Gina had survived.
Now, they had proof that something really was going on.
Whoever was responsible had just made one fatal mistake—he’d left a witness behind.
CHAPTER
FIFTY-NINE
Andi wanderedinto the lobby to get a soda.
That was when she saw Rupert pacing near the front desk, his phone pressed to his ear. As soon as he spotted Andi, he ended the call.
“There you are.” He rushed toward her. “I was just explaining—again—why pivoting the schedule on twenty-four hours’ notice is not ideal.”
Andi smiled, deciding to jump in with the update before Rupert could wind himself up again. “Good news. They found Gina. She’s alive.”
Rupert froze. “Alive? Well. That’s . . . that’s wonderful. Truly. Maybe we can finally focus on this tour!”
Andi’s smile softened but didn’t disappear. She was determined to play nice and keep Rupert calm. “Not yet. Kate’s still missing.”
Rupert’s mouth opened, then closed. “I’m just not sure what you’re hoping to prove with this added stop. From a business standpoint, it’s messy. From a liability standpoint?—”
She lifted a hand. “I know all about liability. And thank you—for being a good sport about it.”
Rupert blinked, seemingly caught off guard. “I beg your pardon?”
Andi grinned, already stepping past him. “Really. We appreciate it.”
As Andi headed back to her room, she pressed a silent prayer into the chaos.
Let this work.
Let this unplanned stop shake something loose.
Let this guy make a mistake.
The gang grabbed dinner at a local Mexican restaurant just off the main road, a place with bright tiles, laminated menus, and the smell of grilled carne asada hanging thick in the air.
It wasn’t the best meal Duke had ever eaten. But it was fast, hot, and filling, which was all anyone really wanted right now.
Conversation stayed light.
However, Duke’s attention snagged every time his phone buzzed against the tabletop. He didn’t need to look to know who it was.
Celeste.
He’d already checked twice. Short messages. Nothing dramatic. Nothing he could easily explain away, either.
Do you have a minute? We need to talk soon.
He turned the phone face down.
Across the table, Andi’s gaze flicked to his phone and then away again.
He saw the hurt—and suspicion—in her gaze.
His chest tightened.
