Page 56 of Craving You
“Don’t feel bad for how you cope,” Ross says.“There is no correct way to handle this.”
“I think us being together helps a lot,” I say.“If I was isolated… I would be batty by now.”
“We should get going,” Andrea smiles.
“When will her body be released?”I ask as I grab my bag.
“Oh, it’s going to be a while longer.We want to keep her body for a little bit so we can make sure we have every bit of evidence,” she says.“DNA will take a while to come back.Hopefully, the asshole is in the system and gives himself up that way.”
“Mmm.That would be too easy,” I say.“Someone like this is far too calculated and meticulous to leave something behind that would get him caught.”
“Unfortunately, you might be right,” Ross says.“But we have plenty of other leads to follow.”
Wepullintotheparking lot, and everyone comes around to me.I walk between Cam and Remy and none of us stop, because if we do, we might not ever walk in there.When we stop in front of the building, I decide we should just tell the media.We are already here, and they are waiting.
“Andrea,” I say.“Can we…”
“Yeah,” she smiles.“If you can’t… I’ll take over.Just say what you can, but absolutely do not mention the connection to human trafficking or that you were the target.Okay?”
“Okay,” I sniff.
“Quiet everyone,” Andrea calls out.A hush falls over everyone, and I am already fighting back tears.
“Good morning… I am Lorelei Belmont,” I say, my bottom lip quivering.“I uh… we promised updates… I’m sorry.”
I stop and take a deep breath and luckily, they are all patient with me.I can’t choke back the tears, though.Instead of stopping them, I just let myself cry.“Yesterday afternoon… Our friend and newly appointed COO, Beatris Cooper… She left the office to get everyone lunch, but she uh… shit.I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay.Hey.I’ve got it,” Andrea says, rubbing my back.“Thank you for being patient, everyone.Beatris Cooper was abducted on her way back.A little under three hours later, she was found deceased.This was a violent attack, and we are actively following several leads.We ask that if anyone has any information to reach out to their local precinct, and we will look at every single one.This is not considered a public threat, but we do ask that everyone remain vigilant.Thank you.”
We are quickly taken inside before anyone can ask anything.I immediately turn and hug Remy before I completely fall apart.He hugs me tightly and I fight back sobs.When I pull away, I hug Cam.
“Hey,” I hear Sam sniff nearby.He is the only one who knows.
“Hey,” I say tearfully when I pull away.“I’m sorry.I’m trying not to.”
“Stop.It’s fine,” Sam says as he hugs me.“I’m so sorry, Lori.”
“I hate this so much,” I whisper.
“I know,” he sighs.“So do I.”
“I don’t know how I’m going to get through this,” I say as I pull away.
“One step at a time,” he says.“Everyone is watching us, though.”
“Right.All staff,” I sigh.I glance and see that everyone is confused by this.“Hey, everyone.Uh… floor leads.Do we have everyone?”
“Yes,” a few say.
“I went ahead and did attendance,” Sam says, handing me a tablet.“Also, the board and all the clients are here.”
“God, you’re a saint,” I say.“Thank you, Sam.”
“I am going to make you guys let me help you.Use me however you need.Okay?”he asks.
“She will,” Remy says before I can answer.
“What’s going on?”Leann asks hesitantly.I sigh and turn to everyone.
