Chapter 173 Fall Overboard
Renee felt uneasy. A nagging sensation warned her of impending trouble. Moments earlier, she had lost touch with Ryland–repeated calls went unanswered.
She hoped he was safe.
“Renee?” A voice full of surprise called out.
Turning, Renee saw Marvin approaching quickly, a look of disbelief on his
face.
“It’s really you! I wasn’t expecting to see you here.”
Marvin seemed comfortable with Renee, showing no signs of apprehension
as he warmed up to her.
“How’s your friend? Is she getting better?”
It took a moment for Renee to realize he meant Rosa.
“She’s fine.” Renee hadn’t seen Rosa since that day, and with no visits from Nixon or Sally again, she assumed Rosa was improving.
“That’s relieving to hear. Who are you here with today?”
“A friend. He mentioned going to the third floor for some entertainment, but it’s been a while, and he’s not answering his calls. What’s up there anyway?”
“Nothing much, really. It’s all about cards and billiards on the third floor. Do you play?”
“Absolutely. Fancy a game? I bet you can’t beat me at the pool table,” she challenged.
“No chance! Bring it on! Let’s find out who’s the best,” Marvin responded.
Unyielding to the challenge, Marvin led her toward the third floor. While waiting for the elevator, Renee scanned the area but Shaun was nowhere to be seen. So much time had elapsed. If Shaun was here for a business meeting or deal, it surely would have concluded by now.
Shaun was undeniably shrewd.
Distracted by her thoughts, Renee suddenly felt someone watching her.
Just then, Marvin respectfully greeted someone. “Hi, Uncle Shaun.”
Renee’s heart raced.
Looking up, she saw Shaun’s attention briefly on her before calmly turning back to Marvin. “Where are you guys headed?”
Although everything appeared normal, Renee was convinced Shaun had been observing her.
“We’re heading upstairs to play billiards. Uncle Shaun, would you like to join us?”
“Don’t cause any trouble,” Shaun remarked, and then walked away with two men resembling bodyguards in tow.
As they walked past, Renee detected a faint odor of blood. It was subtle, yet she was convinced it was there.
“How is your relationship with your uncle?” Renee inquired casually as they rode the elevator with the doors shut.
Marvin responded without much thought, “It’s great. He’s very good to me.”
“What kind of person is he?”
“He’s quite the impressive figure, with a sharp mind for business and good looks to match. You’d be surprised how many young women are interested
in him.”
At this, Marvin gave Renee a sly look, sizing her up.
“Don’t tell me you’re interested in him too?”
“Do you think I’d have a chance? What’s his type?”
“He likes women who-” Marvin paused, searching for the right words, but found none. As the elevator doors opened, they exited.
Continuing their conversation, Marvin confessed he had never actually seen any women with Shaun.
“Hello, Mr. Doyle,” greeted a waiter as they passed by, nodding at Marvin with respect.
Renee kept up light conversation with Marvin, though her mind was elsewhere, scanning the area for any sign of Ryland.
Suddenly, a waiter’s walkie–talkie sprang to life as they walked by.
“Team One, we need immediate assistance on the deck–someone’s fallen
overboard.”
At that moment, Renee felt a jolt of panic.
She had a strong feeling it was Ryland.
