Page 23 of Playing A Risk
I follow behind him. “Yeah, you too.”
Where the fuck did she go?
And who was the woman with all of Dori’s things?
Melanie said she wouldn’t go to Hunter’s, so I’m guessing Dori went to a hotel to hide.
I drive home, thinking about her favorite hotel chains. Maybe calling them to see if she’s there will give me the break I need.
I stroll in from the garage to find Hunter standing at the elevators. He’s got his mail in his hands. Dori’s not with him, so that’s a good sign. He glances to the side and performs a double take when he spots me.
“Jamison. How are you this cold Friday night?”
I step up beside him to wait for the elevator, forcing down my near panic. “Fine, but I’d be better if I could find Dori. Any chance you know where she is?”
“I told you this morning. As far as I know, she’s taking an early vacation.”
“And it doesn’t bother you she just disappeared?”
The doors slide open and a couple of people get out. We step in and ascend to our floors.
“What makes you think Dorothy disappeared?” He studies me like he wants information. “Is she lost or something that I’m not aware of? Because if she is, you need to tell me.”
I would’ve put money on him knowing where she is, but now I’m not so sure. His reaction wasn’t what I expected. He seems as curious about this as I am. If he knew where she was, he wouldn’t have asked about her being lost.
I shake my head. “It’s just she went silent with no warning and with the launch coming up, I thought… I don’t know.”
“We have a nice break. I’m sure she’s using the time to get her stress level back to normal.” He laughs. “And by the looks of things, you should do the same.”
“Yeah. You’re probably right.” The doors slide open to my floor as despair takes over.
We say good night and I rush to my apartment. I’ve got tocheck with Aiden one more time. Maybe he’s heard something.
I get into my place, toss my jacket on the back of my sofa, and then pull out my phone.
Me: Hey, any chance you heard from Dori today?
Aiden: I did. She’s on vacation, so relax.
Me: Did you tell her I need something from her?
Aiden: I did. She said you could email her if you needed anything. Oh, her phone is broken, so that’s why you couldn’t reach her. Now go enjoy your Friday night.
My lower stomach wrenches and I release a frustrated growl.
Me: I need the work question answered sooner than later. Do you mind sharing how you two connected with me?
Aiden: She’s using some temporary phone. Probably one she picked up from a convenience store, knowing her. Now, leave me alone. I’m on a date. You’re ruining my chances of adding a happy ending to my evening.
I toss my phone onto the kitchen island and rack my brain. She’s talking to Jonah and Aiden for sure. Last I spoke to Melanie, she still hadn’t heard from Dori.
I don’t know why, but I’m going to try again. I pick up my phone. It’s my only chance of getting any information.
Me: Mel, I know you’re upset with me and understand why. I promise to sit down and explain everything to you once I talk to Dori. Have you heard from her today?
I pull on my collar. All of a sudden, my outfit seems to squeeze me. Mel doesn’t respond immediately, so I go to my room and change my clothes.
I’d like to shower and wash this gut-wrenching anxiety down the drain, but I need to figure out if I can reach Dori first. I check my message when I get done.
