Page 8 of Before We Were Us

Leave it to my loose-lipped partner.

Brynn lifts her gaze to meet mine and I don’t look away as Connor continues on.

“The one I’ve heard you go on and on about since that night. How you should have said more, or at least stuck around to get her number.”

I notice the corner of Brynn’s mouth tip upward.

“We have other things we should be focusing on.” I point toward the table with all the still shots of interest. “This woman deserves our full focus.”

“Good idea,” Conner mumbles under his breath. “Let the knockout get away again,” he states sarcastically. “Then I’m stuck hearing all about it over drinks. Good plan.”

Dick! Always has to get the last word in.

Shifting closer to the table I try to refocus and ignore the pull I feel. This isn’t the time or the place.

“Have we gotten any closer to an answer?” We all glance up as a tall, broad, and intimidating man steps into the room. “I’ve got a hotel full of guests that think they're in danger and a woman upstairs in one of my rooms whose family needs some answers.”

Gerald Webster, a man I’ve never met but whom I admire for the things he’s done. He is powerful in the community but uses that power for good. He is charitable and generous.

I step forward holding out my hand, trying to ignore the fact that in the back of my mind I’m hearing Drew’s voice whispering this is another hurdle. “I’m Detective Steele and I am overseeing this investigation.” He takes my hand offering a firm shake. “I can tell you that the woman upstairs is not who was registered to the room, but is someone we’ve encountered before. Ms. Hill has been arrested on four counts of prostitution and possession. The room was actually one of a Mr. Ryan Wills, from Lansing Michigan who was in town on business.”

Mr. Webster nods.

“From what we can tell he left sometime between three fifteen and three twenty this morning, through the side exit. Your security footage picked up everything we needed. From the time they entered the lobby around eleven p.m. to him leaving without her, then your cleaning staff entered the room to find her shortly after nine this morning.”

“Do we know where this Ryan Wills is now?”

“He has not boarded a plane, has not purchased a bus ticket, or rented a car. However when we contacted the local police department in Lancing and they visited his home, his wife said she has not heard from him since he called her yesterday afternoon."

“Married,” I hear Taylor scoff. “Another pig,” she adds and I remember her earlier comment about officer Gibbons.

“We’ve almost finished up here and we will be removing Ms. Hill through the service elevators and out the back doors through the alley. We’ve cleared the floor to avoid anyone seeing this take place. We’ve also done everything we can to ensure the remaining guests understand that this matter is nothing they should be alarmed about.”

“I appreciate the discretion.” He offers me a nod. “Do we know if this young woman has any local family?”

“She’s not originally from Chicago and unfortunately sir, it seems her family wants nothing to do with her.”

“I’d like to know when her body has been released for burial.” I’m momentarily surprised by his request. “She deserves a proper burial regardless of her choices. I’d like to take care of that.”

I’m blown away, knowing already that Gerald Webster was a good man, but this confirms that.

“Of course,” I say, my chest feeling tight.

“Ladies.” He motions toward his daughter and her friend Taylor. They join him and I notice the way he tucks them into his sides, protectively. “We need to offer all of our guests that are currently in rooms a complimentary one night stay in any of our hotels, and a discounted dinner at any of our restaurants.”

They both nod.

“I’d like for the two of you to take care of that.” He leads them from the room and I don’t miss the way Brynn glances back over her shoulder.

“Seriously, your gonna let that woman walk away, twice?” Connor says, shaking his head with disappointment and I shove him, making him stumble.

I get back to work but without making it too obvious, keeping a watchful eye on the gorgeous woman moving around the hotel lobby and guest area. Her smile and soothing words offered to each guest, the way they marvel as she does all she can to ease their worries. She’s magical, and knowing what I know, even I feel somewhat settled. She has this charisma that seems to infect everyone around her.

“She’s incredible, isn’t she?”

Gibbons pauses at my side and his eyes are focused ahead on Brynn.

“From the way it sounds she doesn’t feel the same about you.”

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