I was going to have to go inside, exposing myself more than I wanted to. I’d hoped the pair would make it easy for me and kiss outside the hotel, allowing me to get pictures of it to show Marjorie.
What should’ve been a relatively open and shut case was turning out to be slightly more complex. Mr. Maynard seemed to be more discreet than some of the other athletes I’d tailed.
I opted to bring my phone with me to get images and record any conversation I was privy enough to get close to. I ran across the street and was able to slip inside the hotel doors right as Kelvin and his date entered the hotel’s restaurant.
I followed, keeping my eye on his back. I watched from afar as the restaurant’s hostess greeted them before showing the couple to a table.
“Table for one, please?” I smiled at the hostess and ignored her when she looked me up and down. I supposed most people eating in the restaurant didn’t wear skinny jeans, combat boots with leopard detailing, and a green leather jacket.
I pointed toward where Kelvin and his companion sat. “Could I have a seat closer to the window?”
Unfortunately, the tables surrounding them were taken. The table by the window, however, gave me a clear line of sight. I wouldn’t be able to get audio, but I might be able to sneak some photos of the couple making googly eyes or being physical. It might not be enough to show Marjorie, but it’d be a start.
I watched the couple for the next forty-five minutes, barely touching the chicken salad I’d ordered. All I was able to get were a few photos of the couple laughing together, no doubt at some corny joke Kelvin had probably fed her to butter her up.
I thought back to Marjorie commenting about how charming he could be.
Rolling my eyes, I stood and placed enough cash on the white tablecloth to cover my meal and a nice tip for the waitress. Then I followed Kelvin and the woman out of the restaurant toward the lobby.
While I’d expected them to exit, I found myself disappointed when they started for the bank of elevators that led to the private rooms. I began to follow but then noticed staff standing by, checking to make sure all those who passed had keys.
I wasn’t about to book a hotel suite.
I took a few more images of Kelvin escorting the mystery woman onto the elevator with his hand at the small of her back before I turned to exit the hotel. As soon as I stepped out of the door, my phone buzzed. When the name appeared on my screen, something lurched in my chest.
“Hello?” I answered.
“Are you outside?” Don asked.
“What does it sound like?”
“It sounds like you and I have a date tomorrow night.”
“Heavens above.” I stopped in my tracks then yelled when a car honked at me, drawing my attention. It was only then that I noticed I’d stopped in the middle of the damn street.
I waved at the driver apologetically and hurried across the street to get in my car.
“Would you like to repeat that, please?” I asked.
“I don’t think so. I’m sure you heard me. Be ready by six-thirty.”
“You’re bossy. Is that how you ask a lady out?”
“Jocelyn, would you go out with me to dinner and a movie tomorrow night?”
My heartbeat quickened. “This is about the arsons, right?”
It had to be, otherwise, this might be something like a date.
He chuckled. “If that’ll get you to say yes. Sure, yeah, it’s about the arsons.”
I hesitated. “Seriously, Don. We can’t mess around with this case.”
“Be ready by six-thirty tomorrow, and I’ll show you how serious I am.”
Those were his last words before he disconnected the call.
Chapter 15
