The women pulled their passports out, praying they would be allowed on the boat. After several long moments, he returned and waved toward the gangway.
At the top of the gangway, stood Rett and Mike.
“Ladies, so nice to see you again. We have some questions for you.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
Alden’s little side piece was working out great. She needed the money, he needed the release. Like clockwork, she showed up every morning before starting her job at the motel.
His apartment wasn’t up to his usual standards, but it was better than the motel. She never asked for more, never cried for anything. She did her job and did it well.
“I’ve found another job,” she smiled. “Thanks to you. I’ll be working a shorter shift at the resort on the beach and I’ve been able to get us a little trailer in a nice park. I can’t thank you enough, Alden.”
“You’ve earned it, honey. Does that mean we can’t see one another anymore?”
“Oh, no. I’ll still come every morning if you like. I just wanted you to know that I didn’t blow the money.”
“I never thought for a moment you would,” he said kissing her forehead. “Go on now, you don’t want to be late.” He handed her the usual, plus a little extra. He’d been doing it every day. Somewhere along the way, he’d gotten soft. Especially with this young woman.
His phone was vibrating again and he ignored it, knowing it was his mother. He grabbed his bag and left the apartment, heading to the hospital. Today would be another great day.
When they heard that the cameras had picked up Johns leaving a small motel a few days ago, the men were on the road again, headed to a small town outside of Gulf Shores.
“Help you gentlemen?” asked the desk clerk.
“Looking for this man,” said Mitch.
“Oh, Dr. Alden,” he smiled. “Good man. He’s been helping up at some hospital. Left us a few days ago but I don’t know where he went.”
“Did he have any friends? Anyone that was here regularly?” asked Mitch.
“I don’t know if she was a friend but she was an employee. Young girl, Ariel that worked in housekeeping. I knew she was going into his room every morning but she needed the money,” he said shrugging. “Her business, not mine. She was a hard worker.”
“Was?” asked Brooks.
“Yeah. She left and went to work at Gulf Shores Resort. They gave her a lot more money than I could.”
“Name,” said Mitch. The man stared at him, then looked down at his desk.
“Hey, uh, are you guys cops or something? I don’t want any trouble.”
“We’re not cops,” said Brooks truthfully. “We’re trying to find the doctor. His mother is in trouble.”
“Oh, well, yeah that makes sense. Like I said, her name is Ariel. Ariel Thomas. Like the mermaid.”
It took only thirty minutes to get to the resort. As a comparison to the motel, there was no comparison. It still wasn’t exactly luxury but it appeared filled with families and spring breakers.
“Can I help you gentlemen?” asked the woman behind the desk. “We’re full up if you’re looking for a room.”
“No, no,” said Mitch. “We just wanted to talk to Ariel if she’s around. She’s not in trouble or anything. In fact, she’s won something and we want to make sure she gets it.”
“Oh! That’s great,” smiled the woman. “She’s on her shift now but you’ll find her on the fourth floor, facing the gulf. She does those rooms in the morning.”
“Thank you,” smiled Mitch.
“No, thank you. That kid deserves it. She’s the hardest worker I have.” The men nodded, smiling at the woman as they headed to the fourth floor. Off the elevator, they looked left and then right, spotting the housekeeping cart.
As they reached the door, they peeked inside to see a young woman making a bed.
