Page 142 of Triggered By Love
“The bomb threat changed out the venue,” Jason observed. “We also eliminated a model who walked last year. Tatiana Renzi. Do you two know anything about her?”
Saul answered, “Tatiana used to date Joselito, and now she’s dating Larry Leach. I don’t know much about her because she doesn’t talk about herself. She’s always observing.”
“Yes, she’s creepy,” Ivanna added. “She seems to turn up at all the strangest places.”
“Like where?” Jason asked.
“I saw her waiting for a limo outside of that Broadway show on opening night.”
“Who was she with?” Jason did the questioning, but all eyes were on her.
Ivanna darted a guilty glance at Avery. “I think it’s that guy you used to date. Before Brando. The congressman’s son.”
“Richie Overton.” Avery’s ears buzzed, and it made her shiver. “That’s strange, because he’s been asking me to go toThe Schitts of Fifth Avenuewith him.”
“Maybe that’s why he gave his tickets to me,” Jason said. “I don’t think we have to worry about him since I’m taking you.”
“How very generous of him,” Avery said, wondering what was in it for Richie.
Chapter Forty-Six
Jason stoodat the window and glared down at the sidewalk where Avery was chatting with Saul and Ivanna. Why had she volunteered to walk them out of the apartment? He’d tried to tag along, but Avery gave him the “back off” stare and said she wanted to stay friends with the two of them.
While she appeared to believe every word they said, Jason wasn’t so sure. In his experience, any suspect who volunteers a “tell-all” is up to no good. Saul already admitted to spying on Avery for Larry Leach. What if Larry was directing him to deliver misinformation and cause Avery to let down her guard.
As for Ivanna, she had that sly look of a woman who kept secrets—for a price. She worked on the masks and accoutrements for Garm and Hugh. What had made her decide to come back at the last hour to help Avery with the accessories?
Jason wasn’t going to be fooled. He’d take the necessary precautions without letting Avery know, in case she slipped up and let them know he was onto them.
“I don’t trust them,” Jason told Avery after she returned to the apartment. “But I don’t think we have to worry about them tonight.”
“That’s right,” Finn said. “Everything’s set. Blade contacted me, and we have a plan. He’ll keep watch backstage while I will observe the guests.”
“Don’t tell him, but I want you two to switch roles,” Jason said.
“You don’t trust him?” Finn raised an eyebrow while Avery gasped.
“I don’t trust anyone.” Jason’s gut twisted at how obsequious Blade was with Chief Grimes.
“But Blade is your partner,” Avery said. “Since you’re on leave of absence, he’s your eyes and ears.”
“He’s also chummy with the chief, but let’s not talk about this. We have to prepare for the show. Let’s go over the order of the walk and change things around.”
“You’ll confuse the models and the photographers,” Avery said.
“Are you saying the photographers know the order?” Jason was shocked he didn’t know this detail.
“Why, yes. And so do the fashion press. Some are looking for a particular face or style. There’s a program we hand out.”
“Has it been printed?” Jason asked. “It’s important to change things up so if someone is planning mischief, they get tripped up.”
“We can’t,” Avery protested. “Not with Diamante Steele in the show. Secret Service already has the order. I don’t think anyone will try anything. We switched the venue. None of the models, guests, press, or photographers know we’re at The Edge. They won’t get any guns through security.”
Jason clenched his fist so hard his knuckles hurt. “The easiest way to hurt Avery is backstage when she’s with the models. However, this killer likes the big splash and attention. He’s trying to make a statement. It’s like terrorism. Unexpected. Lethal. On camera and center stage.”
“Are you saying they’ll take a shot in front of Secret Service?” Kerry asked. Her cheeks were flushed, her blue eyes wide and bloodshot. “Is that why Avery’s parents are backing out?”
“Did you ask them why?” Finn asked Avery.
