“I can’t tell you that,” Nolan admitted. “But it will all become self-explanatory when we get there.”
“Mia?” A deep voice came from behind them.
They both turned to see Calvin Strand standing near the entrance, his expression pleasant but his eyes sharp.
Nolan felt Mia stiffen beside him, then automatically step closer to Nolan.
“Is everything alright?” Calvin’s eyes assessed the situation.
“Oh, hello, Calvin,” Mia said with a stiff smile. “Yes, we’re fine. Nolan wants to drive, but I prefer to do the driving.”
Calvin laughed, the sound easy and natural. “Men don’t like women driving.” He waved. “Well, good night.”
“Good night,” Mia and Nolan said in unison.
Nolan watched the man disappear into the Inn, his instincts screaming.
Where had Calvin come from? How much of their conversation had he heard?
Nolan knew he had to get Mia out of here. Now. Whatever it took.
“Are you coming, Mia?” He held his hand out one more time.
“I...” Mia turned to look at the Inn.
Nolan took a breath, stepped up to her, and pulled her to him.
He kissed her.
When he pulled back, her eyes were dazed, her lips parted.
“Please, Mia, don’t make me do this the hard way,” Nolan said softly. “But you need to come with me.”
Dazed, she nodded.
They got into the car. She buckled up, and as he started the engine and pulled away from the Inn, he watched the mirrors carefully.
Mia opened the glove compartment. Found the handgun. Didn’t take it out, but closed the compartment again.
“Just in case,” Mia told him.
Nolan smiled despite everything. “Fair enough.”
He drove away, constantly checking to see if they were being followed.
“I know you can’t tell me why I’m in danger,” Mia said after a few moments of silence. “But can you tell me why you’re really here?”
“Not really,” Nolan admitted. “What I can tell you is that there’s a very dangerous person who sells bad things to other bad people. My boss and I have been tracking them for a very long time.”
“And you think they’re staying at the Inn?” Mia asked, her eyes wide.
Nolan nodded. “We have intel saying they are.” He glanced at her. “We don’t know who they are just yet.”
“Being a photographer is a great way to take pictures of things and people,” Mia said slowly. “To get faces. To run recognition on.”
“Yes,” Nolan confirmed with a proud smile. She was smart. They drove in silence for a few minutes, Nolan taking back roads and checking mirrors obsessively.
“Why am I in danger?” Mia finally asked, her voice small.
