Page 47 of Wild Idol (Tyson Wild Thriller #82)

“ C an I help you?” a gruff voice asked when I rang the video doorbell at Sable’s mansion.

I flashed my badge to the lens at the courtyard gate. “I need to talk to Sable.”

After a hesitation, the voice said, “What’s this about?”

“Her car that was stolen last week,” I replied in a slow, patronizing voice.

“Hang on. Let me see if she’s available.”

The speaker crackled as it disconnected.

I shared a look with JD, waiting to see where this would go.

To my surprise, the gate buzzed open a moment later. We stepped into the courtyard and walked to the porch.

A hard-looking gentleman in a gray suit pulled open the door. He had a slick head and cheeks pocked by teenage acne. It looked like he was still pissed off about it. He had the narrow brown eyes of a predator and surveyed us with caution. He knew we were trouble. “She’s by the pool.”

He stepped aside and invited us into the foyer.

I didn’t need directions to the pool. JD and I walked into the living room. Sable soaked up the sun on a lounge chair by the infinity pool. We crossed the living room and stepped outside. The ocean crashed in the distance against the white sand beach.

Sable greeted us with a cheery smile. “Howdy boys. What’s going on?”

She looked good in that tiny blue bikini, her skin slick with oil. She wore dark sunglasses and a strawberry daiquiri rested on a glass table nearby. She certainly had star quality.

The bodyguard followed us outside and stood by the door with his hands clasped.

“New hire?” I asked, nodding toward the bruiser.

“Oh, all new security staff. I made a lot of changes around here.”

“I see. Still the same manager, right?”

“Yes. He’s been with me since the beginning. Everett’s not going anywhere. Everyone else—gone.”

“Everyone?”

“I wanted a fresh start. People I trust. 100% loyal.”

“Understandable.”

“You’ve got me paranoid that someone is trying to kill me.”

“Can’t be too cautious these days. ”

“I’m leaving for a European tour tomorrow. I wanted to make personnel changes before we left. So much easier than doing it once we’re underway.”

We stood there for a moment, drawing out the tension. The silence grew uncomfortable.

“Is everything okay? Did you confirm who stole my car?”

“Not exactly,” I said. “But we know who it’s not.”

Sable’s brow wrinkled with confusion.

“The medical examiner was able to pull DNA from tooth pulp,” I said.

Sable made a disgusted face.

“Sorry. There wasn’t much left of the remains. I was surprised they found any usable DNA at all.”

“So, what are the results?” Sable asked on the edge of her seat.

“It’s not Emily Fowler.”

Sable’s eyes rounded. “It’s not?”

I shook my head.

She stammered, “How do you know?”

“Apparently, Emily had submitted DNA to one of those family history websites. Her DNA profile ended up in a database that was sold to an information broker that shares data with law enforcement. We were able to rule her out.”

Sable’s face went pale, and she swallowed hard. “They can do that? That’s legal? ”

I shrugged. “It’s in the fine print in the terms of service of the genealogy website. I guess you have to opt out if you don’t want your information sold.” I shook my head, feigning disgust. “I guess you can’t trust anybody these days.”

“I guess not,” she stammered. “So, who do you think it could be?”

“I don’t know,” I said, playing dumb. “Is there anyone else who resembles you?”

“I don’t know. I’m sure there are other celebrity impersonators out there.”

“I’m sure.” In the most non-threatening tone I could muster, I said, “It would be helpful if you could provide a DNA sample, so we don’t get confused if we find any other trace evidence in the car.”

Sable stiffened. “Well, I would, uh… I would love to, but I need to consult with my attorney first.”

“A simple cheek swab will do. Nothing invasive.”

“Sure, but I can’t do anything without consulting my people.

You know how it is. As you said, one can’t be too careful these days.

Could end up in a database.” Sable was no dummy.

But I had a strong suspicion that we weren’t speaking to Sable.

She said, “With the way technology is going, they could start making clones. Can you imagine? Celebrity clones grown in labs at an accelerated pace, sold as sex slaves to perverted fans?”

“Could be a strange future indeed,” I said .

“Look, I’ve got to run. I need to start getting ready, but please keep in touch. I’m desperate to find out who was behind the wheel. It’s like one of those true crime shows, and I’m totally hooked.”

“We’ll definitely be in touch,” I assured.

JD and I gave each other a knowing glance. The security guard opened the door for us and escorted us inside.

As we stepped into the living room, I asked, “Did Everett hire you?”

He nodded as we slow-walked across toward the foyer.

“How long have you known Everett?”

“I’ve provided security services for him on a contract basis here and there.”

“Security services?”

He didn’t elaborate.

“What’s your name?”

“Kade.”

“Are you the only one on shift?”

“For the time being. Everett feels the threat level is low.”

“You take all your orders from Everett?”

Kade didn’t like my questions. That was obvious. “I work for Miss Fox.”

By that time, we were at the front door.

“Has Everett ever asked you to do anything unethical? ”

His brow wrinkled as he feigned confusion. “No. Nor would I do anything unethical.”

“Were you working for Everett the night of the incident?” I asked casually.

He stared at me for a long moment. “I told you, I just recently took a full-time position here.”

“Yes, but the contract work…”

He opened the front door for us. “Good day, gentlemen.”

I forced a smile before stepping outdoors.

As we walked back to the Porsche, Jack said. “That’s Emily Fowler by the pool. No doubt in my mind. And that son-of-a-bitch is shady as hell. Security services, my ass. That guy’s a killer, doing Everett’s dirty work.”

“You might be right.”

“I know damn good and well, I’m right.” We climbed into the car, and Jack continued. “You know, there’s one way to prove that’s Emily Fowler. Didn’t her best friend say she’s got a tattoo in her bikini area?”

“Yes, she did.”

“I was looking, but I’d like to look closer,” he said with a grin. “I’m willing to take one for the team.”

I chuckled.

“Maybe we should invite her over and get her in the jacuzzi.”

Sable or Emily, or whoever she was, had enticing qualities. No doubt about it.