Page 58 of Peak’s Code

“I’m not answering it,” he said.

“Then why do I need to move?” she asked.

“So if they start shooting through the door, you aren’t standing directly behind it.” That made more sense than she wanted it to. She backed toward the bathroom entrance but didn’t go inside. The narrow wall gave her cover while leaving the door in her line of sight. Peak gave one sharp nod, letting her know that it was good enough.

A man’s voice came through the door. “Peak.”

Maeve’s heart jumped. The voice sounded like Warden. She recognized the deep growl immediately. Peak still didn’t relax. “Say something only you’d know.”

Silence followed, and then Warden muttered, “You cried when your grandmother made you sell that red piece-of-shit dirt bike you had when you were fifteen.”

Maeve looked at Peak. Even in the darkness, she could see his expression harden. “I did not cry.”

“You locked yourself in the garage for two days,” Warden countered.

“I was fixing it,” Peak insisted.

“You were holding a funeral for the damn thing,” Warden shouted. Maeve’s mouth twitched despite the gun in her hand. Peak remained beside the door.

“Who’s with you?” he asked.

“Nobody,” Warden said.

“Where’s your bike?” Peak asked.

“Behind the seafood place across the highway,” Warden answered.

“Why did you park over there?”

“Because I’m making sure I wasn’t followed,” Warden grumbled. I’m not a complete idiot.

“That remains open for debate,” Peak teased.

“Open the damn door,” Warden ordered. Peak looked toward Maeve again, and she shook her head. Warden might be telling the truth, but he might also have a gun pressed into his back.

Peak seemed to reach the same conclusion. “Turn around,” he ordered.

“Do what now?” Warden asked.

“Face the parking lot and put your hands on the wall.” Warden cursed loud enough to be heard over the rain. “Do it,” Peak said.

The silence stretched for several seconds until Warden finally answered. “Done.” Peak moved to the window and lifted the curtain less than an inch, and Maeve held her breath.

“What do you see?” she whispered.

“Just him,” Peak said.

“Can you see his hands?” she asked.

“Yes,” Peak breathed.

“Anyone in the truck?” she questioned.

“There is no truck.” Peak studied the parking lot longer. “He must have parked across the street, like he said.” Warden remained still outside, facing away from the room with his hands braced against the wet siding. If anyone else was watching, they were well hidden.

Peak lowered the curtain. “I’m opening it.” Maeve nodded and adjusted her stance. Peak unlocked the deadbolt but left the chain in place. He opened the door a few inches, his pistol angled through the gap.

Warden didn’t turn around. “I’m wet, pissed off, and standing outside a motel room that half-naked people rent by the hour. You planning on staring at my ass all night?”