When the woman handed her phone back, Bridget said, “Can I show you the message I got?” Was she imagining it, or was Ajay shaking his head? Besides, it was too late, because the cops were shrugging.

After she opened the message, they both glanced at it.

“So?” the female cop said.

“So it doesn’t make any sense. Like, those names aren’t my parents’ names.”

“This isn’t even from Haldon,” the male cop said as he clicked on the email address. “It’s from someone named [email protected].”

“That’s him,” Bridget said. “That’s his email address. B—Mr. Haldon told me he tried to get KingOfSwords or SwordsAndShadows but they were both taken.”

The female cop made a scoffing noise. “Don’t they teach you guys basic internet literacy? On the internet, anyone can be anyone.”

“Have either of you been drinking or using drugs?” the male cop asked.

“No, sir,” she said. Ajay echoed her.

A black Honda pulled in between her dad’s Subaru and the first cop’s SUV. There were now four cars lined up in front of the gate. The woman who got out looked like she was in her early forties. Clutching her calf-length fur coat closed at the throat, she walked briskly over to them.

“Hey, Joanne,” the male cop said over his shoulder. “Ms. Dart,” the female cop said.

She nodded. “Officer Albright. Officer Rubio.” Her eyelashes were so lush they looked like fur. Her blond shoulder-length hair was elaborately styled, and jewels gleamed on her ears and fingers. “Whatcha got this time?”

“A couple of teenagers. Know these two?”

She shook her head. “I’ve never seen either of them before in my life.”

He pursed his lips. “This one says she works for Mr. Haldon as his researcher.”

“His researcher?” Her laugh was a bark. “That’s a new one.” She looked closer at Bridget. “I guess you’re too young to claim you’re his wife or girlfriend.”

“What?” Bridget said. “Of course not. He’s old enough to be my grandfather.”

Officer Rubio shook her head. “Do you realize how many fans show up here? Why do you think he has a security system? The benign ones just want his autograph or a chance to talk to him. And some think he loves them, or that he would if he just met them.”

“Except for that guy who was sure he was an imposter who killed the real Haldon,” Officer Albright interjected. The three adults all made faces.

“I am his researcher!” Bridget wasn’t scared any longer. She was exasperated. “And I do work for him. He sent me this weird message, and I just want to make sure he’s okay.”