Why was it even in there? Had Thayer brought it in to discuss a technical issue with Vince? That made the most sense.
Vince pulled the stand closer, his movements precise and deliberate.
Then Vince stepped back, studying the scene like a man solving a problem.
He adjusted Thayer’s position again, placing him beneath the light with one arm bent at an unnatural angle and his head turned.
No . . .
The word formed in Rowan’s mind but didn’t make it to her mouth.
He was going to make this look like an accident, wasn’t he?
A moment later Vince stepped back and surveyed the scene again.
Then he walked toward the door.
Toward her.
No! Vince couldn’t find her here.
Rowan ducked into another office, praying he hadn’t seen her.
She held her breath and remained perfectly still as she waited.
A moment later, he walked by her, headed toward the other end of the hallway.
If Rowan was going to act, it had to be now.
Be brave, Rowan. Be like Eliza Stephens.
Eliza Stephens was the character she was portraying in her current film. Eliza hadn’t listened to others when they told her to remain quiet in a massive corporate takedown.
Rowan hurried into Vince’s office and dropped to her knees beside Thayer.
She pressed her finger to his neck and waited, praying she’d feel something.
There was nothing.
No . . .
She shifted and tried again. Her own pulse was so loud in her ears she wasn’t sure she’d be able to feel Thayer’s even if it was there.
But it still wasn’t.
Just as she’d feared, he was gone. Dead.
Before the reality could fully sink in, a footstep sounded behind her.
Vince. He was coming back!
Rowan glanced around. She had to hide.
Only one place made sense.
On instinct, she rose and ducked behind the couch, flattening herself to the floor.
Her heart pounded out of control as she prayed the furniture concealed her enough.
