EDEN
"Carla left through the back. She didn't have time to circle around. And my phone... she didn't take it. Someone else did."
Hayden reaches for my hand. His fingers are warm.
"I know," he says gently. "I believe you."
I look up at him, startled.
"You do?"
He nods. "Carla's story doesn't add up. The timing's wrong. The phone's missing. The smoke was too thick for a simple rag fire. Someone helped her or used her. We're pulling every camera angle, every delivery log, and every staff schedule. Whoever it was, we'll find them."
I let out a shaky breath. He squeezes my hand.
"We will get to the bottom of this. I promise you."
I manage a smile. "How about the investigation into the poison incident? Have you gotten any hint?"
Hayden lowers his gaze. He suddenly looks immensely troub
