I thought I would be terrified to be back in the same town as Blake but didn’t feel anything but squished as I sat between Carlos and Emmitt in the cab we took to the hotel. Mercifully, it wasn’t a long ride.
Carlos and Grey checked us in while Emmitt grabbed our things from the trunk. He shouldered both bags and held out his hand. I wrapped my cool fingers around his warm ones. My stomach twisted happily at his touch as we walked toward the entrance.
Two glass utility doors opened to a small, chlorine-scented lobby. Carlos and Grey waited just inside and handed Emmitt a room key. We all silently walked the hallway to the left. Their room was two doors down from ours.
I blushed when Emmitt opened our door and I spotted two queen beds. I wondered if his father had mentioned the sleeping arrangements to him. The room, tastefully decorated in brown and gold tones, had a sitting area opposite the door.
“If it’s all right with you,” Grey said from behind us, “we’d like to get started right away.”
I nodded, and Carlos and Grey came in with us. Emmitt set our bags on one of the beds while I cleared the hotel advertisements and guidebook off the coffee table. Carlos and Grey sat on the wooden chairs from the table while Emmitt and I sat on the small brown sofa. Grey spread out a map of the area that he’d grabbed from the airport, and I pointed to the area I used to live.
“I don’t know if David’s still there. I’m guessing probably not since David was employed by Blake and had no ties to Richard or the house. But Blake might have someone watching the place. If it’s possible, could you sneak in and grab a few things? You’ll need to be careful. The house has a security system. I set it off when I left.”
I explained where to find photos of my mom and a few other things that I wanted for my brothers. “Then, you could go back tomorrow and see if you stirred up any trouble.”
Grey smiled wide. “I like the way you think. We’ll call when we get there to let you know the state of things. If anyone’s there, we’ll watch for a while.”
They both stood to leave. My worry and fear had evaporated while we talked, and now impatience grabbed me. It would take them at least forty minutes to get to my house. I didn’t want to wait that long to find out...well, anything. I knew whatever would happen, would happen, but I just wanted to get it over with. I’d given Blake enough of my life.
Emmitt closed the door behind them and turned to study me.
“Let’s go next door and get something to eat.”
We left the room and walked to the restaurant next door. The smell of grilling burgers hit me when we left the hotel. Crossing the parking lot, my stomach growled. Emmitt grinned at me.
Inside the restaurant, we decided on burgers and ordered takeout to bring back to the room. The wait seemed to take forever. I kept glancing at the clock, worried we’d miss Grey’s call.
When we returned with our food, we ate quickly. Emmitt’s phone chirped just as I finished. He’d been done within minutes, of course.
Emmitt listened for a while, adding affirmations occasionally. Finally, he said, “I agree. I’ll let her know. Call back if there’s a change in plans.”
He hung up the phone and gave me a slight smile. “They’re watching the house but say it looks abandoned. The grass is overgrown, and the papers are piled up. There’s even a notice on the door. Grey’s content to sit and watch it for the rest of the day to see if they’re mistaken. Tonight, they’ll go in for the things you mentioned. We can send them back to watch tomorrow.”
I nodded, surprised, but not concerned. I had a plan B.
“So it looks like, in order to find Blake, I’ll need to call the lawyer.”
“It can’t hurt,” he said.
I picked up the hotel phone and dialed the number I’d memorized. A receptionist answered. I gave my name and asked to speak to Mr. Nolan. She said that he was in a meeting and asked for a return number. But when I said I’d just try back later, she quickly asked me to hold.
The line clicked, then a man came on.
“Ms. Daniels. Thank you for contacting us.” He went through the usual offer of condolences then explained why he’d been looking for me. He wanted to read the will and discuss the details of Richard’s estate with me.
Estate? Will? I’d never given any of that any thought. I glanced at Emmitt. He had his head tilted, watching me. I was sure he could hear both ends of the conversation.
“How soon can we meet?” I asked.
“Mr. Torrin said he would be available whenever you were. My schedule is open on Thursday. Is there a time that day that works for you?”
“Let me check.” I put my hand over the receiver, needing a minute to think it through. Why would Blake not watch the house? Why would Richard give me the number of a lawyer with whom Blake also had contact? The answers lay in the meeting with the lawyer. I moved my hand.
“How does ten sound?” I asked.