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Chapter Five
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Alex couldn’t talk to Bennett in front of Myla. He was willing to put himself on the line, but he wouldn’t risk putting Bennett in more danger. So far no one had made the connection, and he was going to keep it that way.
Slipping out of the room while Myla slept, Alex left the hotel and headed across the street. He could still keep an eye on the hotel but was far enough away not to be overheard.
He pulled out his SAT phone and called Bennett. “Need you to pull more information.”
“Roger.”
He proceeded to give him Myla’s information.
“That’s not a lot to go on, Alex.”
“It’s all I have. People aren’t forthcoming on information. I’m sure you can guess why.”
“From what I found out about the manager, I can see why this town is so fucked up. That bastard is in deep with this shit. He’s pulling all the strings here, but is just a puppet to the ringmaster.”
“You’re telling me if we take him out, this shuts down today?”
“No. He’d be replaced. We need to get to him so we can get to his boss. Then we’re making headway. Until then, it’s not going to have any long-term effect.”
Alex hated waiting, yet trusting Bennett’s judgment was his only choice. He was only one person, and he’d never make it out the front door of the hotel if he acted irrationally. Besides, he needed to start the ball rolling on Myla’s family. If they acted before the family was out and safe, they most likely would pay the price. He wouldn’t let that happen.
“You keep track of every move that bastard makes. I want him out as soon as we can. First I need that information on Myla.”
“What are you going to do?”
“I made promises I plan on keeping.” He didn’t feel the need to share the details with Bennett. This secret was between Myla and himself. I wish I could do more.
“Don’t do anything stupid,” Bennett barked over the phone.
“You handle your end, and let me worry about mine,” Alex snapped back.
“Famous last words from someone when they’re about to fuck up.”
Alex disconnected the call. He wouldn’t argue that point. If Brice were here instead of him, things would be going like clockwork. But if Brice was in charge, they’d still be in the States and who’d be protecting Myla?
Somehow his gut told him Ziva would. She was keeping her distance from him, yet he knew she wasn’t far away. It was weird, but he sensed her watching him. It wasn’t in a sexual way either. But he wasn’t sure if she was out to protect him or take him down. Ordinarily, he could read women clearly, but Ziva was entirely different. From the moment he spotted her, she’d been a mystery. If it were any other place or time, he would’ve taken on the challenge of unraveling the layers she had cocooned around her. He found her utterly intriguing.
Unfortunately, the last thing he needed was another person to be involved in this mess. Bringing her any closer to him than he already had might put her life at risk as well. I’m not willing to do that. For her own good, I need to stay away from her. Once I let Myla into my room, I became a man Ziva should run from. Even though it’s a façade, there are people who won’t believe or forget it.
He knew Ziva was far more observant than she pretended to be and probably heard or saw Myla entering his room. Whatever connection he thought they might have shared would’ve vanished and have been replaced with hatred. In her eyes, Alex was another sick bastard taking advantage of a young, innocent girl. Ordinarily, he didn’t care what anyone thought of him, but for some reason, Ziva was different. It was troubling him. That didn’t mean he could knock on her door and tell her the truth. She worked for the police department. The less she knew about him and the real reason he was there, the better for her. I’d rather read the disdain in your eyes now than the desire I believe I saw when you took me on our little expedition.
There were difficult choices to make, but he needed to protect Ziva. If he told her the truth, she’d be all-in and ready to help. That would put her life at risk too. There was no need to do so. She was safe right now, and he would do anything he had to for that to continue. Even if that means making her hate me. As long as she lives through this fucking mess, it’ll be worth it.
As Alex made his way back to the hotel, he looked to the floor where their rooms were. He could see the light turned on in Ziva’s room. What are you up to? Something felt off. He needed to get back there quickly. Even though he’d told Myla not to speak to anyone, Ziva could be very convincing. I’m the proof. She took me with her for an entire day, when I had no intention of going. I can only imagine the power she’d have with a naïve kid.
When he entered the foyer, the manager called out to him. “Is everything okay, Mr. Henderson?”
“Fine,” Alex barked. His gut said otherwise. Let me be wrong.
He didn’t wait for the elevator and decided to bolt up the three flights of stairs instead. As soon as he came around the corner, he stopped and looked down the hallway. Everything was as quiet as it had been when he’d left earlier. Until he was inside and saw Myla was unharmed, he wouldn’t be satisfied.
Alex stopped outside of Ziva’s door, pressed his ear against it, and listened to see if he could hear her moving around. All was silent. With the lights on, he knew she was awake. What are you up to, young lady?
Even though he told himself he wouldn’t do it, he knocked gently on her door and waited. No answer. He tried the door, and it was locked. Alex had the spare key in his room, and after checking on Myla, he was going to head back there and check on Ziva.
