CLAIRE
The next few days passed in a blur of activity. Julian left early every morning for trial preparation meetings and came home late looking exhausted.
I spent my days fielding calls from boutiques, confirming the Nordstrom meeting, preparing for the Vogue interview.
We barely saw each other except at night when we'd collapse into bed, too tired for anything beyond holding each other.
Friday afternoon, I was reviewing production schedules with Nina over the phone when my other line beeped.
Unknown number. "Nina, can I call you back?" I asked. "Someone's calling."
"Sure, text me when you're free," she replied.
I switched lines. "Hello?" I answered.
"Ms. Cross, this is Detective Rodriguez," a familiar voice said.
I sat up straighter, my heart rate immediately increasing. "Detect
