Before she could get out of bed and dressed, there was a knock at the suite door. Cord, she assumed as she called, “Come on in.” But no, it was Carly bringing her a large mug of coffee.

“Hi, Cord gave me this to bring up to you,” she said, handing it over.

Shallie took a grateful sip. “So, how are you this fine morning? At least I hope it’ll be a fine morning.”

Carly smiled. “I’m good. But can I speak to you for a minute?”

“Of course! You know that.”

“Well, I talked to Tina last night, and I just talked to Cord. They’re both willing to meet with me. With us. Tonight.”

“Good. What time? And where? As if I even have to ask.”

“Seven. You guessed it—at Bailey’s,” she replied with a smile. “On me, although they don’t know that yet. Oh, and I’ve included Mitch. I’m not sure how much he understands about my…situation, but I’m sure he’s heard some of it from Tina.”

“Are you positive I should be there?” Shallie asked, already a little anxious about the Big Meet.

“Yes! Please! I can’t do it without you!”

Shallie nodded. She finished her coffee and asked, “And how do you feel about this? You sure you’re okay with it?”

“I am. I’m kind of nervous, but I feel as ready as I’m going to be.”

“I’m so glad,” Shallie said. “Give me a chance to get dressed, check my email and head downstairs. We’ll catch up later.”

She had to wonder how the others—especially Cord—would react to these revelations. Would he feel betrayed, angry, upset with Carly? And with her, if he guessed or realized she’d already known most of this?

SHALLIE, STILL YAWNING and sipping her coffee, got dressed, but wasn’t quite ready to make her way downstairs. She’d agreed to be at the Big Meet tonight, mainly because Carly’s request had seemed so desperate, but she wasn’t really prepared for it.

Didn’t matter. Moral support was all she needed to offer…

Everyone relevant to this particular discussion would be there. Act One, as Shallie thought of it, to be followed by Acts Two and Three, aka Eli and J.P.

She checked her cell and saw that Russ had left her several text messages. Call me, he’d written. Then, in a second one, I want to run something by you. Finally, I know it’s early, but CALL ME.

She did, and he answered after the first ring. “Hi, Russ. What’s so urgent?”

“Listen, I’ve been turning this place upside down, looking for anything on Christine. And… I found something.”

“What did you find?”

“Not ready to tell you. I need to look around some more. But I promise to show you tomorrow.”