“My PI was found.”
“Where is he?”
“He’s dead, Julia. His body was found in a cabin in the UP. Your old phone was there.”
“But Phillip took my phone…” Terror raced across her expression as the pieces fell into place. “Where’s Phillip?”
Both Julia and Lena were listening.
“I don’t know. Neither does Officer Stewart. That’s why he was sending reinforcements. We need to get home.” I turned to Lena. “You too. Stay protected.”
“I’ve got it covered.”
When it came to Lena, I had no doubt.
As I was about to lead both women away, Gregg came to Julia and reached for her arm. Julia turned. “Dad.”
“Why do you look so alarmed? You were marvelous in that meeting. I’m so proud of you.”
“Thanks, Dad.” She leaned into his hug. “I love you. Van and I need to leave, but I’ll be in touch.”
“Don’t worry about me,” he said. “The two dearest things to me have been you and Wade.” He looked at me and smiled. “I know both are in good hands.”
Now wasn’t the time for a reunion. My tone lowered. “Julia.”
At the same time, Janie called Julia’s name. We turned toward Janie.
Gregg’s assistant came close and spoke aloud to the entire group. “Security says that there’s a small crowd of reporters in front of the building.” She shivered. “This is so exciting. They want a statement from Wade’s new chairperson.”
“I’m sorry, we need to leave,” I said.
Julia turned from me to Gregg. “I don’t know what to say.”
Gregg replied, “Tell them the flowery words. A brief statement. Show them how strong you are.”
Julia turned to me. Her blue eyes clouded with worry and uncertainty.
Fuck.
“Let me call Michael. I want the place surrounded.”
Julia nodded. “Okay, I’ll make a brief statement.”
Ten minutes later, with Albert on Julia’s one side and me on the other, we joined the rest of Wade’s executive board as well as her parents on the first floor. Beyond the large glass entrance, I saw a small gathering.
“I don’t like this,” I said to Albert.
“Sir, Michael has men surrounding those steps. He’s waiting with a car. As soon as Mrs. Sherman is done speaking, he’ll take you both to the airport. The pilots are ready.”
Lena came up beside me. “I’m sorry.”
“For what?”
“I thought the coverage would be good.”
I ran my hand over my hair. “It is, Lena. You’re spot-on as usual. I just…”
“Phillip,” she said. “I know. But the troopers are in Ashland. That’s probably where he is.”