Chapter 6
After I cleared the apartment, I found a roller case in the closet and started packing it with the list of items Paisley had given me—toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash, moisturizer, cinnamon apple body moisturizer, mascara, lip gloss, concealer, makeup mirror, underwear, socks, t-shirts, birth control pills, allergy meds.
I didn’t bother with the Donna Thorne cocktail dress and Jimmy Choo heels.
She was supposed to be staying in the room, not strutting around the bar, drawing attention.
In that low-cut dress, she’d get plenty of it.
I didn’t bother with the phone charger, laptop, or any other tech device that could be tracked.
When the case was full, I lugged it back to the patrol car. With a watchful eye, I climbed in and set out for the Seven Seas. Not long after I pulled out of the lot, I noticed the silver sedan in my rearview a few car lengths back.
I called dispatch and told them to send another patrol unit to pull over the silver sedan. It didn't matter the reason, just ID these guys and find out who they were.
I drove around the island, intentionally keeping my speed down, letting them tag along. The county would be able to track the GPS on the squad car. It wouldn’t take long for another patrol unit to be on their tail.
I guess these guys got wise to what I was doing. They turned off after a few blocks.
I made a few twists and turns and circled around before heading back to the Seven Seas.
Again, I parked at the entrance under the carport and told the valet I'd be back in short order.
I hustled across the lobby, past the waterfall, past the baby grand piano, to the elevators and bolted up to the fourth floor.
Positive I wasn't followed, I still kept a wary eye on my surroundings.
"It's me," I said when I knocked on the door.
Footsteps shuffled down the foyer a moment later, and Paisley peeked through the peephole. She unlatched the deadbolt and pulled the door open with a relieved look. She backed away, and I wheeled the suitcase inside and set it on a stand.
"Were you able to get everything?”
"Mostly?”
"Did you feed the fish?”
I grumbled to myself. "No. I forgot. Sorry. I was distracted.”
Her eyes flared, and her jaw tensed.
"I will do it on my way home.”
"Promise?”
I laughed. "I promise.”
Paisley took the opportunity to rummage through her suitcase and make sure I got everything she needed. She seemed reasonably pleased. “Where’s my dress?”
I gave her a look.
“Okay, okay. I won’t leave the room. I’ll have no social life.”
“It’s better than no life.” I gave her my card and told her, "Call me anytime, day or night.”
She nodded.
"Don't draw attention to yourself.”
"I won't.”
I gave her a skeptical look.
"I promise!"
"No beach, no pool.”
She frowned at me. "You’re no fun.”
“I’m plenty of fun. I'm just trying to keep you alive.”
Paisley sighed. "I know. I just can't believe this is happening to me.”
"Be glad you didn't get shot in the face.”
She cringed. "Did you find out any more about that guy?”
I shook my head.
We said our goodbyes, and I headed back down to the lobby. I had half a mind to stop in and listen to Elana’s lecture.
When the elevator opened on the first floor, curiosity got the best of me.
I walked down the hallway to the Coconut Ballroom.
With a gentle touch, I pulled open the door and peered inside.
It was full of CEO types in suits, listening intently to the gorgeous redhead pontificate about high-stress group dynamics and strategies to improve cohesion and productivity in an office environment.
"In short," Elana said, "only through the crucible of fire will a person's true character manifest. But with systems and protocols in place, groups can fall back to their training in times of uncertainty and stress. It is essential to have these protocols in place. Thank you for your time."
Resounding applause filled the ballroom.
I couldn't help but smirk.
Of course, Elana was mobbed by CEOs when she came off the stage, all looking to probe her for deeper insight. They were giddy schoolboys, handing out cards, angling for one-on-one counseling.
I hung out for a bit and waited for the crowd to thin before approaching. "Seems like it was a success.”
Elana gave me a surprised look as she gathered her things. "It seems to have been well received.”
"Nice touch at the end."
“I told you I would use it. Were you checking up on me?”
"I had to run a few errands and found myself back here. I thought I'd stop by and see how it went.”
"Well, you saw," she said, still in that aloof tone.
"I might like to see more."
She lifted a salty eyebrow. "I guess you’ll just have to attend my next lecture.”
"When is that?”
"I'm not sure yet.”
I dug into my pocket and handed her my card. "Let me know when you schedule it."
"Are you really interested in what I have to say? All your experience is in the field. My knowledge is just academic. I can’t imagine what you’d benefit from it.”
"Let's just say I like to keep my mind open to learning new perspectives."
She didn't buy it.
Elana marched toward the door, and I followed. Not in a stalkerish kind of way, but we were both heading in the same direction.
"How long are you in town?"
"Well, I’ll be in the area for the next month.”
"More lectures?”
"That and other things.”
"What other things?”
She gave me another saucy eyebrow. "Is that any of your business?”
I smiled. "I'm inquisitive by nature.”
"I suppose that's fitting in your line of work. What exactly do you do, Deputy?”
"Special Crimes.”
"What constitutes a special crime?
"Something that demands expert resources. Murder, kidnapping, terrorism.”
"And I suppose you're an expert with resources?”
I grinned. "You could say that.”
We made it across the lobby and stepped outside. She handed her ticket to the valet, and the kid hustled to get her car.
I pointed to the squad car. "That’s me. It was a pleasure. Enjoy your stay on the island.”
I left, not wanting to look too interested. She had my number. If she wanted to get in contact, she could call.
I hopped into the squad car, tossed the briefcase onto the passenger seat, and fired up the engine. I pulled out of the lot and kept my eye on the rearview, looking for threats.
I needed to figure out what to do with the briefcase.