Page 98 of Raging Inferno

Sam released Dominic and took her hand. “My God, Presley, you are a vision.”

“Thanks.”

When he didn’t seem like he was going to let go, she yanked her hand free.

Sam commandeered an empty seat from a neighboring table, spun it around, scooted it between her and Dominic, and sat down. “These events wear me out.”

“Have you eaten?” asked Presley.

“No, and damn, it looks delicious.”

“Grab a plate and join us,” Dominic offered.

“I think I will.”

Sam stood, and they followed for seconds. Presley wanted more of the fluffy mashed potatoes.

When they returned to the table, Sam dug into the prime rib. “My gosh, this is tasty.” He looked over at Presley. “Have you seen my wife lately? She’s supposed to start the show in fifteen minutes.”

“I haven’t.” Presley glanced around, but there was no sign of Jessie or her flashy red dress.

“She’s probably off screwing the busboy,” Sam mused around bites of food. He didn’t sound the least bit upset.

Presley couldn’t imagine what kept them together when they so obviously despised each other. They both apparently slept around. Neither cared. She supposed it was for appearances. Dominic told her they hosted a few of these events yearly and raised money for several charitable causes. Maybe that wasenough for them. Still, it would probably be easier to divorce now and go on with their lives, but what did she know? She’d never been married.

When the time rolled around to start the event, and there was no sign of Jessie, Presley began to worry. Sam cursed a blue streak and shoved his chair back from the table.

“That’s it. I’m divorcing the bitch.” He stomped to the stage.

Presley searched the room again but didn’t see Jessie or Tamera. “I’m going to look for her,” Presley said.

“I’ll come with you,” Dominic offered.

“Me too,” supplied Kayne.

“We should split up to cover the mansion,” Presley decided. “I’ll take this first floor. Kayne, you search the second, and Dominic, you’ve got the third where the kids are staying. Call if you find anything.”

With nods, they spread out. Presley opened every door she came to and stuck her head in each nook and cranny. She encountered dozens of staff workers but no Jessie. When she reached the back of the house where the laundry and mud room were located, something sharp poked her in the back. She knew from her years in the military and law enforcement that it was a gun. Before she could turn, a voice whispered, “Do not make a sound, and don’t worry. I’m a friend, not a foe. Walk out the door as if nothing is amiss.”

She tried to place the voice. It was female. She wasn’t worried since she could disarm the person in seconds, and they didn’t seem to want to kill her immediately, so she would buy her time. An opportunity to overtake her would come. Presley would be ready for it.

“Open the door.”

Presley did as instructed and felt a sharp pain in her back that seized her muscles, dropping her to her knees.

“Get up, Presley.”

She pushed to her feet, but it wasn’t easy. Her limbs didn’t want to cooperate. It was dark when she stepped outside. A few lights glowed in the back of the house, but she couldn’t focus. “Who are you?”

“I’m not here to hurt you, Presley. We’re kindred souls, you and I. What I have in store for you will finally bring you closure.”

Presley’s legs felt like jello, and she tripped down the deck steps, grabbing the rail to break her fall. As it was, she landed on her back and looked up into the sky. She was shocked when a person stepped into her view, and she stared into the face of Dr. Val Anders.

Chapter Twenty-Five

Presley blinked, trying to clear the haze in her eyes. “Dr. Anders?”

“Call me Val.” The medical examiner helped her up and prodded her forward. “Come on, Presley, get up. We need to get gone.”

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