Page 49 of When Fashion Turns Deadly

“If Bianchi’s third wife had been where we thought she was, it wouldn’t have taken us all day to track her down,” Lars said.

Cole glanced at him. The concern and guilt on his cousin’s face matched his own.

“I can’t believe we decided to talk to the exes on Maribelle Bianchi’s spa day.” Cole cringed when the vision of the sharp-tongued woman in a far-too-thin silk robe crowded his mind. “Next time, we’re waiting outside the spa to ask questions.”

“I don’t plan on there being a next time for me.” Lars pulled out his cell phone as they approached the entrance to Marit and Isabelle’s building. He hit the Call button and put his phone to his ear. “We’re outside.” After a brief exchange, Lars hung up. “Marit said they’ll be right down.”

Cole handed the takeaway bag to Lars even though Lars already had a bag of his own tucked into the crook of his arm. “Here. You carry this one too. I need my hands free.”

Lars didn’t argue. He took the second bag.

Only two minutes passed before Isabelle came outside just in front of Marit. Both women took a good look around before continuing onto the sidewalk.

Lars immediately set the bags on the ground and pulled Marit into his arms. He held her tightly, and for a moment, neither of them spoke. “I love you,” he murmured. “I’m so relieved he didn’t hurt you.”

“Me too.” Marit’s voice was strained. “It’s a good thing Isabelle was there.”

Cole did another quick analysis of their surroundings to make sure Marit didn’t experience a third attack before he drew Isabelle into his arms to prove to himself that she was okay as well. He held her close for a brief moment before he released her. “I’m glad you’re both okay.”

“Me too,” Isabelle said, her voice low.

Cole glanced at Marit, noting that she was carrying nothing. Smart. But he wanted her off the street regardless.

Lars drew back, his focus still on Marit. “You’re sure you’re all right?”

“Just a little shaky.”

“That’s understandable.” Lars shifted so he was at Marit’s side, his arm protectively around her shoulders.

Cole put his hand on Isabelle’s waist and gestured across the street. “Let’s get to the hotel.”

Isabelle began walking. Lars released Marit long enough to pick up the food bags but stayed right beside her as they crossed the road. Cole fell in behind Marit and Lars, shielding them until they walked inside and reached the elevator.

As soon as the doors slid closed, Isabelle stepped beside Cole.

Unable to resist any longer, Cole leaned in for a brief kiss. “I’m sorry I wasn’t there to pick you up today.”

“It’s not your fault.” Isabelle lifted her hand and rested it on his shoulder. “You couldn’t have known someone would be waiting for us when we got here.”

“We’ve been trying to protect against that possibility the whole time we’ve been here,” Cole reminded her.

“Which is why I’ve been with Marit at every fitting, rehearsal, and casting call.”

She had a point, but he didn’t have to like that she had been forced to deal with the situation on her own.

They reached their floor.

Cole and Isabelle stepped out of the elevator. Even though the hall was empty, Cole motioned for the others to go in front of them.

Lars unlocked their room. After he’d set the food down on the little table, he put a protective arm around Marit.

“You and Marit can take the chairs at the table, Lars,” Isabelle said. “Cole and I can sit on the bed.”

Once they were seated, Marit reached into her pocket and produced a black flash drive. “This is what we think the mugger was after.”

Cole took the offering and moved to the hotel safe to retrieve his laptop.

“You know,” Marit said, “if you and Lars had been with us, the mugger might not have come after us, and we might not have ever known this was in my bag.”

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