Chapter 35 #2
Vivi’s heart went out to her, but she wasn't quite ready to give up yet. “We've tried looking up his address and phone number, but nothing’s listed.”
The look Ellen leveled at Vivi chilled her to the bone. “I guess some things just aren't meant to be found.”
Vivi fought the urge to squirm as Ellen rose to her feet. “If you'll excuse me, I think I'll retire to my room for a bit.”
Vivi pasted on a smile. “It was nice to see you again. Thanks for your help.”
Ellen made her way toward the nurse hovering nearby, and Vivi met Mason’s concerned gaze.
“She definitely knows something.”
That was certain, but Vivi was starting to doubt they would ever find the truth. “I wish we knew who else was involved. Is it Elijah? He’s the only one who knew about everything and would have a reason to want to protect her.”
Mason slowed his steps, looking thoughtful. “There might be a way to figure that out. Come on.”
He grabbed Vivi's hand, and she trailed along behind him as he tugged her back inside and up to the receptionist’s desk. Though she wanted to ask what he was thinking, she kept her mouth shut as he focused on the nurse behind the desk.
“My name is Mason Kane with Vantage Security.” He pointed to the sign-in sheet. “Would you mind if I took a look at your registry?”
Her eyes darted to the insignia on his polo, and she nodded. “Be my guest. Let me know if you need anything else.”
Mason began to riffle through the sheets on the clipboard, and Vivi leaned in. “What are you looking for?”
“I’m wondering who’s been by to see Ellen.” He paused and pointed to a name on the sheet. “Harrison.”
Vivi checked the date. “That was right about the same time I met with him about the house.”
Mason nodded and continued to flip, his eyes rapidly scanning the names on the sheets. He paused again. “Tyler.”
Vivi nodded. He’d told them that he’d stopped in but that Ellen wasn’t able to help him.
“I know he said he hadn’t talked with her recently,” Mason continued as he turned the pages, “but I just wanted to check because—”
He stopped abruptly. “And there he is.”
Almost as soon as the words left his mouth, Vivi saw Elijah’s name on the sign-in sheet, and a chill ran through her body. “He told us he hadn’t seen her recently.”
Mason looked at her, his expression serious. “He lied.”
Vivi’s heart felt like it would beat out of her chest. “Let’s go check on Tyler.”
They were mostly silent as they drove to the hotel where Tyler was staying, and Vivi felt a prickly sensation along the back of her neck. Something wasn’t right. The first thing she noticed when they pulled in was that Tyler’s car wasn’t there.
Mason noticed the same thing. “Let’s go check, just in case.”
Vivi hopped out of the truck and followed along quietly as they made their way toward Tyler’s room. Mason knocked several times, but inside everything was silent and still. Mouth set in a grim line, Mason turned to Vivi. “I’m going to talk with the manager.”
The hotel lobby was located on the corner of the building on the ground floor, and an older man occupied the seat behind the desk. “How can I help you?”
“I’m Mason Kane with Vantage Security,” he introduced himself. “My client was staying in room 204, but I haven’t been able to reach him for several days. Can you tell me if he checked out?”
The man seemed to consider it for a second. “Sure thing.” His fingers flew over the keyboard, and he shook his head. “He’s paid up through the end of this week.”
Mason turned to Vivi, his face unreadable, and her insides quivered. Where was he?
Mason drew in a deep breath. “Is there any way you can open the room for us? We won’t need to go in. I just want to see if his things are there.”
The manager finally acquiesced with a small nod, then grabbed up a ring of keys. They followed him back to Tyler’s room and stood off to the side. Mason’s arm settled low on Vivi's waist, tugging her close, and she leaned into him.
The manager inserted the key, and Vivi held her breath as the knob turned and the door swung open.
Beside her, Mason swore as he took in the room.
Papers littered every inch of the floor, and the mattress hung half off the bed, the covers twisted and lying in a heap next to it.
The entire room had been tossed. But why?
Mason thanked the hotel manager, and they made their way to the truck in silence. Once inside, Vivi turned to face him. “Where could he be?” she fretted.
“I don't know.” Mason gave a little shake of his head as he cranked the engine and shifted into gear. “I don't like the way this feels. Someone was in that room, looking for something.”
“But what?”
“I don’t know. But it’s more important than ever that we find out where Tyler is.”
“Maybe we can get a hold of his parents, see if they've heard from him.” Vivi pulled her phone from her purse and brought up the Internet search bar.
She began to type Tyler's name as she spoke to Mason.
“Do you remember where in Colorado he's from? If I can…” She trailed off as the search populated results automatically.
Her gaze landed on a recent headline, and she froze.
Oh, my God.
She didn't realize she’d spoken out loud until Mason’s voice penetrated her fog of disbelief. “Vivi? What's wrong?”
She opened the article and skimmed the first couple of lines before lifting her eyes to Mason’s. “Tyler's dead.”