“That’s good. She’s been traveling so much lately, she needs a break.” She eyed Trey again. “Take her someplace special.”
Even Wes now seemed a little confused. “Okay.” With that, he led them through the security door into another lobby of sorts, much smaller, more corporate than opulent.
“I’m going to hit the bathroom. Mom’s in that room,” Wes said, motioning toward a large door. “You can head in if you want.”
If he was prudent, he’d wait for Wes, but he couldn’t deny the desire to catch Sue unaware. See her in action. “I’ll meet you in there.”
He entered a massive room with people buzzing about. Economic development was not a passive business. Cubicles filled the center of the area, but they didn’t add much privacy. Half of them had people standing, their heads partially visible, all obviously animated with another or on the phone. A man rushing by stopped abruptly in front of Trey.
“May I help you?” The guy looked curious but put on a polite façade.
“Here to see Sue Brinkley.”
“Down that hall. Third cubicle on the left.”
Trey nodded and took off. He hesitated just outside Sue’s cubicle when he heard her voice fired up. So, she didn’t save that tone just for him.
“We’re all putting skin in the game on this one, Donovan. . . . Oh, don’t give me that load of bull. Everyone knows about the incentive rate for industrial customers. The Hensen project’s exactly why that rate exists. Hell, with the kilowatt hours they’re projecting, you’ll increase revenue exponentially, even if you cut the price in half.”
Damn. He couldn’t keep the smile off his face. He moved toward the entry, wanting to see her work her magic. He caught a partial view, her back turned to him. But instead of her being ramrod straight, she was kicked back in her chair, her neck bent, holding her phone in place, tapping those sexy nails on her desk. Fuck, yeah. The woman was in her element. An agent, with or without a star player.
“Preach that all you want, but know this, if this project walks, everyone’s going to be looking for a scapegoat, and we’ll all remember you were the one who didn’t pony up. . . . Oh trust me, hon, I’ll make sure of it. . . . You’re worried about money? Think about the PR budget you’ll need to fix that image. . . . Call it what you want. I’m just giving you the facts.”
She nodded, then stretched her arms over her head. She’d obviously won that match.
“If your number crunchers give you grief, tell them the Governor would be happy to talk to them. . . . Oh, I’m sure they wouldn’t.” She sat up, grabbing the phone in hand. She was done with this victim.
“And listen. Vanessa’s birthday is next week. . . . Yeah, that’s what I thought. Get a calendar. And don’t give her another box of that drugstore chocolate. The woman busts her ass for you. She likes Nordstrom. Give her a gift certificate. A big one. . . . What?”
Donovan must have said something ridiculous because Sue covered her eyes and shook her head.
“I’m not going out with you. . . . No, not ever. I’ve got to go. Remember Vanessa.”
She hung up and scrubbed her hands through her hair. “The man needs a dominatrix,” she whispered, then spun her chair around and caught sight of him.
God, he wanted to take her right there. Such fire. All backed with intelligence and confidence. Instead, he went to her, raising his palm. “Show me, baby.”
She high-fived him, then immediately pulled her hand away, recognizing what she’d done. She remembered. All the times back in high school when they’d celebrated her victories. She remembered.
“Why are you here? Where’s Wes? I thought you two were spending the day together.” She stood, straightening her dress while not so discreetly adding some space between them.
“Wes will be here in a minute. We thought we’d treat you to lunch.”
She fluffed the back of her hair as he’d witnessed her do on countless occasions when she was nervous. How could she be so uneasy after flaying the Donovan dude? “You’re amazing, you know that?” He moved forward, but she backed up, maintaining their distance. This she-tiger, fresh off the kill, looked skittish. He crossed his arms so he wouldn’t do something stupid, like grab her and kiss her. “Do you tame all the men that work with you?”
“No.” A flick of her fire sparked. “At least not like Donovan. I let most get drunk on their egos.”
No doubt, most men would be hapless flies when it came to her. “I always knew you’d be great.” He’d prayed many nights his selfish choice wouldn’t hurt her chances. “I’m so . . . you should be so proud.”
She smiled, and he saw that young woman that used to glow with each debate win. But the vision ended as she turned back to her desk, pretending to arrange papers. He could feel her shields going up. “So, where are you two taking me?”
“Wherever you want.” He’d slay for this warrior woman right now.
“Let’s go to Duluth’s,” Wes said, walking into her cubicle. The boy gave her a side hug, and her face lit up with joy. Trey wanted to give her that every day, and not just because of Wes.
“Haaayoooo! We’re going to Duluth’s.” A young man, decked out in a stylish suit, stepped in behind Wes. “Dean Adams. You must be Trey.” He shook Trey’s hand and patted him on the shoulder as if he had decades of life experience to share. “Good to finally meet you.”
“No one invited you, Dean. It’s just the three of us.” Sue’s tone told Trey this guy wasn’t an adversary, more like a younger brother.
“Sorry to bust your bubble, sista’, but Kid Wonder just did.” He hitched his thumb at Wes, and the kid shrugged.
“I haven’t seen him in a while. I invited Kate, too.” He looked to Sue, then Trey. “Do you mind?”
How was he supposed to handle this? Please the son or the mother. Damn, is this what regular fathers faced every day? But they were here to treat her, so she’d get her way. “Maybe Dean could join us next—”
“He can go, dammit. God forbid Mr. Personality eat alone.” She talked grief, but he’d seen enough of her to know she was okay with it.
“Wait for me!” A woman came racing into the now very crowded cubicle, tripping on her heel, but he caught her. As she righted herself, he noticed the curls that bounced around her face. The joy in her eyes poured over them all. “Oh.” She giggled and winked at Sue. “So this is Trey.” She straightened her skirt, then shook his hand. “Kate Graham. The best friend.”
“What about me?” Dean feigned hurt.
“You’re our squire,” Sue barked.
Kate giggled and wrapped her hand around Trey’s arm. “Shall we? We have so much to talk about.”
He looked back at Sue, who rolled her eyes. “Welcome to my world.”
That’s exactly where he wanted to be.
Chapter 26
One week later, Sue ran inside to escape the freezing winds of Tahoe. She slammed the motel door and reached for the deadbolt. All she found was a flimsy button lock in the knob and a cheap, chain latch. “Are you kidding me?”
She fastened the two pitiful excuses for security and leaned against the cold wood. Taking a much-needed cleansing breath, she scanned the room. “What the fu—”
The sudden sound of a xylophone made her jump. She grabbed her phone with shaky hands. “Thank God, it’s you, Kate!”
“What’s wrong? Are you okay?”
“Yeah.” After the last eight hours, hearing her best friend did wonders toward making the world right.
“So, how’s Tahoe? How’s the snow? Is it beautiful?”
“I guess.” She stretched her neck. “But it’s been a nightmare ever since I landed.”
“Oooh. Things not going well with the Harrison clan?”
“I haven’t even seen them. I just now got to my room. My plane was held up in Denver for five hours, and when we finally got into Reno, it was a mob. There was a big storm last night, so the skiing’s great and nobody wants to leave. And there’s some giant-ass convention in to
wn and all the hotels are overbooked. The Hyatt said they didn’t have my room. I swear, you’d think this was Bethlehem on Christmas Eve.”
“So where are you now?”
She eyed her accommodations. “Motel Hell.” She noticed the sagging bed. “A manger would’ve been better.”
“Why don’t you call Trey? You can stay at their place.”
“No thanks. I’m not ready to move in with the enemy.”
“I’m sorry, hon. You must be exhausted.”
“My feet are killing me.” She was just about to kick off her wet boots when she noticed the carpet. It was brown, yet next to the baseboard it was a light gray. The boots would stay on.
She searched the room for some place to sit that would be the least likely tainted with an STD. The chair upholstered with a fabric from 1963 didn’t look much better than the bedspread, which was patterned with stains as large as the burnt-orange flowers.
“At least you made it. I was worried you’d miss the vacation.”
“Don’t speak too soon.”
“What do you mean?”
She walked into the bathroom, looking for a towel, and gasped. “Oh, dear God!” Was the tile supposed to be brown?
“What?”
“It’s the bathroom. Does a tetanus booster protect you from squalor in general?”
“Is it really that bad?”
“I’d rather use a bidet at a truck stop. . . . Shit! The window’s open! If this line goes dead, you call the cops immediately. I’m at the Happy Pines Motor Court in room two hundred thirteen. Did you get that? Room two hundred thirteen, Happy Pines.”
Putting the phone on speaker, she sat it on the scuzzy countertop. “I have a gun!” she yelled to any potential invaders. Sue ran to the shower, her heart racing, and jerked back the moldy curtain. Empty, thank God. She ignored Kate’s hollering and raced across the cracked, linoleum floor to close the window. After several tries, she noticed it was screwed in place. There was just enough room for an electrical wire that ran from outside to the microwave sitting on top of the toilet.
“Pick up the damn phone, Sue!”
She did as instructed, wiping the back of it on her pants. “I’m here. It’s all—”
“You get out of that room right now! Go to the office and call Trey. Do you hear me?”
“I’m not leaving this room. It’s worse at the office. I think the desk clerk’s a pimp, and from the way he was checking me out, I’m being considered for his stable. The only other person was a toothless woman with a gold lamé tube top. I think she works here, but she ain’t the concierge.”
Shouting from outside her room stopped the conversation. “Hold on,” she whispered. She walked back into the bedroom and peeked through the window. A mammoth, bright-yellow SUV was parked in the middle of the parking lot. Two huge men, clad in black, stood in front of it, screaming at the desk clerk.
“This doesn’t look good,” she whispered, more to herself.
“What doesn’t look good? What’s going on?”
She ignored Kate’s questions as she studied the surreal scene. That is, until one man reached in his jacket and pulled out a gun. “Holy Shit! He’s got a gun!”
“Get in the closet, Sue! Right now! Get in the closet! I’m calling the police.”
She didn’t need to be told twice. She squeezed herself into the tiny pit, not concerned with its sanitary status. “Don’t hang up, Kate. Use your cell phone. Don’t leave me!”
“I won’t. Just hang on.”
Her heart pounded as she heard Kate make the call. “Remember, it’s the Happy Pines Motor Court.” Fuck! Was she going to be killed by a stray bullet in this hellhole? Her thoughts immediately turned to Wes. Oh, Wes baby. He’d have Mimi, and Kate would look out for him . . . and Trey.
Wow. Was this one of God’s mysterious ways? Bringing back Trey when Wes would need him most? He was supposed to go back to Iraq next month, but surely he’d stay in Austin if she died. She knew he cared about Wes. He hadn’t been a father to her boy, but he’d at least look out for him.
“The cops are on their way,” Kate interrupted. “Are you still there? . . . Sue?!”
“I’m here.”
“Stay in the closet.”
“No shit.” Thoughts raced through her head. “If something happens, take care of Wes. Have Mimi move into our house. He’ll need that consistency.”
“Quit talking like that. Everything’s going to be fine. The cops are—”
“Just listen! If I’m gone, it’s okay . . . I’m okay with Trey staying in his life.”
“Jeez, and you say I’m the paranoid one. Now get a grip. You’re safe. No one can get to you.”
More yelling from outside made her whimper. “You’ve been the best friend in my life, Kate. I love you. Tell Mimi I love her. Let her know how much I appreciate all she’s done for Wes and me.” Damn, her mother. She should’ve tried to—
“Are you done?” Kate was a little too judgmental for someone who was miles from a shootout.
“I have a copy of my will in the fire box. It’s in my closet . . . Oh God, get rid of my toys. Wes would die if he found those. They’re in a hat box on the top—”
“For crying out loud, shut up. You will not die!” When Kate finished her verbal bitch slap, Sue realized the yelling from outside had stopped. A car door slammed, followed shortly by another. She heard an engine rev, then fade out. “I think they left.”
“Stay in the closet!”
The faint whine of sirens emerged from the distance. The sound had always made her nervous. Always meant something was wrong. But tonight they called to her like a comforting lullaby.
“I hear the cops.” She took a deep breath. The sirens grew louder, and then she heard more car doors open. She peeked out of the closet and saw red lights flash behind the cheap curtains. “They’re here, thank God.”
“Just stay on the phone, okay. I told them to check your room.”
“Okay, but Kate?”
“Yeah?”
“Call Trey.”
Chapter 27
When Trey pulled into the parking lot of the motor court, the first thing he noticed was the parked cop car. There was no siren, no lights, no crime scene tape. He blew out a deep breath. She was safe.
There was a policeman in the office talking to a sleazy-looking guy behind the desk. People were standing on the sidewalks in front of the rooms. From the looks of them, no wonder the cops had to be called in. What the hell was Sue doing in a dump like this?
He headed to room 213, ignoring the guests that stared at him. The longer he was here, the more anxious he was to find her. Knocking on the door, he noticed the handle. It was the kind you’d find in a closet. No way in hell was she going to spend another minute at this place.
“Sue! It’s Trey. Open—”
Another police officer opened the door partially. “Can I help you?”
Trey checked the door again. 213. Fuck! Something was wrong. “Where is she?!” He pushed his way past the man, ignoring his protests. She was standing across the room, gripping a Pepsi. Thank you, God. He fought the urge to grab her and feel for himself that she was safe.
“Is Wes with you?” she asked, her voice panicked.
“No. He’s out skiing with Patty.”
“Thank God.” She sighed and leaned against a paneled wall. She looked exhausted and pale, but she managed a weak smile. “I’m so glad you convinced me to come to Tahoe.”
Trey laughed out loud, releasing the fear that had gripped him since he’d received the call. She might have just witnessed a drug deal going bad, but the creeps hadn’t scared the smart-ass out of her. Sue Brinkley was alive and well. Thank you, God.
She took a long drink of her soda. The action appeared casual, but he could see her hands trembling. The woman had grit, but she wasn’t unshakeable.
He headed for her. “Come on. Let’s get out of here.”
The policeman walked up to her, blocking Trey. “I can gi
ve you a lift. I told you, my sister runs a B and B. I’ll make sure you get a room.”
What the hell? Was this guy trying to make some points while she was close to losing it?
“Thanks, but I’m going with Trey. Oh, I’m sorry, Andy, this is—”
“We’re good.” Trey said, keeping his eyes on her.
“Fine.” Officer Andy glared at him before turning back to her. “But here’s my card in case you need me or if you just want to see the nicer side of Tahoe.”
Trey grabbed the card. “Thank you, we’re good.”
“I’ll be seeing you,” the man said. His words were polite but directed at Trey. Hopefully, the guy wasn’t a dirty cop.
“Thanks again.” She waved weakly as the man left the room. As soon as the door shut, she sank on the bed. “Shit!” She jumped up. “Remind me to throw these pants away.” Her stance was a little wobbly. “Screw it.” She plopped back down. “Doesn’t matter. I’ve been sitting in that closet, and I’m pretty sure it was used for a puppy mill.”
“Do you think you can walk to the car?”
“Yes, I can walk. Don’t you play rescue hero. I just put up with that for thirty minutes from Officer Andy.” Her words were full of spitfire, but she still hadn’t stood.
“Good. We don’t want to stroll in this neighborhood.” He grabbed her suitcase and purse. “Is this everything?”
She nodded, still sitting. He hung her bag—which was heavier than her luggage—over his shoulder, grabbed the suitcase, and walked over to her. He extended a hand, but she pushed it away.
“Purse looks great on you.” She slowly stood and walked to the door.
“I’ll go first.” He moved in front of her and saw the fear in her eyes. He tried to ease the tension. “I want the guys from the meth lab to see my new Gucci.” He grabbed her hand and opened the door. She hesitated for a second, but then followed, squeezing his hand in a death grip.
They made it to the car and out of the parking lot with no interference. Seems The Happy Pines’ residents didn’t want guests who brought in the cops. Back on the main road, he relaxed his guard and turned to check on her. She studied the passenger side mirror, her hands locked on the Pepsi bottle.
Then He Came Back (Love From Austin Book 2) Page 14