Tease Me (Private Listing #4)

Seth looks like he wants to protest.

“If we all gang up on her, she’s going to balk. Let me charm her.” The idea makes my stomach churn, but I’ve got to know what she knows.

“Okay.”

“Let me know what Blake finds.” I run a hand over my hair to make sure it’s all in place.

Blake’s stuck in traffic. Every second is precious, but in this case, we have to wait. Madison isn’t responding to any of our calls or texts. But I can’t focus on that. Not right now.

The last time I talked to Yvonne, she’d let my mother up to the offices unannounced. Now this. If she’s somehow involved, I’m not sure I can control myself.

When I stop in front of Yvonne’s desk, she lifts her gaze to mine. There’s wariness in her eyes, but she pastes on a smile.

“Good morning, Mr. Graham. How may I help you?”

“Yvonne.” I give her a slight nod. “I just wanted to see if you might have seen Madison leaving the building.”

We watched the exchange on the video before coming down. Madison talked to her for a few minutes. Yvonne typed something on her phone and then sent it. Madison left with a box under her arm and went out the front doors. She didn’t come back in.

She didn’t leave a message. Nothing. She’s just gone.

“I think she left a while ago. I rarely keep track of people’s lunch breaks.” Her brown eyes meet mine with no hesitation. She didn’t mention the package.

I lean down and give her my best smile. “Did she leave a message for someone?”

Yvonne gives that fake look like she’s thinking before she shakes her head. “I don’t remember her leaving a message.”

“We don’t have time for this.” Seth stops behind Yvonne and she stiffens. “Give me your corporate phone.”

She sets it in his hand. Seth scrolls through it.

“Fuck.” He holds up the phone so I can see the screen.

Yvonne:

Your bird is in the wind. She thinks I’m messaging one of them.

Him:

Good

“I’ll collect my things and go.” Yvonne grabs her purse and gives me a smile. “There’s nothing you can hold me back for. It’s been real fun working for you guys, but I’ve got someone willing to take care of me.”

When she stands, Seth moves out of her way. There’s not a lot we can do here. She has every right to leave, and if we detain her, they could charge us with unlawful imprisonment.

We don’t need her, anyway. The video showed her giving Madison a white box with a silver ribbon. Just like the one her torn dress came to her in. Madison took it and left. We know she went to her apartment.

I blow out a breath. “Time to follow the breadcrumbs.”

Chapter 161

Trapped

Madison

Part of me expects to open the bathroom door and be attacked. But when I open the door, nothing happens. I return to the bedroom, put on my jewelry and shoes, and pick up my phone. It buzzes in my hand and I scream a little.

Blake: