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“That’s true.” Most of it was junk we sold or donated when she passed. But some of it was fun. I still have a candelabra and a brooch she brought back from Egypt once. A pair of sapphire earrings from Mexico as well. The items weren't always expensive, but they always carried a story. I just need to figure out the story behind this one.
“There’s a purpose behind the box,” Connor says. “And you’ll figure it out.”
“You aren’t going to help me?” I ask.
“If you want my help, I’ll be there. But this is your dream. Maybe Mom and Dad set it up for you. Why else would your name be on the list to open the box if you weren’t meant to find it?”
My heart pounds against my ribcage. Could that be true?
“You may have a point, little brother,” I agree. Words I’m not sure I’ve ever said, to my brother of all people. But they provide me with hope anyway. My parents found the jewelry box important enough to lock away in a bank vault. And I’ll figure out why.
Chapter 19
Amelia
It’s been five days since I’ve heard from Caleb. FIVE DAYS. That’s like a whole month in dog time. What if he’s had a break in the case? What if he figured something out, but didn’t tell me? Not that he has to tell me anything…but he did use me to gain information. I feel like I have a right to know if I’m in danger. Chad messaged me for another date, but I haven’t given him an answer yet. I don’t know what I’m supposed to do because Caleb never instructed me further.
I sigh to myself, brushing out my client’s wet hair as I dry it.
Maybe I should go on another date with Chad if only to remind Caleb I exist. My chest flutters as I imagine the bulging vein in his neck and the smoke coming out of his ears as he drags me away from Chad and locks me in the van again where he kisses me senseless.
Hot air from the hairdryer slaps into my face, blowing away all my ridiculous fantasies.
I drop the hairdryer back onto my cart and finish styling my client's hair, careful to keep my thoughts off Caleb while using a hot iron. After my client leaves, I spend the next ten minutes restoring my station to a clean state. Then I head to the breakroom and grab my bag. I’m almost to the door when Leah stops me.
“Aren’t you going to talk to the fig today?”
Uhh…why was I supposed to talk to it?
“You know, so it will be brighter and happier.”
Did I really say that? Why on earth did she believe me?
“Oh, yeah.” I walk back over to it. “Thanks for keeping me in check. Every day makes a difference,” I say, placing myself in front of the small tree. Man, I really shot myself in the foot with that one. How long was I planning on talking to a fig tree?
I mutter a handful of words that make absolutely no sense then pat one of the leaves.
I turn back to Leah. “Have any fun plans for the weekend?”
“Just me and a pint of ice cream. What about you?” She turns away to straighten the bottles of conditioner on the wall. “Is your ex still bugging you?”
“Actually, he hasn’t called for a couple of days,” I say.
“Good. That’s really good to hear.” She whips around with a smile that looks…relieved?
I frown. “Has your ex been bugging you as well?”
“Oh, no.” She waves her hand. “If he ever does, he’ll regret it. Well, have a good night,” she says.
“You too.” I wave and head out, dreaming of the hamburger I plan to get myself on the way home. My last client went late and it’s almost eight now. I never go this long without food.
I wonder what Caleb’s doing. Chasing bad guys, breaking up drug rings, taking down the mafia?
I shouldn’t do it. I’ve avoided the app tracking Caleb’s movements for as long as possible. But he hasn’t responded to any of my seven texts. They were good ones too. Thoughtful and flirty.
He’s left me no choice.
I’m fairly sure what I did is illegal and I might get arrested for it. But I was only using my resources to keep tabs on a guy I like. It totally wasn’t stalkerish.