Page 19 of Reckless Chance
“No way. When we’re using the external stairs, we secure the latch underneath. When that latch is locked, it cannot be opened from above.”
“Does that mean the latch failed?” Sean asks.
“We don’t know yet. We moved Mr. Brentwood, but we haven’t touched anything in there.”
“Sean, can you shine the flashlight from your phone up there? On the door latches,” I say.
When the light hits the wood, four empty holes are visible.
I turn and whisper into Sean’s ear, “Take a photo without Ron noticing. Also, take a photo of the interior floor of the tree trunk. I’ll explain later.”
Stepping away from the opening in the trunk, I place my hand on Ron’s back, turning him toward the side of the stage as I say, “We’re finished here. Ron, can you show me where the tree was kept before it was brought to the center of the stage.”
By the time Sean rejoins us, the police and EMTs have arrived and taken over. Two hours later, we finally return to Sean’s apartment and collapse onto the bed.
Stressed, exhausted, and sad, we lie next to each other, staring silently at the ceiling.
Eventually, sleep consumes us.
13
SEAN
“Prince Evan and Cassie—oh, I’m sorry, I mean Ms. Edwards—have arrived. Christian escorted them to the Monarch Suite five minutes ago,” Emily says as she walks into my office.
Standing up, I grab my suit jacket and tuck my phone into the inside pocket. “Excellent. Time to set the rest of tonight’s plan in motion.”
Ten minutes later, I greet Evan with our standard brotherly hug and back slap. “Man, it’s been forever. Can’t you text occasionally?” I lay it on a little thick, implying we haven’t talked or emailed lately. We don’t want Cassie to suspect we’ve been planning a party.
As I’m pulling Cassie in for a welcoming embrace, Evan says, “We’ve been busy with my family. I’m sure you saw the news that my brother married after a dramatic set of events.”
“Who didn’t hear about it? Hopefully, you’ll fill me in on the details that weren’t in the news.”
“Join us for a late breakfast while we talk. I can’t wait any longer for one of the Athena’s famous apricot-pecan croissants,” Cassie says.
“I wouldn’t mind one. They’re my favorite.”
Between bites, we chat about the bizarre events surrounding Evan’s brother’s wedding. It could be the plot for a movie where rom-com meets thriller, but they assure me it happened in real life.
“Enough about my family. What’s going on here? Is it true that a guest died during a show yesterday?” Evan asks.
“I don’t know how you heard about it already. Unfortunately, it is true. It was a horrendous accident.” I grimace, recalling the images from last night.
“How did it happen?” Cassie asks.
“We’re not sure yet. The police and the stage manager, who’s in charge of safety, are investigating. The lawyers in my life don’t want me talking about it at this point.”
“I’m sure they don’t,” Cassie says.
“On a happier note, I have a surprise for you. Kai’s here today and invited you to meet him this afternoon if you’re available. He wants to show you around the kitchen you’ll be using.”
“I’d love to catch up with him and tour the kitchen. I haven’t seen Kia in person since the cooking competition. We’ve been talking and emailing about the restaurant renovation though. He’s excited about becoming your permanent chef after my month as the guest chef. Evan, would you mind if I spend the afternoon with Kai?”
“Of course not.”
“Evan, if you don’t have other plans, we could hit my gym while Cassie hangs out with Kai. I upgraded the equipment recently.”
It’s true we’re going to my gym. We won’t be working out though. Evan wants to speak with the magician before tonight, so we’re meeting at my gym while Kai distracts Cassie.
