Without hesitation, Trena said, “Technically, I guess he could have, but I doubt it. I think he’s protecting her.”
“What makes you say that?”
Trena hooked a stray curl behind her ear. “He’s spent a lifetime doing exactly that. Why stop now?”
“A thing does what a thing is known to do.”
Trena quirked a brow.
“Something I read once. It stuck because it seemed simultaneously dumb and insightful. Anyway, in this case it applies. But don’t you think we should look into this Kevin O’Dell person?”
Trena nodded. “That’s how we find Paul. My gut tells me they’re linked. And when my gut speaks, I’ve learned to listen.” She gave a short laugh. “Well, most of the time.”
“So why include me?”
“Because you’re coming on my show, of course.”
Layla sat with the news. She should’ve guessed as much. “And what do I get in return? Aside from being on your show, which isn’t actually as valuable as you might think.”
Trena’s expression was patient. “Don’t kid yourself,” she said. “But if you need more, how about a letter of recommendation to the journalism school of your dreams?”
Layla paused a few beats to consider. “It’s a start.” She knew better than to display even the slightest hint of appreciation. “So, where to begin?”
“With Javen. Unless you know of a better hacker we can trust.”
“I can’t go near him. I won’t take the chance, not after the text I received.”
“Okay, so I’ll deal with Javen. And you?”
Layla lifted her chin. “I’m going after Ira.” She rose from the bench and straightened her skirt. Now that she’d decided, she was eager to leave. “Thanks for the talk,” she said, surpris
ing Trena with her sudden departure. “It really did help.”
Before Trena could respond, Layla retraced her steps to her car. About to climb inside, she noticed a small envelope wedged under her windshield wiper, though of course there was no one around. Whoever was responsible for these things made a point of never being caught at the scene.
She ran a finger under the flap and retrieved a note written on high-quality card stock with a rhyme that read:
Seems like you’ve learned your lesson
So I won’t keep you guessin’
Meeting with Trena puts you on the right track
Though she has never truly had your back
She’s hiding a clue
And has no plans to reveal it to you
You can beat her at her own fame-seeking game
Or risk looking lame
It’s up to you to discover
I shall remain undercover
If you make me proud