than the fashion industry.”

“Okay. Save that for the next book, then.” Javier’s charm was dazzling even as he sat there with a gunshot wound, and she found it maddening.

Sky grumbled under her breath but nuzzled in closer to him all the same. “Do you think Tessa can rest easier now?”

“Yes, I do.” Javier rested his chin on her head. “More importantly…I think you can too.”

“Maybe.” She took a deep breath, exhaling as if she were releasing the weight of the world. “Thanks to you and the others. Together, we make a pretty good team.”

“Next time, you take the bullet.” He grinned. “Fair is fair.”

Sky sputtered out a laugh, stopping short when she noticed Detective Brice heading their way. He was holding a piece of paper and coming straight for her.

“Great,” she muttered. “I’m about to find out just how much trouble I’m in for shooting Shane.”

“Ms. Stryker.” Brice halted a few feet away from them. “There’s something I need you to look at.”

Sky exchanged a quick glance with Javier. “Sure.”

He held the piece of paper out to her.

Sky accepted it and stared at the picture. She gasped, raising a hand to cover her mouth.

“Can you confirm that this is Tessa Emerson’s journal?”

Barely recognizable as a book, it was warped and frayed. The old leather binding looked more sandpaper than leather. The last time Sky had seen the book, it was red, but now the color was muted, as time and weather had faded it bit by bit. Dark spots speckled the front cover, and a large stain was just above the stamped impression of Tessa’s name.

The edges revealed the cardboard underneath the leather casing. And while it did appear to have some pages inside, they’d all turned a murky shade of greenish black, as if something had begun growing inside of it. The only thing that appeared to be keeping the book together was the metal toggle. Years of being out in the elements had stripped the brass patina.

Sky clutched the photograph between trembling fingers and nodded. “That’s hers.”

“Good.” Jeremy offered her a small smile. “That’s the evidence we found by the river. I wanted your confirmation, but I wasn’t allowed to show it to you until now. It’s been packaged up to go to the lab. They’ll know how to handle it and test it for any remaining DNA evidence. If, and only if, they can get it open without any of the pages disintegrating, maybe we can learn what she wrote. But I’m not holding my breath.”

Tears welled in Sky’s eyes. Tessa must have had the journal with her that day. She’d likely been keeping her painful secrets from everyone except that little book.

Detective Brice gently took the picture back. “Lucky for us, even if the journal entries aren’t salvageable, we’ve already apprehended Tessa’s killer. Seems some low-key amateur detectives came to town and found the guy for us.” He gave her a quick wink. “He’s going to get what’s coming to him. I can promise you that. Justice will be served.”

Returning Brice’s smile, Sky understood that this—the discovery of Tessa’s journal—had been the turn in the case that had halted the production of Shane Eastland’s sick documentary. It was almost as though Tessa herself had paused everything to give them the time they needed to suss Shane out.

Nicely done. We got him. Your case is solved and…

Sky let the tears cascade. “Justice is all I ever wanted.”

38

Life was almost good.

For so long, Sky’s world had been dark, and though she had long since left the cave, deep in her mind, she had still felt trapped between its walls. She had always carried the guilt and shame, as if she were somehow to blame for Tessa’s death.

Now, with the end of this story finally written, she could get on with her life.

She typed in a frenzy, hitting keys so fast, her fingers ached from the strain of trying to keep up with her thoughts. Words appeared on the screen, letters falling neatly into place. Her tell-all book about her adventures in the modeling industry was coming together.

Four days had passed since she’d returned to Manhattan the day after Shane was apprehended, and the world moved on, slipping into the same old grooves. People lived. People died. But for her, life had changed. The shadow that had haunted her for a decade had finally dissolved.

She sighed and eased back from her laptop, taking a moment to come up for air and survey the group.

Javier scrolled on his phone, summarizing the interesting bits from an article about the documentary being the sadistic work of a serial rapist and murderer.

The rest of the gang listened in silence while snacking on the breakfast buffet Callie had cooked for them.

“Shane was remanded without bail. He’s refused any plea bargains and wants to make a public spectacle of his trial.” Javier switched off his device and tossed it on the table with a huff. “That guy doesn’t know when to quit.”

Sky snorted at the accuracy of the statement. “He had his lawyers serve me. Apparently, after he’s done with the criminal trial, he plans to sue me for damages to his leg.”

“That man is damaged in the head.” Callie waved a spatula as she shouted from the kitchen. “I am so thankful you both made it out of there alive.”

Javier grabbed his fork and dug into his scrambled eggs. “We were definitely lucky.”

“Lucky is right.” Sky snagged a few grapes from the fruit bowl and popped them into her mouth. “Thanks to the media attention, I’ve officially landed a new publisher.”

If Javier’s smile was any wider, his face would crack. “You did? That’s amazing!”

Unable to remember the last time she felt this happy, Sky reached over and gave his arm—the one that hadn’t been shot—a squeeze. “Maria even suggested I write another book covering Tessa’s case. The advance is still being negotiated, so I don’t want to get overly excited just yet.”

She set the laptop on the coffee table and stretched, pointing her toes like a ballerina and lifting her arms over her head until her back popped.

How long had she been typing anyway? She flopped against the pillows on the couch, staring up at the ceiling. “Truth be told, I’m not sure how any of what I’ve learned can be used in the book. I mean, take Wyatt Durham, for example.”

Javier swallowed his mouthful of eggs. “What about him?”

“I mean, sure, he abused his powerful position to manipulate women.” She stretched her arms over her head again. “But it’s as you said before. That’s not exactly news. This kind of abuse has been going on for ages. I just don’t know if me writing about it as part of our private investigation is going to be that interesting.”

“You want to know why it will be interesting?” Javier set his plate on the coffee table before picking up his phone. He punched in the code and flashed his screen to Sky. “Here’s an article about a ten-year-old murder being solved. A whole write-up on Tessa. Have you seen it? You did that. You found the answer and gave your friend peace.”

Sky pointed at the phone. “I did more than that. You might want to check the byline.”

Javier frowned and looked at the screen again, his eyes widening. “You’re kidding. You wrote this?” He blinked a few times. “You did.”

Sky sat up with a grin. “Wondered if you would notice. I submitted the article through one of the editors who contacted me. I said I could give them an exclusive, and they were thrilled.”

“Who better to write the story than the person who lived it?” Sami chewed his mouthful of pancakes. “So…are you a reporter now?”

She laughed. “No. Absolutely not. I had fun doing the article, but I don’t see myself wanting to do more newspaper work.”

“Sky here is going to be too busy with all her book signings. Right?” Delia held her hand up for a high five.

“That part takes a bit.” Sky’s cheeks ached from smiling so much. And though she had never craved the spotlight like some of those closest to her, she had to admit, the idea of a book signing with hundreds of fans clamoring for her signature did sound nice. “But if they do pay me a big enough advance, I should have plenty of money to keep me fed while I write the next book.”

“Look at you, all modest.” Callie carried a fresh stack of pancakes to the coffee table. “Enjoy the good fortune that’s coming to you. It’s okay to be confident. Just don’t let fame go to your head.”

Javier lifted a brow. “We’re going to have to keep a close watch on her for that.”

She scowled playfully, narrowing her gaze as she reached out and bopped him on the nose. “Someone wants to get his very own chapter in one of my books.”

Javier leaned back, resting his good arm across the back of the couch. “No skeletons here. But please do feature me for the knight in shining armor that I am.”

“Tin foil, maybe.” She gave his leg a gentle swat. He had been through hell to help her solve Tessa’s case. Took a bullet through the shoulder and all. She couldn’t deny his badge of honor as a hero.

Javier waved at her. “Whatever gets the job done.”

He could tease her all he wanted. Javier was a great guy and a good friend. She turned that thought over in her mind, wondering if the moment would ever be right for him to be more than a good friend.

Sky gave herself a mental shake. All of her friends were amazing. They made a good team, and together, they had accomplished so much in just a few short months.

Javier’s eyebrows pulled together as his laughter died. “Seriously, though. Should I be worried? You’re not really planning on putting me in one of your books, are you?”

Sky couldn’t resist giving him a hard time. “What happened to skeleton-free?”

Sami reached across the couch and patted him on the knee. “Don’t worry, buddy. I’ll be sure to tell her all about your Army days.”

Delia and Sky exchanged glances before turning toward Javier, who looked as if he’d been caught with his pants down.

“Hold on.” Sky reached for her laptop. “Let me open a new document and take notes.”

“Some friend you are.” Javier huffed and shoved Sami into Delia.

The room filled with laughter, playful banter, and plenty of food. Whether she became a success or not, these were the moments Sky cherished. The celebratory calm after the storm.

With another book nearly completed, having a group of friends like this meant that when the next scandal erupted in the fashion and media world, they would jump in to help her solve it. In a city like Manhattan, with all its links to modeling, media, film, and television, there would never be a shortage of scandals to uncover.

And thankfully, tell-alls never went out of style.

The End

To be continued…

WHAT’S NEXT?

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How did it all start for Sky Stryker?

Before she moved to The Big Apple, Sky Stryker was just a small-town girl whose shattered life was spiraling out of control. Discover how tragedy shaped her into the relentless investigative writer she is today, driven to uncover the truth and bring justice to light. Dive into Sky's transformative journey in this exclusive short story, completely free. Interested?

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Storm’s Fury (Amelia Storm Series: Book 1)

Military veteran Amelia Storm returns to her hometown of Chicago when her beloved police officer brother is killed in the “line of duty. Now she is a special agent with the FBI. No longer a scared girl, she vows to avenge her brother and do what she can to end the city’s deep wells of corruption. A television documentary puts a spotlight on a four-year-old kidnapping. Amelia and her colleagues in the Organized Crime Division know there’s more to the girl’s case than meets the eye. The twelve-year-old wasn’t just abducted. She was targeted by a human trafficking ring. Intrigued?

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SERIES READING ORDER

Fatal Beginnings (Sky Stryker Series: Prequel)

Fatal Secrets (Sky Stryker Series: Book One)

Fatal Lies (Sky Stryker Series: Book Two)

Fatal Beauty (Sky Stryker Series: Book Three)

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Fatal Massacre

Fatal Act

Fatal Terror

Fatal Turn

Fatal Wound

Fatal Perfection

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A Villain's Story Series

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

How does one adequately express gratitude to all those who have transformed a shared dream into a stunning reality? Let us attempt to do just that.

First and foremost, our families deserve our deepest thanks. Their unwavering support and encouragement have been our bedrock, allowing us the time and energy to translate our collective imagination into the words that fill these pages. Their belief in our vision has been a constant source of strength and inspiration.

As coauthors, our journey has been uniquely collaborative and rewarding. Now, with Mary also embracing the additional role of publisher, our adventure has taken on an exciting new dimension. This transition from solely writing to also publishing has been both a challenge and a joy, opening doors to share our work more directly with you, our readers.

We are immensely grateful to the entire team at Mary Stone Publishing — a group who believed in our potential from the very beginning. Their commitment extends beyond editing our words; it encompasses the tireless efforts of designers, marketers, and support staff, all dedicated to bringing our stories to life. Their expertise, creativity, and passion have been vital in capturing the essence of our tales and sharing them with the world.

However, our greatest appreciation is reserved for you, our beloved readers. You took a chance on our book, generously sharing your most precious asset—your time. It is our fervent hope that the pages of this book have rewarded that generosity, offering you a journey worth taking and memories that linger.

With all our love and heartfelt appreciation,

Mary & Bella

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mary Stone

Nestled in the serene Blue Ridge Mountains of East Tennessee, Mary Stone crafts her stories surrounded by the natural beauty that inspires her. What was once a home filled with the lively energy of her sons has now become a peaceful writer's retreat, shared with cherished pets and the vivid characters of her imagination.

As her sons grew and welcomed wonderful daughters-in-law into the family, Mary's life entered a quieter phase, rich with opportunities for deep creative focus. In this tranquil environment, she weaves tales of courage, resilience, and intrigue, each story a testament to her evolving journey as a writer.

From childhood fears of shadowy figures under the bed to a profound understanding of humanity's real-life villains, Mary's style has been shaped by the realization that the most complex antagonists often hide in plain sight. Her writing is characterized by strong, multifaceted heroines who defy traditional roles, standing as equals among their peers in a world of suspense and danger.

Mary's career has blossomed from being a solitary author to establishing her own publishing house—a significant milestone that marks her growth in the literary world. This expansion is not just a personal achievement but a reflection of her commitment to bring thrilling and thought-provoking stories to a wider audience. As an author and publisher, Mary continues to challenge the conventions of the thriller genre, inviting readers into gripping tales filled with serial killers, astute FBI agents, and intrepid heroines who confront peril with unflinching bravery.

Each new story from Mary's pen—or her publishing house—is a pledge to captivate, thrill, and inspire, continuing the legacy of the imaginative little girl who once found wonder and mystery in the shadows.

Discover more about Mary Stone on her website.

www.authormarystone.com

Bella Cross

Bella Cross spent the past fifteen years teaching bored teenagers all about the Dewey Decimal System while inhaling the dust from the library books she loves so much. With each book she read, a little voice in her head would say, "You can do that too." So, she did. A thousand heart palpitations later, she is thrilled to release her first novel with the support of her husband, twin girls, and the gigantic Newfoundland she rescued warming her feet.

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