Page 43 of Watch Your Back (Ariana Jones)

ChapterFifteen

Ariana took in the growing crowd. The entire park was almost filled, and it was still a few minutes before the official start time. News crews mingled with the supporters. Stars twinkled overhead in the orange and pink sky.

Several of their neighbors handed out candles while others passed around fliers with Rita’s smiling face and pertinent information about her.

Yet there were few who didn’t know her. Her restaurant was one of the most popular places in town, and she loved greeting every customer personally.

It was no wonder so many had shown up. Everybody loved her. And for good reason. She loved them too. Made sure they received the best service and best food possible.

Tears stung Ariana’s eyes.

Rita didn’t deserve whatever was happening to her.

But at least her car had been empty. The good news had come in just before she and Damon left for the park.

That gave them all hope that she was still alive. Somewhere.

Yet that didn’t bring them any closer to finding her.

She scanned the crowd for Boone. Surely, he wouldn’t miss this event. If nothing else, it would make him look like he cared.

Not that he did. Everything pointed to him being the person behind Rita’s abduction. And what else could have happened to her? One of her shoes had been left behind at the playground near her work and her empty car had been dumped into a lake.

Boone was one cruel and sadistic man.

What would it take for him to admit to what he’d done? To have mercy on Rita and let her go?

Perhaps if he showed up at the vigil and saw how many people cared and worried about her, he’d relent.

Ariana found Lia. “Have you seen Boone?”

“That jerk? No. He’s probably afraid everyone will figure out he did it.”

“But he’s been so insistent on proving that he’s a good husband. He has to show up.”

“People are onto him,” Lia said. “Have you read the comments on the Find Rita page?”

“Not yet.”

“I don’t know where he stands with the police, but he’s the number one suspect according to public opinion.”

Ariana glanced around again. “Do you think the pressure will convince him to turn himself in?”

“Doubtful. He loves riding on his high horse. He’s going to do what it takes to prove his innocence.”

“Good luck with that, especially when he’s so clearly guilty.”

Lia checked the time. “We should start soon. You’re ready with your speech?”

“Should I have written something down? I was going to speak from the heart.”

“All the better. Maybe I’ll do that too. My—” She stopped suddenly, her mouth gaping as she looked beyond Ariana.

Ari spun around, trying to see what had her friend spooked. “What?”

“He’s here.”

“Boone?”

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