Page 97 of Kneeling for Them

“No problem—it’s what I do best,” she says.

“Let me get you a coffee,” I say, surprised that the offer trips so easily out of my mouth.A month ago, I’d have felt I couldn’t afford it.But since I’ve been seeing Kingston and Sebastian, I’m getting the occasional free meal, and spending less on public transportation.

Should I feel weird about that?

“No time for coffee, I’m afraid,” Lin says.“I have to get back to Ironwood.Another time, though?”

“Sure,” I say.

Lin smiles and holds out a manila folder.“So, I found her.”

“Wow, this feels so…I don’t know.Super detective,” I say, taking the folder.Tucked inside is a paper printed with Alyssa’s headshot, occupation (virtual assistant), address, and phone number.I really only needed the contact info.

Alyssa has as rather pretty face, narrow with high cheekbones, and blue eyes.Her blond hair is shoulder length and curly.

“Sorry, hazards of the trade to be extra thorough.”Lin shrugs and offers me a smile.“Do you want to tell me why I was looking for this woman?Is she threatening Bash or something?”

I shake my head.“It’s really not my place to tell you.I’m super grateful for the favor, and I can pay you for your time.But this is about Sebastian, and…he should be the one to talk to you about it, if he wants to.”

Lin’s eyes sparkle.“Okay, now I love you.”

“You…do?”

“You are friends—or more—with a public figure.I wasn’t sure if you’re with Bash because of his fame, you know?But you won’t even gossip about him with me, his cousin.So yeah, I think you’re awesome.”

I can’t help the big smile forming on my face.“Well, thank you.I think you’re awesome, too.I really appreciate the help.How much do I owe you?”

“Not a cent,” she says.“I did the favor kind of for you, but mostly for him.I think you’ve got his back.”

“I hope I do,” I say.“Coffee some other time?”

“Yep.I’ll hold you to it.”

Laughing, I say, “Well, you know where to find me if I forget.I mean, if you don’t know where I live already, you’ll be able to figure it out.”

She laughs and takes off with a wave.

I look back down at the report in the folder.My heart thumps wildly as I pull my phone from my bag and dial.I’m not waiting.I can’t afford to wait.Not when Sebastian is talking about going public.Not when he’s so worried and guilt-ridden about what he might have done.

A woman answers after the second ring.“Hello?”

“Hi, my name is Ella.I’m trying to get in touch with Alyssa White.”

“That’s me,” she says slowly.

“I have a weird request,” I say.“I need to talk to you about something that happened seven years ago.”

She’s quiet for so long, I have to look at my phone screen to make sure the call hasn’t been dropped.

“Hello?”I say.

“Yeah, I’m here.You want to talk about Bastian Crown, don’t you?”

“Um, yeah.”

“Are you a reporter?”

“Oh, hell no,” I say.“I’m a friend.”