One to Protect (One to Hold 3)

Whatever he says makes her laugh. She touches his arm, but he pulls away, I know, because of Elaine. Still, he has a connection with her that I don’t have—one I don’t care to have. I linger a bit after the drinks are placed in front of me before heading back. I’ll let Patrick mend that bridge a bit longer.

She’s right. We’re worlds apart, and I don’t have the right to come in and ask for her help then start passing judgment on her lifestyle. It just pisses me off. All of it. I fucking fought for this country. I’m supposed to uphold the law. Turning to the bar, I know I can’t go down that path—not if I’m going to do what needs to be done here.

When Star seems more settled, I walk back and retake my seat.

“Okay, we decided we’ll have to find a better place than an alley for tomorrow night’s rendezvous.” Patrick takes his drink and stabs the skinny straw in it a few times. “I’ll scout the area and see if I can find something close to the Oceanaire that we can get in and out of discreetly. Maybe this Bridgestreet will work.”

“Sounds like tomorrow’s assignment.”

Star stands and ducks her head in our directions. “I’m heading up if you don’t need me for anything else.”

“You’re off the clock.” Patrick’s still going for casual, business-as-usual, but I can’t do it.

“I’m sorry you had to do what you did tonight.”

She blinks a few times and nods. “I’m sorry I went off on you.”

“Water under the bridge.”

Once she’s gone, Patrick leans forward, and speaks low. “Now will you get off my case about fucking her at the office? She’s a fucking pro.”

“I will never get off your case about that, but you’re right. And it’s a damn shame.” I think about subcultures and the world of the street. How people get trapped in a life of alleyways and dark closets. Most of them stay there until they’re dead.

Then I remember my question from earlier. “What did you tell the kitchen staff we were doing in that closet?”

Sitting back in the chair he laughs. “I didn’t tell them anything. I just asked if my partner and I could use the room.”

Fucker. “That’s what I thought.”

“Hey, you’re a hot piece of ass. I’d do you. If I went that way, I mean.”

“I hope I don’t have to kick your ass one of these days.”

“Get some sleep. We’ve got to work fast tomorrow.”

Down from the Oceanaire are two Bridgestreet hotels. Patrick and I choose the closest one to enter, posing as bankers in town planning a conference. While getting the tour of their facilities, we find a smallish meeting space with both an outside door and an adjacent tech room—complete with two-way mirror. It’s perfect. Bonus: It’s soundproof.

While the hotel’s conference director describes their state-of-the-art networking system, Patrick pockets the extra door card to the room. We’ll come back after hours and go over the best way to get in and out. We’ll also be sure that outside door is left ajar. Security will be another problem, but I’ll see if I can hack into their computer systems and get a feel for his rounds.

All of it has to be perfectly choreographed, but we’re ready by the time eight rolls around. Patrick slipped a hand-drawn map under Star’s door earlier in the day for her to take and go over alone. We’ll be in the tech booth waiting when they arrive.

Star calls my cell, which is unexpected, to let us know she’s heading out, and I feel the nee

d to say it one more time. “If there were any other way…”

Her soft exhale passes over the line. “Stop. I agreed to help you for my own reasons. Reasons I’m sure you’re too noble to understand.”

“I’m not so noble. I understand revenge.” We’re quiet a moment. “Patrick has the lead here, but I don’t like putting you in this position.”

“Patrick understands me. I fucked him. I messed with his head. I’m not worth you feeling sorry for.”

Their history still ticks me off, but with this, I’m ready to forgive. “You’re a human being. You’re worth my concern, and you shouldn’t have to sell your body.”

“Don’t confuse sex with intimacy, Derek. My body is not my heart. I can separate what I choose to allow happen to me from who I am.”

The rationalizations of the hooker. I’ve heard them before. “If that’s what you want to believe, it’s not my business.”

“Look, let me use my choices for something good. It’s a small sacrifice. And by helping get justice, I can find some level of redemption.”