Page 136 of Beautiful Revenge

“You might have a point. Why do they faint? Still, that’s mean.”

“And that right there is why you’re moving to small-town America, and I need sirens and gunshots as white noise,” she explains.

“We have gunshots in Winslet,” I remind her. “I’d tell you to give my dad a hug, but I know you won’t. Tell him I love him, and I’ll check on him after my meeting.”

“Will do.” Her heels click on the marble of the penthouse. Even though I grew up there, I don’t miss it. Maybe I am meant to live in a small town.

We disconnect, and I slide my cell into my back pocket. I look up at the house that stands tall over me in the warm, morning sun. Well, if I’m going to live in the country, I can’t be afraid of critters that might be lurking around every corner. This is why I came early.

I put one foot in front of the other until I make it up the creaky steps and tear the crime scene tape from the front door that I hope with all my heart can be salvaged. I nudge it open farther and peek inside.

Memories of my mom and grandma from decades ago flood my brain and warm my heart. This is why I’m here.

Devon

Iwalk into Felicity’s new office. She hasn’t wasted any time making it her own. Pictures of her husband and dog litter the credenza behind her desk, and she has sticky notes plastered across the wall in every color of the rainbow. She just walked in and hasn’t even had a chance to put her bag away.

“Good morning, Mr. Donnelly,” she sing-songs. “I was just about to come see you.”

“I beat you to it.” I lean a shoulder on the door jamb. “Are you getting settled?”

“I am, but I need to ask you something?—”

I put a hand up and interrupt her. “In a second. I hired a general manager. You’ll still report to me, but she’ll be over the hotel operations. I’d like her to shadow you when she starts, if that’s okay.”

Her face lights up. “I’d love to. I’ll introduce her to everyone.”

“I knew you would. I’ll let you know when.” I turn to leave since my list of shit to do is long before I head out of town with Harlow.

“Wait, Mr. Donnelly. I need to ask you something.”

I turn back, already halfway out the door. “That’s right. Shoot.”

“I just wondered if you’ve called Chief Moretti.”

I turn fully to her and cross my arms. “Why would I need to call Dean?”

“Because of Mrs. Madison.”

“I’m confused. Why would I call Dean about Harlow?”

“No,” she goes on, her expression just as confused as mine. “Not Ms. Madison.Mrs. Madison—Janie Madison.”

I drop my arms, feeling the tension headache return that only Janie can induce. “What about her?”

“Well, you told me she wasn’t welcome on your propertyagain. And I guess she wasn’t technically on the resort, but I did see her when I turned in.”

I glance at my watch. “Janie is in Winslet? You’re sure it was her?”

Felicity senses my unease and clenches her hands to her chest. “Yes, I’m sure. She was in the passenger seat. A man was driving. I didn’t get a good look at him, but I’d know that woman anywhere. It was ... maybe fifteen minutes ago. No, twenty. I got here but stopped to talk to the chef about a luncheon next week. Then she poured me a cup of coffee, and we talked about the Fall Art Fair since she’s new. Then I finally came to my office.” She waves her hand around like a nervous bird. “And now is now. Should we be worried?”

“No, it’s fine. Thanks for telling me,” I rattle off and turn back for my office where I left my cell.

I pick it up and press go on Harlow’s number. She’s meeting her contractor at her property this morning.

It goes straight to voicemail.

“Baby, it’s me. Call me as soon as you get this.”