“KELLY, IT’S SO NICE TO talk to you. It feels like it’s been forever,” I say and lean back against the pillows and headboard at my back, trying not to disturb the stacks of papers all around me on my makeshift desk—the hotel bed.

“It has. I think the last time we all saw each other was when your dad invited me to hang out at the Super Bowl two years back,” he says, the warmth in his voice flooding through the phone.

“Has it been that long?”

“I believe so,” our longtime family friend says. “What can I do for you, kiddo?”

“I need you to find someone for me.”

He chuckles. “Poor bastard.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” I laugh.

“If you’re looking to find someone, that means he’s wronged you and”—he whistles—“I wouldn’t want to be him when you do.”

“I am not that bad.” I’m met with silence and then a chuckle. “Then again . . .”

He joins in with the laugh. “I’m a little backed up at the moment so I won’t get to it for a few days. If you’re okay with that, then—”

“Private detective business that busy at the moment?”

“Yes, and none of it juicy or scandalous, sadly,” he says.

“I can wait. I’m just looking for a guy who sent my dad a letter . . .” and I proceed to tell him the story about the letter, Ryan Camden, and why I’m in Destiny Falls.

“Destiny Falls, huh?”

“You know this place?” I ask.

“I’ve been there a time or two. Mostly passing through. Cool town though.”

“I don’t know, I’ve yet to really leave the hotel room.”

“Chase,” he warns like an older brother. “You need to stop and smell the roses occasionally. You’re all business, all the time, and someone your age should have a little fun. Let loose.”

“Yeah, yeah,” I say and roll my eyes even though he can’t see it.

“I can hear you tuning me out.” He chuckles. “But you’re having no luck finding him so far?”

I open my mouth and then close it, because I really haven’t looked yet. “I only got here yesterday. Brex told me that I needed to be low-key about it. That—”

“That they protect their own. She’s right. Besides, it shouldn’t be too hard to find him. I can call a few buddies of mine who deal in military personnel if need be, but I should be able to knock this out by next week.”

“Really?” I ask, more than grateful for his help.

“Really. Or maybe I’ll take my sweet time finding this Ryan guy so it forces you to figure out how to take some R&R and mosey around town for a while.”

“Mosey?” I snort and then start laughing.