And he already viewed Evie as a threat.
Obtaining a suite wasn’t difficult, and he’d readily agreed to the extra “pet” fee. Taking the keys, he headed back outside. Evie was still waiting behind the wheel, startling when he approached.
“Here’s the key. We’re in room 118. On the first floor, which is nice for Bruno.” He managed a reassuring smile. “But let’s park around back. Out of view of the road.”
Her eyes widened for a minute, then she nodded. “I understand.”
“Good.” He hated knowing she was in danger, but hopefully taking precautions would help.
He led the way, driving around to the back of the building. He found a parking space and watched as Evie pulled in beside him. He took a moment to grab his weapon and belt holster from the glove box. After pushing out of the driver’s side, he quickly looped his belt through the holster, feeling better with being armed. Evie watched him warily as she let Bruno out of the crate area.
“I didn’t know you owned a gun.”
He arched a brow as he reached into the Jeep to grab his duffel, her suitcase, and Bruno’s supplies. “I’m a former soldier, remember?” He nodded toward the door leading into the hotel. “The key should work on the side entrance.”
“Come, Bruno.” She called her dog as she headed toward the building. He stayed close behind, sweeping his gaze over the parking lot. The area was well lit, which worked against them. If the gunman assumed they were at one of the local hotels, it wouldn’t take long to find the vehicles.
Considering the gunshot came in from the backyard, and the way he’d run off into the nature preserve, made Cam think that the guy hadn’t noticed his Jeep. But he could know what Evie’s car looks like.
Did gunman have the resources to run license plates? The average person did not, but if this guy had been savvy enough to remain hidden for all these years, Cam was concerned that he might be well connected.
A wave of doubt hit hard. Maybe they should find a rental property, but it was getting late, and he doubted anyone would respond at this hour. With a grimace, he decided they just had to survive the night. Tomorrow, they could make other arrangements.
The hotel suite was nicer than he’d anticipated. He handed Evie’s suitcase over, and she walked into the bedroom to the right. Bruno followed her inside.
She emerged a few minutes later. “This is nice, thanks.”
“You’re welcome.” He had tossed his duffel into the other room and watched now as she unpacked Bruno’s dog dishes and food. “Let me know when you have to take him outside, I’d like to go with you.”
“Is that necessary?” Her brow furrowed. “I thought we were safe here.”
“We are,” he hastened to reassure her. “I just want to be extra careful.”
“Okay, let’s do that now then.” She smiled down at Bruno. “Do you have to go outside?”
Bruno trotted to the hotel room door, staring up at her intently.
“He’s really well trained,” Cam said as they went back outside. “How did you do that?”
“It’s him more than me.” She shrugged. “I rescued him as a five-month-old puppy. Not sure if the person who had him prior had done any training or if he’s just that smart.”
The dog was smart, no doubt about that. He’d been impressed at how the dog had sat near the same pricker bush where he’d spotted the fleece. Cam stood back, resting his hand on the butt of his weapon as Evie led the way to the grassy area beyond the parking lot.
Bruno did his thing. When finished, he escorted them back inside. “Did you name him after the singer?”
“What?” Evie looked confused, then shook her head. “No. My grandfather on my mother’s side. His name was Bruno.”
He didn’t remember her mentioning her grandfather back when they were young. Granted, they hadn’t become good friends until they’d worked together as lifeguards the summer of their junior year. As he’d been seeing Skye, his relationship with Evie had been causal friendship.
They were barely settled in the hotel room when his phone rang. Pulling the device from his pocket, he frowned when he saw a local number. His gut tightened with dread as he answered. “Hello?”
“Is this Cameron Walker?” a deep voice asked.
“Yes. Who is this?” He felt sure he already knew.
“Detective Rueger. You remember me, don’t you?”
He turned, his gaze clashing with Evie’s. The call he’d dreaded had finally come through. “Yes, I remember you, Detective Rueger. Although I’m surprised you’re still with the Grand Haven Police Department after all this time.”
