Page 36 of Phoenix Rising

“Try to keep up,” she teased as she took off. He jogged to catch her.

Audria glanced over at him. “Did you get the plate?”

“Didn’t have one.”

“That can’t be good. It makes it seem less like a random accident.”

“My thoughts too. I’d say we ruffled someone’s feathers by asking about Paige.”

“You realize it seems more likely now that something bad has happened to her?”

“Yeah.” He felt terrible for doubting Gennie. It looked like she was right about her friend. When they reached the hotel, Audria stopped and showed him the video someone had shot of the incident. His jaw clenched again. “It wasn’t an accident. It aimed for us.”

“I’ll need to contact Luke and Logan and fill them in on what happened.”

“Don’t forget it’s two hours later there.”

“Oh, right, they’ll be home with their families. I’ll text and ask them to call me in the morning.”

They returned to their room. Reese was eager to check Audria’s cuts and bruises to ensure she was okay. He slid the card into the slot and opened the door, holding it for Audria to precede him.

“Uh, Reese . . .”

He stepped around her to find destruction. Their suitcases were slashed, the contents strewn across the bed and ripped to shreds. Nothing had been spared, including shoes. Everything was destroyed. Paige’s bag suffered the same fate, as did their toiletries.

Thank goodness they’d locked their computers inside their rental, although . . .

“We need to check the SUV,” Audria said, echoing his thoughts.

“You do that while I talk to hotel security.”

Reese followed Audria out of the room and into the elevator.

“Be careful,” he warned, although he didn’t need to. Audria could care for herself and didn’t take unnecessary risks. Before the doors opened, he pulled her to him for a quick kiss and then got off at the lobby while she continued to the garage.

A man with a tag that read Felix smiled as Reese approached the counter. “How may I assist you today?”

“I need to speak with Ms. Houseman, the general manager.”

“She’s gone home for the evening.”

“Can you call her?”

Felix looked uneasy. “Er, I don’t know. Can someone else assist you?”

“It’s a resort matter that will require the police.”

Felix’s eyes widened. “One moment.” He picked up a phone and disappeared behind a wall. When he returned, he handed the cell to Reese. “She’s on the line.”

Reese walked to an alcove beside a potted palm tree for privacy. “Ms. Houseman?”

“Yes?”

“This is Ross Green. I’m the FBI agent who took possession of Paige Stockton’s suitcase.”

“Yes, Mr. Green. How are you?”

“I’ve been better. Our room was broken into sometime today, and all our belongings have been destroyed.”

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