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He pulled up surveillance footage from the Hollywood party—Russell leaving at 11:47 PM, climbing into an Uber. Code had somehow accessed the ride record.

"The driver took him to an address in Laurel Canyon. Belongs to Andy Fritz, a producer currently on a meditation retreat in Bali for a month." Code showed me Fritz's Instagram feed, full of sunset photos and spiritual captions. "Russell's house-sitting."

My heart sped up. "So you’ve got him," I exclaimed.

"He’s not at the house, but Simon already has someone watching the residence. Former SEAL named Krause, very good at not being seen." Code's jaw tightened. "But I want to talk to Sophie first. Understand what she knows."

My phone rang.

“Jerry? What have you got?”

"Okay, this is weird, but Sophie Tremaine was a finalist for your role. It came down to you and her. Director loved her audition, but you had the box office draw and the production company pushed for you. Then there was the plus of having you and Marcus working together again. It was a no brainer for everyone."

I sank onto the couch. "Jesus."

"Why are you asking about this?"

"Can you check something else? Has Sophie Tremaine auditioned for any other roles I've booked in the last three years?"

"Kit, what's going on?"

"Just check. Please."

"Fine. But this is going to take an hour. I have to pull files from multiple projects."

"Call me back."

I set down the phone and met Code's eyes. "She was a finalist. They chose me over her."

"I'm sorry." He came to sit beside me, close but not touching.

"I didn't even know. I just showed up and did my audition and got the part." My throat tightened. "How many times have I done that? Walked away with the prize while someone else's dream died?"

Code's hand found mine. "You didn't create the system. You're just surviving in it."

We sat in silence while Code's monitors hummed and my guilt churned. Finally, Jerry called back.

"Found two more. Echoes of Autumn last year, indie drama. Sophie was attached, then you signed on and they restructured everything around you. She got dropped."

My stomach twisted.

"And The Silent Hour three years ago. She was in second position for the lead and they gave her a different role. After you took it, they rewrote her part out entirely."

"Three times."

"Kit, you can't blame yourself for⁠—"

"Thanks, Jerry. I'll call you later."

I hung up and pressed my palms to my eyes. "Three major roles. I cost her three major roles and I didn't even know she existed."

"Katherine." Code's voice was gentle but firm. "Look at me."

I did. His green eyes held no judgment, only understanding.

"We need to talk to Sophie. Find out what she knows about what Russell's been doing."

"She's going to hate me."