‘No worries,’ Jimmy offered a small smile. ‘Just starting your shift?’
‘Yeah. You?’
Jimmy nodded.
Her thoughts returned to Fay, and seeing the kindness in Jimmy’s eyes, she decided to ignore the nagging doubts in her mind and continue her enquiries.
‘Hey, Jimmy, did you happen to know Fay? She was a cleaner here,’ Rain said casually, trying to keep her tone light.
Jimmy’s expression shifted almost immediately, his smile faltering for a moment before he regained his composure. ‘Fay? Yeah, I saw her around sometimes. Why’d you ask?’
Rain shrugged, feigning nonchalance. ‘Seeing as I replaced her. I just wanna know if I’ve got big boots to fill.’
Jimmy’s expression turned sombre. ‘I wouldn’t know about her cleaning skills, but Fay was a sweet girl. She had a rough go of it, though.’
Rain noted he mentioned Fay in the past tense. Did that mean something, or was she overthinking?
‘Rough how?’
Jimmy sighed as he leaned against the wall. ‘Let’s just say she had her fair share of troubles. Seemed like she was always one step away from disaster, bless her.’
‘What kind of troubles?’
Jimmy hesitated, his gaze drifting towards the floor. ‘You know, the usual stuff. Money problems, family drama. She was always on edge, like she was carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders.’
‘Sounds tough.’ Rain studied Jimmy closely, looking for the slightest detection of emotion. ‘Did she ever mention anything about a boyfriend?’
Jimmy shook his head, a furrow forming between his brows. ‘Can’t say she did. But then again, Fay wasn’t exactly one to spill her guts. Kept to herself most of the time.’
Rain gave a faint smile. ‘Seems she was a closed book.’
‘You sound way too invested for someone who didn’t know her. Is there something you’re not telling me?’
For some reason, from the moment she had met Jimmy, she had felt a connection. There was something about him that made her want to confide in him.
I have to open up to someone or I’ll never find out anything.
‘Jimmy, if I tell you something, can you promise to keep it to yourself?’
‘Cross my heart. The only thing I spill secrets to are my vegetables,’ Jimmy said, winking at her.
Rain took a step closer and lowered her voice. ‘Jimmy . . . Fay’s my sister, and she’s missing. I’m trying to find out what happened to her.’
Jimmy’s eyes widened. ‘Your sister? Jesus. How long has she been missing?’
‘A couple of weeks now.’
‘I’m so sorry, Rain. That must be really tough.’
‘It is. I think she might have been seeing someone from the hotel, and he might have something to do with it. Did you ever hear any rumours?’
Jimmy’s demeanour shifted, his eyebrows furrowing in thought. ‘No, nothing like that. But I’ll definitely keep my ears open now. And if I come across anything, you’ll be the first to know.’
Rain nodded appreciatively, a sense of relief washing over her. Perhaps Jimmy could be the ally she needed in her search for Fay.
‘I’d better get on. The last thing I need is to be fired.’
‘All right, and Rain, try not to worry. I’m sure there’s a simple explanation for everything. Fay always struck me as the type that could look after herself.’
‘I hope so, Jimmy. I really do.’
Chapter Twenty
Lauren sat on the sofa nursing a glass of wine when she heard the front door open and close. Moments later, Jake walked into the room, looking tired and worn out. Even after everything, she still found herself worrying about him.
‘Rough day?’
Jake let out a deep sigh, running his fingers through his hair. ‘Yeah, you could say that.’
‘What happened?’
‘It’s nothing. Everything’s fine,’ he said, but his voice sounded strained. ‘Look, about those things I said. I didn’t mean them. I’ve just got a lot on my mind at the moment.’
‘Haven’t we all, but that doesn’t give you the right to—’
‘I know, I know.’ He sighed. ‘Can we please change the subject. I feel bad enough as it is.’
Lauren got up and walked over to the bar, pouring a drink for Jake, then handing it to him.
