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“Housekeeping needs time to—”
“I realize all that, Ms. Li.” He’d read the name badge pinned to her maroon blazer. He smiled. “I was hoping you could make an exception for me.”
He reached behind his back to remove a wallet from his pants pocket and, in doing so, spread open his suit jacket wide enough to reveal the shoulder holster beneath his left arm. Upon seeing it, the young woman blinked several times before rapidly shifting her gaze back up to his, which he held steady on her.
“No cause for alarm,” he said quietly. He flipped open the wallet that contained a badge and photo ID that classified him as a special agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
He didn’t like to overplay this card, doing so only when he needed a shortcut through rules and red tape. It worked on Ms. Li, who was automatically willing to please.
“Let me see what I can do.”
“I would consider it a big favor.”
Graceful fingers pecked across her keyboard. “Single or double?”
“I’m not picky.”
Her eyes scanned the computer monitor. She scrolled down, then back up. “I can have housekeeping service a nice double room for you right away, but the turnaround could take up to half an hour. Or, there’s a less nice single available now.”
“I’ll take the less nice single available now.” He slid a credit card across the granite counter.
“How long will you be staying with us, Mr. Easton?”
She was no slouch. She’d noted his name. “I’m not sure. Two other…Two associates of mine will be arriving shortly. I won’t know how long I’ll be staying until after our meeting. I’ll have to let you know then.”
“No problem. You may keep the room until you notify me of your departure.”
“Great. Thanks.”
She ran his credit card and proceeded to check him in. She
had him initial the room rate on the form and sign his name at the bottom; then she returned his credit card along with the room key card. “That key also unlocks the door to the fitness center on the second floor.”
“Thanks, but I won’t be using it.”
“The restaurant is just down the corridor behind you. Breakfast is served—”
“No breakfast, either.” He bent down and picked up his briefcase.
Taking the subtle hint, she pointed him toward the elevators. “As you step off onto your floor, your room will be to your left.”
“Thank you, Ms. Li. You’ve been a huge help.”
“When your associates arrive, am I at liberty to give them your room number?”
“No need, I’ll text it to them. They can come straight up.”
“I hope your meeting goes well.”
He gave her a wry grin. “So do I.” Then he leaned forward and said in an undertone, “Relax, Ms. Li. You’re doing a fine job.”
She looked chagrined. “This is only my second day. Were my nerves that obvious?”
“Probably not to anyone else, but sizing people up quickly is a large part of what I do. And if this is only your second day, I’m even more impressed with how you handled a troublesome guest.”
“Not that troublesome at all.”
He gave her a lazy smile. “You caught me on a good day.”
