Chapter 44

Trevor still hadsome reservations about this. But he prayed that everything would go well. That Sadie would remain safe. That they could find answers and bring down Frederick once and for all.

They pulled to a stop in front of a large house with a U-shaped driveway in front of it. The place was white, with two stories and a wide front porch. Neat flowerbeds, a freshly cut lawn, and amazing views of Grand Traverse Bay rounded out the look.

The party was fancy, but not fancy enough for a valet. Instead, as they pulled up, the front door opened, and Frank stepped out.

“I was hoping you’d make it, Sadie,” he called.

Trevor slipped his keys into his pocket as he climbed from the car Kai had let him borrow. Then he and Sadie ascended six steps to the sweeping front porch.

“Thanks for letting me come, even after everything that’s happened.” Sadie smiled at her boss.

“Of course.” Frank touched her shoulder. “We’re just glad to have you with us.”

The man sounded sincere, Trevor realized. But was he?

Trevor wasn’t sure who at this party could be trusted. As far as he was concerned, everyone was a suspect.

His only comfort was knowing six agents were stationed outside, in addition to Kai.

Not only had Sadie been wired, but so had he.

They stepped through the foyer and into a large living room where employees from Sleeping Bear Elevator mingled. A long table had been set up across the back of the room with hors d’oeuvres that people enjoyed as they socialized.

As Sadie walked into the room several people turned, surprise flashing in their gazes.

He and Sadie had a plan in place for tonight.

He hoped everything worked out accordingly, because now that they were here, it was showtime.

Trevor needed to watch everyone closely and see if he could figure out who might be guilty.

Reading people was something he’d been trained to do.

“Everyone,” Frank announced, tapping his spoon against a glass. “We’re so happy to have Sadie here with us tonight.”

The guests broke out in applause.

“Thank you.” She waved a hand, self-conscious at the attention. “It’s good to be here.”

April stepped from the crowd and gently touched her arm. “Are you feeling better?”

“I am.” Sadie smiled softly. “In fact, my memories have returned.”

Gasps of surprise went around the room.

Unfortunately, the memories hadn’t returned. But he and Sadie wanted the bad guy to think they had.

Because it might force his or her hand. Make them shake in their boots just a little bit.

However, the move was risky, and Trevor hoped that it paid off.

* * *

Sadie spent the next hour mingling and eating and trying to appear halfway normal.

She had been given a dossier of all the employees who worked for Sleeping Bear Elevator, and she’d memorized each of their names and what they did at the company.

It had been necessary to know those details if she wanted to sell the fact that her memories had returned. People might be able to excuse a few blips here and there, but she needed to sell this if she wanted answers.

Whoever was behind the incidents happening to her needed to be smoked out.

As she talked, Trevor stayed close. He was surprisingly attentive and a good actor.

The one person she hadn’t seen yet was Guy. She was surprised he wasn’t here, but she had to wonder after their confrontation earlier today if he was moping or staying away for that purpose. She couldn’t really be sure.

As she talked to various people, she couldn’t help but wonder if one of them was a killer. Part of her didn’t want to believe anyone here could be dangerous. But someone here made the most sense.

She needed to figure out who.

Frank Bolster. Former pro golfer turned elevator company owner. He had access to everything but no record of criminal activity.

April Smith. Office manager. Dating a man who’d been arrested three times on drug charges.

Mark Stuart. Vice President. Owned two homes and was in a considerable amount of debt trying to pay for them.

Juan Blevins. COO. World traveler with many connections. Seen near the supply room before the fire. Was one of his connections Frederick?

Stephanie Lansky. Receptionist. Single with three cats. She didn’t seem the type.

Agents were stationed around the perimeter of the house, except on the side where the lake was. A sheer cliff stretched there, and it would be impossible for anyone to get in the actual yard without being noticed.

The situation wasn’t ideal.

But she was praying for the best.

On a break in her conversation with April, Sadie glanced over.

Frank was looking at something on his phone and frowning. Then he glanced around as if searching for someone or something.

“Strange,” Trevor whispered in her ear.

Her thoughts exactly. Why did he look so antsy?

She knew Trevor would also keep an eye on him, see if he did anything else that seemed suspicious.

Just as April started talking to her about a big conference they had coming up in Vegas next month, the door opened.

Guy stepped in.

Her heart lurched into her throat.

So he had come.

Trevor moved in closer as if he sensed her rising tension.

Right away, Guy’s gaze found them. Then he blurted, “I know the two of you are up to something, and I’m here to figure out what!”