Texas Takedown

by Heather Woodhaven

  His brow furrowed as he studied her. “May I?” He took the plastic key from her hand. The door opened easily as he stepped into the blackness. “Probably just housekeep—” Light flooded the room and into the hallway.

  Her shoulders dropped. He’d found the light switch, which meant she had overreacted.

  He spun around. Lines creased his forehead. “Izzy, call the police.”

  * * *

  Matt couldn’t believe his eyes. Every inch of her hotel room had been ransacked. The drawers weren’t just open but pulled out of the dresser. The couch cushions and king-size mattress had been flipped.

  The police directed him to wait in the hotel lobby as they interviewed Isabelle and the hotel staff. Isabelle iced her ankle in the chair perpendicular to him while they asked her questions. He pulled off his suit jacket. He could usually stand the heat and humidity in decent air-conditioning, but this hotel seemed to lack it.

  Isabelle clutched her sparkly heart necklace. She shook her head to whatever question the officer had asked her. The jewelry looked bulky, almost gaudy compared to the elegance of her outfit. Frankly, it didn’t suit her tastes. Or rather, the tastes she used to have. He didn’t presume to know how much Isabelle had changed over the years.

  Her manicured fingertips ran over the diamond-encrusted jewels on the left side of the heart. Fake, probably...he hoped. He cringed as he recognized the spark of jealousy. It would not rear its ugly head again. He was too mature for that.

  As thick as the jeweled heart was, it was likely a locket of some sort...and none of his business. He would not ask her who gave her that locket. Although it might be part of the reason she hesitated to spend time catching up with him. Maybe she had forgiven him but didn’t want to be alone with him because she was already attached to someone else. He leaned forward to catch a glimpse of her other hand.

  Isabelle caught his movements and frowned as her hands dropped to her lap. No engagement ring. He smiled and pushed his arms out as if stretching, and her face relaxed.

  The hotel staff gathered on the opposite side of the lobby. They seemed tense as they huddled. It seemed harder to believe the ransacking was a coincidence after the men in the grotto. Isabelle had thought a man had been watching her outside his hotel, but he’d credited it to nerves. Now it seemed like someone was targeting her.

  The police officer stepped away from Isabelle. She took a shaky breath and smiled at Matt. “He said you’re free to go. I’m sorry you had to spend your day off like this.”

  Matt watched the officers leave. “Did they have any leads?”

  Her face fell. “Not yet. They’re moving me to another room, at least.”

  “No. Absolutely not.”

  She pulled back, her blue eyes wide.

  He sighed. He’d done it again, speaking without thinking. But it didn’t mean his instinct was wrong. He stood. “You’re not staying here. We’ve already discovered it’s not safe. Besides, don’t you have a sinus headache from these damp carpets?”

  She blinked. “My allergies have gotten better over the years, but yeah, I’ve got a low-grade one that won’t quit.”

  “I’ll help you pack.”

  She flashed a smile that reminded him of all the nights he’d been tempted to kiss her. Some decent air-conditioning would be welcome right now.

  “I appreciate your concern, Matt, but my boss already paid in advance for me to stay here. I can’t afford—”

  “My treat.” There he went again. But he wasn’t about to let her stay somewhere that clearly had inadequate hotel security.

  “I can’t let you pay—”

  “Yes, you can. Besides, I’m manager, and it’s our slow season. I’m sure we have a couple of rooms available.” The lines around her eyes creased in worry. “It’s complimentary,” he added. “It won’t come out of my pocket, either.” He tilted his head back and forth. “And if you’re that worried about it, you can ease your conscience by writing a review after your stay with us.” He held out his hand. “Come on.”

  Her eyes twinkled as she looked up at him, and she accepted his hand. “You can’t buy a good review from me, Matthew McGuire. I have my integrity.”

  The softness of her touch took him off guard. He let go the moment she had her balance. “If you’re not one hundred percent satisfied, your room is compliment—Oh, wait...”

  She laughed. “Point taken.”

  “Besides, you’re going to love it.” He couldn’t help bragging over his hotel. The last two years, he’d worked hard to make it the premier destination for conference attendees, and the top brass had noticed. Which was how he’d been promoted so fast.

  He glanced down at her dainty foot within her flat. It was red, most likely from the ice. “How is it?”

  “Almost as good as new.”

  “Isabelle, what did the police say?”

  “They didn’t think the two incidents were connected.” Her hand clasped her necklace again.

  “Seems a bit coincidental, don’t you think?”

  “They figure I somehow showed I had cash.”

  “They assume the men with knives—”

  She flinched at the word. “They say I’ve had an unfortunate experience with San Antonio crime.”

  Granted, he wasn’t a woman walking the streets alone, but the statement didn’t ring true to him. If she couldn’t offer the police any reason why someone would be targeting her, then they would be grasping at straws. “And what do you think?”

  “It seems a bit much to take on face value, but I can’t offer another explanation for why this happened to me.” Her face was lined with worry. She didn’t seem to be holding anything back. She looked genuinely surprised.

  She offered him a smile, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “I’d better gather my things.”

  Ten minutes later, Matt sat in a cab with Isabelle. He’d called ahead, and his staff assured him they had a room ready for her. “We didn’t have a king-size,” Matt explained. “I hope a standard double room will be adequate.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Oh, well, I guess you get what you pay for. You’ll have to wait to find out what I think until my review.”

  He stared at her, a warmth building in his chest. He had loved this girl, and she’d never known it.

  The mischievous glint in her eyes dimmed. “Oh, no.” She yanked out her phone. “I’m over an hour late to the networking dinner. It was supposed to start at seven.”

  “I’m sure they’ll understand given the circumstances.”

  “That’s not the point. I promised Hank I’d take every opportunity. He—we need this.”

  Was she in a relationship with this Hank? Nope, he wouldn’t ask. Not his business. “Let’s get you settled and get you to that dinner. Which restaurant?” he asked.

  She told him as the cab pulled in front of his hotel.

  He paid the driver and helped her out of the cab. “That’s just across the street, under the bridge, on the left side of the River Walk. We can’t get you any closer by taxi.”

  So much for showing off with a grand tour. He stared into the dark night. After the day she’d had, he couldn’t let her go walking alone—with a weak ankle—through the throng of tourists and occasional muggers. “On second thought, I’ll take you straight there myself.”

  She looked up at him. “You don’t have to. You’ve done so much already.”

  Yes, there were still remnants of the stubborn girl he’d known. “Izzy, I’d like to escort you there. While I think you’ll be safe in the tourist sections, ease my conscience by promising me someone will walk you back to the hotel when you’re done.”

  She straightened. “Deal. But what about my luggage?”

  Matt called for the bellhop, who instantly recognized him. “Yes, sir?”

  “P
lease take Ms. Barrows’s luggage and put it behind the front desk for me.”

  “Do you have a hotel safe?” Isabelle asked.

  “Of course.”

  “Would it be okay if I put my laptop in it?” She pulled it out of her messenger bag and cried out at the sight of a bent corner. “I’d forgotten about this.” She studied it for a moment. “It still should work. So, can I use your safe?”

  Matt nodded slowly. “Yes. Frank can put it in the safe.” Matt took the laptop from her and handed it to his employee. “Straight to the safe.”

  Frank nodded and took off with the rollaway and computer. Matt watched him to make sure he was making a beeline to the front-desk area. But he couldn’t help but wonder if Isabelle was hiding something. Was her laptop the reason her room had been ransacked? And by agreeing to store it, was he putting a target on his own hotel?

  Her eyes softened as she took his offered arm. “Thank you. You’ve gone above and beyond for someone you haven’t seen in years.”

  As they made their way down the stone steps into the dimly lit cacophony, he hoped it would be enough to keep her safe.

  THREE

  She hated relying on Matt. This was not how she imagined experiencing the River Walk and the conference. In her mind, she was a strong, independent, single woman strolling confidently down the sidewalks. And little girls would look from the hands of their parents and wonder what glamorous job she had...

  Okay, Isabelle was a dreamer and knew it. But still, this wasn’t going as planned. They emerged from the curved stone staircase onto the open River Walk. Music from a mariachi band filtered through laughter and trees to her ears. Colorful patio umbrellas lined the right side. Tree branches hung over the river that sloshed precariously close to the sidewalks, likely from the heavy rains last week.

  Ducks squawked. One hopped onto an empty chair of an outdoor diner. It was like a hidden world underneath the city. Isabelle flinched as a man brushed past her. She stepped closer to Matt.

  “We’re almost there,” he said. They passed the colorful tables, and the music faded in the background as he led her inside the waiting area of a posh restaurant. “See your party?”

  On her tiptoes, she spotted the graying head of Darren Allen, the CEO of Endangered Robotics. He leaned back in his seat to talk to another man. Their plates held the remains of their meals. A waiter approached their table and handed them each a black book. “Oh, no. They’ve already got their bills.”

  Isabelle was raised knowing that if you arrived five minutes early to an event, you were actually ten minutes late. Joining the party this tardy pained her. And to top it off, there wasn’t an empty spot for her to sit, if even for a few minutes.

  Matt looked over her shoulder. “At least they aren’t completely done. Some of them are still eating. Look, there is an empty table right next to them. You can get a little networking in before they leave while you wait for some food.” He leaned over and spoke to the hostess.

  The thought of sitting alone at the small square table put a pit in her stomach. She’d look pathetic to the rest of the attendees. No, she’d be better off cutting her losses and trying again tomorrow. But the hostess was already waving at her. “Right this way.”

  Darren Allen caught her eye. Oh, great. If she turned around now, they would all know she was too chicken to eat alone. She gulped and looked over her shoulder. “Okay. Well, thanks, Matt.”

  He nodded and touched her elbow. “See you in a bit.”

  Darren waved at her. “There’s the new golden girl we’ve been hearing all about. Your presentation must be something else to get added at the last minute. We were hoping you’d have joined us for dinner to tell us about it.”

  Every giant in the industry of oceanographic research and innovation looked up at her. “I’m sorry. I was held up.”

  A man about her age turned in his chair. His blue eyes twinkled up at her. “Oh, so you must be the expert of fluid dynamics I keep hearing about.” He held out his hand. “Robert.”

  “Struther,” she finished for him. “You were the youngest winner ever of the underwater robot competition before you were swept up as the lead researcher for Robotic Aquatic.” She cringed inwardly. She sounded like a fangirl, which she was, but she needed him to see her more like a colleague.

  He shrugged. “Vice president now, but yes. I expect I’ll never fully leave the lab.” He gestured to her chair. “Please. Don’t let us keep you from ordering. We’re just wrapping up.” He nodded at the rest of the group. She waved awkwardly at everyone, but most of them just nodded back.

  Struther stood. “Nice to meet you...uh...”

  “Isabelle Barrows.” She shook his hand. “From Hayden Research Station.”

  He stepped closer and lowered his voice. “Any spoilers you can give about your presentation?”

  The unexpected heat from his proximity made her want to squirm, but this was exactly the kind of connection she needed to make for the institute. “Um, I think it would be detrimental to rush that conversation. Perhaps another time?”

  He stared into her eyes. “I look forward to it.” He slipped a business card from his pocket and handed it to her, cupping her hand in both of his palms. “You have my number.”

  Darren stood and shook her hand. “I hope you’re not eating all by your lonesome, sweetheart.”

  She flinched at the term of endearment. But she supposed a lot of older men spoke that way.

  Matt appeared out of nowhere and pulled out the chair on the opposite side of the table. “Sorry to keep you waiting, Izzy.” He held out a hand to the CEO. “Matt McGuire.”

  Darren grinned. “Ah. Perfect place to enjoy young love.” He winked at Isabelle. “Until tomorrow.”

  The group left, leaving Isabelle and Matt alone. “Where’d you come from?” she asked.

  “Didn’t think I’d let you eat alone, did you?” He flashed a sheepish grin. “I realized I was hungry, and you looked uneasy. Did I overstep? Is it okay if I join you?”

  Relief coursed through her body. “Yes, please.” She finally sat, keenly aware the men in the group were making their way out of the restaurant. Her pride wouldn’t leave Matt’s gesture alone, though. “I mean, I would’ve been fine, but...thank you.”

  Darren and Robert stopped at the entrance doors. Through the window, the lights from above highlighted what looked like a tense interchange. “I wonder what they’re talking about.”

  “Who are they?” Matt’s gaze remained on the menu.

  “The older man runs a company I would’ve killed to work at fresh out of college. He leads Endangered Robotics. They use drones to keep poachers away from rare animals, but the cool thing is they’re expanding to underwater operations.”

  Matt’s eyes widened. “And the other?”

  “His company just landed a defense contract worth thirty million dollars.” She glanced over her shoulder. The interchange seemed to be done. “I shudder to think just how much he makes.”

  “I take it not as much as you.”

  Isabelle laughed aloud. “Please. You saw the hotel room my institute could afford. We’re a bare-bones outfit. But I hope to change that by luring some investors with my research.”

  The waiter came and took their orders. Matt leaned on his elbows. “This is an oceanology conference, right? What could be worth millions of dollars?”

  “You’ve heard about dolphins being trained for the government? Well, that guy, for instance, invented an underwater autonomous vehicle that does the work of the dolphins, only better.” For the briefest of moments it seemed the estranged years disappeared, and she was sharing everything with her best friend again.

  Matt raised an eyebrow. “So, what about you? What are you working on?”

  “Application of fish swarm behavior in an intelligent transporta
tion system.” The familiar pulse of electricity when she talked about her passion made her sit up taller and talk faster. “I’ve developed a new algorithm that takes in new factors of thermodynamics, fluid dynamics and currents in a way never done before with the potential of driving systems with bottleneck and obstacle avoidance.”

  Matt’s mouth parted slightly. His eyes flickered. “Uh... I don’t suppose you could repeat that in English?”

  She deflated in her chair. “Drones. Think underwater drones.”

  His eyebrows rose. “Oh. Cool.”

  “My boss had to pull a lot of strings so I could present here. The goal is to network and share just enough of my research to get investors to partner with us.” And if she failed, who knew how much longer the institute, and therefore her job, would even exist?

  Sure, she felt confident another company would hire her, but it was the last thing she wanted. Finally having a permanent home meant something, and she would do whatever it took to hold on to it. Her coworkers had become like family to her—with the exception of Hank, who already was—and she wasn’t about to give it up.

  The waiter placed salads in front of them. Matt’s forehead creased in concern. “Is that why you wanted your laptop in the safe? Do you think the hotel-room incident could have something to do with it?”

  “It’s probably silly to think someone would be after my research. My boss has taken every precaution to make sure no one even knows enough to want to steal it, but—”

  “After the day you’ve had, you want to play it safe.”

  “Exactly.”

  They ate in awkward silence. He cleared his throat as the salads disappeared and the meals came. “Since I don’t know if we’ll have another chance to talk, I’d like to clear the air.”

  She fidgeted with her silverware. “It’s not necessary. It’s not like those things you said were lies.”

  “Izzy, I didn’t mean—”

  “No, really, Matt. I get the Bro Code and all that. You were looking out for Randy. Besides, the whole thing was stupid. At the time, I wasn’t even interested in Randy.”