Page 79 of Vacation Friends

“They’re just a part of life, unfortunately.” Adrienne threw her a look full of both gratitude and compassion. Then something shifted in her gaze. “I can’t believe those bolts on Josh’s balcony might have been loosened on purpose.”

A knot lodged in her throat. “I know. I can’t either. It blows my mind.”

“Was someone targeting Josh?” Adrienne tilted her head in curiosity. “I mean, it just doesn’t make sense.”

Maddie pressed her lips together as she considered what to say. She’d been playing with the idea of telling someone about the notes and texts she’d received. But she’d always stopped herself, figuring it was better to keep those things private.

Maybe getting the truth out there would feel good. Maybe she needed to hear someone else’s opinion on what was going on.

But if Maddie said the words, would she later regret speaking so honestly?

She glanced at Adrienne’s curious expression.

She wasn’t sure what she should do.

CHAPTER

THIRTY-FOUR

“If I tell you something, do you promise to keep it between the two of us?” Maddie paused as she and Adrienne stepped outside near a garden area.

Concern filled Adrienne’s gaze. “Yes, of course. What’s going on?”

Maddie took Adrienne’s arm and pulled her farther away from the path, toward a stone bench perched amongst some hibiscus plants.

Maddie shifted toward Adrienne. “I think someone is plotting against Josh.”

“What?” A knot formed on Adrienne’s brow. “What do you mean?”

“I mean, I think there are people in this company who don’t want to see Josh named CEO. They’re banding against him and trying to convince the board to choose Nico instead.”

Her eyes widened. “Wow . . . I hadn’t heard. I guess I’m not in a position of power, so no one has bothered to mention it to little old me.”

“There’s more . . .” Now that Maddie had started, she might as well finish. “I wonder if someone is so desperate to keep Josh from becoming CEO that they’re taking it a step further. I’m wondering if someone wants to get him out of the way—permanently.”

“You mean by trying to kill him?” Her words came out quickly and in a hushed whisper.

Maddie hesitated a minute before nodding. “Yes, by trying to kill him. Maybe the balcony incident was meant for him, not me. And the slashed tire on the side-by-side? Maybe that wasn’t a coincidence either.”

Adrienne blinked in surprise. “Wow. I never considered that maybe someone had more sinister motives. But that’s extreme, right?”

“It is. But when you’re talking about a company with this much power and money, the stakes are high.”

“I can’t argue with that.” She tilted her head as she observed Maddie. “What are you going to do?”

“I’m trying to figure out what’s going on. I just might be a target also, by default.”

Adrienne’s eyes widened. “That’s terrible. Should you even stay?”

“I’m a suspect in Jared’s death. The detective pretty much said I needed to stay in Kauai. But I feel like I’m caught in a dangerous game I never signed up to be part of.”

“I’d say.” Adrienne softly gripped Maddie’s arm. “What can I do to help?”

“You don’t need to do anything. But I need to find some answers before anyone else gets hurt.”

“Where do you even start?” She dropped her hand and leaned back, but her gaze remained intense.

“I start by making a list of who might hate me—or Josh. And why.”

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