Page 69 of Phoenix Rising

Audria had been shocked when she’d spotted the gold chain with a diamond double infinity pendant on Tilly’s neck. She knew it looked familiar. “That has to be proof that Elijah killed Paige.”

When Talia didn’t respond, Audria grounded to a halt, forcing Talia to stop. “You don’t agree.”

Talia paused, and Audria could see she was choosing her words carefully. “I do think it is a smoking gun, but I felt like Tilly was telling the truth when she said her brother did not give it to her.”

Audria had believed her, too, but it was too coincidental that the suspect’s sister had possession of something belonging to the victim. “Maybe he sent it to her anonymously. He could’ve hired the man with the bird tattoo to give it to her.”

Talia nodded slowly. “That is a possibility, but I wonder why he would do that instead of giving it to her himself.”

“Who knows what goes on in his demented mind? Besides, Tilly said she thought the bird looked like an eagle, and that’s how a Phoenix is described. Elijah might’ve gotten the tattoo himself and worn a disguise to give it to her.”

“Yes, I see your point,” Talia conceded.

They returned to the SUV and repeated what had transpired to the men as they drove to the rental house. The weekend retreat at Spiritual Beginnings was scheduled to begin later in the day. They wanted Christian on site with them since they had proof Guru Phoenix was Elijah. They had all been able to call and make reservations at the last minute. After Guru Phoenix’s bomb of a sermon yesterday, Audria wasn’t surprised there were still rooms available.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Reese wasn’t looking forward to the weekend retreat, but he was eager to take Elijah down like the dog he was. The man needed to pay for his crimes, including Paige’s disappearance. With Audria’s discovery of her necklace, the most logical conclusion was that she was dead, and that made his gut cramp.

His phone chimed with Gennie’s ringtone, and he excused himself to talk to her. He probably should’ve given her an update sooner since she was technically the client and footing the bill. He’d been holding out until they had proof.

“Hi, Gennie.”

“Hello, darling. How are you?”

“I’m good.”

“Are you getting enough sleep?”

Reese wasn’t, but he sure wouldn’t tell his ex-wife why. Sex with Gennie had been good, sometimes great, but he’d never felt the overwhelming need to have her, even if they’d just made love. With Audria, he couldn’t get enough. “Yes.”

“Well, I know how you get when you’re on a case. You don’t take care of yourself, darling.”

She was too nice, and he shouldn’t feel guilty for sleeping with another woman. He and Gennie were divorced. She might’ve found someone else for all he knew. “I’m sorry I haven’t called to update you, but I have nothing concrete yet.”

“I don’t mean to be a pest, but I’m worried for Paige.”

Reese rubbed his forehead. “Gennie, we have a suspect that we’re focusing on, and I’m going to need you to prepare yourself for the worst.”

She inhaled sharply. “Oh, my God. She’s dead, isn’t she?”

“We don’t know that for sure.” But hewaspretty sure.

Gennie sniffed. “I know that if anyone can locate Paige or,” her voice cracked, “find out what happened to her, it’s you, Reese.”

He hated that she was hurting. “I’ll let you know as soon as I have anything solid, Gennie.”

“I know you will. Thank you, darling.”

Reese disconnected the call and rubbed his chest. He was no longer in love with Gennie, but he did love her and hated disappointing her. She would be crushed to learn her lifelong friend was dead. The best thing he could do was bring her killer to justice.

“Hey, is everything okay?”

Reese lifted his head to see Audria standing before him, concern evident in her eyes. Just having her near brought him peace. He pulled her close and kissed her, absorbing her surprised gasp. The scent of her, the taste of her, filled his lungs. He simply needed her to breathe.

She wrapped her arms around him and leaned against his chest, giving her silent support. It meant more than she could know.

“The others are getting ready to leave. Are you packed?”

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