by Cindy Bell
“No, we’re not.” Riley stood up as well, straightened his collar, and stared hard into Colin’s eyes. A second later they both turned and walked away.
Eddy watched them head towards the table in the front of the room where Hank was now sitting. He glanced from them, to Colin, and noticed that his friend’s cheeks were bright red.
“Colin, what was that about?”
“It’s nothing.” Colin cleared his throat, then adjusted his position in his chair. “They’re not the innocent kids they used to be.”
“Were they ever innocent?” Eddy chuckled, then shook his head. “Those two were twin troublemakers, always making Hank sweat. At least I imagined he would be sweating. I don’t think I’ve ever exchanged more than a few words with him.”
“No, he wasn’t very interested in getting in the middle of the affairs of his son and Riley. However, he was quick to demand favors to keep their names out of the system.” He pursed his lips.
“Yes, I remember. You wanted me to book them. You got pretty upset with me back then.” Eddy eyed him for a long moment. “Are you still upset with me about it?”
“No, you explained to me that if we weren’t the ones to let them go, then someone else would be. Then you lectured them for two hours. I think I would have rather been in jail overnight than sit through that.” Colin grabbed a beer from a passing tray. The waitress paused and offered Eddy and Samantha a drink as well.
“Thank you.” Samantha smiled as she grabbed a glass of champagne. “Well, to be honest different countries, even different states within our own country have different juvenile policies. It’s hard for me to imagine a child being put in jail. They haven’t fully learned the impact their actions have, or the consequences they might face because of them.”
“You can say that all you want, but it’s not always so black and white.” Eddy frowned as he took a sip of his beer.
“He’s right, it’s not. But trust me, if I hadn’t listened to Eddy’s advice on letting those boys slide, I might not still have a job.” Colin clapped Eddy on the back. “You saved my skin that night, and many other times since.”
Their conversation was interrupted as a cake was wheeled past them towards the front of the room. Samantha’s mouth watered when she saw the marbled cake, topped with bright blue frosting. She absolutely loved cake, and even if Eddy had not invited her, she probably would have asked him to try to bring her a slice. She picked up her fork, in anticipation as the entire room erupted in song. She joined in, though with everyone standing, she couldn’t see the man at the front of the room that they sang for. She didn’t care too much, as her main interest was getting a piece of that cake.
Chapter 4
Eddy pushed his fork into his cake and took a bite. He had to admit it was very good. But his mind was on Colin, who didn’t even pick up his fork. He kept glancing over his shoulder, though Eddy couldn’t place exactly who he was looking at.
“Colin, what has you so shook up?” Eddy shook his head. “I’ve never seen you so jumpy.”
“Eddy, I’ve gotten myself into something. I don’t think there’s a way out.” He lowered his eyes and winced at the same time. “I just need you to know, I wouldn’t go back and change any of it.”
“Colin, tell me what you’re talking about.” Eddy’s heartbeat quickened as he sensed his friend was genuinely afraid.
“I can’t.” He looked over his shoulder again, then back at Eddy.
“Colin, you invited me here for a reason.” Eddy shifted closer to Colin’s chair and tried to meet his eyes. “I know it wasn’t just for champagne and birthday cake. Why don’t you tell me what this is all about?”
“No, it wasn’t. But we can’t talk about it here. I’ll tell you later. Right now, I just want you to keep your eyes and ears open. I want to have your unbiased opinion.” He finally picked up his fork, and after a bite, he forced a smile. “Plus, this cake is really good.”
“Yes, it is.” Eddy took the last bite of his, then eyed Samantha’s plate to see if she had any left. It was polished clean, too.
“Best I’ve ever tasted.” She wiped her lips with her napkin. She’d been pretending not to listen to their conversation, but she’d heard every word. Curiosity coursed through her as she wondered what Colin was too nervous to talk about. Before either man could say another word, a hush fell over the crowd. Heads turned in the same direction, as a tall, slender man walked towards the stage.
Samantha had seen pictures of Hank when she researched him, but his presence still startled her. He had a sense of authority that exuded from him in nearly visible waves. When he took the podium, the entire room became instantly silent. She even rummaged in her purse to make sure that her ringer was off. His hawk-like eyes swept the audience as he straightened his shoulders into a perfect line.
“Welcome, everyone. I’m touched that so many people wanted to come out tonight, to celebrate, me.” He grinned. “Or was it just the free booze?”
Laughter flooded the audience. Samantha shifted in her chair. She looked over at Eddy, who seemed to be fixated on the man, just as everyone else in the crowd was.
Hank gave a short speech, packed with inside jokes, and stories about his heroism. He had the entire room hanging on every word. Samantha found herself swayed into believing that he was as impressive as he seemed to think he was.
“There he is, the man of the hour.” Colin took a swig of his drink and closed his eyes briefly. When he opened his eyes again, Eddy was staring into them.
“It’s about him, isn’t it?” Eddy held his gaze. “Colin, what have you gotten yourself into?”
Just then the audience erupted in applause. Hank took a small bow, then walked away from the podium. As he eased his way into the crowd of people waiting to greet him, Samantha thought he looked like a famous actor, smiling at his fans.
“Meet me outside in ten minutes.” Colin stood up from the table. He picked up the slip for his coat, adjusted his tie, then turned and walked away.
Eddy stared after him, uncertain what to think. The idea that he was being so elusive about why they were meeting, and somehow involved one of the most well-known law enforcement officers in the area, made him very uneasy. He wiped his mouth with a napkin, then stood up to follow him. An instant later he noticed Samantha beside him.
“Maybe you should stay here.” He tilted his head towards the table. “I’m not sure what he’s going to have to say.”
“I’ll stay out of the way if he wants to talk to you alone, but he said to meet him in ten minutes, where are you headed?” Samantha offered him a knowing smile. She had gotten to know Eddy so well that she could almost predict his actions.
“To say hello to a man I barely know and wish him a happy birthday.” Eddy turned his focus back to Hank, who was surrounded by well-wishers. “I want to look into his eyes for myself. Colin is going to have quite a story to tell, I’m sure of it. I want an idea of what I’m getting into before I speak to him.”
“Do you really think all of this is about him?” She raked her eyes over the man in the middle of the crowd.
“I don’t know what to think, but I hope to find out every detail soon. Do you want to meet him with me?” Eddy smiled as he offered his arm.
“No, I learn more from observing than interacting, sometimes. I’ll keep an eye on things from here. Just try not to block my view.” She walked back towards the table.
Eddy bit back a retort about him blocking her view, he wanted to stay focused on the matter at hand.
When he walked up to Hank, he had to wait a few moments to get his turn to greet him.
“Well, well, if it isn’t the famous Eddy.” Hank laughed and clapped him on the shoulder rather roughly.
Eddy was too stunned to complain. He had no idea that Hank knew his name, let alone considered him famous. He cringed as he wondered what that might really mean.
“I’m sorry, I’m not sure that we’ve ever met.”
“No, I don’t think
we have.” He thrust his hand towards him and Eddy accepted it with a firm shake. “But I have heard plenty about you. From Mitch and Riley, and Colin of course.”
“Colin? Yes, I worked with him. I wasn’t aware that you two knew each other well.” Eddy furrowed a brow.
“Sure, we do. He’s been one of my go-to guys for years now. Thanks for training him so well. And thanks for keeping the boys out of trouble. That kind of thing is frowned upon now of course, but back then rules and regulations were a bit looser, eh?” He grinned.
“I suppose, though I’ve heard that you’re not afraid of a little rule bending.” Eddy gazed at him from beneath his bushy eyebrows.
“If all ends well, then no harm done, right?” Hank gave him another clap on the shoulder. “I’m glad you could make it, Eddy. It’s nice to see a fellow old man. Being surrounded by all of these young police officers just reminds me how old I am.”
“You’re a lot younger than me, but I’m glad I could restore your faith in your youth.”
“Best birthday present ever.” He grinned. “Make sure you have a good time.” He turned and walked away.
Eddy stared after him. It wasn’t unusual for an older cop to make comments about the good old days, how things were done before regulations were tightened. That didn’t alarm him. But if he and Colin were so close, why hadn’t Colin mentioned it? What exactly did he mean by calling Colin his go-to? There was only one way to find out.
From where Samantha sat, she could see Eddy and Hank interacting. She detected a dominance in Hank that didn’t surprise her. Powerful, confident men tended to puff out their chest just a little, and managed to look down at the person they spoke to, even if they were a bit shorter than the other. That wasn’t an issue for Hank, as he was a good six inches taller than Eddy. His shoulders were rounded and relaxed, but his expression was vivid and determined. He led the conversation, both in voice, and in body language, and Eddy followed right along. This was a little surprising to her as Eddy tended to take the lead in conversations. Seeing him back down from the man by edging a step aside, made her wonder if he wasn’t more than a little intimidated by Hank, or maybe he was doing it for another reason.
As Samantha watched Eddy walk away she was certain that he was going outside to meet with Colin. As tempting as it was for her to be there for that conversation, she knew it would be better to let them speak alone. If Colin was so concerned about someone else overhearing, she doubted he would welcome her, someone he didn’t know, into the conversation. She turned her attention to her champagne and people watching. As minutes slid by she noticed that there was always a certain amount of space around Hank. Even when people gathered around him, they remained at a safe distance.
Samantha’s thoughts were interrupted when someone set another glass of champagne down on the table. However, it was tilted when it was released, so the entire glass spilled across the table and into her lap.
“Oh no!” She jumped up as the liquid soaked through her skirt.
“I’m so sorry!” The man who had set down the glass, gasped and blushed. “I can’t believe I was so stupid. Here, let me get that for you.” He grabbed one of the cloth napkins off the table, which caused her glass of champagne to spill as well. “Oh no!” He groaned and thrust the napkin at her. She took it and wiped at her skirt. As she glanced up at him she noticed that he was familiar.
“Aren’t you the doorman?” Samantha raised an eyebrow.
“Yes, I am. I’m also the biggest idiot in the world. I’m so sorry. Please forgive me.” He grabbed her another napkin and offered it to her. “I just wanted to offer you a glass of champagne, and I’ve turned everything into a mess.”
“It’s all right, these things happen.” Samantha gritted her teeth. She really liked the dress she wore, and was a bit upset that it had champagne all over it. But she knew it was just an accident and didn’t want to give him a hard time about it.
“I’m sorry. My shift just ended, and the party host said that the staff is allowed to have some of the cake and drinks. I noticed you sitting here all alone, and I thought maybe you would like to share a drink with me. I guess not now.” He chuckled, and blushed. “Let me give you my card, so you can send me a bill for the dry cleaning.”
“Don’t worry about that.” Samantha smiled as she looked him over. She hadn’t even noticed when he held the door for her that he was about her age, and rather handsome at that. There was something about the way he looked at her, with utter confidence, despite the way he stumbled over his words, and looked a bit like a fool. She wasn’t there to meet anyone new, but she had no idea how long Eddy would be caught up with Colin. “If you get us two fresh glasses I’d love to share one with you.”
“Really?” His eyes widened. “You’re not upset about your dress?”
“It’s just a dress.” She shrugged.
“I’ll be back in just a moment then.” He held her gaze for a few seconds, then hurried off to the bar.
Samantha continued to wipe at her dress until she had most of the champagne out of it. She couldn’t get it completely dry, but at least she might get a new friend out of it. After a quick glance at her phone to check the time, she looked towards the doors that led out to the parking lot. It was impossible not to wonder what the two men were discussing. She hoped that Eddy would be willing to fill her in, or her curiosity might just cause her to burst. When the doorman returned with their drinks, she was glad to have the distraction.
“Thank you.” Samantha accepted the glass. “I’m Samantha by the way.”
“Pete.” He nodded as he sat down beside her. “Well, Peter if you want to be technical about it. But never Petey, got it?”
“Got it.” She laughed. “I’m glad that you were able to join the party.”
“Whenever the cops have a party here they invite all of the staff to join in. It’s real nice of them.” He took a sip of his champagne. “Where’s your boyfriend? I don’t want to step on any toes.”
“We’re just friends, very good friends. He’s around here somewhere.” She smiled. “I’m sure he’ll be back soon.”
“Crazy to leave a lady like you all alone.” He lifted his glass to her. “To new friends.”
“Yes, to new friends.” She clinked her glass against his. “This hotel is so nice. Have you worked here long?”
“Not too long. It’s just a way to fill my day at this point. I retired last year, and needed something to keep me occupied.” He lowered his voice. “I’m a bit of a people watcher, so this is the perfect job for me.”
“Me, too.” Samantha laughed. “I could sit in one spot for hours and just watch all the people walk by. I like to imagine their stories.”
“Maybe you should tell me yours.” He gazed into her eyes. “I’m sure it’s quite an interesting one.”
“I’ve had my share of adventures.” She raised an eyebrow. “Have you?”
“Oh, a few.” He grinned.
Samantha found herself dazzled by the way he spoke to her. His voice was both warm and deep, it lulled her into a state of comfort and intrigue. Each time he spoke, his eyes contradicted what he had to say. She was fairly certain that he was toying with her, but she hadn’t figured out why. When she checked the time on her phone again, she realized that almost thirty minutes had gone by from the last time she’d checked. Her heart lurched. What if Eddy was in trouble and she’d been too distracted by Pete to realize it?
“I’m sorry, I’ve enjoyed our conversation, but I have to be going.” Samantha stood up from the table.
“Oh, far too soon.” He frowned. “I really enjoyed getting to know you, Samantha. Perhaps we could try this again sometime?”
“I’d like that.” Samantha nodded, then looked towards the doors again. “But I really should get going.”
“Here, take the card so you can contact me if you change your mind about the dry cleaning.” He dropped the card into her hand. “Could I have your number? So I can call?” He pulled out his phone.
Samantha hesitated. As a rule, she didn’t often hand out her number. In her experience it was a bad idea. Eddy reiterated that by always reminding her to be cautious. But she really did want to see this man again, and she didn’t have time to debate it in her mind. She rattled off her phone number to him, then waved as she headed out the door. She stopped by the coat check for her coat, then spotted Eddy outside on the front walkway. As she stepped outside, a cool breeze struck her.
“Eddy? Are you still waiting for him?” She frowned as she buttoned up her coat. “I thought you would be done by now.”
“He hasn’t shown up.” Eddy narrowed his eyes. “It’s been nearly a half hour. Did you see him inside?”
“No, I haven’t seen him since he left the table. Maybe he changed his mind?” She reached out and touched his hand. “Oh Eddy, you’re so cold, you shouldn’t be standing out here.”
“I’ll be fine.” He pushed her hand away gently. “I need to find Colin. I’ve texted him numerous times, but he’s not answering me. I tried calling, and nothing. I don’t know what is going on here.” He shoved his hands down into the pockets of his trench coat. As he did, he felt something strike his fingertips. He frowned as he fished out a small, brown paper bag. “What’s this? I didn’t have anything in my pockets.”
“Maybe you forgot about it?” Samantha shrugged and rubbed her hands together. “Let’s go back inside, it’s getting chilly out here. Maybe we can find Colin.”
“What is this?” He stared at the bag as if he didn’t even hear her words. “I know this wasn’t in my pocket.” He started to open the bag.
“Eddy!” Samantha gasped as a rush of people suddenly pushed out through the front doors. She drew him out of the way just before he would have been caught up in the crowd.
“What is going on here?” Eddy shoved the bag back into his pocket. “Can someone tell me what’s happened?” He searched through the faces of the people that fled the hotel. One of the waiters paused beside him and spoke in a low voice.
