Page 10 of Breaking the Dark

Jessica looks down too. The girl is nowhere to be seen.

Jessica arrives at the Finch at noon the following day and is directed to the Simone room, where she finds Amber Randall sitting with a plate of avocado maki rolls and a pot of coffee. Amber closes her laptop when Jessica walks in, then picks up the coffee pot.

“How do you like it?”

“Black. Please.”

Amber pours her a cup and passes it to her. “I got you sushi. I hope that’s okay?”

Jessica nods, although she feels very strongly that she won’t be eating any. “Thank you.”

“So, how did it go?”

“It went fine. I mean, as in I found them, I followed them, I heard them, I recorded them. It all went according to plan. But in terms of finding anything out—not really. Just that her friends also think something’s up with her…”

“They do?”

“Yeah. They exchanged a few looks. That kind of thing. And when they asked Lark if she was okay, she said she was ‘perfect.’”

“Yes!” Amber sits up smartly. “Yes, that’s what she says to me too! And Fox! Both of them have said that to me when I’ve asked them if they’re okay. Isn’t that a strange thing to say, don’t you think? ‘Perfect’?”

Jessica sips her coffee and nods.

“And what else?”

“Nothing really. She just seemed a little spacy. A little disconnected. And yeah, I did see what you meant about her complexion. It’s kind of freakishly immaculate.”

“Yes. Like it’s been airbrushed.” Amber shakes her head and sighs. “Anyway, you should probably take a look at Fox next. He’s at a birthday dinner tonight, his best friend Jefferson’s mother’s fiftieth. I’ve made you a reservation at the same restaurant and I’ve asked for it to be close to the party table.”

“How did you swing that?”

“I said you were my son’s private security.”

Jessica lifts an eyebrow, but she doesn’t say anything.

“So, same as last night. Carry a recorder. Observe. Here’s the restaurant.”

Amber slides a card across the table toward her. It’s mint green with tan lettering that says THE BLEEDING HEART. Underneath that it says MODERN FRENCH AND AMERICAN CUISINE.

Jessica sighs. “What do people wear there?”

“Well, it’s smart casual. So you could go as you are, but maybe a blowout could be the finishing touch?”

“A blowout?”

“Yes.” Amber gestures at Jessica’s head. “You have pretty hair, but it’s, you know, a little…anyway. There’s a place across the street, walk-in. Here.” She passes Jessica some twenties. “You could go now. Ask for mermaid waves.”

“Seriously?”

“Seriously.”

Jessica takes the twenties from Amber’s hand and slides them into her jacket pocket. “Anything else?”

“No. That’s it. Just be there at seven tonight. The booking is in the name of Jane Smith.”

“Inspired.” Jessica stands. “Okay then. I will go get my mermaid hair and leave you to get on with your day.” Her gaze goes to Amber’s laptop. “You mentioned you’re a therapist.”

“Oh.” Amber smiles a small smile. “Yes. I am.”

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