Page 5 of Long Past Deadly

Harrison’s rough voice came over the line. “Uber there in ten minutes. Be careful. Police are here. Car abandoned. Rental.”

Of course it was. “Understood. Quaid’s car is hidden in the garage.”

“Copy.”

“We’ve got burners. We’ll get them connected as soon as we can.”

“Call in after you do.”

“Understood. Out.” Alanna hung up and went to do something she knew how to do. Checking each weapon. The three of Hunt’s were fully loaded and ready to go. They needed ammo for their two.

“Uber ten minutes out, Quaid.” Hopefully, her voice carried.

“I’m right here.”

She jumped, slapping a hand to her chest. “Do not do that.” In the casual clothes, the man still looked like a playboy, and he smelled too good.

“Do what, Williams? Sneak up on you?”

Fighting for equilibrium, she pointed a finger at him. “My body is adrenaline-flushed and ready to fight, Daniels. Have a care.”

His gaze lingered on her face and lips. “Noted.” He handed off the ammo and went to a different cupboard. He came back with cash in his hand.

“Do we need that, too?” All the borrowing was ripping at her where the bad memories lay.

He stuffed the money into his pocket. “Tip for the uber driver, and we’ll need food. We don’t have time to stop at the hotel for a meal. We’ll grab my car and go.”

“Okay, but can we leave now?” She hated the whine in her voice, but this beautiful day had turned into a shitshow. She was done.

Quaid laid two knives and a roll of duct tape on the counter. “Yeah, pack up. And for reference, I usually pay them back double at least. Hunt will come out ahead and so will Cait’s emergency fund.”

Her conscience refused to view things that way, but she didn’t comment. Quickly loading the bag, she handed Quaid a breakfast bar. “Are we going out the front or the garage?”

“Front is easier. Let’s go.” He zipped the packed bag and slung it over his shoulder, then devoured the breakfast bar in three bites.

Alanna glanced around to check if they’d left a mess. They hadn’t. Doors were closed, lights were off, security alarms reset, and everything was as it had been when they first stepped in. Except things were missing. “According to Harrison, the police are at QM.”

“Not surprised.”

“Will they involve them?”

“Depends. Mackey will decide. In the meantime, we’re going to get somewhere safe and try to figure out who the hell this is.”

Finally.

Something she could agree with.

Chapter Two

QM International Flash Alert: 02:17:03 PST 12/15 – San Diego HQ. Confirmed facility breach. Possible targeted incident. All personnel advised caution. Ϙ

Alanna assaulted her thumbnail, a nail-biting habit she’d dropped in college, and stared aghast at the twinkling lights edging the long stately driveway to the Downtown LA Regency Patton Hotel. The twenty-story hotel looked as elegant as the name sounded. Pampered guest services, a gazillion chefs for the best food anywhere, a concierge staff at a moment’s beck and call, business accommodations, chauffeured rides to the airport, and decadent rooms that oozed comfort. So the commercials said. Alanna only stepped into these places with a badge, never having attempted to stay in one with a gunman on her tail.

Quaid came to a stop under the portico, put the SUV in park, and left the motor running. The hour and twenty minute drive from San Diego had jangled her nerves and sapped her energy. Sitting next to a silent Quaid, she’d watched every tiny move he made. His focus defied description. Tempted to ask, she’d fought a hard battle to remain silent. What did it matter anyway? Except she liked to know who had her back – lesson learned the hard way.

“Are you crazy?” Shifting in her seat, Alanna stared at Quaid. He had cleaned up well, but was still more casual than his usual office appearance. She had too tight jeans, messy hair, makeup toasted, and a nasty nick on her face with an annoying sting. She couldn’t pull off rich and famous on her best day, but with borrowed, ill-fitting clothes, it was a non-starter.

The valet hurried to the driver side door. In the dark evening with the harsh lights, his young face was lined with tiredness, and his blonde hair tossed in the dead-of-the-night breeze. At Quaid’s raised finger, the valet paused by the door.