SEVENTEEN
Austin kept his arm around Brittany’s waist as they sat side-by-side and watched the video surveillance from the security footage. His lips still tingled from her sultry kisses in the elevator, and his hands ached with the need to touch her again. But that pleasure would come later. Now was the time to be serious…and catch a killer.
Brittany instructed the security guard on what day and time frame to look at. The hotel has a security camera at every entry door—four of them—and every hallway, but since they knew the killer would be returning the weapon to his room, that saved them from watching several recordings.
It was hard for him to watch the monitor screen instead of the beautiful woman next to him. She wasn’t dressed fancy. But she still looked adorable in her gray t-shirt and faded jeans that fit nicely to her hips. She’d pulled her hair back into a ponytail, but he was getting used to that quickly. There was something different about her face, too. He didn’t see that much make up, but because she was a naturally gorgeous woman, it really didn’t matter. He wasn’t used to seeing her wearing her shoulder holster with the gun tucked inside, and her badge clipped to her pocket, however, he thought it made her sexier…if that was possible.
In such a short time, Brittany had become very dear to his heart. He couldn’t imagine his life without her in it. Was it possible he’d fallen in love so quickly?
“We’re looking for a person carrying something long and bulky,” she told the security guard.
Austin forced himself to watch the monitor. He hoped it wasn’t Derek, and yet…he didn’t know who else knew he collected ancient weapons besides the board member who sold them to Austin, and Derek and the maid. He just wished he knew the reason why Derek would do such a thing.
In college, Derek played around most of the time instead of studying. But his parents paid for his tuition, and Derek didn’t seem to take education seriously. Although Austin’s mother was rich, she still made him pay for his own education. That experience made him more independent, and willing to work for what he wanted. He wouldn’t trade that lesson for all the money in the world.
“Pause it,” Brittany said in a raised voice.
Austin snapped out of his thoughts again and concentrated on the monitor. A man wearing a black hooded jacket had entered through the front doors, carrying an oblong box. His ancient weapon would definitely fit in that. Holding his breath, he leaned closer as he tried to see if the person looked familiar. “Keep playing it, but go slowly.”
“He’s carrying what appears like a flower box,” Brittany said. “Would the weapon fit in something like that?”
“It would.”
The security guard, Rod, played the recording slower. Austin watched as the man walked up to the front desk. The hotel clerk chatted with the man for a few minutes. She pointed at the box. The man said something, and she laughed. Then the man moved toward the elevator. Why couldn’t Austin see the person’s face? He still didn’t think this was Derek.
“The desk clerk knows who that is.” Brittany tapped her finger on the monitor.
Austin moved his attention to her. “How can you tell?”
“I can read body language really well.” She met his stare. “Did you notice the way the clerk smiled and batted her eyelashes at him? She also flipped a lock of hair over her shoulder. She wagged her fingers at him as he left. That tells me she’s familiar with this man, and…” she placed her hand on his, “that also tells me this man comes to the hotel frequently.”
He frowned. If this wasn’t Derek, then it was someone else close to him. He looked at Rod. “Let’s see the recording for the hallway in front of the penthouse. And play it slow.”
“Yes, Mr. Reeder.” The guard quickly switched a few screens, and then pulled up the footage.
Austin studied the monitor again. The elevator doors opened and he stepped out of the elevator, keeping his head lowered so it was impossible to see the man’s face. When he reached Austin’s door, he took out a key and slipped it in the keyhole. Immediately, something on the man’s hand caught his attention. “Stop it!”
“What do you see?” Brittany asked.
“Rod, zoom in closer.”
“Yes, Mr. Reeder.”
As the picture grew larger, Austin recognized the man’s hand. Derek also had a tattoo of an eagle on his right hand. Groaning, Austin covered his face with his hands.
“You know who it is, don’t you?” Brittany touched his shoulder. “Is it Derek?”
He nodded his answer.
“Rod, Detective Russell needs these tapes ASAP.”
“Yes, sir. I’ll get them ready for her right now.”
Austin took Brittany’s hand and walked out of the security guard’s station. She cuddled against his arm, rubbing up and down his limb with the palm of her hand.
“Are you going to be all right?” she asked in a soft voice.
“Eventually. I just want answers. I still can’t see why Derek would do all of this.”
