Chapter 12 Robin #4
Worry starts to twist my gut. “Do you think someone took them on purpose?” Maybe Lil isn’t thinking straight on where she put them, or worse we’re dealing with a pair of corrupt cops who took our phones before we asked for the correct warrants.
I almost scoff at myself, because that’s just a well used storyline in books and television.
My mind shifts to my sudo-sister and I feel so guilty that I haven’t checked in.
My entire focus fell upon Phin as always, and crawled out of the hell I’d fallen into when seeing his brother's body.
“No one’s acting suspiciously when I asked them about the phones. I even gave their rooms a little look over, until princess almighty threw a fucking shoe at my head.” Cardinal growls and yep, Willow definitely got under his skin.
Like a single thought can summon her, she strides into the kitchen and flips her dark long curls over her shoulder. Wearing a baby pink lounge set without one mark or crease on it, She waves a handful of papers in the air.
The clues.
His mood sours, but Bran follows her in adding a lighter dynamic to the air.
I’m surprised his girlfriend isn't with him, nor Jay, but his brother is relieved to see him and fully lets go of me now.
As I move to lean beside Wren who's been rather stoic, he pats us both on the shoulder with an enthused smile, which I find odd amongst the somber spirit that has settled in the hotel.
“We found the next clue.” She says, placing the red envelope and paper onto the counter, but doesn’t let go of the secret. Worry bounces around the room as we all look to one another, because did we plan on actually continuing the game? Already the weekend felt like it was over…
But what if it wasn't?
Placing his large hand on Wren's shoulder, he shakes it a little, sucking air in through his teeth. “We were thinking that maybe we should continue finding the clues. If we can’t leave the hotel, we might as well do something.”
“They might let us go home tomorrow.” He retorts, tilting his head so his soft curls tickle my arm.
“I gave them Theo's contact information.
You know if they don't let him drive through the gates, he'll just helicopter us out.” I think he's joking, but the way Bran also tilted his head and then just nods has me bewildered.
Sharp acrylic nails waves the long slip of paper in the air.
“I don’t really want my secret just lying around for anyone to find.
If we leave without finding them all, they could fall into anyone's hands.” She does make a good point and I bitterly agree, the guys finding the logic too.
What's one more problem to add to an already stressful situation?
Merle looks ready to pull out strands of his short mousey hair.
“You’re right,” Cardinal starts. “When you open the hotel to the public, a guest might find one of the secrets. It’d be hard to work out who it’s about, but they could make waves with the hotel and what's happened here. We don’t know what information is on them.”
Bran squeezes his shoulders again. “Plus some of us have a lot to lose. Wren and I can’t have a scandal, it’ll be in the press and that will lead them to the hotel. If the police share information about the murder, it’ll be a media frenzy.”
Expressions all around the room turn grim as the realisation kicks in. If the press did show up tomorrow, how would they even be able to leave without being mobbed? Nightingale House is now a hotel; everyone will be able to find it with one quick google search.
“I appreciate that guys.” Merle gives his brother a small smile, because I’m sure if this was murder, it won’t be good for business.
“Yeah, whatever. Are we going to find the clues? The sooner I find mine the sooner I can leave.” Willow snips.
“Of course you’d only think of yourself.” The words leave my lips before I can stop myself, which instantly is a mistake because the smirk she gives me is cruel.
Here we go.
“Only thinking of myself? Robin dear, I’m thinking of us all.
Wouldn’t want secrets like this just being available for anyone to find.
” Uncurling the long strip, she holds it up and theatrically clears her throat before reading.
“Mr Wilson has been a very bad boy. He slept with a married journalist to kill a story and ruined her marriage.”
Well I certainly feel irrationally icky, and foolish.
Snatching the strip of paper, a dull ringing starts in my ears as I look over the cursive, handwritten text.
My skin itches–burns really, making me fidget and want out of these fluffy socks.
Maybe they're trapping my circulation, making the kitchen rise rapidly in temperature. I need out of these fucking socks now.
“Mate, I thought yours would be worse.” Bran mutters under his breath, doing nothing to slice the tension.
I pull at the t-shirt that now feels scratchy, the neckline tight and all I want to do is go back to my hotel room, take it off and scream.
I want to shriek so loud because fawning over a man who would do that, is only going to get me hurt.
Wren moves at the same time I do, but I edge away from his touch and don’t look at him.
The sense of safety he gave me shatters.
“I’m going to bed.” I croak, feeling small, empty and so fucking tired.
Also a little butt hurt, but I can’t really think about whether I’m being ridiculous.
I hear shoes scraping against tile, but I’m already leaving.
Willow's voice is gentle but someone cuts her off and of course an argument ensues. It always does with her. Floating up the stairs, my feet ghost each step back to my room, but instead of turning left, I take a sharp right in hope I can find a home comfort. Finding the correct door, I gently knock a couple of times and wait. There is some shuffling, before her familiar blonde head comes into view. Lil’s skin is blotchy and makeup less, but she still has a clean glow to her face that just never goes away.
We immediately hug and I feel worse for not coming to make sure she was ok sooner.
“Can I stay in here with you tonight?”
“Oh Darling, Of course you can.”