Page 66 of Unburied

It was a small test of sorts, and Vivi found herself holding her breath. A fond smile curved Ellen’s mouth. “Eugene was a wonderful man.”

Mason nodded. “I'm sorry for your loss.” Ellen tipped her head in acknowledgment, and Mason continued. “You were married a second time, I believe. To Charles Orwell?”

Ellen’s expression became slightly guarded. “That's correct.”

It hadn't hit Vivi before, but she suddenly realized she had always thought of Orwell as Ellen’s maiden name. She knew it wasn't the same as Eugene’s, and she had always figured that after his death, she’d reverted to her maiden name. She didn't know why she hadn’t realized it sooner.

“And how did you know Russ?” Ellen’s voice sounded tight with tension.

“He was a friend of my uncle’s,” Mason explained. “They were in the Navy together when they were younger.”

Ellen nodded a little and offered a brittle smile. “That's wonderful.”

“I was hoping to get in touch with him again,” Mason added hopefully.

Vivi watched Ellen carefully, and a dark expression moved over her eyes. “I'm afraid I can't help you with that. I haven't seen him for a while.”

Vivi couldn't tell exactly how much she remembered, or how clear her memory was, but she obviously remembered the fact that she and Russ were no longer married. She pressed gently for details. “His uncle would really love to see him again if you have any idea where he may have gone.”

Ellen shook her head, and her gaze drifted far away. “After Christine…” She gave a little shake of her head. “It's all kind of a blur.”

Vivi’s heart went out to her, but she wasn't quite ready to give up yet. “We've tried looking up his address and phone number, but nothing’s listed.”

The look Ellen leveled at Vivi chilled her to the bone. “I guess some things just aren't meant to be found.”

Vivi fought the urge to squirm as Ellen rose to her feet. “If you'll excuse me, I think I'll retire to my room for a bit.”

Vivi pasted on a smile. “It was nice to see you again. Thanks for your help.”

Ellen made her way toward the nurse hovering nearby, and Vivi met Mason’s concerned gaze.

“She definitely knows something.”

That was certain, but Vivi was starting to doubt they would ever find the truth. “I wish we knew who else was involved. Is it Elijah? He’s the only one who knew about everything and would have a reason to want to protect her.”

Mason slowed his steps, looking thoughtful. “There might be a way to figure that out. Come on.”

He grabbed Vivi's hand, and she trailed along behind him as he tugged her back inside and up to the receptionist’s desk. Though she wanted to ask what he was thinking, she kept her mouth shut as he focused on the nurse behind the desk.

“My name is Mason Kane with Vantage Security.” He pointed to the sign-in sheet. “Would you mind if I took a look at your registry?”

Her eyes darted to the insignia on his polo, and she nodded. “Be my guest. Let me know if you need anything else.”

Mason began to riffle through the sheets on the clipboard, and Vivi leaned in. “What are you looking for?”

“I’m wondering who’s been by to see Ellen.” He paused and pointed to a name on the sheet. “Harrison.”

Vivi checked the date. “That was right about the same time I met with him about the house.”

Mason nodded and continued to flip, his eyes rapidly scanning the names on the sheets. He paused again. “Tyler.”

Vivi nodded. He’d told them that he’d stopped in but that Ellen wasn’t able to help him.

“I know he said he hadn’t talked with her recently,” Mason continued as he turned the pages, “but I just wanted to check because⁠—”

He stopped abruptly. “And there he is.”

Almost as soon as the words left his mouth, Vivi saw Elijah’s name on the sign-in sheet, and a chill ran through her body. “He told us he hadn’t seen her recently.”