Page 58 of Wicked Shadows
“No, Tanya, I don’t believe it at all. But that gives us concrete proof to put more pressure on them both. Even if they don’t know where she is, they know more than they’re saying. Don’t give up hope—we’re just getting started. You know Devon won’t rest until she’s home again.”
With Reaper’s direction, they left the studio offices and drove straight to the entertainment news station. Within minutes, they’d arranged an exclusive first interview and had a pushy reporter with a crew of cameramen at their disposal. Upon returning to the executive offices, they found the police and the lot guards waiting for them.
“This is perfect,” the reporter hungry for the juicy scoop exclaimed. She grabbed the microphone and ordered the cameramen to take their places to get multiple angles.
“Hello, officers. Mary Ellen Gallie with Hollywood Biz News. Can you tell me why you’ve locked down the offices of Timeless and Classic Entertainment Studios?”
“We had a previous issue with trespassing. The offices are closed to any visitors for the rest of the day.” The guard glanced nervously between her and the cameras.
“Is that because executive Barry Jacobson is hiding the truth from the world? Is that why he won’t speak with the parents and brothers of Elle Sinclair?” Mary Ellen thrust the microphone into his face and waited for an answer.
“She didn’t have an appointment,” he stammered.
“Let me get this straight so that I—and all of our viewers watching this live broadcast—understand. This family maintains Elle Sinclair is actually missing, but they can’t speak with Barry Jacobson…because they didn’t have an appointment?”
The guard opened his mouth to reply, but he was abruptly interrupted when Barry stepped outside.
“Thank you, officers, for your assistance, but I believe we can take it from here.” Barry took a few steps toward the camera and turned on the charm. “Mary Ellen, so good to see you again.”
“Barry, I’ve spoken with Elle Sinclair’s family, and they’ve provided some very damning information that directly contradicts your assertion Elle and Jax ran away together. Your reply?”
“Mary Ellen, I completely understand their concern and need for concrete proof that their beloved daughter is safe and sound. Here at Timeless and Classic Entertainment, we are one big family. When one hurts, we all hurt.
“As soon as I realized their level of concern, and that they haven’t heard from Elle yet, I tracked Jax down myself. Mrs. Moore had already left when I spoke with him, but he assured me he’ll have Elle contact them as soon as possible. She was indisposed when we spoke, but he promised the call would be made soon.”
“Did Jax give you any indication of where they are?”
“No, and I didn’t ask. I’ve tried to respect their privacy, but I couldn’t let this loving family continue to suffer.” Barry’s smile was warm and sincere, but something else burned in his eyes when he met Tanya’s gaze.
Conceit. Victory.
Fury. Resentment.
“You are lying, Barry Jacobson. We both know it. Shall we wait together in your office for this make-believe call? So we can all hear my daughter’s voice at once? Or better yet, see her beautiful face? Surely, if you reached Jax once today, you can do it again for all of us.” Tanya challenged him, meeting his fiery gaze with one of her own.
“I’m afraid I have other commitments I can’t break, but I look forward to hearing all about their trip.”
With that, Barry turned and walked back into the building, his guards maintaining their position between the Moores and the entrance. Mary Ellen turned to the camera and spoke to her live audience.
“Danny and Tanya Moore, parents of Elle Sinclair, will be with me in the studio for an exclusive interview on the sudden disappearance of one of Hollywood’s favorite sweethearts. Tune in tonight to hear why they’re adamant foul play cannot be ruled out. If Elle calls to check in, you’ll be the first to know.”
On the way back to the studio for the interview, Tanya’s phone rang, and her heart nearly jumped out of her chest. She’d love to be wrong about Elle. She prayed she was wrong—but she knew her daughter better than anyone. Jax Hart held no position in Elle’s heart. She’d reserved that spot for Devon Kane years ago. Even over the past year when Tanya encouraged her to date and get over him, Elle’s reply was always the same.
No one else will ever compare to Devon Kane.
Elle’s elation at being cast opposite Jax turned to ire after the first day on the set with him. Her frequent conversations with Tanya revealed growing tensions between them. Tanya talked her off the proverbial ledge many times when Elle threatened to quit the film. In the end, her strong work ethic and loyalty to her fans won, and she endured “just one more day with Jax Hart.”
Tanya’s heart sank when she saw the number on the caller ID. It wasn’t Elle calling to confirm Barry’s story.
“Nice move with the live feed. We’re helping Barry along with the promise to hear from Elle. He has people in the sound booth now creating a recorded message from her. The clips will be spliced together to make her say what they want her to say. Let him hang himself with it. We’ll send you the unedited version to air on Mary Ellen’s show immediately after his.”
“How do you know all this, Reaper?”
“We’re all Special Forces—it’s our job to know. My men are the best at what they do. Barry won’t be able to take all the pressure we’ll put on him. Just remember—no mention of Devon. We can’t call attention to him. If you even hint she has another love interest, they’ll demand you produce him. And they’ll want to know why he hasn’t stepped forward before now. For both Elle’s and Devon’s safety, don’t forget that.”
Tanya silently questioned if Reaper could read her mind, since that was the exact thought she had before he called. “You’re right. I don’t know what Devon is doing, but he stressed to Jeff it’s a matter of life or death to leave him out of the conversation. That’s not an exaggeration, is it?”
“No, Tanya. It’s actually an understatement. You don’t want to know what could happen to them if anything is accidentally leaked.”
