Page 92 of Home of the Brave

We were only acquaintances who kissed, once, after all.

So, I was pacing my hotel room waiting for Cambrie so we could head over to the arena for the men’s game.

I liked to get there early, like hours early, and she didn’t mind. But she was taking her sweet time getting ready this morning.

My phone buzzed, and I checked it, expecting her, but it was another text from the unknown number.

UNKNOWN: Men’s hotel lobby get there ASAP

I stared at the message for several seconds before understanding clicked. Another prank?

I grabbed my bag and ran out of my room, heading for the elevators as I called Cambrie.

“I’m heading up now.”

“Meet me in the lobby,” I blurted.

“Okay? What’s going on?”

“Another prank. We’ve got to get to the men’s hotel now.”

“Oh?” her voice perked up. “Got it. I’m getting in now.”

I hung up and pressed the lobby button roughly seven times as the doors closed. It was a short ride over, but I didn’t want to miss whatever was in store this morning.

She was waiting for me as soon as I stepped out, and we fell into hurried steps together. I glanced around the lobby as we headed outside, but no one seemed to be paying us any attention. I didn’t want anyone else in the press to notice us and follow before we could get the exclusive on what was going on.

“Any ideas?”

“Nope, just to be in the lobby.” I explained as we hailed a cab. Fortunately, one pulled up almost immediately. “Four Seasons, please.”

“Was it the same unknown number?” she asked as we slowly made our way through downtown. Traffic wasn’t too bad since it was still early, but I wanted to beg the driver to hurry.

“Yeah, they never responded to me after the last one, so I wasn’t sure if they’d give us a heads-up or not.”

She pulled her camera from her bag and set it in her lap. “We’ll be ready.”

I nodded and turned to look out the window, counting the blocks until we arrived. I had to hope whoever was sending the message gave me enough time to get there.

I paid as we were pulling up to the hotel entrance and jumped out as soon as we came to a stop, Cambrie right behind me. I slowed as we got to the lobby, not wanting to get in trouble, and looked around.

“See anything?”

“No,” she spun slowly, in the opposite direction of me.

There were signs welcoming the men’s teams and fans to the tournament, but nothing out of place. I didn’t see any players either.

I pulled out my phone and sent a reply.

Victoria: I’m in the lobby, where should I be looking?

No reply.

Were we too late?

The ding of the elevators and quiet conversations from the sitting area where a few groups were waiting were the only sounds. I avoided looking toward the check-in area, not waiting for any employees to question us.

From down a hall, a door swung open and hit the wall with a bang. Cambrie and I shared a look before heading toward it.