Page 6 of Long Past Deadly

“Problem?”

Alanna sucked in a steadying breath and forced herself to unclench her teeth. “I’m not clear on this plan. Why are we here?”

“We’re going to get a room.”

“Here?”

“Yes.”

“Why? I thought we were coming here to meet backup.”

Quaid shook his head. “We can stay under here and hunt for answers, work with QM to identify the trails we should follow.”

“We could do that at the office.”

“Until we understand the threat, no. It puts too many others at risk.”

“The way we look? We’re going to walk in like nothing has happened? We aren’t exactly non-descript.”

“No, but the staff has seen me dressed many ways and with many different women. They’ll take care of getting us quietly to a room.”

Quaid opened the door, and signaled to the valet. The concierge approached the car, too. “Hello, Robert. Nice to see you. Park it in back away from everything please, Toby.”

The young man settled into the seat. “Yes, sir, Mr. Daniels.”

The sureness in Quaid’s step as he moved around the car and opened her door snagged her attention while her mind tumbled. The confidence left her floundering. Many different women?

He put out a helping hand, and she gave hers without thinking. The instant they touched, a buzz blew up her arm, leaving behind a tingle in her nipples and the obvious results pressing on her t-shirt. She jerked her hand away, then grabbed her jacket. It was bad enough sitting next to him. She did not need and would not absorb the physical feel of him.

“So this is your idea of a place to hide?”

“No, this is my idea of a place where I can use its assets and blend in.” Quaid snagged the weapons bag and slammed the door, signaling for Toby to take the car. Gripping Alanna’s elbow, he motioned her to the entryway.

Robert was a gray-haired, older man. Dressed in a gorgeous burgundy uniform with gold braid, he followed with respect and discretion, easing ahead of them to open the door.

“Are you and the young lady all right, sir?” His quiet words flowed over her.

She knew they were too visible.

“Yes, Robert. Thank you. How are the grandchildren?”

Robert’s big smile encompassed Alanna. She found herself smiling back, all the while wondering how many other women Quaid brought to this hotel.

“All are well and happy, Mr. Daniels.” The servant reached into his pocket. “Here’s a handkerchief.”

“Thank you, Robert.” Quaid lifted her chin and dabbed at her cheek. “Blood.”

“Still?” Zapped again by the man’s attention, she had no way to move away from him without causing a worse spectacle.

“It would appear so.” He finished and stuffed the handkerchief in his pocket.

Alanna jerked away, wrapping herself in numb emotions that served her so well.

In the lobby, she stalled, stunned. A stained glass, domed ceiling drew her eyes to a waterfall rising to the second story. The rooms on the second floor opened to the splendor of clear water cascading from an artificial stone wall and dissipating into a pond at the center of the lobby. Planters of lush greenery and exotic pink and yellow flowers filled the air with their perfume. Sofas and clusters of easy chairs offered comfortable seating for guests to meet and chat. Quaid drew Alanna away from the waterfall and to the desk.

The young woman smiled prettily at Quaid. “Hello Mr. Daniels.”

Alanna pressed her lips together, forcing her irritation aside. All this deference was killing her.