“What?” Rafe and Ahri said at the same time.
“The truck with her things has disappeared.”
She went even paler, her mouth forming a smallo.
“Likestolen?” Rafe asked.
“Apparently. They notified Kayn since he’s the one who contracted with them,” Bill said. “Did they say how long Meisner’s been dead?”
“I didn’t think to ask,” Rafe said, irritated with himself.
“That man who was watching the packers,” Ahri said suddenly.
“Right. Bill, I need you to contact the Phoenix police about this.” Rafe gave him the officer’s information. “Where’s Kayn now?”
“Just went into a brainstorming meeting.”
Rafe met Ahri’s gaze and could tell she was going to say not to bother her brother. “He’ll want to be told now, so he can be here with you.”
She heaved out a breath. “All right.”
“Do you need anything else from me, Bill?” Rafe asked.
“No. I’ll get right on it.” Bill paused. “I’m sorry about your husband, Mrs. Meisner.”
“Should we have her use a different last name?” Rafe asked.
“Not a bad idea. Rafe, you’ll need to explain to your folks about what’s going on,” Bill said.
“Ahri, had you considered going back to your maiden name or did you reckon to keep his?” Rafe asked.
“I hadn’t thought that far ahead.” She leaned her head against his shoulder again.
Her touch made Rafe hyperaware of the contact. He ached to do something more for her.
“Since we don’t know what kind of people your husband was involved with,” Bill said, “it might be best to put some distance between your names. Does your husband have any family in Arizona?”
“Yes, but they were awful to me because of me being part Korean,” she said with a sniff. “I haven’t seen any of them in a couple of years.”
“This may seem a little premature,” Bill said, his voice kind, “but you need to think about funeral arrangements. I should state right now that I’m opposed to you attending.”
“Not go to his funeral?” Ahri’s voice had gone quiet. “He was my husband.”
“Your estranged husband, yes,” Bill said.
Rafe’s first thought had been that it was her husband’s fault for having gotten himself into this and he’d managed to drag her into it too. But he had to accept that even though the marriage would have ended anyway, her feelings about her late husband weren’t black and white.
“I agree with Bill,” Rafe said, gently. “It’s not like Zed died in a car crash.”
“Iknowhe was mur—dered.” She choked on the word. “How can I not go?”
“To keep you safe.” Rafe’s heart ached for her, and he wrapped an arm around her again.
“But, why? I don’tknowanything.”
“They might not realize that. I think Rafe’s right,” Bill said. “For your own safety, you need to stay in North Carolina, out of sight. I’ll get to work.” He ended the call.
“Do you want to tell Kayn?” Rafe asked, leaving theOr should I? implied.
