Chapter Nine
“The redheaded receptionist,Candace, was rather sweet,” Riley said to Josh as he opened the door of Taylor’s apartment building. When Josh had gone to the bathroom, Riley had apologized to Candace for being a witch and mentioned how worried they were about Liza. After that, Candace had lowered her guard until she’d caught Josh in Liza’s office.
Josh stabbed the up button on the elevator. “So, you two bonded.”
The lobby area was rather dirty. Paint was chipping off the walls, and the elevator sounded as though it was on its last leg as it arrived.
The first thing that came to mind was that the company wasn’t paying Taylor enough money. Though the way she dressed did seem to say she was paid well.
Riley could continue the small talk about Candace and how the receptionist was engaged, but her mind was stuck on Taylor and the rundown building and neighborhood, which was a far cry from Liza’s upscale place. They stepped into the creaking elevator.
“Do you find it weird that Taylor lives in a dingy place that’s seconds away from crumbling?” Riley was making it a habit to always be on Josh’s right side so he could hear her.
The elevator moved slowly on its ascent.
“It’s expensive to live in the city.” He sounded detached.
“You know the sky is blue,” she returned.
“Yeah” was all she got. No jerk of his head, smile, or anything to indicate he was aware of her sarcasm.
Riley dragged her nails down his back.
He flinched then fixated on her lips. “Do that again, and you might not get off this elevator.”
Promises, promises.“Where are you? I just said the sky is blue. You’ve been quiet since we left Liza’s office.”
He chuckled. “Thinking. Has Liza ever mentioned a Haley or Monroe? I saw their names on sticky notes on her desk.”
The doors opened on the fifth floor.
Riley knew a Haley. “Haley is a gal Liza used to work with at Moretti Retailers. I’ve never heard the name Monroe.”
Burn holes dotted the carpeted hallway, and the floor creaked as they approached apartment six.
Taylor’s voice boomed behind the green door. Riley didn’t know if Josh could hear it, but Charlie nudged his hand before sniffing the threshold.
“Is something going on inside?” he asked.
Riley sharpened her hearing.
“You weren’t supposed to do that,” She heard Taylor say.
“It sounds like she’s arguing with someone,” Riley said.
Suddenly, Grayson’s words hit her. Maybe Taylor was arguing with the same person Liza had been.
Josh pounded his fist instead of knocking.
Taylor’s voice died.
A minute passed, and they heard nothing.
Josh banged again. “Taylor, open up. It’s Josh.”
After one click and a squeak, the door creaked open. Taylor had her cell phone to her ear. “I got to go.” She lowered her phone. “How did you get my address?”
Riley scanned Taylor’s apartment as best she could from the hallway. The place was empty from what she could see. “Candace, one of the receptionists at your office.”
