Page 39 of Stuart Woods' Golden Hour

Should know more by tonight.

Finally, some good news. Billy tapped out an acknowledgment and hitSend, then settled in as the train began to move.

“Do you mind if I check on Tessa and Adriene?” Stacy asked. The trio had formed a tight bond during the filming ofStorm’s Eye.

“Why would I mind?”

“I didn’t want you to feel like you were being abandoned.”

“I think my fragile ego will adapt to your defection.”

She snapped up her purse, gave him a wave, and hurried out.

The door had barely slid closed again when Billy’s phone vibrated. It was a text from Rogers. Billy had all but given up on him.

I have something for our mutual friend.

I’m guessing you left Rome already?

Teddy messaged back:

Yes. Just.

Rogers texted:

The 7:55 to Venice?

Teddy replied in the affirmative.

Nearly half a minute passed before his phone vibrated with Rogers’s response.

Will meet you en route.

Teddy sent a message to Vesna, letting her know about Rogers’s plan.

14

There was a knock onJillian’s office door, and before she could say anything, it opened and her boss strode in.

“Drop whatever you’re doing,” he said.

She blinked. “What?”

“Something’s come up that you need to discuss with Mr. Braun.”

The hairs on her arms began to prickle. “Ido?”

“Yes, you. You’re the one heading up research on Golden Hour.”

“W-w-what do I need to talk to him about?”

“It concerns one of the names on the list.”

“Oh, um, okay. I guess that makes sense.”

“A rumor has come to my attention that Mr. Braun will be very interested in hearing. I want you to inform him and ask him what he wants to do. If he’d like us to follow up, you will handle it.”

He handed her a thumb drive.

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