Page 16 of Save Me

“Be careful,” my mom insists. “I don’t like hearing you investigating anything involving deaths.”

I tell my mom not to worry, but she holds up a hand.

“I know, I know. You’ll be careful. You didn’t mention the word murder or intentional death, but if there’s an investigation involving someone dying, I’m going to assume the worst. And as your mother, I’m telling you to be careful.”

She frowns, and a wrinkle appears between her eyebrows. “Promise me,” she insists.

“I promise.”

It’s on the tip of my tongue to tell her not to worry too much. This is my job; at twenty-seven, I’m still a newbie. I have to work hard to prove myself. To earn my position.

Luckily, I know how to get answers without putting myself in too much danger.

I finish lunch with my mom and Riley, then return to my office.

“Kennedy,” Blake Madison, the vice president of The Regal media, greets as the elevator doors open.

My eyes bulge because seeing him casually taking the main elevator is rare. “Mr. Madison,” I reply. “How are you?” This is only the second time I’ve spoken to him.

The first was on my first day at The Regal when I was shown around the offices.

“How’s it going? I hear you’re working hard?” He smiles.

I nod. “Yes, sir.”

He waves me off. “You don’t have to be so formal. Blake is fine.”

I start to frown but quickly school my features. He seems extremely friendly. That doubt at the back of my mind roars, and I wonder, not for the first time, if someone in my family knows Blake Madison, and that’s how I got this job.

As much as I can’t stand Ardie, his words from our recent meeting conjure up my insecurities. My career is the one thing that I want to have earned all on my own.

“Keep up the good work,” Blake says as he exits the elevator a few floors below mine.

“I will.”

I shake off the odd feelings and ride the next few floors to my office. As soon as I enter the receptionist’s line of sight, her eyes widen.

“Kennedy, you have a delivery.”

Frowning, I wait at her desk. “Do you know who it’s from?”

She shakes her head. “I had the delivery guy leave it on your desk.”

I head to my desk, and before I’m halfway through the spacious open office, which contains about twenty different desks, I spot the large bouquet of lavender and white flowers.

“I didn’t know you were dating anyone.”

I glance over my shoulder and notice Kelsey eyeing the flowers.

“I’ve been waiting for you to return from lunch so you can tell me all about it.”

I take my seat. “I’m not dating anyone.”

“Who are the flowers from?”

“Good question,” I mumble as I search out the card.

My forehead wrinkles from what’s inside.

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