Page 38 of Phoenix Rising

Terry rubbed his chin. “There was a disturbance in the lobby during that time.”

“What happened?” Reese wanted to know.

“An older gentleman collapsed in the atrium.”

It sounded like a diversion. “What was wrong with him?”

“He was overheated.”

“Was he a guest of the resort?”

“I assumed so since he was in the lobby.”

“Did you get his name?” Audria asked. The incident had pricked her suspicions as well.

“Mr. Smith.”

Reese exchanged a glance with Audria. It was like they weren’t even trying. “Did you call an ambulance?”

“No. His wife said she would drive him to the hospital. It was a distraction, wasn’t it?” Terry growled.

“More than likely.” Audria gestured to the monitor. “Can we see the video?”

“Sure.”

Terry turned back to the computer and manipulated the keys. He programmed the feed to where a man and woman loitered by the fountain. The man suddenly crumpled to the ground.

“Back that up,” Audria instructed. “There.” She pointed. “Zoom in.” Terry did as requested. “Now go slow.”

The woman glanced around and then nudged the man. He collapsed dramatically, and she called for help before dropping beside him.

“It was a signal,” Terry realized. “Sonofabitch, they faked the whole thing.”

“To distract you from the break-in.”

Terry pulled his phone from his pocket. “I’ll call the police.” Reese almost told him to hold off, but Terry eyed him. “This is non-negotiable. It’s company policy with theft, and I need it documented.”

“Until we learn differently, this is just a break-in,” Reese cautioned. He didn’t want the local police involved with Paige’s disappearance yet. If she were in danger, it might spook whoever the bad guy was into causing her harm. Besides, he didn’t need territorial disputes. He trusted Audria and her coworkers to help him find Paige over the local authorities.

After Terry called and requested a detective to come to the resort, Audria said, “Can you back the feed up again?”

Terry did, and she instructed him when to stop. She pointed to the screen. “Look, Reese.”

“That’s Raphael Ramsey, the bartender at Waterfall, the in-house bar,” Terry said.

Audria nodded. “We’ve met him. Funny, he called in sick today.”

Terry’s brows raised. “Do you think he has something to do with this?”

They not only suspected him of dealing drugs, but they’d also watched and filmed the transactions, which Reese would take care of once they located Paige. “No, but it may not be a coincidence he was here when he called in sick.”

“I’ll question him when he comes in tomorrow,” Terry said. “I’ll keep your information confidential.”

A few minutes later, a sharp rap sounded. When Terry called to enter, the door opened to reveal a woman with shoulder-length black hair, wearing a gray jacket and matching pants.

“Hey, Tara. You got here fast.”

“Hi, Terry. I was around the corner.” The woman’s shrewd brown gaze ran over Reese and Audria. “What’s going on?”

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