Meggie nodded. “It was. Not a lot. Just a crack. But I remember thinking that I didn’t know what was inside. I was so scared. We ran back down into the apartment and closed the door before calling the cops.”

Claire leaned forward. “We’re asking all the tenants if we can swab their apartment for any evidence. Are you okay with that?”

“Yeah, have at it,” Meggie said, and Claire got the sense that she was working hard at seeming unconcerned. Meggie dropped back against the seat cushion. “We don’t have anything to hide. But you’re barking up the wrong tree. If there’s anyone you want to check out, it would be Beverly’s husband, Andrew. He’s a mess of a person, and honestly, I wouldn’t put something like this past him.”

“That’s a strong accusation,” Claire said. “What makes you say that?”

“First, he was wasted out of his mind tonight. He even got into it with Patrick at the dinner.”

“About what?”

“Something about this real estate property they’ve been talking about investing in. I don’t know. You’ll have to ask Patrick. I think it’s a bad idea, and Andrew’s behavior tonight just proves it.” She leaned forward and lowered her voice. “I think he has something of a drinking problem, to be honest. He’s always really nice and calm on the surface, but when he drinks…it’s a different story.”

“Did you see him have any words with his wife?”

“No, but then again, he never did. She treated him like a sack of crap, and he always just took it. Didn’t help that she held the purse strings in that relationship, and she talked pretty openly about their prenup.” Meggie shrugged. “Maybe good old Andrew had one too many and finally cracked.”

Chapter 12

Paula

Three days before

Send me your number.

I’d been checking my phone like a madwoman since Ryan had messaged me. I’d sent him the number right away, but then…nothing. I considered writing him again, but it seemed that the less information I put out publicly, the better.

So I waited.

I waited, and I read.

January 16, 11:13 a.m.

M: I’m going to be in New York next week for work. Any chance you can be there too?

Ryan: What days?

M: Thurs–Sat

Ryan: Pretty sure I was invited to a release party that falls during those exact dates, but not sure I can make it. It’ll all depend…

M: Oh ok. On what?

Ryan: If you’ll be packing that little lace thing I bought you.

M:

M: Can’t wait. My favorite person, in my favorite city in the world.