“How ya doin’, Mr. Lockhart?” Big D asked.
“Ready to unwind.” Colton set off down the short hallway. It dead-ended and he turned left into the large, low-lit room with several dining tables and a bar running the length of the mirrored wall, chock-full with top quality liquors. Background music was loud enough to make conversation an intimate experience, but he wasn’t interested in talking. He was there for one reason and one reason only.
Thursday night always brought a full house, but it was early. There were two small groups of women, a large group of men, and several couples. He sat at the end of the bar, ordered a Glenlivet, and loosened his noose of a tie. After undoing the top button to his dress shirt, he rubbed his aching neck. Tight didn’t even begin to describe his muscles.
Tossing back the whiskey, he ordered a second. With glass in hand, he headed toward the closed door in the back. As his eyes adjusted in the darkened hallway, he ducked into the second entryway on the left. A throaty growl escaped from the back of his throat.This is exactly what I need.
26
UNINHIBITED
Brigit would have piledinto the Bentley and returned to the mansion if that lone taxi hadn’t been idling nearby. Where was Colton headed after such a long and stressful day?He’s doing something so kinky you’d blush at the thought. She had to know. Before Chad could object to her lame excuse about running a quick errand, or join her, she’d slammed the door shut.
“If you can stay on that black Mercedes-Maybach without letting the driver know, I’ll tip you a Ben Franklin,” she said to the taxi driver.
As the taxi raced down I-66, Brigit’s thoughts drifted to her private conversation with Marjorie.
“And just like that you return,” Marjorie said. “No explanation or advanced warning? I almost passed out when I saw you standing in the lobby.” She smiled. “I’ve thought about you every day since you vanished.”
“I’ve missed you too.” Brigit stepped a little closer. “I had to start my life over.”
Marjorie hugged her. “I’m afraid if I let go, you’ll disappear again.”
Brigit pulled back. “No, I won’t, Mrs. Mic.”
Marjorie heaved in a big breath. “We have to save Francesco. Can I count on you?”
“Absolutely. Please keep my identity a secret.”
Marjorie nodded. “Best get back to Colton. He doesn’t miss a thing.”
The taxi turned onto K Street in Northwest D.C. tailing behind Colton’s vehicle by two cars. By the time Brigit realized what a boneheaded move she’d made, they were already in Georgetown. Alone and vulnerable, she was an easy target. But Vinny Ray would had to have followed her to Columbus and followed her home. Possible, but farfetched.
“Okay, lady, now what?” asked the taxi driver.
“Pull in front of that unmarked entrance and wait for me. I’ll probably need a ride home.”
Colton had quickly slipped inside when it opened. Had she looked away, she would have sworn the man had vanished into thin air. But she’d not lost him as he’d raced down I-66 and she wasn’t about to lose him now.
“Take your time.” The driver stopped out front. “Meter’s running.”
Brigit handed the driver one hundred dollars, exited the taxi and banged on the metal door. It opened and a burly man stepped outside. “Can I help you?”
“I’m a guest of Mr. Mitus.”
“No Mr. Mitus here.” The man, clad in a T-shirt and Dockers, crossed his thick bare arms over his wide chest.
“Okay, then, I’m here to see Colton.”
“Look, ma’am, I got no idea who that is.” The man stepped back inside and started to close the door.
“Wait! I’m a friend of the tall man who just arrived. He was wearing a dark olive suit and has wavy hair to here.” She rested her hand on her suit collar.
The burly man shot her a cool smile. “I’ll see if he’s available.” He shut the door and left her standing on the dark street.
A few moments later the door flew open and Colton stepped outside, frustration rolling off him. He wore no smile. “What the hell are you doing here?”
“Surely you can do better than that.” She gripped her hips.
