Lib Novel Page 37
“What happened next?”
“Reuben’s bodyguard heard me and came out. Reuben followed, and I acted tipsy and like I hadn’t heard anything.”
“Did you see the other man? The one Reuben was talking with?
“I didn’t. I hightailed it out of there.” She pressed a hand to her chest.
“That’s not the end of it,” Sawyer said.
She gave a harsh laugh. “No. I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t have much information, so I didn’t go to the police. What could I say? I heard some people speak in Russian and mention sanctions? But then over the next week, I felt like someone was watching me anytime I was out in public.” She released a breath. “That’s not unusual, though. People recognize me.”
“Go on.”
“Then, there was a car crash.”
Sawyer cursed. “Were you hurt?”
“No, just shaken. A black SUV crashed into me. They didn’t stop. Just drove off. The police said the car was stolen.” She looked down at the floor. “Then I found a camera…in my bedroom.”
“Jesus.” He rose.
“I freaked out. I felt like I was losing my mind.” She closed her eyes for a second. “Someone was either toying with me, or I was going crazy.”
Sawyer cupped her shoulders. “Your mind is fine, Hollis. I like it a lot.”
She shot him a small smile. “Oh, is that what you like about me?”
“Among other things.” His rugged face turned serious again. “You came to Maui to hide.”
“Yes. I guess I hoped things would blow over. I guess I was wrong. Are you sure it wasn’t just a random attacker?”
“It’s not likely. That kind of thing doesn’t happen around here much, and he didn’t look random.”
Her shoulders sagged.
“Has anything else worried you since you’ve been here?”
“Apart from the hiking trail? No.Wait. My favorite silver bracelet, a gift from my stepdad, and a bottle of perfume are missing. I can’t find them anywhere.”
He stiffened. “Missing from the house?”
Nausea swelled inside her. “Yes. From my bedroom.”
His next curse was very creative.
“I also thought someone was watching me in Paia today, but then I ran into Benny. He was going to warn the nasty actress away from his cousin, but I think he likes me.”
Sawyer grunted. “Benny needs to mind his own business.”
“I thought the sensation of being watched must have been him, or the pesky tourists who snapped some pics of me.” She pulled a face. “They posted them online, by the way.”
“And a few hours later someone tries to kill you.”
Oh, shit. That was bad.
“All these little things, and now someone tried to drown you.” He shook his head. “I don’t like it.”
Hollis felt cold again, like she’d stepped into a freezer. She walked toward him, and he pulled her close. She pressed her cheek to his chest, and heard the steady, solid beat of his heart.