Page 16 of Beck and Call

"It'll be taken care of, Ms. … "

"Holmes." I accepted his outstretched hand and we shook.

"I'm Fredrick. Please let me know if you need anything else."

Beckett reentered the lobby, and I stepped away from the front desk. He looked suspiciously at Fredrick before turning his searching gaze on me. "What are you up to?"

I extracted the key from my purse. "I was able to convince the concierge to remedy the error they made in changing your reservation. You've got your own room."

He took the key and frowned. "Where is your room?"

"The twelfth floor. I also requested they make the move while we are out and unpack your suits. I hope you don't mind, but I didn't want to risk having them wrinkle."

He brushed his fingers against my cheek, and I stepped back. He stepped closer. "Have you changed your mind about our arrangement?"

I watched the car pull up in front of the doors. "Let's discuss this later, shall we?"

* * *

The ride to the restaurant was quick, as it was only a few blocks away. As soon as we arrived, we were shown to a private dining room in the back. His clients were already seated, waiting for us.

"Mr. Mueller, Mr. Schneider, and Mr. Weber, this is my assistant Ms. Holmes. I hope you don't mind, she will be sitting in with us to keep records for me."

"Of course," Mr. Mueller replied. He raised his hand, which apparently was a signal to a waiter I hadn't noticed. All of the men took turns ordering.

Beckett squeezed my leg under the table, which made me jump. "I ordered for you. I hope that's all right. Schnitzel is a pretty standard dish."

"Thank you." He knew I didn't speak German, and I appreciated him helping ease the awkwardness of being the only one in the room unable to speak the language.

His concern baffled me. He seemed to be running hot and cold since we landed. I wasn't sure exactly where we stood, but it probably wasn't the best moment to try and figure it out.

The men began to discuss business, thankfully in English. I pulled the hotel notepad and pen out of the clutch and utilized a skill I never thought I'd have the need for.

When I was a kid my grandmother was always making efforts to improve herself and our lives. There were business classes offered at the community college. Since she couldn't afford the class and childcare, I often went with her.

That's how I found myself learning shorthand when I was ten years old. For some reason I continued to practice the skill, despite not believing I'd ever use it. You'd think I'd have been able to use it in college, however, concentrating on capturing the entire conversation doesn't leave a lot of time for critical thinking.

My thoughts and opinions on the terms of the deal they were negotiating weren't necessary, but having an accurate record of the discussion could be handy. When there was a pause in conversation I turned to a new page and created a rough timeline for important deadlines.

When the discussion ended, I looked up from my notes. I hadn't touched my food, and it didn't seem I'd get a chance either. I gazed longingly at my plate, but they were shaking hands and concluding their business for the evening. I resolved to go out in search of lunch later on.

We walked out to the car, which he'd had the restaurant call for. Beckett scowled and looked back at the restaurant. "You didn't eat."

"There wasn't time. I'll get something later this evening."

"Let's get you something right now."

I shook my head. "Really, it's fine. We should get back to the hotel, I'm sure you have business to finalize." I opened the door and slid in.

He joined me a second later. "I've always got business to work on. You need to eat."

"I can take care of myself," I argued.

"Do you even have money to spend? Because I don't recall stopping for you to exchange any money."

I inhaled and forced myself not to snap. "You don't need to worry about me. If I skip a meal, it's not something you need to worry about. It's not like it's the first time I've gone without."

His eyes narrowed, and the muscle in his jaw clenched. "I brought you out here, of course I need to worry about you. This is a business trip, which means your lodging, meals, and travel are covered."

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