Page 44 of Coming Up Aces

“Are the phones tapped?”

“Yes.”

“You will forget this conversation, and you will not pay attention to who comes in and out of the building. Got it?”

“Got it.”

“Oh, do you have any cameras on your person or vehicle monitoring the building?”

“No.”

“Carry on.”

Regina crossed back over, and they entered the salon together. Vanessa, who normally was booked solid every day, was sitting at the front desk, staring out the window. She glanced up when the bell rang.

“Welcome to Blue Rhapsody.” Her jovial invitation was muted, and Rayna wanted to punch someone.

“Hey, Vanessa. I’m Rachelle. We spoke earlier on the phone? This is what I would like my hair to look like.” Rayna slid a note across the desk that she’d written during the drive. Vanessa frowned, but after she read Rayna’s words, she slumped back in her chair, staring at Rayna. “Grissom answered Seth’s phone earlier. Do you know anything about that?”

Vanessa’s eyes watered as she looked over her shoulder.

“Is someone here?” Rory asked.

“No. Grissom left, and the other agent has been sitting across the street ever since. He came in here demanding to know where Seth is. What the fuck is going on, Ray?”

“That’s what I’m trying to figure out. Have you heard from Seth today?”

“No.” She swiped the tears off her face. “He told me he had a case and was following a lead, and that was yesterday morning when he left for the office. I haven’t seen or talked to him since, and that’s what I told Grissom.”

“Dammit. Seth texted yesterday morning that Grissom ordered him to pick me up at the place I was undercover, and he sent Perkins with Seth. I didn’t get the messages until today, or we could have gotten our stories straight. When Grissom answered, I told him I was still undercover, just doing so away from the cult. Goddess, this is a mess.”

“The cult? What the hell, Rayna?”

“Yeah, fun times, but I was doing my job. I was probably safer there than out on the streets since women are expected to keep their heads down and be silent.”

“Why don’t you just go back to the office? Wouldn’t that be the easiest way to find out what’s going on?”

“Probably, but Seth’s the one who didn’t want me there.”

“Why wouldn’t he?” Vanessa leaned her head back, staring at the ceiling. “Ray…” When she lowered her eyes, they were once again filled with tears. “Something’s not right.” She glanced at Regina and Rory.

“I should have introduced you. This is Regina Davidson and Rory Lazlo. They’re good friends with Asher, my boyfriend.”

“Since when do you have a boyfriend? You didn’t find him in this cult, did you? I mean, you didn’t have one before then.”

“It’s new, and you’ll meet Asher when the time is right, which isn’t now. Now, we need to figure out what’s going on at the office.”

“Thengoto the fucking office, Ray. I can’t lose Seth.” Vanessa sucked in a breath. “Sorry.”

“Nothing to be sorry for, but why would you think you’re losing him?”

“He’s been… off. Ever since you went undercover, he’s been gone more than usual. When he is home, he’s distant.”

“Nessa, I hate to ask, but are you having money issues? Or were you in the past?”

“No. We’ve always lived modestly. You know that. The salon is busier than ever, and Seth makes… you know what he makes.” Vanessa leaned forward, frowning. “Why did you ask that?”

“Whatever’s going on at the office, money is changing hands. A GIA agent was brought in for trying to kidnap his adult daughter. One who is scary good with computers and making shitloads of money. When I left Haven, Seth told me that agent had been released, and we think Hanson is colluding with the man.”

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