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I was too busy trying to process that to understand what it meant. I remember Eli telling me to keep my distance from Neil. That was his way of protecting me too.

After a moment, Cass said, “I know you’re not long for this place, and I don’t know if you’re long for Eli, but I’ll only say this once. I’ll support you in whatever decisions you make, Reese. If that’s leaving us, I completely understand. Your future is bigger and brighter than this restaurant, as fabulous as it is. And if that’s leaving Eli…well, I’d understand, too. My brother is something else. But he’s a goner for you, Reese, and I know once you both cool down he’ll do anything you ask to make this right. Not that that’ll help if he gets us sued.”

I’d wiped my tears and looked her in the eye. “No. I brought this on the restaurant and the show; I’ll fix it.”

Cass had looked worried, but forged on. “If you want to end it with him too, I completely understand. He’s not going to be working here anymore, but he’s still part owner, so I’ll ensure he has no say over the restaurant while you’re still here. And—”

“Cass, thank you. I think I just need some time.”

I sigh now. “I’m sorry, Nor. You’ve heard all this.”

“I don’t mind.”

I look at her in the darkness, the glow of the dash the only thing illuminating her straight red hair, reflecting off her elfin-like features and thick round glasses.

She must feel me staring because she says, “Hey, so since we’re here, I wanted to tell you something.”

I perk up. Is she finally going to admit to me how she feels about her best friend? “Shoot.”

“Well, it’s a couple things.”

“Okay,” I say, all my attention on Nora now.

“So, Jude and I found a lead on Eleanor.”

“The ghost?” I say, almost laughing. Though I can’t help the little wave of disappointment that her news isn’t what I was hoping she’d share.

“Yeah. We found the cache of letters that journal was talking about. Jude did—it was out by the golf course.”

“Wow.” I’ve only followed the ghost story peripherally, but I know how fun it’s been for Nora, so I always find her excitement on the topic contagious. “What’s the lead?”

“Apparently she and the journal-writer—her evil husband’s chauffeur—had their first tryst in Switzerland.”

Nora tells me about how she and Jude think there are more clues to be found in Switzerland. Ones that might help them prove her husband was guilty of ending her life. It’s fascinating, but I can’t help notice the way she grips the steering wheel like she’s holding onto a life preserver.

Just then my phone buzzes in my pocket.

Eli.

My heart leaps. But when I pull my phone out, it’s not his number on the screen. It’s that California number again.

I can’t keep avoiding Caroline’s calls.

“Sorry,” I say. “I think this is my realtor.”

“Think? Is it safe to answer?”

“My number’s private.”

“If you say so.”

I pick up the call.

“Is this Therese Franco?”

It’s not Caroline. It’s a man’s voice, one I don’t recognize. I look at Nora. She was right—someone slipped through.

But they used my real name. “Who is this?” I’m immediately suspicious.