Chapter 15
As they exited the restaurant and stepped into the hotel's marble-appointed lobby, Casper's attention was immediately drawn to a man with a professional camera positioned near the entrance.
The photographer made no attempt at discretion.
His telephoto lens was aimed directly at them as he fired off a rapid series of shots.
"Willow! Willow Thorton!" the man called out, lowering his camera to reveal a tanned face that spoke of years spent chasing subjects through less-than-ideal conditions.
His bushy dark hair was shot through with gray and swept back from his face.
The lines emanating from his eyes deepened as he grinned.
And his voice was filled with persistent energy, marking him as someone who didn't give up easily.
Willow's entire posture shifted, her shoulders squaring as her professional smile slipped into place. "Hello, Trevor."
So this was Trevor Ashworth. Casper positioned himself slightly closer to Willow, his body language making it clear that any approach would have to go through him first. The photographer seemed to take note of this development but showed no signs of backing down.
"I was hoping we could sit down for a proper interview," Trevor said, his tone carrying the practiced charm of someone accustomed to talking his way past barriers.
"I'm working on a documentary project about former child stars.
What was it like? Your transition to a very successful adult career.
The kind of piece that several networks have expressed serious interest in. "
"I appreciate your interest, Trevor, but I'm not participating in any documentary projects at this time," Willow replied with polite firmness. Her voice remained pleasant, but Casper could see the tension in the way she held herself.
"Come on, Willow. I covered your whole journey back in the day of Riverside High.
I was there documenting your story when other photographers were just looking for scandal.
" Trevor's voice took on an almost pleading quality.
"I've always tried to protect your narrative, to show the real person behind the celebrity image. "
"And I've always appreciated your professionalism," she said, though something in her tone suggested their history was more complicated than simple mutual respect. "But my answer remains the same. I'm not interested in revisiting that period of my life publicly."
Trevor raised his camera again, snapping several more shots despite her obvious discomfort. "What about just a few quotes? Something about your transition from acting to screenwriting? Your fans would love to know how you've evolved as an artist.”
"Trevor, please." Willow's patience was clearly wearing thin. "I've given you my answer."
Casper stepped forward, his presence suddenly more imposing as he moved into Trevor's personal space. "The lady said no. I think it's time for you to move along."
Trevor's eyes flicked to Casper, taking in his size and obvious physical capability. But instead of backing down, the photographer seemed to assess him with professional interest. "And you are?"
"Someone who takes Ms. Thorton's privacy very seriously," Casper replied evenly. "I suggest you respect her wishes."
For a moment, tension crackled between the two men. Then Trevor lowered his camera and held up his hands in a gesture of mock surrender. "No need for hostility. I'm just doing my job, same as you."
He turned back to Willow, his expression shifting to something harsher.
"You know, Willow, I've been keeping an eye on entertainment news.
I have a feeling your parents would be more than happy to sit down with me.
If you ever need someone who understands how this industry works, someone who's been documenting your story from the beginning. .."
"Thank you, but I have everything handled," Willow said firmly, her hand briefly touching Casper's arm in a gesture that felt both grateful and possessive.
Trevor nodded slowly, but his eyes remained calculating. "Well, you know how to reach me if you change your mind. The offer for the documentary interview stands indefinitely."
As they walked toward the hotel elevators, Casper mentally cataloged everything about Trevor Ashworth.
The man's equipment was top-quality and expensive, making it exactly the kind of sophisticated gear that could facilitate long-range surveillance.
His familiarity with Willow's personal history and his self-appointed role as her "story's protector" raised immediate red flags.
Most concerning was the photographer's claim to have been "keeping an eye" on news about her. Trevor Ashworth had just elevated himself to primary suspect status in Casper's assessment.
"Old friend?" Casper asked as the elevator doors closed behind them.
Willow's laugh held no humor. "More like a persistent shadow from my past. Trevor was one of the more aggressive paparazzi during my teenage years, especially during my.
.. difficult period. He always claimed he was different from the others, that he was documenting my journey rather than exploiting it. "
"And you believed him?"
"I wanted to believe him," she admitted. "When you're seventeen and having what amounts to a public breakdown, anyone who claims they're on your side feels like a lifeline. But looking back, I think Trevor was just better at justifying his behavior to himself."
The elevator chimed softly as they reached their floor. "He mentioned your parents. That doesn't sound like someone who's moved on from documenting your story."
Willow was quiet for a moment as they walked down the carpeted hallway toward their suite. "No," she said finally. "It doesn't, does it?"
As Casper swiped the key card and held the door open for her, he was already mentally composing another message to the LSIMT team.
Trevor Ashworth, as well as Max Sterling, had both just become their most promising leads, and Casper intended to find out everything there was to know about the photographer's and ex-boyfriend’s recent activities and current whereabouts.
The coincidences were piling up too neatly to ignore, and in Casper's experience, that usually meant they weren't coincidences at all.