Page 125 of Cross & Crown

his beer and then gone to hustle a sailor in a game of pool.

Kelly had always felt there was more to the story, though.

Hagan had put up a few more weak arguments before

he’d taken JD to the psychologist for his interview. None of

them could give Nick a viable alternative, though. Without

the map that was said to be hidden on the star brooch, there

was no way to find the treasure for Julian. And without any

idea of the whereabouts of the robbers, JD was still in danger

as well, and so was Cameron.

Nick stepped back into the salon, looking grim.

“What happened?” Kelly demanded.

“We’ve got a meet tonight.”

“That was fast,” Julian said. “Jesus, what sort of in do you

have with them?”

“A personal one,” Nick growled. His tone made it clear

that neither Julian nor Kelly were supposed to inquire further.

“Where’s the meet?” Kelly asked instead.

126

“Liberty Hotel, six tonight. We’re supposed to book two

rooms, and reserve a spot for dinner.”

“Liberty Hotel. Isn’t that the place you wanted to take

me? The old jail they turned into a hotel?”

Nick nodded. “Looks like we’ll get to see it after al .” He

walked past Julian and Kelly, heading belowdecks without

another word.

“Great,” Kelly said.

Julian took a step closer, lowering his voice. “Is there a

missing piece of information I need to know here?”

Kelly sucked in a deep breath and hesitated, eyes darting

between Julian and the stairwell.

---