Page 29 of Jina

“You’re in luck, the first floor connecting rooms are available.”

“Thanks, Gary. We’ll be there soon.” She ended the call. “We’re set.”

“Okay.” He shook his head. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard of a motel putting in security cameras.”

“Yeah, well, they’ve come in handy.” She only hoped they wouldn’t need to use Gary’s cameras this time.

The way the shooter found them at Cole’s house in Peabody nagged at her. This puzzle had too many missing pieces.

Once they’d eaten dinner, she’d reach out to Zeke, Flynn, and Cassidy for ideas on how to approach the strip mall as a location to draw the perp out.

Waiting around for the shooter to find them yet again wasn’t an option.

Cole paid for the pizzas, then carried them out to the rental. He thought it was odd that a police tactical unit used a local motel often enough to know the owner by name and get a discount, then realized he may have underestimated what her team did on a regular basis.

“That smells amazing,” Jina said when they were back on the road. “Maybe we should have gotten two of them.”

He chuckled. “I did. Figured we could always eat cold pizza for breakfast if necessary.”

There was a brief pause, before she replied, “Works for me.”

A few minutes later, they reached the American Lodge, a long white two-story building not far from a church. It looked nicer than he’d expected.

“I’ll get our rooms.” Without waiting for a reply, she jumped out of the passenger seat. Since she knew the guy, he followed more slowly, letting her take the lead.

“The last two rooms on the ground floor.” Gary slid two keys across the desk, eyeing him curiously. “I’m Gary.”

“Cole Roberts. It’s nice to meet you.” He’d noticed Jina had paid with cash, which was also unusual. “We appreciate you accommodating our last-minute request.”

“Any time.” Gary waved that off. “My business has been booming between the Callahans, the Finnegans, and the rest of the tactical team. The only downside is when you guys draw danger that results in my building being damaged.”

“Thanks, Gary, we won’t let that happen.” Jina flashed the motel owner a warm smile. “You’re the best.”

The tips of Gary’s ears turned bright red at the compliment. “I’ll keep an eye on the security cameras for you.”

“Sounds good.” She turned away to look at Cole. “Ready?”

“Yep.” He held the door for her. “I was thinking we should park behind the building.”

“I was going to suggest that too.” She glanced at him. “You didn’t see the black Honda behind us, right?”

“Correct.” In truth, there were plenty of black Honda SUVs on the road, but all the ones he’d noticed had license plates.

Hopefully, their perp hadn’t stolen a set to use. There hadn’t been a front or rear plate when he’d driven past his house less than an hour ago, but the way things were going, he wouldn’t put anything past the guy.

Jina opened one room, then propped the door open to unlock the other since he was carrying the two pizzas. “Open the connecting door on your side, okay?”

“Sure.” He set the pizzas down on the small table, then did as she’d asked. Her side opened a second later.

“Let’s eat if you don’t mind.” She brushed past him and opened the top box. “I don’t mind cold pizza for breakfast, but it tastes better hot.”

“I’d like to say grace.” He squeezed past her to sit at the table beside her. “We have a lot to be thankful for.”

“Ah, okay.” She flushed and bowed her head.

On impulse, he took her hand in his. “Dear Lord Jesus, we thank You for this food we are about to eat. We also thank You for keeping us safe in Your care. Amen.”

“Amen.” He was surprised she’d echoed the prayer. She sent him a wry glance, then gently tugged her hand from his to reach for the pizza. “As Roscoe would say, dig in.”

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