Page 12 of Watch Your Back (Ariana Jones)

“It does.”

“I hate it when you’re right.”

“We both just want to find Rita sooner rather than later.”

“I’m going to call her again.” Ariana went to the porch and leaned against the wall, silently pleading with Rita to pick up.

She didn’t.

Ari left another voicemail. Then a text. Called again.

Damon joined her. “Anything?”

She shook her head, defeat crushing her. “Something’s really wrong, I just know it.”

“Rita would appreciate you telling the cops everything you know. Even about her boyfriend.”

“But what if Boone is holding her somewhere against her will? If he hears about Jared, he could do the unthinkable.”

“If he has her captive, that’s already a risk.” He put his arm around her. “Do you want me to go with you to speak with the officer?”

“No. I should bring Lia with me. We’re the only ones who know about Jared, and she might remember something I don’t.”

Damon kissed her cheek. “Whatever you tell them can only help Rita.”

Ari’s chest tightened. “I know you’re right, but I still feel like I’m betraying her.”

“That’s because you have a good heart. But you know this is for her own good.”

“Unfortunately.” She drew in a deep breath and held it, trying to build up the courage to walk across the street.

But first to convince Lia to tell the police about Rita’s affair.

When Ariana approached, Lia pulled away from Charles. “I can tell by the look in your eyes that you’re thinking the same thing.”

“We have to tell them about her boyfriend.”

Lia nodded, frowning. “It feels like breaking her trust, but Rita’s missing. She would understand.”

“Right. We have to do this. It could save her. What if Boone found out, and did something stupid? The police need to know.”

“True.” Fire burned in Lia’s eyes.

A thought struck Ariana. “Unless Jared did something.”

Lia’s mouth gaped. “I didn’t even think of that.”

“We’ve never met him. He could be a psycho, and if she broke up with him, he might’ve freaked out.”

“The police definitely need to know.” Lia grabbed Ari’s arm. “Now.”

“Do you know anything about him?” Ariana asked. “Did Rita mention where he lives? I don’t think she even told us his last name.”

“Just that his name is Jared. I wish I’d been nosier.”

“She wouldn’t say much more than his name.”

“How will telling them about some random guy named Jared help?” Lia asked. “We have nothing. No picture, no location, no last name.”

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