Cole was a former Texas Ranger and as sharp as they came. But then Vaughn’s father had decided to increase his home security system and hand over the threats to the police instead.
“If anyone can get to the bottom of this, I trust Cole to be the man.” Will sounded grim. Resolute. “But the first person he wants to talk to is Abigail Stewart, since she may be the last person to have seen him alive besides Rich.”
A chill raced up Vaughn’s spine.
The thought of Abby being mixed up with guys like that scared the hell out of him. And made him more determined than ever to stick close to her until they figured out where Rich and Jason had disappeared.
“Tonight Abigail will be at the hospital gala with me, unveiling her new statue for the children’s ward.” He wanted to suggest another day to interview her since Vaughn wanted tonight to be special for her. She deserved the time to enjoy having the spotlight on her work.
“Cole already knows and plans to be there. I’m only calling to give you a heads-up since I got the impression the two of you are close.”
Hell. He was more transparent than he knew when it came to Abigail.
“I appreciate that.” Vaughn grabbed his keys, in a new hurry to get to the gala. He didn’t want Abigail to face another round of questions alone. “Cole is a good guy but he can be...intimidating to those who don’t know him.”
Will gave a dry laugh. “Let’s hope so. I need him to cut through the red tape and figure out where that bastard Rich went. I feel certain that Jason isn’t to blame for any of this, but then again, who knows.” He sounded frustrated. Angry. “We need to locate him.”
“Thanks for the call, Will.”
“I figured you’d want to be with her,” he said simply before disconnecting.
As Vaughn slid into the driver’s seat of the Mercedes coup he liked to use for work, he wondered how Will Sanders had deduced the truth that he had battled for over a week to deny.
He might have every reason in the world not to pursue this relationship with Abigail. But the plain truth of the matter was, he wanted to be with her. And he didn’t see that changing anytime soon.
* * *
Scanning Royal Memorial’s rooftop garden for any sign of Vaughn, Abigail declined a second offer of champagne from a passing waiter. Since the summer gala was a fund-raiser in addition to an unveiling for her statue, the event planner had spared no expense to make it elegant. Abigail had nearly fallen over when she heard what the tickets to the event cost, but then, the function raised money for much-needed hospital equipment and programs.
White lights had been strung from the trees, creating a fairy canopy overhead. Chamber musicians played for the cocktail hour, which was currently in progress, but she’d heard a popular country band would take the stage afterward to kick off the dancing. Tall sunflowers swayed in the breeze from discreetly placed fans to keep the place cool while the sun set. Even the sky had cooperated for the gala, turning the clouds bright pink and purple.
She longed for her sketchbook and a place to draw, needing to capture this beautiful night in her memory. The unveiling of the statue was a moment that belonged to Alannah as much as Abigail, since she’d dedicated the project to her sister’s love of nature. Alannah would love the “Secret Garden” theme of the party, with white tapers flickering in the breeze on a display table of cut flowers that labeled all the blooms taken from the surrounding garden. The floral arrangements ranged from natural wildflower bouquets to more exotic and artful groupings.
The scent of jasmine hung heavy in the air, the profuse blooms lining the railings around the rooftop. The greeters at the door downstairs had given all the women gardenia blooms to wear as wrist corsages, another fragrant note so rich and decadent Abigail wanted to fill her studio with them. Although, not as much as she wanted to see Vaughn tonight.
She plucked a glass of sparkling water with lemon from a tray near the bar, grateful for the nonalcoholic drink options in easy reach. Sipping from the commemorative glass with an etched rose, she scanned the sea of tuxedos while discreetly tugging at her dress hem. She hadn’t expected the addition of a baby bump to make finding clothing so awkward. The burgundy-colored dress she’d borrowed from an online rental store was appropriately elegant and a designer she’d never be able to afford outright. But the swell of baby made the dress ride up her hips, where it was snug. Thankfully, a layer of tulle over the sleek satin sheathe still kept her figure a mystery. The dress made the most of her legs and the more curvy breasts that came with pregnancy.
“Abigail Stewart?” One of the tuxedo-wearing guests stepped out of the line at the bar to stalk toward her.
Unfortunately, he was not the handsome doctor she sought.
This man had dark blond hair and piercing blue eyes, his strong shoulders and athletic build the kind of physique she’d seen on local ranchers. There was something about their gait, perhaps. The way they carried themselves.
“Yes?” She set aside her water glass to introduce herself, thinking the stranger might be someone interested in the statue. She’d already fielded a few questions about her work. “I’m Abigail.”
“Cole Sullivan.” He thrust his hand toward her, his blue eyes fixing on her. “I’m a private investigator retained by Will Sanders.”
She stiffened at the name, even as she told herself the real Will Sanders was a perfectly nice man. A man who’d been cruelly impersonated and swindled by a former friend.
“Nice to meet you.” She shook his hand,
