We make quick work walking into the elevator. Apparently, this elevator is only used for the penthouse. I guess that’s to be expected when you’re paying three grand a night. Sure, it’s probably too much for one person. But then again, I wanted the floor to myself. No interruptions, no screaming, and no knocking headboards keeping me up all hours of the night.
The elevator opens up to the foyer. This is a view I could get used to. On the twentieth floor, the only thing I’ll be worried about is the possibility of a sniper. One thing I did make sure of is that this place is the tallest building in the vicinity, and the only window view is oceanfront, so snipers shouldn’t be an issue.
Max takes my bags and deposits them on the bench at the foot of the king-sized bed before returning. “Here you are, Mr. Reid. I hope you enjoy your stay. If you need anything at all, please don’t hesitate to call.”
“Thank you.” I hand him a tip, and he leaves. I’m left standing in an empty, oversized room, and it’s the most blissful fucking feeling yet. With that thought in mind, I head further inside to take in the space. All modern amenities are available, including a stocked bar, refrigerator, and even a pantry. I don’t mind eating out occasionally, but I did enough of that the first year working at Nighthawk. I had to hit the gym every day to counteract the garbage I was putting in my mouth. So, now it’s not something I’ll be doing for the next couple of weeks while I have this place booked.
I head to the master bedroom, open my bag, grab my laptop, and head to the balcony. I may as well do some research for the afternoon. I figure tomorrow I’ll get out and survey the hotel since it will be my home away from home for the next few weeks. Maybe canvas the area and see what they have for entertainment. For now, though, I’ll start wading through potential places to live, check them out, and see what may come to be a forever home.
The crashing waves, the smell of the salt clinging to the air, and the breeze coming from the ocean assault my senses as I open up the balcony door. I put my laptop on the outdoor couch that’s provided, head back inside, and grab a beer from the bar. My phone ringing stops me from twisting the cap open on the bottle of beer in my hand.
I take it out of my pocket, knowing there’s only a handful of people that would possibly call me. It’s either my parents, Slade, Drake, or Bridger.
“Yo,” I answer the phone when I see it’s Slade.
“Damn, you aren’t even gone two weeks, and you’re already slacking?” Slade grunts into the phone.
I’m not sure what the hell he thinks I’m slacking in, so I ask, “What the hell are you talking about?”
“Shit, you didn’t even call to let me know which building you secured. I had to hear it from Bridger, and the only way he knew was because he hacked into your account. Even then, he said it was like Fort Knox. Nice going on the fake business name you put it under, though.”
“That fucker, I ought to shoot him in the damn cock.” I’ve always been obsessed with staying anonymous, a ghost in a world of civilians. That’s why I didn’t let anyone know, not even my closest friends. The less they know, the better for anyone involved. We could each potentially have a price tag on our head at one point in time.
“Too fucking bad you’re hundreds of miles away. Don’t worry, he backed out and put your firewalls back in place,” he says with a laugh.
“Gee, thanks. You really shouldn’t have.” I refuse to admit I should have told them, and Slade knows it. I hear the click of the door open. “Hold on a second.” I use my shoulder to hold my phone to my ear while I grab my gun that I took out earlier, and creep toward the door.
“Housekeeping,” a soft melodic voice says as she knocks. “Oh my God. Oh my freaking God,” the woman in a hotel uniform mumbles on repeat. I guess that will happen when you have a gun pointed at you. I quickly put the gun down and click the safety in place.
“Shit, let me call you back. Housekeeping is here,” I groan.
I hear him chuckling in the background. “Later. Watch it out there, brother,” Slade responds.
She sees the gun that’s now by my side. “I’m so sorry. I was told the penthouse needed towels. I promise I was only doing my job. I didn’t mean to intrude.” I take in her shocked face, her mouth pursed in an O shape. Her white uniform shows off every curve of her slim body.