Page 85 of Unmasking Mr. Crown

“Uh, yes, I couldn’t agree more.”

“I spoke with the fire chief, and it looks like the patio will be cordoned off for some time, which means no one’s allowed back in. I’m so sorry.”

“Is there a way to have someone retrieve my work tote? It’s leather and contains my clutch bag and professional planner. I have no way of getting back to Chicago without my wallet and keys. My whole life is in that tote bag.”

Hans nodded reassuringly. “Let me see what I can do. Wait here, I’ll be right back.”

Alone again, Natalie paced, her thoughts rolling like a runaway mine train. The feeling of needing to vomit returned when she considered one very real fact.

If I can’t get my stuff, then other guests won’t be able to either.

And they’re gonna come for me.

It’s gonna be a Google dragging all over again.

Natalie looked up, praying to see the calming face of her father. But the crowd had shifted and she could no longer see him, Kate, or Dash.

Oh my God. Dash.

The realization of his knight-in-shining-cowboy-boots actions set her insides aflame. He’d taken her hand. Pulled her to safety. Looked into her eyes with deep concern. And she’d been too stunned to respond.

Seriously, though? What would I have said? “This fire’s almost as hot as the two of us on your sofa in London?!”

Her phone buzzed with a text.

Kate: Where are you?

Natalie made another sweep of the crowd before replying.

Natalie: Still over by the ambulance.

Kate: Is Hart ok?

Natalie paused, deciding how to respond.

Still not the time to get into this. Give her the rundown later.

Natalie: He’s fine. Had to leave unexpectedly.

Kate: I have your tote bag.

Natalie: Thank God!

Kate: No, thank Dash. He snuck back in for it, along with my purse. We’re by the back gate.

Of course he did, because that’s the kind of man he is.

Natalie: I’m heading your way.

Kate: No, stay there. We’re walking to you.

Natalie clicked the thumbs up icon on Kate’s message, then sent a text to Hans to let him know her tote bag had been secured. When he didn’t respond immediately, she sent a follow up.

Natalie: Let me know when you’re available to close out our business.

“Nat!” Kate called out.

Natalie stopped typing and looked up to see Kate and Foster coming toward her, but no sign of Dash.