Wes and Ransom exchange a dark glance.
“I’m sorry, Trix. These things take time,” Wes says gently. “Corporate has to follow procedure.”
“But you’re both advocating for me, right?” I ask with just a niggle of hope left.
“Of course,” Ransom pats my hand. “You’ve solved more crimes on this ship than most port authorities manage in a year.” He winces. “And that has caused some suspicion among the staff reviewing your case.”
I gasp hard. “They think I’m a serial killer, don’t they!”
Wes and Ransom exchange another dark look.
“What my head of security meant to say,” Wes growls at Ransom, “is that your track record speaks for itself. I’ve personally sent three emails to the board this week alone. We’re still advocating for you. Any indications that you might be a serial slayer will soon be wiped off the table.” He pauses for a beat. “I hope.”
My eyes close involuntarily for a moment. “I appreciate your efforts, but all this uncertainty is really gnawing at me.” I take a deep breath while forcing a smile at the two men before me.
I’ve built a life on this ship trying to find purpose, friendship, and even love after my world imploded with Stanton’s betrayal. The thought of losing it all because I got tangled up in a murder investigation that wasn’t even my fault makes my stomach churn.
“Well,” I say, forcing myself to brighten, “at least being suspended gives me more time to solve Madison’s murder. I guess there’s a silver lining in just about everything.”
Ransom raises a brow my way.
“I meanus,” I’m quick to correct. “It givesusmore time to solve Madison’s murder.”
Before I can shove my foot into my mouth any further, Elodie materializes before us with a glass of something amber in her hand. She’s traded her shop manager uniform for a slinky black dress that looks tattooed onto her flesh.
“Elodie,” I practically sing her name just as another familiar face crops up beside her. “And Tinsley,” I say with far less enthusiasm.
“Good evening, boys and girls,” Elodie purrs, ignoring Tinsley’s glare. “Mind if we join you?”
“Please do,” Wes says as Tinsley pulls out the chair beside him.
“I was just telling Tinsley about my meeting with Boomer,” Elodie continues, sliding in next to me. “He has some fascinating ideas for tomorrow’s filming.”
“Yes,” Tinsley says it curtly as she frowns at my blonde bestie. “MY Boomer is quite the creative genius.”
I nearly choke on my wine at the possessive pronoun. Tinsley and Boomer have known each other for all of three days, and she’s already staking her claim like a prospector in the gold rush. And what exactly can’t she see about the way the man looks at Elodie?There is no competition here. That man has clearly given away his heart, or more to the point, every last ounce of his lust.
“YourBoomer?” Elodie takes a casual sip of her drink.
“That’s what I said,” Tinsley says crisply. “He has everything a woman could want in a man.”
I catch the shift in her tone—no possessiveness this time. She’s already adjusting her strategy.
“He certainly hasstamina,” Elodie says with a knowing smile. “The man can go all night when he’s excited about a project.”
Tinsley seethes at my blonde bestie, “I’m sure his creative process is very demanding.”
“Oh, it is.” Elodie takes another leisurely sip of her drink. “He was in my cabin until 3 A.M. last night, working through some very physical concepts. And the night before that. The man is thorough, I’ll give him that.”
The temperature at our table drops about twenty degrees.
“How generous of you to assist with his vision,” Tinsley says each word like a threat. “I’m sure he appreciates volunteers willing to help with the grunt work.”
“Grunt work?” Elodie laughs. “That’s one way to describe it. Though he seemed quite satisfied with the results both times.”
Tinsley narrows her eyes and growls. “Twice must be so flattering for you. Like being asked back for a second audition when they haven’t found anyone better yet.”
“Tinsley.” Wes shakes his head at her.
