Page 55 of Missile Strike

He cleared his throat. Less than twenty-four hours in, and they were already treading dangerous ground. “Nothing. You ready to go?”

She gave a nod, then collected her purse and tablet and followed him to his car.

When they entered the hotel lobby, Grant Marks, The Waverly Grand Hotel’s head of security, was waiting with Melody Santos. A little over six feet tall with dark hair gone silver, he still carried himself like the police lieutenant he’d been, although now one in a tailored suit.

His handshake was firm and direct. “Mr. Mayhew.”

Danny liked him immediately. “Call me Danny, please.”

Bella and Melody headed to the ballroom, while Danny followed Grant to his office on the third floor. They reviewed the emergency action plan for the night of the gala, the employees assigned to work the event, and the areas of responsibility for each organization providing security that evening.

“Our hotel staff and vendors have all undergone background checks,” Grant said. “But I know you plan on doing your own vetting.”

“We do. I’ll let you know if anything raises a concern. The rest of my team arrives next week. We’ll do another walkthrough then.”

Until then, security for both the gala and Bella fell on him.

Which reminded him. Nathan had sent him two texts during the meeting, asking him to call.

Danny shook Grant’s hand. “Dìleas will have an updated threat assessment early next week.”

“I’ll look for it.”

Grant escorted Danny to the second-floor ballroom level, then returned to his office.

Pulling out his phone to call Nathan, Danny paused when he spotted Bella and Melody Santos exiting the main ballroom.

His gaze connected with Bella’s as he strode toward them. She gave him a quick tilt of her head in acknowledgment before glancing at her tablet. “Menu and décor finalized, the placement of the stage, podium and A/V equipment confirmed, and we have our guest list and seating arrangements in place.”

“Before you go…” Melody gave a light touch to Bella’s arm, seeming to search for words. “I wanted to let you know that I admire your willingness to step up and help with your father’s re-election campaign after what you went through as a child.”

Bella paled—swaying just enough for Danny to notice.

His hand shot out to grip her elbow.

“What are you talking about?” His voice snapped with command.

Melody flushed, her gaze darting between Danny and Bella. “The article in today’s paper.”

His phone vibrated. He glanced at it. Another text from Nathan, this time with a link to The Charlotte Times.

Have you seen this yet?

Nathan had.

“Do you have a copy?” Danny struggled to keep his tone even as he spoke to Melody.

“I can get you one.”

“Please.”

Confusion and sympathy warred in Melody’s expression. “Why don’t you wait on the couch in the lobby? I’ll bring it to you.”

Danny tightened his grip on Bella’s arm as he guided her to the escalator. “Everything will be okay.” He didn’t know if that was true, but the pallor of her skin had his pulse tripping.

“I didn’t tell her anything about…” Bella trailed off.

They stepped off the escalator. He guided her to the gray couch in front of the check-in counter, then grabbed water from the drink dispenser nearby.