Page 34 of Wicked Riddles & Bitter Heartbeats

Her brow furrows, and she clears her throat. “You’ve never seen him?”

“No, ma’am.” There’s me being polite again. “I’m hoping you can help me find him. His name is James Erickson.”

She blinks a few times. “Have you tried the police station?”

“Why would I go there? He hasn’t been arrested.”

“They help find missing people.”

“James isn’t missing,” I say. “I just don’t know where he is.”

“Right, uhm…” She clears her throat, glancing to the side at the other worker who is in a deep conversation with the old man. “I’m not sure I can help you find your brother.”

“You have the room he is in.”

Understanding flashes in his eyes. “Oh, he’s a guest here?”

I nod.

“Unfortunately, I still cannot help you.”

“Why not?”

“I cannot give out guest information.”

“But he’s my brother,” I argue.

I know well enough employees aren’t allowed to give out information like this, but he’s my brother. Certainly they’ll make an exception, right? People do it all the time.

“I understand that, sir, but I can’t give that information toanyone.”

“Call him then.” I hold her gaze. She just stares at me. “If you can’t give it to me, then call him and tell him I am here.”

“I’m not sure—”

“Please,” I grit out as my hands start to tremble. My skin is itching, and I have to roll out my neck to keep calm. I’m trying my best to play nice and stay calm to get what I need. Manipulation has never been my thing, not in this manner, and perhaps I should have practiced a little before coming in here.

“Okay, sure. I will call him.”

“Thank you.”

Polite. Polite. Polite.

She types something into the computer. “You said Erickson?”

“Yes.”

Nodding, she continues to type a few things. When she picks up the phone, I focus on the numbers she punches in.

6-5-4

I guess manipulating people isn’t allthatdifficult.

She holds the receiver to her ear for a few moments before pressing the button to end the call.

“I’m sorry, but he doesn’t seem to be in.”

“Thank you for your help,” I say before taking off for the door.

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