Page 10 of Nothing Hiding

Her husband turned to her, and for the first time, Juliette saw the compassionate side of a man who was controlling at the best of times and downright domineering under pressure.

"Of course, honey," he said, his voice softening. "I think you're done here. I'll come with you." He helped her to her feet.

"Give me ten minutes, and I'll be back," he said over his shoulder, his arm around his wife as he escorted her from the room.

As the couple left the room, Juliette felt a surge of sympathy, all the more so now that she had seen the ambassador's well-hidden caring side. They were under enormous pressure. This experience was one of the most harrowing a parent could face.

But his departure gave them the chance to make some quick plans.

She stood up and moved closer to Wyatt and Sierra.

"I think I should go and speak to Daisy's friends on my own. It's likely they won't want to admit if they were up to anything, so they might be intimidated by two people," she said.

Wyatt nodded. "That suits me fine because I want to get onto the topic of his enemies.”

Juliette felt pleased they were on the same page.

"McKay said there were a few recent incidents he remembered,” she said.

“We need to find out where those trigger points were. When he comes down, on his own, would be the perfect time, especially if it's something he doesn't want to discuss in front of his wife." Wyatt’s voice was firm.

Juliette nodded. "I'm happy for you to do that with Sierra, unless you have something else you want to focus on?" she asked their youngest team member.

Sierra, however, volunteered another idea. "I'd like to take a look at the camera footage," she said. "Not from the home itself but from the nearby streets. Maybe she was caught on camera?"

"Okay. We all have tasks to do, and angles to pursue, so let's see where we are at the end of this and touch base then," Juliette said. "I'm going to take the car, and I can drop you at the local police station on my way, Sierra?"

As they walked out of the mansion, she felt the weight of the investigation closing in on her. Finding Daisy was imperative, and every second counted. They had three different directions to pursue, and one of them needed to bring results, fast.

Her hopes were on the friends. They knew more, she was sure of it. But they’d been collaborating with Daisy and helping her escape from her parents for sneaky nights out. Getting the truth from them, in these circumstances, would be a challenge.

CHAPTER SIX

What did Gina Baines know? Juliette felt the pressure weighing heavy on her as she walked up the stairs to the pristine, black painted entrance door with its brass knocker and its doorbell.

Gina’s house was in Chelsea, a penthouse apartment in an exclusive building that was surrounded by well-manicured gardens. It wasn't geographically very far from Daisy's ambassadorial residence, and this was something Juliette thought might be important.

It was more than close enough for the friends to meet easily after a quick cab or train ride and join each other for an illicit, fun rendezvous.

The sound of the doorbell echoed through the apartment, and after a few moments, Juliette heard footsteps approaching the door. It inched open to reveal a housemaid peering through the gap.

She was dressed in a smart black uniform, but her face seemed apprehensive. "Can I help you?" she asked.

Juliette flashed her badge. "Agent Juliette Hart, FBI. I'm here to speak with Gina Baines."

The housemaid looked taken aback for a moment before nodding. "Of course, ma'am. Please come in."

Juliette followed the housemaid into the apartment, through the hall, which was adorned with a striking, life size Buddha sculpture, and into the living room, which was an opulent statement room, with deep gray walls, spot lit paintings and sculptures, and colorful furniture. The love of the Far East was apparent in every gold clad Buddha, every dark wood furniture item, every tapestry and carving. Clearly, Gina's parents were wealthy and well-traveled. What would Gina herself be like, Juliette wondered, as the housemaid left to call her.

Juliette took a seat on one of the plush velvet sofas, taking in the extravagant room around her. As she waited, she couldn't help but wonder what kind of life Gina must lead. She had grown up in the lap of luxury, something that was apparent from every corner of the apartment. But did that mean she was happy? Or had she, too, longed for the simple, innocent fun of a late-night outing with a friend? Did she also have secrets to hide?

A few minutes later, there were footsteps in the doorway, and she looked up. A stern-faced, dark-haired woman stood there.

Not Gina. This woman looked in her forties, with a determinedly youthful glow to her skin and a brilliant shine to her jet-black hair.

"I believe you want to speak to my daughter?" she queried. “What’s this about?”

"Are you Mrs. Baines?" Juliette asked, quickly standing up.

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