Page 84 of Wild Escape

Kenzie marched across the lobby and stepped outside. She handed her ticket to the valet. He jogged off to retrieve the car.

A few minutes later, he pulled it under the carport. Kenzie slipped a few bills into his palm before she climbed behind the wheel. She put the car into gear and drove away.

I watched her go, then hustled back up to the 5th floor.

“Devon’s still in the room,“ Jack said. “Nobody else has left besides Kenzie.”

“Somebody else is in there,” I muttered.

I knocked on the door again.

Footsteps shuffled down the foyer, and someone peed through the peephole.

“How can I help you, gentlemen?“ Devon asked through the door.

“If you’re dealing stolen merchandise, you will go to jail,” I said.

“Thanks for the information. But I can assure you that’s not my style. I run a legitimate service.”

“You mind if we take a look around your room?”

“You got a warrant?”

“I can get one,” I said, knowing I didn’t have enough probable cause.

“Well, shoot your shot.”

“What have you got to hide?”

“You’re harassing me. I’d like you to leave.”

“This is a common area, and we’re here on official business. We can stay as long as we like.”

“Suit yourself. It will be pretty boring.”

“That’s okay. We’re patient.”

“I don’t know what you’re expecting to find.”

“I’m expecting to find the Codex and a buyer for it.”

Devon laughed. “You certainly have an active imagination.”

“You know, I hear that a lot. But more often than not, my instincts are right.”

We lingered in the hallway after the interaction. A few minutes later, a bellhop rolled up a cart with a bottle of champagne and strawberries. He knocked on the door to the suite. "Room service."

Devon peered through the peephole, then pulled open the door. He smiled at the bellhop. "Please, come in.” Devon stepped aside and invited the gentleman down the foyer. The bellman pushed the cart, draped in cloth, into the luxury suite. Devon smiled at us, then closed the door.

"He's messing with us now," Jack said.

The cork to the champagne popped with a dull thud.

A few moments later, the bellhop opened the door and pushed the cart into the hallway, now empty.

Devon was about to close the door when he said to us. "Will you leave if I let you search my room? Will that make you happy?”

I didn't hesitate.