“That is the best news I’ve heard all day.”
Eric shifted the caddy to his other hand.“You fancy a drink later in reception?I’ve got three classic horror flicks you could choose from.One vampire, one masked killer, one monster from the swamp.Proper cultural evening.”
“That sounds nice, Eric, but I’m beat.”
“No offense taken.”He nodded toward the room next to hers.“I’m away to deal with the real horror.Man’s inhumanity to man.”
He unlocked Room 6, pushed the door open with one elbow, and adopted a deep Transylvanian accent.
“The creature from Room 6’s bathroom.Mwuahaha.”
The door closed behind him.
Selena stared at it for a second and shook her head.
“At least someone’s enjoying their job.”
Inside her room, the air was stale from being closed up all day.She dropped her bag on the chair, locked the door, and checked the window latch without thinking.One lamp by the bed threw a small pool of yellow over the side table.
Selena removed her jacket first, then her blouse and trousers.Her badge and gun went on the bedside table within reach.After pulling on a nightdress, she washed her face in the little sink, brushed her teeth, and stared at herself in the mirror longer than she meant to.
At forty, tired had a way of settling in the face and refusing to leave.
“Don’t start,” she told her reflection.
Bed took her weight with a soft groan.She pulled the covers halfway up, switched off the lamp, and let darkness settle across the room.
A knock sounded at the door.
Selena closed her eyes.
“What now, Eric?”
Another knock.Softer this time.
She threw the covers back, got up, and switched the lamp on.
“Who is it?”
“Connor.”
That did not improve her mood.
Selena opened the door with the chain still in place.Connor stood outside, no sheriff’s uniform now.Jeans.A pale short-sleeved shirt.His face carried the tired, guarded look of a man who had spent the day somewhere he did not want to describe.
In one hand, he held a bottle of whiskey.
She slid the chain free and opened the door wider.“Where the hell have you been?We’ve all been worried sick about you.”
Connor stepped inside.“Yeah, I know.I already got an earful from Cheryl, so let’s refrain from putting me in yet another doghouse.”
Selena closed the door.“We’re supposed to be partners in this.If you go missing during a murder investigation that involves two of your friends, excuse me if I get worried.”
A tired smile arose on his face.“So you do care.”
She took the bottle from him.“Don’t get any ideas.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it.”
