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“Beau? Thank God I reached you.” She was whispering but sounded as though she’d been crying. “I’m in serious trouble, Beau, and I need help.”
“What’s going on?”
“Bloody hell. They’re back. I have to go. I’ll try to ring again as soon as I can.”
“Wait—” Before I could ask anything else, I heard the chimes indicating the call had ended.
I packed our bags,gathered the rest of Wanda’s things, and called the front desk, requesting assistance. I could manage on my own, but it would take at least three trips to the SUV and back, which would delay my return to Sam. Less than a couple of minutes later, I heard a knock at the door. Given the disgruntled-looking man could still be about, I checked the peephole and saw Grayson.
“Your help is much appreciated,” I said after everything was loaded into the back of the vehicle. When I tried to hand him more money, he refused.
“I appreciate it, Mr. Barrett, but you’ve tipped me more during your stay here than I usually make in three or four months. This one is on me. I’m off in thirty minutes, but if there’s anything you need while you’re in town, just give me a call. Even if it’s bringing you and Ms. Marquez a pizza. My dad owns the best place in town for that, wings, and beef on weck.”
“Beef on weck?”
Grayson chuckled. “It’s a Western New York thing.”
“I’ll have to try it sometime.”
He handed me the inn’s business card. On the back, he’d written his number.
I held it up. “I appreciate this.”
“You got it. Oh, and if you need someone to watch Wanda, I’d be happy to do that too.”
After thanking him, I pulled away from the Roycroft, feeling a bit sentimental. It was the first place Sam and I had made love. I’d never forget the intimacy or the place where it happened.
I had my mobile on the center console, hoping Daphne would ring me again. My worry for her well-being was increasing by the minute.
Cru offeredto help bring the bags into the house after we both insisted Sam remain inside, where it was warm. Once outside, I mentioned the call from Daphne.
“I’ve no idea where she is, but I fear her choice of words, ‘I’m in serious trouble,’ means she’s in some kind of danger.”
Cru frowned and rubbed the back of his neck, something I’d seen him do occasionally when he was particularly stressed.
“Are you all right?” I asked.
“Let’s tell Decker what you just told me. Maybe he can help.”
Before I could respond, Cru rang him. “We have another situation. Would it be possible for you to return to the main residence?” he asked.
I spun around when I heard Deck say, “I’m right here,” after he rounded the corner from the opposite side of the house. “What’s up?”
I reiterated the details of Daphne’s call.
He held his hand out. “Give me your phone.” Cru and I watched him walk over to one of the black SUVs, open the door, and pull out a satchel. “Too damned cold here,” he muttered. “Let’s go inside.”
“Where’s Sam?” I asked when we walked through the front door and I didn’t see her.
“Settle down, bro. She’s probably using the john,” said Cru.
“Thejohn? Your mother would be appalled at the depth of your impropriety.”
Like Sam did so often, Cru rolled his eyes.
“Samantha?” I called out.
“I’m up here,” I heard her say from near the stairwell. I took the steps two at a time, carrying both of our bags.
