She had to keep her thoughts straight, make sure she didn’t trip up. James was wavering. She could feel it, and that just couldn’t happen. She blew out a breath. Right now, it seemed as if everyone was against her, creating roadblocks. At work, she caught the sidelong glances. Both Zena and Donna were watching her as she mixed drinks. She caught them staring, and that miserable foreman, Knowlton, wasn’t her friend, either. She’d seen the way his eyes tracked her, and it wasn’t in the usual appraising way of so many men. Nope, he was suspicious.

And then there was Rebecca Travers.

She punched the gas, and her car slid a bit at the nearest corner, just at the edge of town. The trouble was that James was definitely intrigued with Megan’s sister, and that was a problem. A serious problem. Worse yet, it seemed as if Rebecca was interested in James as well. Really? Even though he’d dumped her for Megan and was probably the prime suspect in Megan’s disappearance. Still, she wanted him? What was wrong with her? Was she too playing a secret game? Well, if so, it had to end, and fast. Her eyes narrowed as the interior of the Escape finally started to warm.

She caught a glimpse of her reflection in the rearview mirror, strands of blond hair wisping from beneath her cap. It was then she realized she hadn’t been as careful with her makeup as usual, had used less mascara than usual, and no blush, and she’d lost her favorite tube of lipstick. She’d even forgotten to make certain her foundation covered the slightest of her flaws, including the freckles that bridged her nose and the back of her neck. Well, too bad. She still looked good. Beyond good. Sophia knew she was gorgeous. She was just having a confidence problem. In the driver’s seat, she straightened her back, sat up taller. “You can do this. He loves you. You know he loves you. How many times has he said, ‘Sophia, I love you with all my heart’?”

Well, not that many.

Maybe never.

But she knew he did, damn it. A woman can sense these things!

Fingers wrapped around the steering wheel in a death grip, she was still thinking dark thoughts about Rebecca when she saw lights from the inn glowing through the snowfall. Good, she was almost there. She set her jaw. It was time to use every one of the feminine wiles she had tucked away in her arsenal.

* * *

After watching the local news, Rivers switched off the television. He was considering a shower or another beer and leaning toward the beer when his phone rang. The display registered an unfamiliar number with a San Francisco area code. He answered, “Detective Rivers, Riggs County Sheriff ’s Department.”

“Glad I caught you. Jasmine Tanaka, detective, San Francisco PD.” Her voice was serious.