“Vanessa. My assistant, Talia. My publicist. Marianne, the owner. Sentinel Protective. I guess whoever handles the rental booking.”
“You said Vanessa is the friend who arranged the rental connection?”
“Yes. One of her wine suppliers knows Marianne.”
Sloane makes another note.
My stomach churns uncomfortably. “Do you think that matters?”
“Right now, I think your travel plans may not have stayed as contained as we’d like.”
“Vanessa wouldn’t tell anyone.”
“I’m not saying she would.”
But the words scrape anyway. Vanessa would not take a chance.
The thought arrives instantly, defensive and automatic. Vanessa is the one who made me leave. She’s my friend, reminding me to breathe. Vanessa is the one who sent me here because I couldn’t stand in my kitchen without thinking about someone else’s hands on my things.
Sloane’s voice remains even. “This photo doesn’t prove the person who broke into your house is on the island, but it proves they’re still engaged. They have an item taken from your home. They have your private number. And they chose to send the image today, after you relocated.”
“To scare me.”
“Yes, probably.”
Another honest answer.
My fingers curl against my palm.
Sheriff Vaughn looks at Sloane. “Can your people run the number?”
“Rafi is already on it.” He glances at his tablet. “Likely burner or spoofed, but we’ll try. I also have him pulling property access records, maintenance logs, and vendor contacts for The Sandpiper.”
“I can send the Orlando report number,” I offer.
“Please.”
Cole looks toward the porch doors. “I’m checking the exterior.”
“No,” I say instantly.
The word comes out sharper than I intended.
Everyone looks at me.
Heat rushes up my throat. “I’m sorry. I just… I don’t like the idea of anyone going outside right now.”
Cole’s gaze settles on me, steady and direct. “That’s exactly why someone needs to.”
“That is not as reassuring as you probably think it is.”
“Wasn’t meant to be reassuring.”
“Cole,” Sloane says.
“I’ll take Eli.”
Sheriff Vaughn nods. “We’ll do a sweep. Under the house, dune path, exterior doors and windows.”
