“We’ve had our ups and downs. At the moment we’re down. It won’t last.” Bebe retrieved her coffee. Took a sip, made a face, put it back on the table.

“I thought Jasper’s marketing campaign was working. Ned’s a big star on social media, right? That must be good exposure for your brand,” I said.

“Ned’s good at what he does,” said Bebe.

“Can’t be that good if the company’s tanking.” If I wanted to get anywhere with her, I couldn’t go easy anymore. My cut-to-the-chase strategy inspired a reaction, at least. Bebe shot me a venomous look.

“Come on, Bebe,” said Miles, “you think she won’t find this out for herself?” He turned to me and squared his shoulders. “Sinclair Fabrics is on the brink of bankruptcy. The problem is the competition. The Sinclairs are getting crushed.”

Bebe’s mouth dropped open in shock. “They’re a flash in the pan. It’s dumb luck. They don’t have the selection we do, or the expertise.”

“She’s talking about Attitude,” said Miles. “They’re a new fabric retailer in the Garment District. They have a partnership with a reality-TV show, and every episode the contestants shop at the store for their fabrics. Attitude signage is front and center. Their sales are through the roof.”

A competing business muscling in on the Sinclairs’ turf. Jasper’s area of expertise was marketing and PR. “Is that why Jasper joined the company when he did?”

“Bebe and Flynn tried to stop the bleeding on their own. Tried and failed,” said Miles. “Jasper thought he could save the day, and he boosted sales by a lot, but the company’s too far gone. Not even Ned’s gorgeous face can pull it back from the brink now. Such a shame.”

Flynn hadn’t mentioned any of this, but neither sibling seemed the type to admit failure, especially if their little brother came out ahead. How had Camilla described it? Things come more easily to Jasper than the others. It puts a strain on their relationship. Bebe and Flynn may have needed help, but I couldn’t imagine they’d be thrilled to get it from their faultless little brother.

“But that didn’t stop you from showing Ned how much you appreciate his help,” Miles said, facing his wife once more. With a lewd expression he added, “Ned’s just so good at what he does.”

“Shut up,” said Bebe. “You shut your mouth.”

“She may not be worried about Jasper,” said Miles, “but I am, and my daughter is, too. There could be a killer in this house, and I’m not going to sit around and wait for another attack. You had your chance, Bebe. You should have told them the second they got here. And if you won’t, I will.”

My eyes narrowed as I listened to Miles rant. A few minutes ago he’d suggested Jasper’s abduction was on par, stress-wise, with moving house. Now there was a murderer hiding in the curtains, and he and Jade were quaking with fear.

“Stop it,” Bebe said, digging her fingernails into her knees. “I’m warning you, Miles.”