Page 52 of Watch Your Back (Ariana Jones)

ChapterEighteen

Ariana poured herself another cup of coffee, hoping this one would get rid of her pounding headache. Though it was possible nothing would help aside from bringing Rita home safely.

How could another morning have come without even a clue pointing toward where she was? Sure, she’d found the shoe and the police had pulled her car out of the lake, but where was she?

Nobody could say. Any evidence that might’ve been in the car would have been washed away. At least that was what she and Damon both thought. Surely, that was the kidnapper’s plans.

Damon came into the kitchen. “Another coffee?”

“I’m hoping it’ll help my headache.”

“Did you take any ibuprofen?”

“Not on an empty stomach.”

He opened the fridge. “I’ll make omelets.”

“You don’t have to.” She closed her eyes and rubbed her temples. It didn’t help.

“But I want to.”

“We have to hurry to the Good Morning, West Coast interview.”

“There’s plenty of time,” he said. “But if you have anything left to do before we leave, I’d suggest doing that while I whip the eggs.”

“How did I get so lucky?” She gave him a kiss before downing the rest of her coffee and making her way upstairs. Before heading into the bathroom, she looked across the street, her heart aching for Rita.

Another day missing.

Two police cruisers blocked Boone’s car in the driveway.

Her heart skipped a beat. Had they found Rita? Or proof that he was involved?

Ariana checked online for any updates to the case. One of the news sites reported that an unknown source had seen Boone at Rita’s bar and grill the night she disappeared.

That had to be why the police cars were out front.

Good. Maybe they would finally convince him to give up Rita’s location.

She waited a moment to see if they would bring him out in handcuffs, but they didn’t. And she had an interview to get ready for. Hopefully the show would allow her and Damon to talk about Rita for a moment. Get the word out even further.

Ari did her hair and makeup as fast as possible, and when she stepped out of the bathroom, she got a whiff of bacon and eggs. Her stomach rumbled, and she realized her headache wasn’t pounding anymore.

She glanced out the window — the cruisers were still blocking Boone’s car — and headed downstairs.

“You look beautiful as always.” Damon smiled, gave her a kiss, and handed her a plate with a huge omelet and a side of bacon.

She thanked him and scarfed down the food, finding her headache lifting even more. She might not even need to take anything after all.

He sat down next to her and dug into his own omelet. “Are you feeling any better?”

“Yes, actually.”

“My food is a cure-all.” He gave her a goofy grin.

“I’m sure that’s exactly it.”

“Did you see the cop cars?” he asked.

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