Drop Dead Gorgeous(72)

“No, I think that’s everything.” I wish there were another angle to ask about the smoothie extras, but without outright accusation, there’s no way.

But there is one other thing . . .

“I’ll let you get on to whatever you have planned for the day. Hot date?” I guess with a gleam in my eye that begs for details even though I’m terrified at what he’s going to say. I prepare to keep my expression neutral.

“Nothing big. Hanging with another client. That one comes with fringe benefits, though, if you know what I mean.” He winks, nudging me with his elbow again.

That is information I can use, especially if he’s talking about Yvette. I smile back, punching him in the shoulder like I’m celebrating with him. “You sly dog. I bet you get all sorts of fringe benefits—clients and followers.”

Sebastian smirks, nodding. “You know it.” But then he leans in closer. “This one’s different, though.”

I pretend to be flabbergasted, whispering urgently. “The Dog Whisperer has a lady? Even with all the ‘gram ladies throwing it your way? Don’t tell me you’re getting locked down, dude?”

“Hell no.” He laughs so hard he snorts. “I got me a Sugar Momma. Blonde cougar who’s hungry for the D.”

He pats his hips as he brags, so certain that I’ll be . . . jealous? And blonde cougar could describe Yvette Horne.

Unless Sebastian’s got two clients who fit that profile?

“Good for you,” I say, playing along. “Going to see my girl too. Not a Sugar Momma, but Zoey’s pretty special.”

I drop her name, hoping Sebastian will do the same.

“Sounds like we’re killing it, dude!” Sebastian holds both hands up for high-fives and I slap palms with him. “Hit me up again if the big guy needs another session.”

“Yeah, will do.” Damn it, no name drop.

Sebastian throws me a wave and struts off toward the parking lot. I’m literally watching my chance walk away.

Do something! Anything! What can I do to get more information?

An idea hits me—a stupid and dangerous idea.

“Chunky!” I call at the same time I start jogging toward my dog. He doesn’t move from his spot in the grass, only covering the ball protectively so I don’t take it away. “I don’t want your ball, dumbass. Let’s go!” I clip the leash on his collar, but he doesn’t move. I pull gently, and Chunky lets out a whine of disagreement. “Ride? Wanna go for a ride?”

That’s the magic word, because he hops up and takes off for the gate with fresh energy. I open the car door, but Chunky can’t get in on his own yet, so I pick him up and quickly get him in place with his seatbelt on.

I’m hurrying, but I won’t forego safety.

Pulling out of the parking lot, I take off down the road after Sebastian’s truck. I’d love to say I put the pedal to the medal, but I can’t. However, I do go a reasonable five miles an hour over the speed limit.

There he is!

I see Sebastian’s truck ahead and slow back down.

Don’t get spotted.

I’ve never been more thankful for my nondescript, bland sedan. I follow at a distance, noting that we’re heading out of the city and toward the surrounding areas. In fact, this is the same way I would go to visit Zoey, which supports the idea that Sebastian is heading to Yvette’s again.

As we get further out, traffic disappears and I have to drop back even more, but I see him turn ahead. I’ve been on this road, not too long ago, in fact. Sebastian’s truck turns into Yvette Horne’s neighborhood. It’s small enough that there’s no way I can follow and not be spotted, so I pull over to the side of the road and turn my hazards on.

I take some deep breaths and consider my options. Is there any way I can go down that street and verify where Sebastian went without getting caught?

I can’t walk in because I won’t leave Chunky in the car. I can’t drive in because with the way the neighborhood is, I’ll have to go slow, increasing the odds of being seen.

“Damn it,” I hiss, and Chunky whines in the backseat, his tongue going crazy as he tries to comfort me from afar with his licking kisses. “It’s okay, Chunkster. I’m not mad at you. I’m frustrated because there’s no way to make this happen and I don’t like giving up without succeeding.”

He barks in response, and I cut my eyes to the mirror to see his reflection.

“It’s not a failure,” I argue. “I learned a lot about Sebastian . . . and the smoothies . . . and his relationship with Yvette. I just can’t confirm that’s where he is now, but it’s not likely he has more than one client in that small neighborhood. Right?”

Chunky licks his lips, Scooby Dooing the better part of his snout. I take that as agreement.

“Okay, let’s go see Zoey and tell her what we learned.”





Chapter 19





Zoey





I stare at the stainless-steel table in front of me, covered with wrinkled and pressed paper instead of a dead body. It’s honestly more challenging than a body.

Pull it together, Zoey. Examine the edges and put matching ones together like a puzzle. You like puzzles.

God, my pep talks haven’t improved in the slightest. It doesn’t help that I’ve been staring at these tiny bits of paper for hours. After Blake, Jacob, and I went through Yvette’s trash, I couldn’t help but think we might’ve missed something.