Page 20 of Rotten Apple

Marcus ran his finger over the rest of the details as he continued the history lesson on the Edward Pierce.

“Edward Pierce’s first job was at a junkyard. He took pieces of cars and refurbished them, making them brand-new. He always had a love of cars. So, if he granted this guy access, he must know something we don’t.Mr. Pierce wasn’t one to be played.”

“It’s hard to imagine Mr. Pierce approving Fillpot’s application. Maybe he’s somebody from Mr. Pierce’s past? Are there any other records that can tell me more about this guy?”

“Not that I know of, but you might ask Mrs. Pierce.”

I made a mental note to remember to do that. I glanced at the monitor that showed Fillpot heading into the spa. I rose from my seat and grabbed a pen, writing my cell phone number down and handing it to Marcus. “Now’s my chance. Text me if he leaves the spa.”

“What are you going to do?” Marcus asked.

“Break into his room and search it for the money,” I answered.

“No need to break in.” Marcus pulled a card key from his pocket and held it out. “That key will get you into any door on the premises.”

I slipped the key from his fingers and headed out the door. “Text me if you see him heading back to his room.”

“Copy that.” Marcus saluted me.

I stepped out into the hallway and headed toward the elevator in the lobby. Max spotted me and excused himself from the conversation with his mother and headed in my direction. “Where are you going?”

“Handling my business. Isn’t that what you want me to do so I can go take care of your sister?”

The elevator dinged, and the metal doors slid open. Max and I stepped inside. I pushed the number to the sixth floor and waited for the doors to shut.

“Fillpot is on the sixth floor, isn’t he?”

“Fillpot is at his spa reservation, but his room is on the sixth floor. You know you’re smart and pretty.”

“You know breaking into somebody’s room is against the law.”

“Only if you get caught. If this makes you uneasy, you can wait for me in the lobby and pretend you knew nothing about it. But I plan to get answers.”

The door slid open, and Max followed me down the hall. He moved to block the door, holding his arm up to stop me.

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