Kat smiled to herself. This room ran just shy of two hundred a night and it didn't even faze her. She'd been stinking rich for only three months, but as it turned out, she was a natural at it. Who knew?

Thank you, Madeline. It's really nice.

So, you're married?

The woman was obviously on a mission. No. I've never been married.

Madeline didn't bother to hide her confusion. So what did you dochange your name?

Something like that.

Is that your Jaguar out in the parking lot?

Yes.

So you live in New York City?

Nope.

But it has New York temporary tags from a dealership in Manhattan. /Good God!/ Yes, it does.

Madeline's brown eyes flashed; then she looked at her feet, embarrassed for her shameless curiosity. Kat knew it had to be mind-blowing for a missing person to suddenly pop up, twenty years after her disappearance, rich and fabulously dressed and driving a brand-new Jag. At least she prayed it was, since that was the whole point.

I can't wait to relax in this fabulous bathtub, Madeline. Is there a dry cleaner in town where I might be able to take my clothes?

Madeline perked right up. Oh! Just leave everything outside your door and I'll take care of it. I can even get your boots cleaned, if you'd like.

Kat glanced down at the recently acquired burnt caramel suede designer boots, now coated in sludge the color of dried blood. I'd appreciate that.

We got a lot of rain the last couple days.

So it seems.

Madeline smiled slightly, turned to go, then changed her mind. There's towels in the cabinet. She began shifting her weight from foot to foot and cleared her throat. Look, I'm sorry for being nosy. It's just thatwellit was always a mystery why you and Riley never got together again. I mean, you were so totally in love! Everyone knew it! Your leaving just about killed him. He ditched so much school he flunked out, but I guess that's old news to you. We all figured you'd come back for him one day, and here you are! That's why you're here, right? You've come back for Riley?