Page 12 of Criminology of a Character

“I doubt it.”

“But you could have,” she pushed.

“Youreallywant me to say yes, don’t you?”

“I mean, Mr. Darcy was handsome, rich, and grumpy. Sounds like someone I know.”

“I was not the inspiration for Mr. Darcy.” Eamon spun her, glancing at Hyde as he pulled her back to his chest since she’d forgotten they were on a mission.

“But you could’ve been.”

“I’m not.”

“But you could have.”

Eamon laughed, the sound infectious and exquisitely beautiful. She was one of the few he let hear his joy, and she would never tire of its melody.

“Will it make you happy if I say there’s a small—a very, very small—chance I met Miss Austen and inspired your rich and grumpy Mr. Darcy?” He slid his hand against hers as if they were in a Regency movie.

“Obviously, yes.” Bel beamed. “Pride and Prejudice is practically the romance reader’s bible. Even if it’sabsolutely ridiculous, it’s fun to imagine. Plus, it makes hearing how old you are easier, because it’s terrifying that you’re immortal, and I’m…” she trailed off. “Anyway, I enjoy imagining you at a ball, so tall that you stood a head over everyone, causing Jane Austen to notice your black eyes and think,‘I can fix him by making him a romance hero’.”

“Ireallylove you,” Eamon chuckled. “Only you could see the monster I am and hope I inspired history’s favorite romantic lead.”

“If I were her, I would’ve written a whole series inspired by you.” Bel rose onto her toes and kissed his cheek. “Oh, Hyde is free.” She jerked backward and dragged him across the floor to where the doctor stood, the dreamy bookworm gone as the detective assumed control.

“Dr. Hyde.” Bel plastered a charming smile on her lips. “Do you have a moment?”

“For a beautiful woman, of course,” he answered.

“I have a question,” she said. “I live in a small town, and everyone knows everyone’s business. If I were to get a procedure done, everyone would know by lunch, and I’d prefer not to deal with their judgment.”

“And you’re wondering if this island full of plastic surgeons can help,” Hyde finished for her. She nodded, and he gestured for the couple to follow him. “We canabsolutelyhelp you. It’s one of our specialties. It’s hard to hide procedures from the public, so many of our guests come here, get work done, and then recover in their private suites while enjoying their vacation. They return home looking amazing, and everyone assumes their glow is thanks to the sunshine and relaxation.”

Hyde led them through the long hallways to the rear of the resort, where a sterile and aesthetically pleasing clinic sat out in the open for anyone to stumble upon, and Bel threw Eamon a look. This was too easy. This clinic was too obvious. L’Oasis wasn’t hiding anything, so while they might’ve helped Gianni change his face, she suspected they’d been as oblivious as she was to his identity. Otherwise, Hyde wouldn’t have led a cop right to the evidence.

“The technicians left for the evening, but you’re welcome to come back tomorrow morning,” he continued, all too eagerly. “What were you thinking of getting done? Lips? Filler?” He studied her like an equation and not a woman.

“Actually,I want to lighten the scars on my neck.” Bel angled her throat at the doctor.

“Your scars?” Hyde asked, clearly surprised by her answer. “That’s not something we’re equipped to handle. A procedure to reduce scar tissue isn’t a vacation operation. You’ll need a specialistfor that, but I can recommend some magnificent surgeons. Dr. FrankVictorsis the foremost expert in trauma reconstruction. I can put you in touch with him.”

“I’m friends with Frank,” Eamon said. “I’ll make Isobel an appointment when we get home.”

“Excellent. In the meantime, would you like a tour and a procedure list?” Hyde asked, ever the salesman. “Even if we can’t do what you’re looking for, we offeran assortment ofbeauty treatments.”

“I’ll think about it,” Bel said. Now that she knew this clinic existed, she didn’t care to linger and discuss procedures she had no interest in.

“Well, you know where to find us,” Hyde said. “Drop by anytime.” He locked up the clinic, and together the trio returned to the dining hall.

“At least wehave something for Agent Barry,” Eamon said as he turned off the bedroom light and settled on the mattress. They’d mingled with the dinner guests for the rest of the evening, and this was their first private moment since learning about the clinic.

“It’s not what we’re looking for, though.” Bel stared at the ceiling as she cataloged her thoughts.

“Why not?” Eamon studied her in the darkness, but when she didn’t meet his gaze, he slipped a hand under the sheets to rest on her bare stomach.

“Dr. Hyde was far too eager to show a cop the clinic. He isn’t hiding anything,” she said. “His biggest crime is helpingvacationers avoid appearing in the tabloids. I’ll still mention it to Barry, but they aren’t responsible for Gianni’s transformation.”

“Are you sure? Is it possible they didn’t recognize him, which is why Hyde wasn’t concerned?”

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