He’d received several text messages, but he didn’t check to see what they were or even who they were from. He didn’t want to hear from anyone, didn’t want to be dragged back to reality too soon. He was going to put on a pot of coffee and enjoy feeling more relaxed and satisfied than he had in a long while before launching into his day.

The coffeemaker hadn’t quite finished, however, when he heard the intercom buzz, signaling that there was someone at the front gate.

He’d given his family the code to get in, so he didn’t think it could be any of them. According to his phone, it was after ten. They’d all be at work right now, anyway.

Maybe Tia had ordered groceries or breakfast or something...

With a yawn, he made his way to the console and pressed the button. He wished he could check the camera positioned there, but it wasn’t working. “Hello?”

“Yes, um, is this... Maxi Cohen?” Although the voice Seth heard cut in and out, something about it put him on edge.

“No, it’s not,” he replied. “What can I do for you?”

“Is Mr. Cohen there?”

Seth refused to give out any information, not until he knew who he was dealing with. “Are you a friend of Maxi’s?”

“Not really. My name is Ray Kouretas. I was hoping I could have a word with Tia Beckett.”

Shit. Kouretas had found where Tia was staying already? Seth supposed he shouldn’t be surprised. Kouretas had known she was taking care of a parrot. Not many people had such an unusual pet. “I’m sorry, there’s no one here by that name,” he said.

“I was told she’s pet-sitting for Maxi Cohen. This is his residence, isn’t it?”

“It is, but I’m the one who’s staying here and caring for the parrot.”

“So you’re saying...my information is incorrect?”

“That’s exactly what I’m saying,” Seth told him. “The woman you’re asking about isn’t here.”

“Look, just so you know, I don’t mean her any harm. I’d like to talk to her. That’s all.”

There was no way Seth was going to trust this guy. Tia had been through enough. “I told you she’s not here.”

“Come on, man. There can’t be two parrots in Silver Springs.”

“How do you know?”

There was a long pause before Kouretas said, “Wait a second. I recognize your voice. You’re the guy who called me, right?”

Seth had been hoping the distortion that went along with using an intercom would keep Kouretas from realizing that they’d spoken before. But he would’ve been more surprised if Kouretas hadn’t put two and two together. A good paparazzo would have to be a decent investigator, too, or he’d never get what he was after. “I am.”