Page 107 of Beach Reads and Deadly Deeds

Both Jason and Trevor stared at me, surprised that I’d asked.

“We have not, though that’s not your business.”

“Then why are you so angry? Maybe you should go to St. John to look for her.”

He reddened. “You have some explaining to do—”

“Ms. Crawford doesn’t owe you anything, Mr. Lance,” Jason said firmly. “You will back off, and if you have any questions, speak with Tristan.”

Trevor looked like he wanted to hit Jason. Then he stormed off.

Jason said to Callie, “Call Tristan. Tell him what just happened.”

She nodded and got on the phone.

He looked at me, his green eyes clouded with concern. “You okay? He didn’t hurt you, did he?”

I shook my head. “What happened? Is she really missing?”

“I don’t know the details. Tristan has been on the phone with everyone he can think of today. You were friendly with her?”

“We talked a couple times. She was outgoing and very nice.” I bit my lip.

“What are you thinking? Did she say something? Did Lance hurt her?”

I shook my head. “I don’t know. But—yesterday I was on a bike taxi getting a, um, tour around the island,” I fibbed, “and I saw her having lunch with a woman who I think is Trevor’s ex-wife.”

Jason looked confused. Then his eyes narrowed. “How certain are you?”

“I saw an older photo. Brie and I were being nosy about Trevor and CeeCee and looked him up. I’m almost positive it was her.”

“I’ll tell Tristan. You don’t have to be in the middle of this.” He rubbed his hands up and down my arms. “You’re shaking.”

“That was just so unexpected. I’m better now.”

“It was completely out of line. He won’t be allowed back.”

“Must be nice that Tristan trusts your opinion.”

Jason smiled. “I’m a good judge of character. But management listens to employees. It’s something I appreciate. Otherwise I might not have stayed here so long.” He kissed me. “You sure you’re okay?”

He kissed me in public. At the bar. Where everyone could see. He wasn’t worried about getting in trouble with management? “Yeah,” I said, not quite knowing what to make of this. “I’m looking forward to tonight.”

“Me, too.” He kissed me again. “I’m going to help Tristan and Gino find CeeCee, and let Tristan know who she had lunch with. I don’t know if it matters, but we’ll get to the bottom of it. Six tonight. Don’t be late.”

“I won’t,” I said, and smiled as he left.

I turned, expecting Luis to still be sitting on the stool, but he was gone.

I asked Callie, “Where did Luis go?”

She shrugged. “I didn’t notice. Probably going down for his late morning nap.” She smiled. “He really just comes and goes. Sometimes I don’t see him for days. Other times he sits under a tree for hours at a time. He’s odd, but I really love him. St. Claire wouldn’t be the same without Luis.”

Chapter Twenty-Six

“A successful theft is an anonymous act. The absence of a mark.”

—V. E. Schwab,The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue

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