“What?”
“We haven’t been able to contact Claire.”
Adrian’s expression shifted.
“Since when?”
“She didn’t show for the morning briefing.”
“Call her again.”
“We have.”
“Her apartment?”
“Building security says she left last night around ten.”
“With luggage?”
Daniel paused.
“Yes.”
A quiet pressure filled the table.
I thought about the note.
Ask Adrian who was supposed to be sitting in seat 14B.
The answer was no longer a stranger.
It was his assistant.
The woman who managed his travel.
The woman who would know his schedules.
And perhaps his family history.
“Does Claire know about Caroline?” I asked.
Adrian looked at me.
“She’s worked for me seven years.”
“So yes.”
“Yes.”
“Does she know Northbridge?”
“I don’t know.”
Daniel leaned forward.
“There’s more.”
I almost laughed.
“Of course there is.”
He glanced at Lily.
I understood.
“Sweetheart?”
She looked up.
“Yes?”
“Would you like to take your picture to the front desk and ask if they have crayons?”
