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Have Virginia text me? It would be fantastic to have a legitimate reason to be in touch with her. I nod sideways, as if it’s a compromise to a better idea.
“That’ll work. I’m considering working remotely for the rest of the week, assuming that house is available. If you’d like to do the same, that’s fine with me. I’ll let you know.”
Thirty minutes later, Horse’s phone pings on the desk.
VIRGINIA
Sorry about running out earlier. Not feeling well. Didn’t want to infect you.
Too late.
ME
Can I do anything for you?
VIRGINIA
Thanks. I’ll be fine. Reshma said you wanted the place Will and I stayed. It’s called the B’kerson Lodge. 1-800-555-1212. Owner is Dave.
ME
Thanks. Feel better.
VIRGINIA
??
Before I rationalize my way out of it, I call the number.
“B’kerson Lodge.”
“Hello. I was wondering if I’d be lucky enough to book your lodge for the week.”
“What week is that?” he asks.
“I know it’s a long shot, but this week. Tomorrow through the weekend, Monday morning.”
“Yeah, it’s available. Shoulder season between mountain bikers and skiers heading to the hills. How many will be staying?”
Shit. I hadn’t thought this through. Myself, one guard, a chef … and Virginia … in my dreams.
“Let’s say four. It may only be three.”
“And how many bedrooms?”
“Three. No. Better make it four. And the master bedroom on the second floor, the one with the window overlooking the ocean. Can we have that one, please?”
“You’ve been here before. What’s your name?”
I squeeze my forehead, a tension headache forming.
“No. My, um, friend stayed recently. She highly recommended it.”
“Wonderful. What’s her name? I’d like to thank her.”
I’m too tired for this, having to think fast about what I can and can’t say.
“I’d actually rather she not know that I’m staying. And my name is Colt. ColtCarter,” I emphasize his middle name, which he uses as his family name when he doesn’t have to be a Power. It’s a trick my dad used too, so he gave us all middle names that work well as last names.
