by Sharon Sala
He walked past several shuttle buses and a long line of cabs waiting for fares, which meant some big convention group was either checking out or checking in. As he entered the lobby, he paused in the doorway for a moment to get his bearings. The lobby was full of luggage and guests. Bellmen were all over, many coming out of elevators carrying bags, which meant the convention must be leaving. He glanced at his watch, then hailed a bellman coming toward him pushing a loaded luggage cart.
“Hey, buddy, is DeMarco Louis still working here?”
“Who’s asking?”
“Oh. Sorry,” Ed said, and whipped out his P.I. identification.
The bellman shrugged, then pointed over his shoulder.
“I rode up in the elevator with him. He should becoming down soon.”
“Thanks,” Ed said, and slipped the man a couple of bucks before heading toward the elevators.
Intent on keeping a low profile, he kept his head tilted in a slight downward position and made a point of hiding among the guests who were checking in and out, anxious not to call attention to himself. Once he reached the bank of elevators, he stepped off to the side and took out his cell phone, pretending to be checking messages, but his focus was entirely on who was coming out of the elevators. Several cars emptied before he saw his snitch.
DeMarco Louis was a skinny little black guy in his late forties who played up his resemblance to comedian Chris Rock by always being ready with a joke and a laugh. He was pushing a luggage cart for a contingent of women who were laughing and talking as they followed him, and he was giving them sassy feedback as they walked, keeping them all in stitches.
Staying a few feet behind, Ed walked outside with the others, then waited until the women were gone and DeMarco was about to go back inside.
Ed stepped out behind him and clapped him on the shoulder.
“Hey, buddy. Long time no see.”
The smile was still on DeMarco’s lips as he turned around. When he saw who it was, his eyes narrowed.
“Yeah, it’s been a while. What do you want?”
Ed made a face. “Hey, man…I might just be saying hi.”
“Hi,” DeMarco said. “I’m busy. Gotta go.”
“So, I need a little info,” Ed said.
DeMarco rolled his eyes.
“Why you white guys always have to play around with bein’ all polite and stuff? Why can’t you just say what you came to say and not waste my time?” Then he frowned. “How do you know I have the answers you need?”
“Because I need some info about one of the hotel guests.”
DeMarco frowned. “That kind of info can get a person fired. I like my job.”
“It’s nothing big. I just need the name of the woman who’s staying in Room 604. That’s all.”
“Ain’t nothin’ in the world for free,” DeMarco said.
Ed nodded. “I know, I know. I got you covered, buddy. Just get me a name.”
DeMarco held out his hand.
Ed dropped a fifty-dollar bill into his palm.
DeMarco frowned, but didn’t move.
Ed sighed. “Come on, man…it’s just a name.”
“It’s my freakin’ job, man.”
Ed doubled the offer.
DeMarco palmed the money and slipped it into his pocket.
“Wait here,” he said.
“Thanks, man,” Ed said.
“Don’t thank me yet,” DeMarco said, and walked away, pushing the luggage cart ahead of him.
Ed stifled the urge to rub his hands together. He loved it when a plan came together.
A few minutes later DeMarco came back out, pushing another cart full of luggage. Once he got the departing group into a shuttle and on the way to the airport, he headed back inside, pausing momentarily to slip a piece of paper into Ed’s hand.
Ed glanced at the paper.
Maria Slade—Missoula, Montana.
Ed pocketed the info, and then slipped back into the hotel and headed for an elevator. He needed to get his eyes on the woman in 604.
Maria had already figured out that Oklahoma heat wasn’t just hot. The humidity often turned the weather into a sauna. Since they were driving to a lake, she’d chosen a loose cotton shirt to wear with her jeans, and put her hair up off the back of her neck.
She sat down on the side of the bed and was reaching for her boots when there was a knock at her door. Frowning, she glanced at the clock. It was too early for Bodie. Still, he was the only person who would be knocking. Housekeeping wouldn’t be around for a little while yet.
She moved to the door, then glanced through the peephole and saw the uniform of a hotel employee. Without thinking, she opened the door.
“Yes?”
“You called to have your food tray picked up?”
Maria frowned. “No, I’m sorry. I didn’t order room service.”
The man glanced at a note in his pocket, then looked embarrassed as he quickly backed up.
“My apologies. I must have written down the wrong room number. Sorry.”
“No problem,” Maria said. “You have a nice day.”
She shut the door and went back to put on her boots. Now that food had been mentioned, she realized she was hungry, and if she hurried, she had just enough time to grab something at the coffee shop before Bodie Scott arrived.
Ed couldn’t help but be curious as to why Franklin Sheets wanted to know this woman’s movements, then shrugged off the thought. Even though she was damn pretty with a kick-ass smile, he got paid for information, not curiosity. He headed for the service entrance, unbuttoning the uniform he’d filched as he went. He dropped it on top of a stack of boxes and then headed for the stairwell. He wasn’t looking forward to walking six floors down, but he’d overheard two employees talking about the security cameras in the east stairwell being on the fritz, and he lived by the motto of better safe than sorry.
Within minutes, he was out of the hotel. He got back in his car and drove a short distance away, then parked where he could keep an eye on the hotel entrance. If that leggy brunette left the hotel, he would be ready.
Bodie found himself looking forward to the day as he showered and dressed. He told himself it was because he liked Lake Eufaula and would enjoy the drive, but if he was being honest, Maria Slade played into the equation more than she should. He glanced in the mirror as he buckled his belt, eyeing the overall look, then rolled his eyes.
“Damn, Bodie. When was the last time you cared what you looked like when you went to work?” he muttered. “She’s part of a case, therefore she’s off-limits.”
He poured himself a cup of coffee to go, grabbed a sweet roll from a covered cake stand on the cabinet and headed out the door. It was time to get this day in gear.
Maria was at a table in the coffee shop, licking sugar off her fingers, when her cell phone rang. She glanced at the caller ID and then sighed. Bud. She should have called last night.
“Hey, Bud.”
“You didn’t call.”
“I know…I know. I’m sorry, but yesterday was really busy and somewhat productive.”
“You’re not putting yourself in danger?”
“No.”
“Have you gone to the police?”
“Yes. I’m waiting for a detective right now.”
“Oh, yeah…so what’s up?”
Maria could tell from his voice that he already felt less tense.
“We think we’ve located the man who was my mother’s pimp. We’re going to drive out this morning and talk to him.”
“Yeah, okay,” Bud said. “Stay safe. Don’t do anything stupid—and remember to call me.”
Maria grinned. “Yes, sir.”
Bud snorted softly. “Don’t be a smart-ass. You know what I mean.”
The concern in his voice was her undoing. Tears suddenly blurred her vision. She had to end this conversation before she made a fool of herself. When she saw a tall cowboy entering the lobby and realized it was her detective, she stood up from the tabl
e and grabbed her purse.
“Uh…hey, Bud, my ride’s here. Gotta go.”
“Okay, honey. Love you.”
“Love you, too,” Maria said, and dropped her phone back in her purse as she hurried across the lobby.
Bodie was scanning the lobby when the hair rose on the back of his neck. He turned around just as Maria walked out of the coffee shop. He didn’t question the instinct that had made him look—only that his radar was definitely tuned to her.
He lifted his hand and waved as she came toward him. The smile that broke across her face was unsettling, and even more so when she got close enough that he could see she’d been crying.
“Is everything okay?” he asked.
She nodded. “I was just talking to Bud. Made me a little teary.”
“Oh, yeah, the foreman. I suppose he’s pretty attached to all of you.” Then he held his breath, waiting to see how she answered.
“He’s the brother we never had.”
Bodie’s pulse kicked as he resisted the urge to grin.
“That’s great,” he said. “Never can have too much family. So…are you ready for this trip?”
“Yes,” she said. “The sooner this case is solved, the faster I can get home.”
“So let’s get this started and see what we can do to help make that happen,” he said, and refused to ac knowledge the spurt of disappointment he’d felt when she mentioned going home.
They exited the hotel, and within minutes were out in traffic and heading south.
Outside, Ed sat up and took notice when he saw Maria Slade come out of the hotel, but when he saw who she was leaving with, he frowned. He knew Bodie Scott. Even worse, Bodie Scott knew him. He was going to have to be careful that Bodie didn’t spot the tail.
Maria eyed the Tulsa skyline as Bodie skillfully maneuvered through city traffic, hit the Muskogee Turn-pike and headed southeast. Country music was playing softly in the background, a good accompaniment to his boots and hat. She felt comfortable in his presence, as if she’d known him for years, which was unusual for her. She’d never been the kind to make friends quickly, and given what she’d just learned about her past, that bit of her personality finally made sense.
The silence between them was noticeable, but not uncomfortable. Maria kept thinking she should say something, but Bodie beat her to it.
“You said you have two sisters. Tell me about them.”
The subject was a favorite. She didn’t have to be asked twice.
“I think I mentioned before that Savannah is the youngest. She’s a little bitty blonde who looks like she quit growing too soon. Holly is the oldest. She’s average height, but gorgeous. Built like a Hooters waitress, to her embarrassment.”
Bodie grinned. “I can’t say as either one of those descriptions would be the kind to put a man off.”
“And you’d be right,” Maria said. “Savannah’s been sort of in love with our nearest neighbor ever since junior high. Someday they’ll get married. Sooner than later, if he has his way. Holly…well, Holly isn’t seeing anyone, but I keep thinking there’s something between her and Bud. They might not know it yet, but I think it’s real.”
This was even better news to Bodie. Not only was Bud like a brother to her, but he also had the hots for another sister. As long as it wasn’t this one, he was fine.
The moment he thought that, he shifted uncomfortably. What the hell is wrong with me? I just met this woman yesterday. She’s a total stranger who’s involved in a great big mess. Get over yourself, Bodie, and remember you have a job to do.
Deciding it was time to change the subject, he tossed out the first thing that came to mind.
“So what’s your favorite meal?”
Maria grinned. “You saw it last night.”
“Ahh, a steak-and-potatoes girl.”
“What’s yours?” she asked.
“Baby back ribs and a butt-load of fries.”
Maria laughed. “If I ate that, my butt is exactly where those fries would go.”
Bodie gave her a quick glance, then refocused on the road, but his heart was pounding in a crazy, scary way.
Damn, damn, damn. I’m really liking this woman.
“You look pretty good just the way you are,” he said softly.
Maria shifted nervously. That almost felt like a pickup line. She turned sideways in the seat, eyeing the jut of his chin and the way his eyes crinkled at the edges when he smiled.
He caught her staring, arched an eyebrow and played innocent.
“What?”
“Is that your usual pickup line?” she asked.
So she was reticent. It figured. She’d just lost her father—found out she was actually an orphan and a witness to a murder—and he’d come across like a dumb-ass on the prowl.
“My bad,” he said. “Didn’t mean to insult you. I was just stating the obvious. Besides…you’re the one who mentioned your butt first. Not me.”
Maria grinned. “You’re right. No biggie. I was just being curious.”
“Oh. Well, if you’re really curious about my pickup lines…I find that I get pretty good results with flashing my badge, holding out my hand and telling the lady she needs to come with me…that she’s on my Ten Most Wanted list.”
Maria snorted. “And they fall for that?”
“Every time,” Bodie said.
“Bull,” Maria said. “I don’t believe a word of that.”
Bodie chuckled. “You’re good. And you’re right. I don’t have pickup lines…or a Ten Most Wanted list. At my age, I’d happily settle for one true love and a couple of kids.”
“Awww, that’s really sweet.”
Bodie arched an eyebrow and then grinned.
“Ha. That’s the true pickup line…and it does work. Mostly because it’s true. My mom won’t consider me fully raised until there’s another woman in my life to take care of me.”
Maria eyed the six-foot-plus man, the wide shoulders, the long, muscular legs and that stubborn-looking chin, and shook her head.
“You don’t really come across as someone who needs to be taken care of.”
“Neither do you,” Bodie said. “But I want that life. Don’t you?”
Maria leaned back against the seat and sighed softly.
“Yes, of course. I’m twenty-four. Not quite over-the-hill yet, but I think about having a family a lot. Probably because I saw how close Mom and Dad were. Well…the people I thought were my mom and dad.”
Bodie heard a quiver in her voice and reached across the seat to give her hand a quick squeeze.
“No need to qualify titles. In every way that counted, those people were your parents. Don’t ever apologize for that.”
His fingers curled around the top of her hand. The warmth and strength of his touch made her heart skip a beat.
“You’re right,” she said. “Thank you.”
He squeezed her hand once more, then turned her loose and glanced at his watch. They’d been on the road a little over an hour.
“We’re coming up on Muskogee. Once we get into town I’ll stop to gas up before we head down south to the lake. It’ll give you a chance to stretch your legs, freshen up…whatever you need to do.”
Maria’s stomach knotted. For a few minutes she’d forgotten the reason for the trip. Now she was getting nervous all over again.
“What if I don’t recognize the man?” she asked.
“Then you don’t recognize him.”
“But how are we going to get past this huge roadblock in the case if I can’t remember?”
“Have you thought about hypnosis?”
Maria blinked, then shivered. “No.”
“It might be a path to take later, if things don’t pan out the way we need.”
“Yes, all right.”
“Don’t be afraid,” Bodie said. “You aren’t in this alone. You’ve got the Tulsa P.D. behind you.”
She nodded, then looked away. She didn’t want him to know that she’d teared up again.
It was a sign of weakness, and she had learned at an early age that wit, wisdom and strength were qualities that Andrew valued—qualities he had fostered in them from their youth.
Within a few minutes she began seeing signs for the city of Muskogee. True to his word, Bodie exited, and when he came to a large convenience mart, he pulled in to gas up.
“If you’re hungry, the deli in there is pretty good, and the bathrooms are clean.”
“Okay, thanks,” Maria said, and began walking toward the store as Bodie scanned his credit card, then started pumping gas.
Ed Underwood managed to stay far enough behind Bodie’s car and to keep enough vehicles in between them that Bodie never noticed him.
When he saw them pulling in to the gas station, he glanced down to check his own gauge. The car was down a quarter. He would fill up later. Right now he didn’t want to take the chance of gassing up somewhere else and losing them.
He took a turn into a business across the street and backed into a space near the curb, then watched the cop’s car in his rearview mirror.
As soon as he saw the woman coming back, he backed away from the curb and got into position to pull out behind them again. He took a couple of pictures with the zoom lens on his camera; then, when they drove away from the gas station, he let a couple of cars pass by and fell in behind them.
“I got you a cold Pepsi,” Maria said, as Bodie hung the hose back on the pump.
He turned, a smile of delight on his face as she put the cold bottle in his hand.
“Thanks,” he said. “It’s my favorite.”
A spurt of pleasure shot through her as she got into the car. It was just a small thing, but she was pleased by his reaction.
Bodie slid behind the steering wheel, took a big drink of the cold pop, then put the bottle in one of the two console cup-holders. Maria put her own soda in the other, then dug in to her purse.
“What else you got in there?” Bodie asked.
She laughed out loud. “You have some nose on you, cowboy. Snacks. Take your pick.” She held out a trio of goodies. Two different kinds of candy bars and a bag of taco-flavored corn chips.
“You choose first,” he said.
Maria took the chips.
“I’ll share.”
“Deal,” he said.
The candy bars went into the second cup-holder as she settled her bottle of pop between her legs and the bag of chips on the console between them.
