Page 123 of The Boss

“Once I found the credit card, I was able to use some contacts and my hacking skills to find the transaction history,” he says, lifting a file folder.

Mateo walks over and grabs it from him. “We’re never fucking doing this shit again. I’m not about to become a defense attorney for any of you assholes."

“You’re not going to be; it’s fine,” Drew says. “But in case you were wondering, the latest transaction was for a long-term hotel about an hour from here. Whoever this is, they're getting closer.”

“What hotel is it?” I ask.

“A Valley Court Motel off the freeway,” Drew replies.

“Mateo, you and I are going to go deal with this guy. The rest of you get out of here and go home.”

Ryan and Drew nod and quickly leave. Once they do, I shut the door and turn to look at Mateo, who is now seated back on the couch.

“And we’re going because?” he asks.

“One, we're not going to be violent.” He gives me a flat look. “Okay, we won’t be that violent,” he concedes. “And two, I’m dealing with this. This guy scared the woman I love, and you’re coming with me to help me at least somewhat keep my cool.”

He smirks. “Love, huh?”

“You’re such a dick.”

“No, I’m not; you’re just mad I’m back and call you out on your shit,” he says with a smile on his face. He stands up and walks out of the office.

I’m not far behind him and make my way down the stairs. “I’ll meet you in the car.”

“I’m going to let Vanessa know, and I’ll be right back,” he says, jogging out the front door.

Walking through the first floor, I make my way to the sunroom where Juliet is just finishing up a routine.

“Hey,” I call out. Her hair is in a tight bun in the middle of her head, and she’s wearing a light purple leotard, tan tights, and a white wrap skirt.

She turns and gives me a bright smile. “Hey,” she says, walking over to me.

I grab her waist and place a soft kiss on her lips.

“Mateo and I are going to deal with something about an hour away. I promise we’ll try not to get into any fights, but we'll be gone the rest of the day.” I tell her.

“Be careful, and I’ll have dinner ready when you get home,” she says.

“I’ll invite Mateo, Ness, and the twins over too.”

“Sounds great. I love you,” she says.

“I love you too.” I give her a quick kiss and walk through the house to the car.

Once Mateo gets back, we drive off. We spend the hour chatting about nothing and everything, and I hear about a hundred ‘I told you so’s’ in regard to Juliet and Vanessa.

We pull into the hotel and head into the lobby.

“Checking in?” A young desk attendant asks us.

“No, but we are looking for someone,” I say.

“I’m sorry, sir, I can’t give out guest information,” she replies.

“I understand. Do you mind if we wait for him?” I ask.

Before she can reply, Mateo clears his throat and lifts his chin towards the parking lot.