“He wanted to know why you were so interested in me. Somehow he figured out that there was a connection between me and the guys who tried to outbid you.”

“What did you say?”

“I asked him what his connection was to Gems.”

Confusion flickered in Skeeter’s eyes. “Why would you ask him that?”

“It was a hunch. He denied being the owner, but when I asked him if he knew who it was, he said he wished he did so he could help him. Then I tried to have a vision and passed out.”

“So you risked your life for nothing,” he growled.

“Not for nothing. I think he helped the guys who tried to take you down at the auction. I’m pretty sure he was the guy in Bear’s vision. And he admitted that he hates you. That’s something.”

His jaw clenched. “So they’re both trying to overthrow me.”

“And kill Mason?”

“Yes, if they murdered the ADA and pinned the blame on me, I’d be out of the picture. They could take over without anyone in their way.” His eyes narrowed. “It’s a helluva plan. And it almost worked.”

“What’s their connection to Gems?”

Skeeter shook his head. “There isn’t one.”

“But you said Gems was trying to put you out of business. It’s connected.”

“No. Neither Stevens nor Winn have anything to do with Gems.”

“You can’t be sure.”

“I am. Trust me. I’ve already checked.”

“But what about Dolly and Nikko?”

“It doesn’t have anything to do with this.”

“But—”

“Gems is small fry, Rose. It’s the least of my worries. Go home, get some sleep, and I’ll check in with you in the morning.”

“I’m still looking into it.”

“Leave it.” His words were hard, and if he’d used that tone with me weeks ago, I would have been scared.

What I did wasn’t Skeeter Malcolm’s business, but I knew when to pick my battles. “Then you have to promise to tell me whatever you find out about Bear and Neil.”

He didn’t answer.

“Skeeter, you trust me to share everything that I find out. I have to be able to feel the same way.”

He was silent for several seconds, studying the headrest in front of him. Finally he said, “Okay. If I think anything is helpful to you I’ll share it, but you don’t want me to share everything. Trust me on that.”

“You’re right about that.” I reached for the door handle. “Can I go now?”

“Yeah.” He sounded distracted.

I opened the door, and he put his hand on my arm. “Jed told me how you handled all of those interviews. I’m impressed.”

I shook my head, and pain shot through every part of my skull. “I did what I had to do to save Mason.”

“It was more solid information than I’ve gotten in weeks. Thank you.”

I turned to look at him, guessing that thank you were two words he rarely strung together. “Coming from you, that means a lot. I appreciate everything you’re doing to help me save Mason. I know it would be easier for you if he . . .” My voice trailed off, and I swallowed the lump in my throat. “Thank you.”

“Go home,” he said gruffly.

With any luck at all, Mason would be able to come home tomorrow.

Getting back to Maeve’s was tricky. There was a new deputy parked out in front of Maeve’s house, so I left her car around the block and snuck through the shadowy alley to the back door. I made sure to grab my note on the way to my room.

My headache was so bad I was sure I’d never get to sleep, but as soon as my head hit the pillow, I was out like a light.

When I woke up the next morning, the sun was shining through the blinds on the window, and Muffy was snuggled against me, snoring lightly. I sat up, and my stomach felt queasy, like I was suffering from a hangover. A vision hangover. At least I knew the consequences of forcing so many visions in a short period of time. I grabbed my phone to check the time and discovered I’d slept until nine-thirty. I also found two texts and three missed calls.

One message was from SM. Call me was all it said. The second was from a number I didn’t recognize that read: This is my temporary number. Call me when you get a chance. Mason. Two of my missed calls were from them too.

I called Skeeter first, worried he’d send Jed if I didn’t answer right away. He picked up on the first ring.

“Why haven’t you called me?” he grunted, sounding pissed.

“I just woke up, and my phone was on silent.”

“How are you feeling this morning?”

“Better.” I rubbed my temple. “Is Mason safe now?”

“He’s safe. They’ve been contained.”

“Even Neil Winn? Didn’t he run off?”

He hesitated. “Jed took care of him personally.” I didn’t want to think too closely on what he meant by that, but at least I probably didn’t have to worry about Mason anymore.

“Tell Jed thank you. For everything.”

“If you need anything, and I mean anything, you call. Do you hear me?” he asked, his voice gruff.

“Yeah . . .” I said, not used to his protectiveness. I wasn’t sure I liked it. “Thanks.”

I called Mason next, and was relieved to hear his voice. “How much longer do you have to stay there?” I asked.