Page 65 of Unburied

“Of course.”

She grabbed her purse on the way out the door and checked the battery on her phone. “Have you talked to Aiden yet this morning?”

“Not yet.” Mason locked up behind them, then took her hand as they headed down to the parking lot. “Your brother was going to take lead on that, see if we could get any info from the cameras of the businesses nearby.”

They wouldn't find anything. Vivi wasn't sure how she knew that, she just did. From the expression on Mason’s face, he felt the same. “What should I do when you’re out working?”

He paused next to the truck and held the door as she climbed inside. “As of right now, I've passed my caseload to Luke. Knox is going to handle qualifications for the local LEOs next week if I'm still not back. But my main priority right now is making sure you're safe.”

She waited until he was seated before speaking again. “They're good with that?”

“Of course.” He threw a quick look her way as he started the engine and put the truck in gear. “You’re one of us, and we always take care of our own.”

A little flicker of warmth flared to life around her heart, and she relaxed, content for once to just enjoy the comfortable silence flowing between them. At the red light, Mason picked up his phone and studied the screen, brows drawn, before replacing it in the cupholder. Vivi watched him curiously. “What's wrong?”

“Nothing, I hope.” He glanced her way and frowned. “Have you heard anything from Tyler?”

“Not recently, not since last week. Why?” Dread curdled her stomach.

“I've texted him several times, but he hasn't responded. I know he was meeting with some of Russ's relatives, but I thought he'd have checked in by now…” Mason trailed off and Vivi's heart stuttered in her chest. Oh, God. With everything that had happened recently, she was inclined to think the worst. “We need to check on him.”

“We’ll stop by and see Ellen first. If I still haven’t heard back from him by the time we leave, we’ll stop by the hotel.”

They drove toward Morningside, unease and apprehension hanging heavily over them. Less than a half hour later, they arrived at the assisted living facility, and Vivi smiled at the nurse seated behind the front desk. “Hi, I’m Vivi Castillo. I’m here to visit my grandmother, Ellen,” she said as she signed the registry. “Would you happen to know if she's in her room?”

“I believe I saw her go outside not too long ago with Linda.”

“Thanks.” Vivi turned to Mason and tipped her head toward the hallway bisecting the lobby. “We can head out this way.”

He fell into step beside her, and they exited out the back door. As they entered the recreational area outside, Vivi scanned the lawn for a familiar face. A moment later, she found Ellen sitting on a bench in the shade. Tucking her hand into the crook of Mason’s arm, she drew him across the yard.

Ellen’s head lifted when she saw them approaching, and her head tipped slightly to the side in question. Almost immediately, Vivi's heart fell to her toes. Her fingers tensed automatically where they rested on Mason’s arm, and he dipped his head low next to hers.

“You okay?”

“Yeah,” she said softly. “I think it’s a bad day. Just play along.”

She smiled as they got closer, then stopped about ten feet away. “Good morning, Ellen.”

“Good morning.” Her lips tipped into a smile, but Vivi could practically see the wheels turning in her head, trying to remember exactly who she was.

“My name is Vivi.” Vivi's voice broke a little as she said it, and she fought to blink back the tears burning the backs of her eyes. Mason shifted her closer, and she was immensely grateful for the silent show of support.

Ellen studied her intently as she repeated her name, testing it. “Vivi… You look familiar, but I…” She gave her head a little shake. “I’m sorry, my memory’s not what it used to be.”

“That’s okay,” Vivi assured her. “I hope you don't mind, but I brought a friend of mine.”

Mason stepped forward and offered his hand. “Mason Kane, ma'am.”

“Lovely to meet you.” Ellen returned his handshake, then gestured to the bench. “It’s a beautiful day. Would you like to join me?”

“I'd love to.” Vivi took a seat on the bench, several inches away from Ellen so she wouldn't feel overwhelmed, then threw a look at Mason.

“It's nice to finally meet you,” he said from where he stood in front of them. “I've heard wonderful things about you.”

“Oh?” Ellen gave a little laugh. “From this lovely young woman here?”

She gestured Vivi's way, and Mason grinned. “From her, too,” he agreed. “But mostly from your husband.”