“This third party made a mistake. They didn’t know we had a suspect in our sights. If they had, they wouldn’t have sent that note. So they’ve outed themselves. It’s just a matter of figuring out their identity and their plan.”

“Right. Piece of cake.” Brent expelled a breath.

One side of Colin’s mouth twitched. “There is one other positive spin to this. You’ll have a war story about your first case no one will ever be able to match.”

“I’d give up bragging rights in a heartbeat to keep Eve safe.”

Colin’s momentary humor vanished. “I hear you. Been there, done that. I came within an inch of losing Trish during her case. Hang in. We’ll get this figured out. See you at the office tomorrow.” With a wave, he returned to his car.

Brent opened his door, slid behind the wheel, and started the engine.

First priority? Get an update on Jackson’s condition, see if he was able to handle an interview. With all the evidence they’d compiled, it was possible the man would cave.

A long shot, but it could happen.

Yet a huge question remained.

Who else was targeting Eve—and why?

Dan

Sun., Sept. 9, 8:35 p.m.

Ready to go. Pick up plans at place discussed.

Al

Sun., Sept. 9, 8:36 p.m.

2night?

Dan

Sun., Sept. 9, 8:36 p.m.

Yes.

Al

Sun., Sept. 9, 8:37 p.m.

Heading out now.

Dan

Sun., Sept. 9, 8:37 p.m.

Good luck—and ditch phone.

Al

Sun., Sept. 9, 8:38 p.m.

Will do. All power to everyone.

20

HE WASN’T GOING TO SHOW for their Monday lunch.

Biting back a curse, Carolyn watched the minute hand on her watch flick to 11:45, then finished off the glass of wine she’d ordered at the bar.

Doug must have been serious about that kiss-off text he’d sent her early this morning. But her placating follow-up note, her plea for one more lunch to talk through his decision, should have smoothed out the waters. It would have worked with any other man.

Yet the mentor on whom she’d pinned all her hopes hadn’t succumbed to her charm this go-round.

So much for all the groundwork she’d laid, the months she’d spent cultivating a relationship with the man she’d been certain would eventually open doors for her in radio.

But why had he walked away? How had her acting skills failed her?

She crossed her legs and watched the new arrivals push through the door, as an eager Doug used to do. Yes, she’d been a mite too aggressive when Eve’s spot had been in jeopardy, but they could have gotten past that.

There was more to this breakup than her faux pas.

She tapped her nails on the bar.

Maybe Doug still suspected her of inside knowledge about the on-air phone call Eve had received.

Maybe he even thought she was involved in the other incidents.