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“That will be wonderful. Do you think I could shower before I lie down? I didn’t ask Steffan.”
“I think that would be fine. Just be careful if you get dizzy.” He wanted to offer to help her shower, but that was completely out of line—and he couldn’t even think about her in the shower without losing his mind.
“Okay.”
They reached the top of the stairs and he explained, “My suite is at the end of the hall. The other suites are available to anybody passing through who needs a place to stay or when my family comes to visit. Are you opposed to staying next to me? For safety reasons,” he hurried to add, hoping he didn’t sound too anxious to have her close.
“That sounds right as rain. Bless you.”
He walked her to the suite next to his and walked in, setting the clothes on the dresser. “In the bathroom, there will be lotion and … some girly stuff. My mum used to send up supplies that female hikers would appreciate, but I’m not as good at knowing what girls need …” He trailed off, embarrassed and not wanting to get into female things or a discussion about his mum. “Do you need anything?”
“No, this is perfect. Thank you.”
“Sure.” Curt lifted a hand and hurried out of her suite and into his. Some people called him a recluse, but he hosted strangers often enough that he thought his people skills were all right. Apparently, he was rusty.
His phone rang. He shut the door to his suite and pulled out his satellite phone. “Ray,” he greeted his second-oldest brother, hoping he had some news.
“Hey. You get home all right?”
“Yes. Your men said they’d patrol until morning, then get spelled off. Thank you. Do you, um, know the code to my door? Don’t want to get locked out accidentally.”
“How have you been getting in?” He could imagine Ray clenching his fist and thrumming it against his leg. “Wait, you haven’t been using the amazing security system I installed?”
“I can’t lock my doors and shut out a traveler who might need something while I’m gone patrolling or sleeping.”
“It’s heavy, bro. You’re not even five miles from Greenville. Only serious backpackers attempt our passes. If they need something, they can make it five more miles.”
“Sometimes it’s late and a refuge like my house is a small miracle.” Curt liked that hikers quietly spread the word about his hospitality. Sometimes they made him feel like a miracle. It was nice to give back in a small way. “Give my poor worn-out travelers a break.”
Ray gave a half laugh. “I’ll give you a break.”
Curt smiled. It had been too long since he’d had a good wrestling match or boxing round with Ray. His brother would probably thump him now. Curt was functionally stronger, but Ray had the skills, experience, and drive to beat him every time.
“Any news?” he asked.
“My men haven’t found two men with British accents and a woman hiking together that have raised any red flags, but who’s to say one or more of the hikers aren’t traveling with different-sized groups, masking their accents, or hiding out? Maybe the men took off after they hurt your girl and her friend. Who knows? We’ll keep searching, though.”
Aliya was not ‘his girl.’ Had she mentioned British accents?
“We did find Gracie’s family from the information from the tour group. Jensen called and cautiously asked some questions so as not to upset them. She’s from Phoenix, Arizona, an elementary school teacher, and spent the past two weeks on a European tour. They said she’s hiking the mountains from Austria to Switzerland with a friend she met on the tour named Aliya and two men from Great Britain. Your girl’s story lines up.”
Ray paused, and Curt should probably correct him about ‘his girl,’ but he was too distracted by the implications of Aliya’s story being corroborated, both positive and negative. “I don’t remember Aliya saying anything about British accents.”
“Oh.” He paused. “You’re right. Aliya’s dad and Gracie’s mom were the ones who mentioned they were Brits. The problem is Aliya’s dad and neither of Gracie’s parents could remember the names of the men, and when Jensen pushed Gracie’s parents too hard, they got upset and wanted to know where their daughter is. He had to admit he didn’t know, but he’d find her.”
“Makes sense. Their daughter is hiking the Alps with two blokes they don’t know and a police chief is asking them questions about it. Aliya’s mum was on edge too when we spoke to her.”
“I heard she was a colorful one.”
“Yeah, I liked her.”
“Do you like her daughter?”
“Good chat, bro.” Curt wasn’t going to listen to guff from his brother. “Thank you for all you’re doing. I really appreciate you taking this seriously.”
“When have I not taken something seriously?”
“That’s an excellent point. I’m glad you’ve got Macey to help you relax.”
