Page 121 of Vacation Friends

She paused near a bridge over the lazy river and glanced at her phone. No new messages waited for her.

Why had this person lured her outside? It didn’t make any sense.

Maybe she should go back to her room and forget about that text.

She straightened as she spotted Nico. He appeared to be headed toward a large hot tub nestled on the edge of the outdoor area. She could see it from where she was; it was currently empty.

As she glanced farther down the walkway, she saw Josh headed in that same direction with a fruity cocktail in hand.

Was this what someone wanted her to see? If so, why?

She remained where she was and watched.

Was this some type of unofficial meeting between Josh and Nico? Were the two of them discussing the future of the company? Or maybe Josh would try to convince Nico not to take the position, even if it was offered.

Nico dropped his towel and stepped into the hot tub.

Right as he did, a pop of electricity sounded.

A faint scent of smoke filled the air.

Nico froze, his body suddenly vibrating as he stood there.

Maddie’s breath caught.

Was he being . . . electrocuted?

Maddie only stared at the scene for a split second.

Nico would die unless someone did something.

She rushed toward Nico and glanced around, looking for something she could use to help—something that wouldn’t conduct electricity.

Her gaze stopped on his towel. It appeared to be dry.

Quickly, she grabbed it and slung it around his waist like a rope. She couldn’t touch him, or she would be electrocuted also.

Using all her energy, she jerked him back, hoping to break the flow of electricity.

He fell back, taking her with him as he tumbled into the bushes surrounding the hot tub.

Maddie gasped in deep breaths as she tried to figure out if her rescue plan had worked.

Crawling onto her knees, she peered over him.

He wasn’t breathing.

Had she been too late?

CHAPTER

FIFTY-SIX

As a hotel employee ran over and began CPR on Nico, Maddie scooted back to give him space.

She still couldn’t get a deep breath. Her nerves felt as if they were on fire, and her heart raced.

“Maddie?” Josh peered at her.

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