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34
7:30 p.m.
Elyton Hotel
First Avenue North
Birmingham
Mason finished off the scotch and placed his glass on the bar. He hadn’t been in this bar since it had been renovated. He’d heard the one on the rooftop had quite the view.
But he wasn’t here for the view or the elegant atmosphere. He was here forher.
Fury burned through him, but he didn’t move. Waiting for the right moment was crucial. She’d arrived for dinner a few minutes ago. A trip to the powder room was inevitable if for nothing more than to freshen her lipstick.
His ability to outwait the enemy had been well honed over the decades. He would wait all night if necessary.
A third scotch had landed on the counter in front of him by the time his target excused herself from the table and headed in the direction of the ladies’ room.
Mason slipped from the far end of the bar and skirted the perimeter of the room until he reached the side corridor where she had disappeared.
His hand was on the door in front of her before she could push through it. She gasped, turned to him. Even in the low lighting her startled expression was visible. He almost smiled at the idea that he could still surprise her.
“Mason, what’re you doing here?” She glanced toward the other end of the corridor.
“Not to worry. This will only take a moment. Your husband will hardly have time to miss you.”
Fury tightened her lips. “What is it you want? I believe I’ve already made myself clear on where we stand.”
Oh, she had made herself clear, crystal. Now it was his turn to be equally clear.
“I have one question, and I need the truth.”
“Very well.” She faced him, hers scarcely more than half a dozen inches from his. “What is so important that you had to stalk me to the ladies’ room?”
Her voice—soft and alluring—sent fire searing through him. He was a fool. “Someone attempted to hire a hit on my daughter. I only need to confirm who that person was before I take steps to rectify the situation.”
Her far-too-perceptive gaze narrowed. “Why would you assume I know anything about your daughter and her enemies?”
Please.“Don’t toy with me. I want an answer.”
“I’m afraid you’ve wasted your time coming here.” She reached for the door once more.
“It washim.”
She paused, visibly startled once more. “If you know it was him, why come to me?” She lifted her chin, stared defiantly into his eyes. “Don’t play games with me, Mason. If you’re trying to tell me something, just say it.”
He leaned his face closer still to hers. “You shouldn’t have allowed this. You’re slipping. Fair warning—if anything happens to my daughter, there will be severe ramifications.”
Something like amusement lit in her eyes. “Good night, Mason. I’m certain you’ll find the answer you’re looking for.”
This time he didn’t try to stop her when she pushed into the ladies’ room.
Instead, he walked away.
He had his answer.
35
