Page 144 of The Husband Game

Jonah shrugged. “It’s fine. I did talk to Dominic and Matty a few days ago about it. We all agreed to keep an eye on him. Not that we’re doing a great job now, apparently.” He let out a frustrated sigh.

“Let’s keep looking,” Dustin said grimly.

They made a circuit of the entire first floor but Felix was nowhere to be found, not even out on the terrace behind the house. They ran into Dominic there who gave them a grim shake of his head.

“What should we do?” Matty asked as he joined them. “He’s not answering texts or calls.”

“Have we spoken to the valet?” Dom asked. “Then we could at least figure out if he’s still here or if he left.”

“Good idea,” Dustin said and he stepped into the side yard. It would be quicker to walk around the house than try to make it through the crowds again.

Dustin took off at a quick walk and the guys followed. He tried to tell himself this was worry over nothing but Jonah wasn’t a reactionary guy. If he was this concerned, there was undoubtedly a very good reason. And no one knew Felix better than Jonah.

But the valet was no help either.

“I think I saw him leave but I’m not sure,” the kid said with a frown.

“But no one gave him keys?”

“No. He walked right past us and went out to a car. Could have been a ride share, I’m not sure, but he got in and they drove off.”

“Thanks, man. I appreciate the info,” Dustin said, clapping the guy on the shoulder and making a mental note to tip him well when he left.

“That’s good news isn’t it?” Dustin asked after they’d moved away, out of earshot. “I mean, he probably went home early and didn’t want to bug you, Jo.”

“No. Something feels off. Why didn’t he text me to let me know? That’s what he’s always done in the past.”

“Do you want to head out and check on him? Make sure he’s home?”

“Yeah.” Jonah looked grateful. “You don’t think anyone will mind, do you?”

“Nah,” Dustin said. “You put in your time tonight already and if anyone hassles you about ducking out early, send them to me, okay?”

“Thanks.” Relief crossed Jonah’s face. “I’ll let you know if I track him down.”

“I’ll do the same,” Dustin assured him.

Matty and Dominic echoed that statement and said goodnight to Jonah.

Dustin returned to the party, going in search of Charlie. A weight had settled in the pit of his stomach though and he hoped Jonah was wrong.

“Do you have a moment?” A woman caught his sleeve as he walked past and Dustin stopped and turned to face Jill McKenzie.

“Sure. I always have time for you, Jill.”

Dustin had never particularly liked her. And he liked her even less since he’d noticed her sneering at Charlie earlier. But she had a big enough stake in the organization he couldn’t afford to snub her. Sometimes he had to grit his teeth and deal with people like her.

The party was starting to wind down a little, the crowd thinning out, so Dustin steered them toward a quiet part of the room.

“Now, what did you want to discuss?” he asked.

“I think you might want to … reconsider how you and your husband present yourselves,” she said. Her expression was perfectly friendly but there was no mistaking the warning in her tone.

“I’m not quite sure what you mean.”

“Well.” She cleared her throat delicately. “It’s just … well, of course we’re all supportive of your marriage. But there’s a certain level of professionalism required when you play for a team like this. I’m sure you understand.”

“I don’t,” Dustin said, although he had a horrible feeling he did. “Perhaps you’d like to elaborate a little. Just to make sure I’m clear on everything.”

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