Page 56 of Ruined By Protection
"Three days later, apparently" Daniel confirms. "Last seen arguing with him in a restaurant. Witnesses say she left upset.He stayed, finished his meal, chatted with the owner. Perfect alibi."
I pace the length of the bedroom, energy coiling tight in my muscles. "Her body was never found?"
"No. Her car was discovered at a mall parking lot three days after she vanished. Security cameras conveniently malfunctioned that day."
"Of course they did." I grab my watch from the nightstand, strapping it on with unnecessary force. "What's your assessment?"
Daniel is silent for a moment. "Off the record? Either Montgomery or his father made her disappear. The timing, the pregnancy, the way the investigation was handled—it all points to them. But they covered their tracks well. Used their money and connections to make it go away."
I hang up and stand by the window, willing the rage coursing through my veins to dissipate. So Elliott Montgomery thinks his money makes him untouchable. He's about to learn how wrong he is.
CHAPTER 17
Hazel
Istare at the perfectly poached egg on my plate, watching the golden yolk ooze across the artisan sourdough toast.
"You haven't touched your food," Lucrezia says, eyeing me over her espresso cup. "Ettore will be devastated."
I force a smile and cut into the egg. "Sorry. Just lost in thought."
"How about shopping today?" Lucrezia grins, excitement dancing in her eyes. "Because I know all the best places. Fifth Avenue, obviously, but there's this little boutique in SoHo that has the most incredible printed chiffon dresses."
The egg tastes rich and savory on my tongue. "I appreciate it, but I need to be practical. Just some basics to get me through until..." Until what? Until Elliott stops hunting me? Until the divorce is final? Until I figure out what the hell I'm doing with my life?
"Until you have your own place," Lucrezia finishes for me, her voice gentle. "But that doesn't mean you can't have nice things now."
I set my fork down. "I have eight hundred dollars to my name, Lucrezia. That's all I managed to save."
Her perfectly-manicured hand waves dismissively. "Consider it a loan, then. Or better yet, a gift."
"I can't?—"
"You can and you will," she interrupts. "Think of it as my personal rebellion against assholes who control women through money."
The fierce determination in her eyes reminds me that beneath her polished exterior Lucrezia surely has her own battles. I'm starting to understand why she and Evelyn bonded so quickly.
"Evelyn," I say, changing the subject, "shouldn't she be here by now?"
Lucrezia checks her phone. "She texted that the morning rush at the café is keeping her. She'll meet us there."
I nod, thinking about my cousin. In the three days I've been here I've noticed the shadows under her eyes, the way she throws herself into work with almost desperate energy.
"She works too hard," I murmur.
"It keeps her mind busy," Lucrezia says, understanding immediately. "After everything with Ivan..." She trails off, realizing she might have said too much.
"She hasn't told me much about what happened," I admit.
Lucrezia's face softens. "It's her story to tell. But yes, she pushes herself. That little bookshop café is her sanctuary."
"I'd love to see it," I say, then hesitate. "But I'm afraid to go there."
"Why?"
I twist my napkin in my lap. "He knows that Evelyn is here and he is aware that we had a great relationship. I called her from the phone he’s tracked since we got married, so I know that he will search for me eventually somewhere near her."
Understanding dawns on her face. "He might check the cafe."
