Kissed Blind (Hot Pursuit #2)(8)

“I’m sorry.” She laughed, looking at me. “I’m tired from flying all night long and not the best with names.”

“I understand.” I nodded.

“Why don’t I show you the upstairs?” Oliver shot Camille a disingenuous smile. “Diana, would you excuse us for a second?”

“Of course.”

Camille huffed and lifted her delicate body off the couch with dramatic effort and followed Oliver up the staircase. I walked back over to the balcony doors to look outside for the lack of anything else to do. The barge I’d watched before had long made its way down the river, and the water’s surface was like polished glass. Oliver and Camille began shouting upstairs. Then, I did what any normal person would do—I eavesdropped. What did Hollywood’s hottest duo fight about?

Oliver complained about Camille’s general attitude and the way she treated people. She yelled for him to keep his voice down. He answered with more personal attacks, not lowering his voice, which pushed her buttons.

“The big actor needs two bodyguards to keep him safe,” Camille yelled. “Everyone look at the big actor. I bet you wrecked your car on purpose!”

“You’re only jealous about my career taking off while your scripts have stopped coming in. Isn’t that right, Cathy? Or is it Carmen? You’re so insignificant I can’t remember your name!” His footsteps paced above.

A door slammed, and I jumped. Their voices became muted, and I only caught every other word, if I was lucky. Oliver mentioned Lindy’s name again, and I took a couple of steps closer to the stairs. They were too far away for me to accurately hear what ammunition they were throwing at each other though, so I walked back to where I’d been. The fight continued for a few more minutes.

Vance returned with the rest of Camille’s luggage. He set down matching suitcases to Camille’s Louis Vuitton duffle bag, and a couple men walked in behind him, one held two large white paper bags under his arm.

“Hey,” Vance said, wiping a few drips of sweat from his hairline. “These detectives came to ask Oliver and Cici some questions about his accident.”

The shouting had died down a little, but there was still an occasional outburst. Cici had magically appeared behind me.

“Hello,” Cici said, walking up to the detectives. “We’ve been expecting you. Oliver is upstairs running some lines for his next movie. If you’ll wait here, I’ll go get him.” She smiled so sincerely you couldn’t have doubted her for a second.

“We have these for you, ma’am.” The huskier of the two men handed the bags infused with bacon and eggs to Cici.

“I’m so sorry. You didn’t have to grab these. I would’ve come down.” She tucked one under her arm and clasped the other in her hand. “Thanks.”

“No problem, ma’am. This gentleman looked like he needed some help. I’m Detective Rhodes.” He offered an extended hand. “And this is Detective Bradford.” His counterpart, although slender and blond, sported a similar look from his military haircut down to his sensible shoes.

“Cici Dawson, nice to meet you both. Thanks for coming by.” She shook their hands and deposited breakfast in the kitchen. She headed upstairs and called back over her shoulder. “Please have a seat on the couch, and we’ll be right with you.” Within moments, Camille and Oliver’s arguing ceased.

Oliver descended the stairs, wearing his Hollywood smile, and Cici was right at his heels. The detectives, Vance, and I had scattered to different areas in the living room. Oliver grabbed one of the stools from the wet bar and brought it into the room, motioning for Cici to sit, and grabbed one for himself in addition to a bowl of cashews.

“So,” Oliver said, searching for the perfect nut, “what can we do for you?”

“We wanted to touch base again since you were a little shaken up last night. We picked up the surveillance footage from the garage. Hopefully something will turn up to explain what happened.”

“I really appreciate the amount of attention you’re giving this.”

“The Mayor called our Chief personally to investigate, Mr. Pierce. He wants you well taken care of while you’re here.”

“It’s not going unnoticed. Thank you.” Oliver nodded. “I’m anxious to hear what you find.”

Bradford retrieved a small notebook and flipped it open, pen in hand. “Now, it’s our understanding someone delivered the car here?”

Cici scooted to the edge of her seat. “Yes. I called around and arranged the rental. The car arrived yesterday, late afternoon.”

“Do you have a specific time?” he asked.

Cici thought about it for a moment. She took her phone from her pocket and scrolled through a few screens. “I got a call at four fifty-seven and went downstairs not more than five minutes later to sign the papers. After, I moved it to our spot in the garage below the building.”

Bradford jotted his notes as she spoke. “Great. I’d like a copy of the paperwork you signed, if you have it?”

“No problem.” She sprang up and found the rental form on the kitchen table and handed it to the detective.

“Did the car act properly for you at that time? Were there any odd noises, brakes not grabbing as they should? Anything like that?”

She shrugged. “I didn’t drive it all that far, but it seemed fine.”