Page 43 of Tesoro: Mayhem Makers

Afterwards, I planned to spend an extra night in Houston, enjoying the amenities the hotel offered, including a celebratory dinner and full body massage.

I planned to email the company who managed my building, letting them know I didn’t plan to renew my lease.

“Make sure you toss a coin in the fountain,” Genivia points to the water feature across the square. “It will ensure you return again someday.”

Stepping from the taxi,I tilt my head back to take in the grandeur of the multi-story hotel. The flight had been uneventful as I’d slept practically the entire way.

Making my way into the lobby, I hear my name called from close by the check in desk. Scanning the area, my eyes land on Adam who is waving like a lunatic.

“Hey, Romano,” he greets me as I approach the check in desk. “I didn’t know you were testing this week.”

Adam looks good, rested and less defeated than the last time I saw him. I’d always considered him handsome, however, he was too preppy for me.

“Got an email about a cancellation,” I admit, sharing a smile with the gentleman behind the desk. “I cut my vacation short in order to take the spot.” Sliding my credit card across the desk.

“Bounced as soon as the all clear sounded, huh?” Adam wags his eyebrows.

“What about you?” I deflect, signing my name where the clerk indicates. “Escaped Mallace I see.”

“You didn’t hear?” Adam’s eyes grow wide before he takes a look around our surroundings. “Mallace got busted for insurance fraud.”

“What?” I laugh as I take the keycard from the man behind the counter.

“Oh, yeah,” he chuckles, reaching out his hand to take my backpack. “He was the last doctor to have contact with the patient who went missing which triggered an investigation into his finances.”

My thoughts went immediately to Angelo and by extension, Dante. “Did they ever find the guy, the patient I mean?” Thequestion was across my lips before I could stop it. Of course they’d found him, Angelo was never lost.

“They did, actually. His family hired some ex-military guy who tracked him down. He was unconscious when they located him. Now they’re shopping for a specialist to help him walk again.”

Of course they found a creative way to spin it, probably profiting handsomely from it too, I think to myself.

“I thought they got all the bullets.”

“They did, but additional testing showed spinal cord damage we didn’t catch. He’s got a long road ahead of him.”

I feared this was the case. Between his excessive time waking up and failed reflex test, I knew it was serious.

“Hey, a few of us are getting together later. Why don’t you join us?”

“Maybe,” I lie, knowing good and well I have a date with room service and a streaming channel. I was going to spend the next twenty-fours watching all the shows I couldn't for the past few years.

“Eight o’clock, bar across the street.”

I wave to Adam as the elevator doors close, knowing the next time I see him will be down the street at the testing center.

My head hurt,body stiff and the past two days were a blur. Having gone into the testing center with a load of confidence, I wasn't certain I got my name correct at this point. I’d woken with butterflies dancing in my stomach, they remained there until well after our last break. My results would be available in the morning, so tonight, I planned to dress up and have a celebratory dinner, followed by dessert in my room.

Entering the hotel, I find a line of people standing outside the elevator bank, several suited men pointing to the hall which led to the bar. My heart sank a little, all I wanted was to climb into the massive tub inside my bathroom.

“Sorry, ma’am, there is an issue with the power for the elevator. Crews are working on it. We are offering complimentary drinks in the bar for our guests.”

Checking my watch, I have roughly two hours before I need to get ready for dinner. Alcohol was not something I indulged in, however, the thought of climbing eight flights of stairs doesn’t sound appealing either.

Entering the bar, I find three empty chairs at the end beside the window, which overlooks the main street. Sliding my tired body into the last seat, I make eye contact with one of the bartenders.

“What can I get for you?”

With my headache making its presence known, my nerves this morning have prevented me from enjoying the pot of coffee I’d ordered last night from room service.

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