AllFreeNovel
Share Us
She took a drink, then set it on the table in front of her. Scooting back against the cushions, she slid her shoes off and pulled her knees into her chest. She looked young and vulnerable, and he wanted to bring her Franz’s ‘butt on a stick.’ What a scum to take advantage of her like this. Had the man somehow set up even her accident?
She was in a mess. How could he best help her? They needed to contact the police, her credit card companies, and her cell phone company. She probably had an assistant and a financial team. Jensen could help.
“Do you think that loser set up the whole thing? Me crashing on the paraglider? Do you think he meant for me to die?”
She’d gotten there as quick as he had. “I don’t know. It’s possible. He knew what you were worth?”
She pulled a face. “Most people have an idea.” She blew out a breath and clung to her own legs. “I’ve been funding his lazy carcass all through the Alps. He’s been my guide. I can’t believe I trusted him.” She looked back at her suite as if seeing that open, empty safe. “I was careful with the safe. He never even came into that room, so there’s no way he saw me open it. How’d he get in there?”
“If he convinced the front desk that he forgot the code, they might’ve opened it for him.”
“Sheesh! I’m going to have a chat with somebody about that.” She leaned her head back against the cushion, but then her eyes got fierce. “Can I use your phone to report my credit cards stolen and my passport and driver’s license? At least we can shut him down from spending any more.”
“Sure.” He liked that she thought of practical things just like he had. “Do you have an assistant or financial team?”
“I have lawyers and investment teams, but I like to manage my day to day needs myself. I have some … trust issues.”
He nodded. It made sense with what she’d been through, not only witnessing and being framed for a murder but losing her parents. “Do you remember what type of credit cards you had?”
She thought and then nodded. “Amex Centurion, Capital One Venture X, Chase Sapphire Reserve, and MasterCard BlackCard.”
“Okay. I’ll get started looking up numbers for those cards. We also need to contact the police.”
She released her legs and grabbed the telephone off the side table, pressing a button. “Yes. This is Hattie Ballard. The man who was staying in my room stole my money, credit cards, passport, computer, clothing, and toiletries.” She paused. “I’m sorry too. I need to speak with someone from your police department. I also need a manager sent to the penthouse, along with a laptop, some toiletries to get my boyfriend and I through tonight … and some chocolate.” A pause. “Thank you.”
Steffan smiled, despite none of this being humorous. “Swiss chocolate?”
She’d called him her boyfriend again. He liked that. A little too much. She’d also assumed he was going to stay with her and help her out. He didn’t mind that. Not at all.
“Chocolate can cure what ails you,” she said firmly.
“I’m sure.”
He opened his internet app and started searching. Hattie spoke to the police, who promised to send out an alert nationwide and to the European Union, as who knew where Franz was at this point. She was on the phone with the second credit card company when a rap came at the door. Steffan hurried to answer it.
A young man waited with a roller cart of goods. “Sir. We deeply apologize for Miss Ballard’s discomfort. The manager will be here shortly but wanted me to bring up some supplies.”
“Thank you.”
Steffan helped him unload a large snack basket, drinks, toiletries, pajamas, robes, slippers, a MacBook Pro, and more chocolate than ten people could eat.
“A breakfast spread will be here whenever you request it, sir, ma’am.” He nodded to both of them, then turned to go.
“How much do I owe you?” Steffan pulled out his wallet.
Hattie hung up the hotel phone and stared at Steffan as if he’d grown two heads. “They’ll bill it to my room,” Hattie said, as if there was no other option.
“I’m going to pay for it,” Steffan explained. “The hotel might have their charge rejected as you’re canceling your credit cards.”
She stood and strode over to them, looking uncertain and upset. “The hotel knows I’m good for it. They can run up a tab until I have my new credit cards.”
“Hattie, it’s fine.” Steffan had never had someone blatantly refuse to let him pay for something. “I’m happy to pay. It’s no concern.”
She growled at him, actually growled. “It’s huge concern,” she shot at him, jutting out her chin. “You’re already doing too much for me.”
“I’m happy to help,” he insisted.
“Sir … ma’am … forgive the interruption,” the young man said. “Everything is on the hotel. The manager is insistent on that. Please accept our sincere apologies.”
