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ChapterTwenty
Ariana waved and thanked the show’s hosts as she and Damon stepped off the bright stage. Thankfully her headache had stayed away, and the hosts had been more than happy to let her and Damon talk about Rita. They’d been able to share about the social media page and show off the flier.
That was in addition to them discussing the normal interview information — personal safety tips and links to their podcast, blog, and books. Although those seemed so insignificant now.
The only thing that mattered was finding Rita. But with each passing minute, their chances dwindled.
She wouldn’t give up. Boone might not care, but Ariana did. And she knew firsthand that it was possible to survive an abduction past the critical twenty-four hour period.
A few minutes later, she and Damon exited the building. The sun shone nearly as brightly as the lights inside, but its warmth was much more comforting.
Damon held out his key fob toward the car, but didn’t press it. “Trouble ahead.”
“What?” Ariana snapped her attention to where he was looking.
Boone.
“What’s he doing here?” she asked.
“And how did he know where we’d be?”
“Probably saw the interview,” Ariana said. “It doesn’t take a genius to find the studio. Just a quick internet search.”
Damon took her hand and squeezed.
Boone approached, his expression tight.
“Why are you here?” Damon said.
“You told that detective I was at the bar and grill.”
“Nope.”
“Then it was your besties.” Boone stopped, hardly leaving any space between them.
“How would it have been them?” Ariana asked. “They weren’t at the restaurant to see you there. Must’ve been someone else. Who did you see when you were there?”
“You and I both know I wasn’t there.”
Ari squared her shoulders. “Because you hate that place.”
“Can’t deny that. It’s so loud and packed.”
“Where were you that night?” Damon asked.
“Doesn’t matter.”
“Sure it does. Your wife is missing.”
“I don’t owe you an explanation,” Boone said. “I’m only here to tell you — again — to leave me alone.”
“What’s your alibi?” Ari asked. “Did you get your girlfriend to cover for you?”
“I wasn’t with her that night. Not that it’s any of your business.”
“It is when one of my best friends is missing,” Ariana said. “And you’re the top suspect.”
“According to whom?” Boone said.
