“The dog can use the toilet.”
Duh.I was trying to give myself a plausible excuse for letting the team do their job. “Our furry friendprefersthe outdoors, and I need some fresh air.”
His silver brows crease further, and he scowls at my injured arm. “Gwen, I don’t want you going out there alone.”
While I understand his overprotectiveness, I’m trying to help him do his job. “Sweetheart, there are eyes all over the place. No one is going to shoot me in the lobby or right beside the hotel.The risk is too high. Besides, Bear will stay close. He can sense a weapon faster than a human. I promise to drop if he barks and let him do his thing. If you’re that worried, watch me on the security feed.”
His team faces him, waiting for his decision. I hate that he has to pick between his mission and my safety.
After opening all the views from all the security cams, he nods. “Don't stray far.”
“I won’t, Girl Scout honor.” Saluting with three fingers, I snap on the dog’s leash. “C’mon buddy. Let’s go.”
On the way out, I picture my furry friend biting the snarkiness off Britt’s face.
She is so not worth it, honey.Beyoncé’s wise words resound as I press the down button.
In the elevator, I mutter to myself. “Hydrogen, helium, lithium, beryllium, boron….”
By the time I get to the final element, Bear has done his business. Scooping it up, I tie off the plastic bag, drop it in the garbage, and head to the canine-friendly bistro.
My coffee ordered, I sit. Seconds later, a bearded man wearing khaki shorts and Givenchy sandals slips onto a stool beside me. The collie’s ears twitch, but he doesn’t growl, so I stay where I am.
“Nice dog.” The posh British accent sets off my internal alarms.
Not one to ignore my subconscious’ warnings, I reach into my purse and slip my hand around the RF weapon. “One word from me, and my highly-trained canine will kill you.”
His chuckle ought to alleviate my unease. Instead, it amplifies my dread. “No need for violence, luv. We’ll have a quick chat, and I’ll leave.”
My hand shakes as I point up at the security camera. “My spouse will be here any second.”
“You shouldn’t’ve interrupted my meeting last night.” His contrabass voice reminds me of Darth Vader.
“Danbury?” I almost topple over the dog as I shoot to my feet. “What are you doing here?”
Upon hearing Bear snarl, most people run. Because he holds his ground, the stranger gains a modicum of my respect.
“Do not trust Babcock.” The touristy-looking guy shoves a piece of paper in my left hand. “Give this to your husband.”
When his gaze shifts across the room, his jaw drops. “Damn. Ledbetter is here. We need to move. Now.”
Because I hesitate, he grabs my arm. “Come with me or die.”
On the same page as the stranger, Axel’s collie-shepherd woofs and nudges the back of my calves. Two against one, I trot alongside toward the swinging kitchen doors.
Walking backwards, eyes on the inner restaurant, the bearded man pushes me past the freezers. “Walk between the ovens, straight through to the dining area. Take the employee elevator on the right. Hurry.”
About to bolt, he swivels on his heel, but I grab his shirt. “Wait. Before I go, what does Ledbetter want?”
He tilts his head and glares at me like I’m two fries short of a Happy Meal. “I would think it obvious, luv. It’s you.”
Bear growls and pulls on his leash. For a second, I consider letting him go after Mr. Bed-wetter, but what if Danbury was lying?
Decided, I race through the kitchen, the air-conditioned dining room, and head for the service lift. “Hold the door!”
A teenager shoots his hands between the sliding metal. Two breaths later, I step next to his chrome cart covered in white linens.
Once the door closes, I place my hands on my knees and speak between wheezes. “Sorry. FBI business. National Security. Check with the front desk.”
