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“Yes. Joe is doing everything possible. We’ll be in touch when we can. Just so you know, I don’t have my phone. It’s part of the crime scene.”
“You and Joe need to get different phones anyway,” Rhy said. “But that will have to wait until tomorrow too. Be careful. Get some rest.”
“You too. Bye.” She ended the call and handed the phone back to Joe. “Thanks.”
He nodded and glanced over as Steele approached.
“Area has been cleared, you and Elly can leave anytime,” Steele said. “You mentioned wanting a ride?”
“Yes.” Joe straightened. “My SUV is parked alongside the building, but I can’t take the chance the shooter noted the plate number, so I’m leaving it here.”
“Understood.” Steele glanced around, then added, “Stay here. I’ll run back to Rhy’s place and get my vehicle.”
“Thanks,” Joe said.
She slid out of the back seat of the squad to stand beside him. It was all she could do not to throw herself into his arms. She turned, her gaze going back to the tree. What had gone through the shooter’s mind when he sat up there, aiming at the motel room window?
Maybe nothing. His cold, dead eyes made her think he didn’t have any emotions. No good ones anyway.
She shivered and folded her arms across her chest. To her surprise, it didn’t take long for Steele to pull up, well beyond the perimeter that the cops had set up around the motel. Joe’s phone dinged, and he glanced at the screen.
“That’s Steele. Let’s go.” He curved his arm around her waist, urging her forward. She caught a few curious gazes aimed at them as they crossed the parking lot.
Five minutes later, she was settled in the back seat of Steele’s SUV. “Do you have a destination in mind?” Steele asked.
“Yeah. The City Central Hotel.” Joe glanced back at her. “Have you been there?”
“No.” But her siblings had. “I’ve heard it’s nice.”
“They have two-bedroom suites,” Joe said. “And it’s far from Brookland.”
“You want me to book it under my name?” Steele asked.
“That would be good.” Joe agreed.
Steele took a moment to call to reserve the suite. Thankfully, they were accommodating despite the late, or rather, early hour. They’d been at the hotel for several hours, but this close to the winter solstice, dawn hadn’t brightened the day yet. Sunrise was a good three hours away.
Joe sighed. “I still can’t figure out how he found us at the American Lodge.”
“You’re sure you weren’t followed?” Steele asked as he drove through the suburban neighborhood.
“I did everything possible to shake a tail.” Joe looked thoughtful. “Although if he was using a scope, who knows?”
“We cleared the scene, so heading to the City Central Hotel should work,” Steele said.
Steele headed straight for the interstate, which was blessedly empty at this hour. Elly felt herself relaxing against the seat cushions.
The trip down to City Central took about fifteen minutes. She glanced around curiously as Steele pulled in. It was a step up from the American Lodge, but not by a lot. She knew from her siblings that the DA’s office used the place for their witnesses, keeping them close for trial.
Joe got out of the car, then opened her door. He took her hand as they followed Steele inside. She told herself not to overreact to the simple, kind gesture.
Steele obtained the keys, then escorted them to the room. She belatedly realized Steele had a computer case with him, setting it on the small table. The suite was nice, with bedrooms located on either side of the small living space.
“I need to get back.” Steele clapped Joe on the shoulder. “Keep your head down.”
“You too.” Joe walked Steele to the door, then closed and locked it behind him. He turned to face her. “Are you hungry?”
“Not really.” She headed toward the closest bedroom. “We should try to rest.”
