“Elijah!” Beck cried, slipping out the gate and closing it behind him with a loudclank. “I’ve been waiting for you. I hope you don’t mind if I made myself at home. It’s really peaceful back there, and it’s been hard to find any solitude lately.”
“How . . . ? Wasn’t the gate locked?”
Beck made a confused face. “Nope. Opened right up. Do you have a minute? I could use some advice.”
“I . . . uh. Okay. Carter, we’re done here.”
Beck feigned surprise. “Oh. Hey, Carter! Didn’t see you there.”
“Hi?” squeaked Carter, eyes wide.
“I’m sorry,” said Beck. “I didn’t mean to interrupt. But I needed someone to talk to.”
Carter’s gaze slipped toward the gate, probably searching for signs of Sierra.
Elijah looked like he wanted to tell Beck to get lost, but then he twisted his face into something like understanding. “Of course. I’m here. I’m glad you waited.” He reached for the gate, then hesitated. “Carter, a little privacy?”
“Oh! Yeah! Right. Um . . . if you need me, Beck, you know where to find me.” Carter slowly backed down the path.
“Come have a seat,” said Elijah.
Beck held his breath as he opened the gate and they stepped onto the terrace, but Sierra had disappeared into the house. If a paver was crooked here or there, Elijah didn’t seem to notice.
Beck perched on the edge of one of the metal café chairs and immediately started rambling. The clues in the game. The message on the cow’s heart. Being locked in a freezer, the culprit still unknown. Saboteurs and mind games and—
Elijah raised a hand, stopping Beck’s tirade.
Beck took a breath. Actually, it felt pretty good to get all that out.
“I know it’s been a lot,” said Elijah, “but most of what’s happened is probably the producers trying to stir up drama. They do that.”
“Yeah, I’ve noticed,” Beck said dryly. “It must have been hard for you to come back here, after everything. I know what happened in that finale was really traumatic for all of you.”
Elijah’s voice became rough. “It was awful. When Ranielle offered me this job, I almost said no. But ultimately . . . I couldn’t imagine staying away.”
“Why?”
“It’s complicated. And I honestly don’t expect anyone to understand.”
“Try me.”
A muscle ticked in Elijah’s jaw. He seemed to be considering something, but then he shook his head.
“Come on.” The legs of Beck’s chair scraped against pavers as he scooted closer. “Everyone is so secretive around here. It helps to open up, you know? And I’m a really good listener. Ask anyone.”
Elijah peered at Beck through the mop of curls that fell over his brow. Cautious and suspicious.
Beck cupped his face in his hands, the picture of sincerity.
Elijah took in a long breath. When he finally spoke, his voice was almost inaudible. “I came back because . . . because this is the last place I ever saw her.”
“Alicia?” Beck whispered, reverent.
“Who else?” Elijah shuddered and looked toward the pool. “I watched her leave the villas that night. I could tell she was upset. I thought about going after her, but . . . I didn’t.” He shut his eyes. “I have many regrets, but that will always be the worst one.”
“She was your competition,” said Beck.
“In the game, sure. But outside the game? No.” He gave a wistful sigh. “Coming back . . . I thought I could still be close to her. Like I didn’t have to say goodbye.”
