Page 28 of Obsession

Matthew gestured to the street. “Whoever fired the gun was down that way. But they’re gone now.”

The guard glanced at his partner, who was scanning the street. “See anyone?”

“Looks clear. I think he’s right.”

The first guard helped the women to their feet. “Let’s get you someplace safe.”

He and his partner guided them toward the pathway. But before they’d gone more than a few steps, Adriene’s friend looked back at Matthew. “You should come with us. It may not be safe to stay here.”

“Oh, um, is that okay?”

“Of course it is.”

“Then, sure. Thank you.”

The woman held out her hand. “I’m Stacy. She’s Adriene.”

“Matthew. Matthew Wagner.”

“Thanks for saving our lives, Matthew Wagner.”

He stifled a grin. Maybe the situation wasn’t as big of a disaster as he’d thought.

19

Teddy parked his Porsche in front of the roadblock at the end of the street where the film shoot had been that day.

As he jumped out, a guard jogged over. “Hey, you can’t—” His eyes widened. “Oh, Mr. Barnett. My apologies.”

Teddy tossed him the keys. “Let me know if you move it.”

He ran through the gate and headed straight to the trailer area, where more than a dozen members of the cast and crew and several police officers were gathered.

He’d been at the hotel, changing himself back into Billy Barnett when he’d received a call about the shooting.

He spotted Peter and made a beeline for him. “Is everyone okay?”

“Billy, I’m glad you’re here. No one was hurt. The police doubt it had anything to do with the movie. I had someone take Tessa and Adriene back to the hotel. Stacy’s still here, though.”

“Where?”

“In my trailer.”

With a nod of thanks, Teddy jogged to Peter’s trailer and let himself in.

The moment she saw him, Stacy hopped to her feet. “Mr. Barnett. You didn’t need to come.”

“It’s not every day someone shoots at my assistant.”

“I don’t think they were shootingatme.”

“Close enough. Are you okay?”

“A little rattled, but I’ll be fine.”

Teddy looked at the man beside Stacy, who had followed her lead and risen to his feet. “Who is this?”

The guy looked to be in his late twenties or early thirties, and seemed vaguely familiar, though Teddy felt sure he’d never met him.

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