Page 23 of Elling & Jackie

Roar stayed beside him. "You're okay doing this alone?"

He lowered his chin. "It's best that way."

Brage smacked him on the back as he left with Roar. Needing to move, Elling went out the front door of the bar and found Marcus. With the change in how he stayed at the hotel, he needed to figure out a way for Campbell to know he was there without coming out and talking.

If he followed him into the hotel and made sure the agent spotted him going in the room on the same floor, it would put Campbell on alert. From there, he'd need to keep his head on straight and not get backed into a corner.

"Quiet evening?" Elling reached into his pocket, feeling the can of snuff Jacqueline had given him and pushed it to the side, grabbing his smokes.

"Besides having the staring contest with our friend across the street, it's Tuesday. Not much happens around here besides ladies drink for free when the bar opens." Marcus looked at his cell phone. "Women should be rolling up any minute."

Elling leaned against the building. "Let's both hope that Campbell leaves early. I can get back to the hotel, and you can have your fun."

Marcus looked at him. "How is the hotel life?"

He scoffed. "I rather pitch a tent and sleep outside. It's too quiet, too stuffy, and time moves slowly. I'll be glad when the job is done."

"You need a woman to help you pass the time." Marcus kicked the heel of his boot against the sidewalk. "This is a hard life we're living, my brother. Every night, I think it's time to settle down and see what makes the others who are committed seem so damn happy. I swear Roar's head is about to burst. He's so proud, walking around here with his woman big with his baby."

"Hell," muttered Elling. "I don't know, man.

Bringing a woman into his life meant added responsibilities. Eventually, something would happen to him, leaving the woman alone. He'd seen what'd happened to his mom after his father was killed. He'd also been the last one left when his mom died. That was not what he wanted to put on someone he cared about. Someone he loved.

On the flip side, he never wanted to lose another person he loved.

"Uff." Marcus slapped Elling in the stomach. "Our friend turned on his car."

"That's my sign." He clasped Marcus's hand. "Keep an eye on him in case he gets out of here before I can get to my Harley."

Marcus glanced at him. "I've got your back."

"Be sa..." He inhaled swiftly, turned, and walked into the bar, hoping Marcus hadn't heard his parting shot.

Ignoring the others, he hurried down the hallway and out the back door. In the alley, he jogged over to his Harley. Already packed, he quickly put his helmet and gloves on and started the motorcycle.

As he rode toward the gate, Dag spotted him and rolled the barrier out of the way. Elling ran the stop sign and cut into traffic, prepared to pass everyone when he merged with the vehicles on the interstate to catch up to Agent Campbell.

Going back to the hotel would change everything. He'd make sure Campbell became aware of him staying away from the Slag clubhouse. He accelerated. The wind hit him in the face, sparking his adrenaline.

Jacqueline would be there.

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