Knowing Eric was watching, I started opening up different cabinets and drawers, pretending like I was searching for something. I put on a good show. I didn’t let the fact I felt like I was going to vomit stop me from meandering through the empty building. As I started down the hall to Menace’s office, that nauseous feeling grew even stronger, so much so, I had to force myself to open the door and go inside. I went over and started searching through his desk, and relief washed over me when I found the brown ledger. I quickly grabbed it, then rushed out of the office and to the back door.
After I’d locked the door, I went out to my car and drove over to the Omni where Kate and Eric were staying. Once I was parked, I took out my phone and stared blankly down at the screen. I could taste the saliva thickening in the back of my throat as I read through the last few messages from Eric.
To say I detested this man was an understatement. He was a vile human being, and he deserved whatever Rafe and his brothers had in store for him. I swallowed hard, pushing back my fear, as I started typing my message to Eric.
Me:
You need to let Kate go.
Eric:
And why would I do that?
Me:
I have something for you. If you want it, you have to let Kate go.
Eric:
That’s not going to happen.
Me:
Then, you won’t get the ledger.
Eric:
What ledger?
Me:
The ledger I just stole from the club. It has a lot of information you might find interesting.
Eric:
I will need to see it. I’ll meet you at your place.
Me:
I’m already at your hotel. I’ll leave it at the front desk. Just give me your word you will let Kate go.
Eric:
Fine, but this ledger better be legit.
Me:
It is. It will be waiting for you at the front desk under Kate’s name.
As soon as I sent the last message, I threw my phone in my purse and grabbed the ledger. I was thankful the hotel wasn’t busy as I rushed through the main entrance and up to the front desk. I’d only been standing there a minute when an older man in a black suit appeared with a bright smile on his face. “May I help you?”
“Yes.” I lifted the book as I told him, “I need to leave this for Kate Davenport.”
“I believe she is still here. Would you like me to call her down?”
“No,” I answered too quickly. “I’ll just leave it here for her.”
“Okay.” Curiosity flickered in his eyes as he glanced down at the book. “Would you like me to put it in an envelope for her?”
“Sure. That would be great.”
He reached under the counter and took out a large manila envelope. As he offered it to me, he suggested, “You can write her name on it, and I’ll let her know it’s here.”
“Okay.” I placed the book in the envelope and quickly wrote out Kate’s name across the top. After I’d sealed it, I handed it over to him and said, “Thank you. I really appreciate it.”
“No problem.”
I smiled, then turned and rushed back towards the door. I was just about to step outside when I heard, “Marlowe? Is that you?”
When I turned, I found Kate standing in the center of the lobby. Damn. “Hey, Kate. I was just running an errand and thought I’d stop by. I was just about to call you when I remembered I needed to be somewhere.”
“Where?”
“I’ve got to get over to the club and do our inventory for tomorrow.” Knowing Eric could appear at any moment, I motioned my hand towards my watch and said, “I’ve really got to go. I’m already late.”
“Can’t you stay for a minute?” she whined. “At least come have a drink with me.”
“Kate...”
“Please. Just one drink.” A pout crossed her face as she begged, “We could go to the bar across the street. I could really use someone to talk to right now.”
I knew it was a bad idea, but I finally agreed. “Fine, but just one drink.”
“Great! I’ll message Eric and let him know.”
“No!” I shouted. I could tell by her expression my abrupt reaction had taken her by surprise, so I tried to cover myself by saying, “You really shouldn’t bother him for just one drink. I’m sure he’s busy with work and doesn’t want to be interrupted.”
“You’re probably right.”
I nodded, then motioned my hand for her to follow me across the street. As we stepped outside, I scanned the area searching for any sign of Eric. When I was certain he wasn’t there, I skirted across the street with Kate. When we got to the bar, I wasted no time rushing inside and finding a seat next to one of the tinted windows. With a puzzled look, Kate sat down across from me and said, “You really are in a rush, huh?”