Page 5 of Fractured Hearts

“Maybe make sure she’s not one of Declan’s exes this time, too.”

I want to laugh, but considering the last time we had this type of email, it ended up being one of his exes. Harlow may have a point.

“You need an assistant.”

I laugh. “I am an assistant.”

Harlow shrugs. “An assistant to the assistant.”

“Let’s get back to the bear interview.”

three

JO

“What’s with the face?”

I look up from my phone to Maverick smiling at me. He rubs between my eyebrows, forcing me to loosen up my face.

“Sit up.”

I do as asked, and he sits next to me on the couch, pulling me back down until my head is on his lap. I can smell the mix of laundry detergent, his soft cologne, and something that is so purely Maverick that it makes my chest squeeze.

“So what has you scrunching your face so hard you look like a deflated balloon?”

“Hey!” I complain, hitting his chest with the back of my hand. He chuckles as he waits for my answer.

“Jon is being really weird. He’s constantly texting me for updates on Ezra.”

Maverick’s brows furrow. “He was in a few of the meetings when we talked about it. Maybe he’s just really interested?”

“Maybe,” I say, not convinced, but I also don’t have another explanation right now.

“He could have a crush on you. We haven’t seen him since we went into lockdown.”

I make a gagging noise, which makes Maverick laugh. We’ve been on lockdown for almost two months now. The band’s tour manager, Nate, being murdered made leaving the house scary. And if the band isn’t leaving the house, there isn’t much of a reason for their agent to be around.

“Here, let me look.” Maverick holds out his hand for my phone. I unlock it and hand it over.

Jon

Any updates on the case?

No.

Have you narrowed down a location at all?

No.

Do we think he’s in New England? Makes sense he would be close.

We have no idea, Jon.

I bet he’s closer than we think.

Could be.

When do you think you guys will narrow it down?