Page 9 of Heartless
I headed toward the main building to check with Melany and see if any other guests had complained about security issues.
“No, sir,” she said. “I don’t think the other guests even noticed anything happened.”
“Good. And the car I asked for?”
“It’s ready, sir. I texted you a few minutes ago.”
“Great. Thank you, Melany. Please inform Mr. Montgomery that the car is waiting.”
“I will. Can I do anything else for you, Mr. Wilson? You look tense.”
I shook my head. “Just keep an eye out for anything unusual.”
“Now that you mention it, sir…there was something suspicious earlier.”
“What happened?”
“That woman that came for the meeting with Annie Foster? She lingered in the lobby for a while. I asked her to leave, and she refused, so I had to call Mr. Montgomery.”
“I doubt she had anything to do with this, Melany. But next time she causes trouble, call me directly, okay?”
“Yes, Mr. Wilson.”
I stepped back out into the gardens and headed toward my villa, The Blue Diamond. Small compared to the other villas on the property, it had just one bedroom. Still, it was every bit as luxurious, though it was the only villa that shared its pool area with its twin, The Pink Diamond. Built right across from each other and closer to the main building, I used one and had kept the other empty for the past few years. I didn’t just protect my guests’ privacy. I enjoyed mine too. And sharing a space with any of the clients seemed like a terrible idea.
I pushed open the door to The Blue Diamond, seeking solace in the familiar surroundings. Decorated in shades of blue and white, the villa had floor-to-ceiling windows in the bedroom, offering a view of the pool area.
Stepping outside, I sank into a lounge chair and pulled my phone from my pocket, scrolling through my contacts until I found Jessica Montgomery’s name.
She answered on the second ring. “Parker?”
“Jess. Hi. Sorry to bother you.” I said, my voice laced with a twinge of guilt. She was like a mother to me. And even though we’d agreed not to seek each other out for a while, I hadn’t called her in over three months. It felt like forever.
“Is everything okay?” She sounded worried. “Did something happen to Ryan?”
“No. Your son is just as healthy and annoying as always.”
She didn’t laugh. Not a good sign.
“What is it, then?”
I took a deep breath. “Can I see you?”
Silence. Then a hint of accusation. “I thought you said you needed space.”
“Honestly? I have no idea what I need.”
Another beat of silence before she spoke. “Will you come over, or should I?”
“Whatever you prefer,” I replied, relief coursing through me. I hadn’t even been sure she’d pick up, let alone agree to see me.
“I’d rather not come to The Gem. There are too many people there. And you know how the staff talks - always something about the management.”
“Of course. I understand.”
Not that I would tell her, but I preferred she didn’t come here, too.
“I have dinner plans tonight, but I can be home by nine. Does that work for you?”
