Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Another officer unzipped the bag next to Mark. When he looked inside, his expression faltered.

With gloved hands, he pulled out a piece of what was unmistakably tanned human skin-an entire sheet, shaped like it had once covered someone's back.

A few of the designers nearby took one look and immediately lost their lunch, retching into the wastebasket or scrambling for the nearest exit.

The lead officer quickly blocked the view, holding up a hand. “No one breathe a word of this. The detectives will need to get your statements soon."

Bridget's face paled, her jaw set tight as she took an involuntary step backward. Sweat beaded at her hairline.

But the officer didn't miss a thing.

"Ms. Simpson," he called, "I'll need you to stick around too."

"Me? Why? I don't know anything about this..." Bridget stammered, but before she could finish, she bumped right into a wall of muscle.

She turned to see Rupert, her eyes wide and full of distress. "Mr. Rupert, I was just trying to help Sylvia. Next thing I know, I'm the one in trouble."

"I know," Rupert said quietly, his voice calm but protective. He handed her a handkerchief and gently moved her behind him, shielding her from the commotion.

He fixed the officer with a cool stare. "She's been with me all night. She doesn't know anything about what happened here. Maybe focus on the people who actually look suspicious."

His gaze flicked coldly to Sylvia.

Sylvia stiffened and looked up. Their eyes met for a brief, electric second before Rupert turned his attention back to Bridget.

and looped her arm through Rupert's, leaning in as if they were

and began answering the

everyone sign off before letting them go. Sylvia left

the crowd, Uncle Steven frowned. "So that's the girl from

scrolling through a

but Rupert doesn't seem interested. No point wasting time. If you ask

his phone and shot him

...

the hotel, Bridget followed Rupert into

off her coat and hung it up,

with his.

done it

nov

times-dutiful, wifely.

sidestepped her touch, stepping behind the bar to pour

bourbon.

paused mid-air, but she quickly recovered. "Mr. Rupert, maybe go easy on the whiskey?] can

She watched him hopefully.

need this to wind down," Rupert said, barely looking

nodded, trying to hide her disappointment. "Then I'll run

"Fine."