Page 83 of Diamond in the Rough

“Right…”

Jake sighed tiredly and pushed his shades up his nose. “The quicker you do it, the quicker I’ll be in and out and the less likely you’ll get a fine.”

The driver took the badge and pinned it to Jake’s coveralls.

“Thanks, I’ll be right back.”

He got out of the car and hurried into the reception. Antonia, Liam, and Billy weren’t there, and the few people that were dotted around didn’t spare him a glance.

He strolled up to the desk, rested his forearm on the counter, and smiled. “Hi Sienna, I’m here to check apartment twelve.”

“How do you know my name?”

“On your badge.”

Sienna glanced down, then laughed. “So it is.”

Jake tapped his own. “Don’t worry, I forget sometimes too.”

“Apartment twelve, did you say?”

“That’s the one.”

Sienna bit her lip. “Maddox Henley’s place?”

“Yep, that’s right.”

“I’m not sure I can let you up there.”

“Oh? Why not?”

Sienna craned her neck. “He’s a murderer. The police have been up there looking for evidence.”

“Really, he always seemed like such a nice guy.”

“I know, really polite.”

“Handsome too,” Jake added.

Sienna smiled brighter, and her cheeks reddened. “He was kind of handsome, but what does that make me, saying that about a murderer?”

“Makes you honest. The thing is, one of our sensors has triggered at headquarters, and I need to check it out.”

“Sensors, what kind of sensors?”

Jake waited a bit, then blurted, “Gas.”

“Gas?”

“Yeah, I need to go see if there’s a leak, or it might just be a faulty wire. More likely a faulty wire, but better to be safe than sorry.”

“Gas sounds serious. I’ll get my manager.”

Jake waved his hand. “There’s no need. I’ll be in and out in no time.”

“Visitors are supposed to be approved by Mr. Henley.”

“How easy is it to contact him?”

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