“Yes, Kayla called me. Look in the park on the trail, there’s a spot—”

“The place where Brooke used to go?”

“That’s right.”

“That’s not all Kayla told you, is it, Ben?” Emma said.

“She said you were acting weird, like you’re hiding something that you don’t want to tell us about.”

Now Emma was silent.

“I think…” He softened his voice. “I think my absence has made it even more difficult for Kayla. Maybe we should cancel the vacation and I’ll fly straight home when I’m done here and we’ll get her to see Doctor Hirsch. What do you think?”

“That might be for the best.”

“Good. I’m glad you agree. I think she needs a little help, and I’m out of my depth. The timing of this whole thing… I feel so guilty.”

“You shouldn’t. You have no control over it.”

“Maybe so,” he said. “Another thing—that message you sent me about ‘whatever happens’? What did you mean by that?”

Emma let a moment pass. “Just that… I guess we’ve all been a little stressed lately and I wanted you to know that, whatever happens, I love you.”

A few seconds went by with thoughts blazing across Ben’s mind: Emma’s concerns about him writing about the Skull Sisters, the private investigator in the park, Kayla’s refusal to accept Emma, and Hirsch’s observations.

Pushing it all aside, Ben said, “I love you, too.”

Sixty-Eight

Cielo Valle, Orange County, California
Present day

After her call with Ben, Emma knocked softly on Kayla’s door.

“What is it?”

“I’m going to the park to search for Tug.”

No response. Nothing for a few seconds, then the door opened.

“No, I’ll go,” Kayla said. “I know where to look.”

“I know too, sweetheart. And I think your dad would prefer if you stayed here in case Tug comes home. I know you just spoke with him.”

Staring at Emma, Kayla sorted through several thoughts before brushing past her and going down to the kitchen, noticing a backpack on the counter.

“What’s that?”

“Dog treats, bottled water and a small bowl, in case I find him. I expect he’ll be thirsty and hungry.”

“Okay.” Kayla went to the kitchen closet. “Take this.” She held up a can of pepper spray. “If you see a coyote.”

“Thanks,” Emma said, before offering Kayla a little smile of surrender. “I’m sorry so much is happening.”

Kayla looked at her, then said, “Just find Tug. I’ll wait here.”

Walking the few blocks in their neighborhood to Suntrail Sky Park, Emma’s problems consumed her.

There was no way she could give in to Rita Purvis’s demand. Still, Emma believed their threat to expose her past was real.

I can’t let it happen—the scandal, the headlines, it would disgrace Ben, devastate Kayla, and that would destroy me. I won’t let it happen.