Chapter 24
WILDER
We’ve been at the hotel for two nights now and there haven’t been any updates from Rome—until now.
I read the article again, hesitant to show Catherine because she’s been in such good spirits. She had to have known people would be looking for her. The police will want to question her. But for the police to put us together is a surprise to me as much as it will be to her.
Cat’s hand comes in front of me, holding a cup of coffee. “For you, my love. Half coffee, half vanilla creamer.”
“Thanks, baby.” I take the coffee and put that and my burner phone on the small round table in front of our hotel window and turn around. My arms go around her waist and I pull her close. Kissing her temple, I let myself breathe her in. “Have I told you lately how beautiful you are?”
She laughs. “Many times and I still don’t believe you. I’ve been living in the same clothes for the last two days.”
I quirk a brow. “Maybe it’s time we do something about that.”
“As much as I would love to go shopping, we need to save the cash you withdrew. Besides…” She turns in my hold and grins up at me. “It gives us a reason to lie naked in bed while our clothes are washing in the laundry room down the hall.”
“Mmm,” I hum into the crease of her neck as I kiss her. “I love the way you think.”
“So.” She steps around me, eyeing the phone. “What were you reading there? Any news from back home?”
“Umm. Yeah.” I scratch the back of my head as I reach past her and pick it up. There are many people I don’t mind lying to if necessary, but Cat isn’t one of them. I want her to trust me, and I want to be worthy of her trust.
I read the article again, then before I can change my mind, I pass the phone to her so she can see for herself.
A Wicked Scandal: Deceased Mayor’s Wife, Catherine Jenkins, and Former Student, Wilder Cromwell, Missing.
It’s been three days since Mayor Troy Jenkins was found deceased in his home from a single gunshot wound to the head. Investigators suspect foul play was involved and are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Throughout the investigation of the mayor’s death, police have been unable to locate Catherine Jenkins, former Mayor Jenkins’s wife. Her cellphone and purse were found inside their home on Merry Lane, but there have been no signs of Catherine.
A missing person report has also been filed for Wilder Cromwell by his father, Grant Cromwell. Given the situation, Grant Cromwell is now serving as acting mayor and running unopposed in the mayoral election this year.
At this time, Catherine Jenkins, nor Wilder Cromwell, are suspects in the death of the mayor. However, investigators believe the two could be together after a public argument at the Willow Creek High graduation ceremony.
We are urging the community to be mindful when they are out. If you see anything suspicious, please call the Willow Creek police department immediately.
More details to follow as they become available.
I watch her intently as she reads, her features tightening with each passing second. Her mouth drops open and her chest rises and falls rapidly.
“We’re missing?” she spits out as she hands back the phone. “I mean, I should have known I would be, but why are they involving you in an article that has to do with me and Troy?”
I shrug. “Someone must’ve told the police we’ve gotten closer. Students have been talking about that video. One, or all of them, probably spilled everything.”
“You don’t think it was Elodie and Rome, do you?”
I shake my head adamantly. “God, no. Elodie and Rome want to help us. They’d never turn their backs on us like that.”
“I’m so sorry you’ve been dragged into this,” she says, and I can tell her heart is heavy right now.
“Baby,” I say as I pull her close. “Why are you apologizing? I’m here because there is nowhere else I’d rather be right now.” I kiss her head, hoping she believes it. “People are going to talk, but we know the truth. Before long, it’ll be revealed.”