Page 92 of Million Dollar High

“He’s also been spotted in Montreal, Canada, where he’s originally from. Snyder was his mother’s maiden name. His real name is William Bouchard. He grew up on the streets of Montreal and got caught up in a crime syndicate there. He disappeared real quick after some money went missing.”

Leia’s hand trembled and Noah covered it with his own. “You’ve informed the detective?”

Paddy nodded. “From the information Willoughby gave us, he thinks there’s enough to arrest Snyder, but it would be better all round if he’s arrested on US soil. We have people watching both residences.”

“Be careful. He’s… clever,” Leia cautioned. Noah knew she was blaming herself for being fooled for so long by the man she’d called her savior.

The PI rose. “He may think he’s clever, but I’m badass.” He stared down at Leia for a moment. “Sorry to hear about your production issues. Do you want me to look into it?”

Her eyes widened. “You think it’s suspicious?”

“Everything’s suspicious. Until it isn’t.” He left as silently as he’d arrived.

Noah saw the anxiety on Leia’s face and silently cursed his PI. It was clear Paddy had a soft spot for Leia. Which made his veiled implication grate on Noah’s nerves.

“You think he’s right?” she asked.

“Paddy’s suspicious about his own shadow. He’ll look into it whether we want him to or not. If he finds something, he’ll report it.”

She nodded. “I have to go into the office for a while, make sure everyone knows what’s going on.”

Noah rose with her. “I’ll drive you. I’m headed into the office too.”

They left after a quick breakfast. He spent an inadequate ten minutes double parked outside her building, kissing her goodbye. She was blushing profusely by the time she slid out of his Maserati.

“I’ll pick you up at five. Dinner at Pietro’s?”

She gave him another of those spectacular smiles. “Yes. I love you, Noah.”

“I love you.” Three simple words that filled him with awe, trepidation and endless happiness.

He strode into his office with a huge grin and ploughed through the mountain of work that had piled up in his absence, starting with drawing up a contract for Tim and Harry. The boys’ effusive chatter when they’d received his email made his grin widen until Noah thought his face would crack.

His desk was clear by four. On a whim, he grabbed his keys and headed down to the private garage. His phone beeped as he gunned the engine. Ignoring it, he floored the car all the way to Leia’s office. As he alighted, his phone beeped again.

Deciding to wait for Leia outside, he leaned against his hood and pulled his phone out of his pocket.

Missed call from Dr. Franklin, Ashley’s OBGYN.

A shiver raced over his skull.

He dialed.

“Mr. King, thanks for calling me back?—”

“What’s wrong?” he cut across her.

“It may be something, it may be nothing, but I had a call from a colleague at a private clinic in West Palm Beach. It seems Ashley checked herself in this morning for a procedure. I only know because she listed me as her physician.”

His blood ran cold. “What sort of procedure?”

Silence.

“What sort of procedure?” he yelled.

“Mr. King… Noah, I suggest you get over there as soon as possible.” She rattled off the name of the clinic and hung up.

God no. His vision swam and he closed his eyes.

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