Chapter 59. Holly
Holly
Holly left the office and saw Ethan coming down the stairs looking crestfallen, and for good reason—no Jade.
When he reached the bottom step, she showed him a picture of Conrad’s referral form.
He took one look and gulped. “Jesus—this guy sounds unhinged.” Ethan’s eyes flared. “We have to find her. Maybe we have to shake Conrad’s tree a little harder. Let’s get back to Gail and Serena and regroup.”
They didn’t have to go far. Both women were hovering on the steps near the front entrance of Miramar. From up above the party lights cast an ominous glow as though the beach were on fire.
“Gail, Serena, what are you doing up here?” Holly hissed, noticing that both women had left their drinks and their posts. “Where is Conrad?”
Her friends exchanged worried looks.
Gail spoke for the team. “Holly, we tried, we really did. We were hanging around the tiki bar—having a nice conversation—when an alarm went off on his phone, and he just took off—didn’t even excuse himself—and rushed up the stairs.
We followed, even though we were worried he might notice, but that guy was on a mission. ”
Serena chimed in. “We thought he was coming after you, but he disappeared through a door in the hall. We tried the door, but it was locked. Totally creepy.” Both women winced.
So did Ethan. “I have a good idea where Conrad went,” he said, his eyes darkening. He guided them into the foyer, and pointed to the teak door with a seashell doorknob—the entrance to the tower. “That’s the one place I was never allowed to go. That door is always locked.”
Holly had thought they’d checked everywhere on the first floor, but they’d blown right past this one, partially obscured by balloons and directional signs for the bathroom.
“How the hell are we going to get in there?” Holly felt stress building in her chest.
Ethan cracked a smile and pulled a multi-tool from his pants pocket. “You leave that to me. I’m cheaper than a locksmith. I’ve had to open my fair share of old lockboxes and car doors. The older the lock, the easier it is to open. An ancient castle door shouldn’t be a problem.”
“Gail, Serena, I need you both to provide some cover—try to keep people from seeing what we’re doing,” Holly said.
“What exactly are you going to do?” asked Gail.
Holly stood tall. “We’re getting into that tower—and we’re getting Jade the fuck out of here.”