Page 15 of Claiming Veronica

“Okay, yes. It’s about Eli. But not just him. I think Victor left breadcrumbs behind, and if I follow them, I might find more about Eli.”

“Ronnie, Victor’s dead. What can he possibly tell you?” I could see Reed’s frustration through the screen, and suddenly, I wished desperately that we all lived closer.

“Victor leased a place a few months before he died. Somewhere outside of Phoenix. I think it could be connected to Eli somehow. They were friends, remember? I just can’t figure out why Eli doesn’t have any digital footprint. It’s like I’m looking under the wrong name. I need to figure out if he used an alias or if …” Now that I’m brainstorming, I feel like I’m rethinking things. All this time, I was looking for an Eli Walters, but that obviously wouldn’t have been a name someone hiding would have used.

“And you’re sure about this? It’s not some wild goose chase?” Calia asked in a small voice.

“I’ve cross-referenced some info on the dark web, and it all points back to this place. Victor’s name is all over the lease.”

“I don’t know, Ronnie. This sounds dangerous. You’re not exactly a seasoned investigator. What if someone jumps you?”

“I know I’m not some hotshot P.I., but I’m careful. And, listen, tomorrow I have a doctor’s appointment anyway. It’s perfect. I’ll use the time after to go check the place out. It’s not that far off from the hospital.”

“Wait. Hold up. You’re going to drive yourself?!” The burst of laughter from the three of them was relentless as it rolled over the speakers. “That’shilarious.” I shrank a little in my chair as I sighed, rolling my eyes even though I was smiling as their giggles filled the air.

“Yeah, yeah, I know. I don’t drive much,” I agreed playing along. “But I can still do it. It’s not that hard. Input the address in the GPS, and off I go. A monkey can do it.” It was a bluff, but a bluff was all I had. Sometimes, I felt like that was the majority of my life anyway, bluffing my way through.

I’m fine.

I’ll get better.

I’m happy.

The litany of bluffs. I was the queen of bluffing.

“Oh God, please don’t crash. That’ll be a whole other mess,” Calia said. “Well, just keep your dashcam on. I want video at least,” she snorted.

“You driving? I’m almost more worried about that than this whole Eli-Victor thing,” Arabella added.

“Haha. Very funny. It’s not that big of a deal. It’s just a doctor’s appointment and a quick look at the property. I’ll be fine.” I cringed a little at my lie. It seemed like I was manufacturing one lie after another.

“Promise you’ll be careful, okay? I don’t want to hear about you going off the grid again and leaving us in the dark. You’re good at disappearing.” Reed was serious this time, and I was reminded about the last time I did go off-grid, as she mentioned. That time, I had pneumonia and was in the hospital. They’d had to track down Natasha, and she’d had to tell them I was in ICU. It’d been rough on her and them.

“I promise. I’ll keep you all updated.” I meant it.

“You better. Or we’ll track you down ourselves,” Calia said, and the others nodded in agreement.

I grinned.

“Alright, alright. You guys are so dramatic. I’ll message you after the appointment tomorrow.” I knew they’d ask for an update.

“Good. And stay safe, Ronnie. Seriously.”

I was just about to log off when a notification pinged. My security system sent an alert — something moved on the back porch. A chill raced down my spine.

“Hey, I gotta go. Something’s up.”

I didn’t wait for their replies before closing the chat window. My pulse quickened as I pulled up the live feed from the camera by the sliding door.The view wasn’t great — just the dim patio light and a few shadows cast by the chairs and table. But there, near the edge of the frame, something caught my eye.

A small box.

Another gift.

I swallowed hard, my heart hammering against my ribs. He had been here again. Watching.

Pushing the laptop aside, I moved to the back door, every nerve in my body on edge. The glass felt cool against my hand as I heaved the door open, stepping out into the night air. I crouched down to examine the box. Huh. This was different.

It was small and unassuming. But I knew better. My fingers trembled as I lifted the lid. Jewelry?

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