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“Yes, she’s more than welcome to,” I replied, tired of arguing with my stubborn boyfriend. I started to undress. “Actually, I was thinking I could use another pair of eyes to review some documents. We received the Chandlers’ financials. I need you to look them over and see if anything stands out. We’re so busy with this pageant stuff, and I don’t want to fall behind on that investigation.”

“You know I’d love to do that. I’m honestly hoping Brooke had nothing to do with her husband’s demise. Chloe and I can go over them together.”

“I have them in an email; I’ll forward it to you. Now… can I get to bed?” I said, standing in my underwear and pulling back the covers.

“Yes, babe. I’m a bit wired now, so I want to stay up and read some more.”

“If you need help to come to bed and get comfortable, be sure and wake me,” I replied with a healthy yawn. I brushed my knuckles against his cheek before giving him a goodnight kiss.

“I slept well today, and I did just fine getting on the bed by myself. I’ll be okay, and I’ll join you soon.”

“Okay, don’t stay up too much longer,” I said, tapping his nose with a finger. He smiled and shuffled into the living room. I flicked off the light, and within minutes I was under the spell of much-needed sleep.

Five hours went by faster than I wanted them to, and when my alarm went off, I realized I hadn’t moved all night. I also noticed the bed next to me hadn’t been slept in. “Don’t tell me he fell asleep on the sofa?” I moaned, throwing the covers off.

I padded to the living room in my underwear, and sure enough, there lay Craig, book on his chest, and head turned into the sofa cushion. I couldn’t be mad since he looked so cute, mouth agape, lightly snoring. Debating whether to rouse him or let him sleep, I decided to take a shower first and see if he’d wake up.

After I’d gotten cleaned up and, in my underwear, I went to check on him. He hadn’t moved a muscle, and I felt it best to move him to the bedroom. “Hey, sleeping beauty,” I said quietly, caressing the back of his good hand. His left arm, with the cast, moved involuntarily from my touch and landed on top of my knuckles.

“Ow, Jesus Christ!” I bellowed. My outburst jolted him from his slumber, and he winced in pain from the quick movement and his tender ribs. My protective instinct kicked in, and I didn’t need him to move any more than he had. “Just stay still, Howler.” I looked at my hand, which showed no trauma other than a few red knuckles.

He blinked a few times, trying to focus, until his gaze found mine. “Wh-what happened?” he asked, his voice hoarse from sleep.

“I startled you, and you hit my hand with your cast,” I snickered.

“Oh, shit. I-I’m sorry,” he replied, afraid he’d hurt me.

I rubbed my hand. “I’m okay, but I see you didn’t make it to bed last night. Why don’t you go lie down in the bedroom? You need more sleep.”

“Well, I’m wide awake now. And I hit you. I doubt I’d be able to go back to sleep.” He scrubbed his face and tried to sit up.

“Alright, but I need to finish getting ready and get to the hotel. Here, let me help you,” I said, taking his arm and pulling him upright.

“Would you like some coffee? I can make some while you’re getting ready,” he said, pulling his bathrobe closed. I took both ends of the robe tie and looped it at his waist for him.

“That would be great,” I replied, giving him a soft kiss. He smiled, his eyes still not quite awake.

It only took me a little over forty minutes to do the makeup and change into my outfit. Craig walked into the bedroom and set my coffee on the dresser as I was getting dressed. “Here you go, babe,” he said, more awake. He propped his good arm on top of the dresser and leaned against it. “I’ll call Chloe this morning and see if she can swing by this afternoon. We’ll go over Brooke’s financials together.”

I picked up my phone, found the email Sean had sent with the attachments, and forwarded them to Craig. “I just sent you the financials. I appreciate the help, Howler.”

“Chloe and I will scour them today and see what we can find.”

I finished my coffee and was grateful he’d made a pot. The caffeine would need to sustain me after only five hours' sleep, and I filled a small thermos to take with me, thinking it would help me get through the morning. I kissed Craig goodbye and told him I’d check in with him later in the day.

The presence of security was palpable when I arrived at the hotel. There were more men and women in blue from the police and the FBI, and the hotel security team was stationed visibly throughout the hotel. Word had gotten out about Lindsey’s disappearance, and as I’d figured, rumors of all kinds were circulating backstage; not only among contestants having their makeup done but also among the makeup crew. Did she drop out of the competition under pressure? Maybe she got sick and had to leave. What if she was kidnapped, like what happened in Nevada? Could she be dead?

Everyone had a theory, but no one knew anything concrete. I feigned interest in the gossip, but my eyes and ears were more attuned than ever before. My plan was to watch Sami and see what he was up to. We’d exchanged hellos when he arrived, and as the morning wore on, he seemed to be distracted. As I focused on pretending to be helpful backstage, I noticed a tan-uniformed officer walk through the backstage area opposite the makeup stations.

Lo-and-behold, his face, build, and gait told me that dirty sheriff, Chet Landon, was here in San Francisco—and within spitting distance.

38

CRAIG

After Jonesy left, I felt getting more sleep would help my healing. I held off on coffee and forced myself not to check my email to see what Jonesy had forwarded. I knew if I got into it, I’d lose myself, but I had promised him I would collaborate with Chloe on the project. Getting more shuteye seemed like the smartest thing to do.

I resigned myself to the bedroom instead of the sofa and settled onto the bed. The mind chatter kept me awake for about half an hour before I finally succumbed. The next thing I knew, my phone was buzzing on the nightstand. Of course. It hadn’t occurred to me to turn the ringer off. I didn’t feel any urgency to take the call and figured if it was important, they’d leave a message.