52

“Rayanne’s not going to be too happy about that,” I say.

“She can give him a position at Perdure,” King says offhandedly.

“Yeah. Let him be Mr. and Mrs. Hackler’s problem instead of yours,” I say, although I wonder if Rayanne might have wanted Joel at Tyler Analytics for a reason…the reason being she could keep an eye on King’s business. I haven’t wanted to voice the suspicion out loud, though, because I’m already vocal enough about my hatred of Rayanne. I’ve never met a more conniving person.

King and I wait another half hour.

“We could go to the pub where she works,” I say.

“She’s supposed to go out with us tonight,” King says. “I doubt she’s working.”

“Oh, right. Shit, where is she? Do you think she’s staying in her apartment? Should we go into the building?”

“We’re not breaking into her building.” Kingston’s voice is firm.

I know he’s right, but damn it.

We wait a couple more hours, but after no sign of Ella, we finally give up.

“I’m coming back tomorrow,” I say. “Or I’m tracking