Chapter 8

Hez's blue eyes looked shadowed, and she suspected he wasn't sleeping any better than she was. In the old days she would have caught his hand and dragged him off for a nap that turned into much more. Her cheeks flared with heat.

"I was lucky to get it."

"So you're telling me to keep my new Jimmy Choo pumps in the closet?"

"And your jogging shoes and your sandals. I appreciate you keeping him until I find a place. The hotel manager hates dogs."

Savannah eyed Cody again. "Maybe it's just your dog."

He grinned at her comment. "Hey, I've got a lead on a rental. It's a condo in downtown Pelican Harbor. Jane Dixon owns it."

"I know Jane," Savannah said. "I could talk to her, put in a good word for you."

"I'm meeting her at the condo at three on Saturday. You could meet us there."

Beckett frowned and shifted in his chair. "You're moving here?"

"I need to be near enough to help find who's behind this."

"I'm perfectly capable of helping."

"I wish I could say that, but no. I'm sure you're their top suspect. It's my job to point their attention in a different direction."

Beckett straightened in the brown armchair. "The guy hit you with a crowbar?"

Beckett's brow smoothed. "It's always smart to follow the money. As provost I have access to TGU's financial data. If Abernathy and his coconspirators were selling artifacts from the university's collection, some traces should exist in the financial records. They would have wanted to run the funds through the school's bank."

She rubbed the lump on the back of her head. "Whoever it was, he was serious about making sure I didn't find anything of value."

***

She walked across the wood floors into the living room, beautifully furnished in gray and white. Through the big window overlooking the street, she spotted an iron balcony with two chairs and a table. No sign of Hez or Jane. "Hello?" she called.

"We're in the bedroom," Hez called.

Jane inclined her head toward Hez. "Hello, Savannah. I understand you're his local reference."

"I usually like a year's lease, but he says he'll only be here through December."

Though being in this coastal town where they'd spent so many romantic weekends had her emotions in a jumble.

"I'd appreciate it if you could make an exception for me," Hez said. "If circumstances change and I'm able to stay longer, I'll sign an extension immediately. And I'll take good care of your beautiful place."

"Mama!"

Jane bounced the little girl in her arms. "This is Dolly. She's two. Say hello, sweetheart."

"Hello." The word was muffled as Dolly buried her face in Jane's neck.

Savannah couldn't help staring. "She's beautiful, Jane. And her name is perfect."

Jane smiled and set her daughter down. "It's a done deal. I have the lease agreement with me if you're ready to sign, Hez." Her smile faltered when she looked at Savannah.

"Thank you so much." Savannah swallowed past the constriction in her throat. "I—I need to go now."