Page 16 of Bratva Hunter

“How’d you know it was her?”

“I’ve got an open internet search that pulls anything that could be about her. The detectives included her description. Not many small women have bikers break into their rooms.”

“Find out who he is, and who he’s working for.” I blow out the breath I’ve been holding. “How the hell did she disappear, Fingers? Hotels are covered in cameras.”

“It appears the cameras weren’t working in the lobby and some exterior areas. They turn on and off regularly.”

I sigh. “Someone helped her escape?”

“That’s my guess. The cops focused on the dead shooter, and let her go without questions.”

“Okay. Any leads on where she went?”

“No. She’s gone.”

I slam my fists on the steering wheel, studying the navigation on the dash. “Fuck. I’ll go see what I can find out.”

“Sounds good man. I’ll keep looking.”

After a drive, I park the SUV and step out, scanning the parking lot for people and cameras. Stepping through the door, the reception area is just to my right. There’s an older woman standing behind the counter typing on a computer. Movement catches my eye. Kids and parents scramble around the small room off to the side. It’s breakfast and my stomach growls on cue.

The woman lifts her head and smiles. It’s not a very convincing smile. Either she doesn’t like people or something about me makes her leery. “Good morning.”

I bust out my best smile, adding a twinkle to my eyes. “Hi. I’d like a room.”

She nods. “It’s a bit early for check-in.”

It’s time to charm the woman and get a room along with information. I saunter closer to where she is standing behind the counter. “I’ll pay extra. The road has made me bone-deep tired, been traveling.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah. I’ll just need a room until tomorrow morning, but I’ll pay for two days.”

She gestures with her hand. “No worries, we’ve got the room.”

A man approaches from the elevator and slams his keycard on the counter. “I should get a free room after the shooting. Fucking ridiculous.”

She frowns. “I’m sorry. We can’t be held responsible for things out of our control. The perpetrator was handled before he could hurt anyone. Our security is top-notch.”

“Ha. Whatever. Going to blast you on the reviews.” He storms off, giving me the segue into asking some questions.

I whisper. “A shooting?”

She sighs. “Yes. Please don’t go. It’s never happened before, and only the shooter was hurt. Well killed.”

I lean against the desk. “Was he after someone?”

She stiffens and licks her lips. “He stumbled into the wrong room. No one was hurt.”

I look around like I’ll tell her a secret. “I’m sorry the guy gave you a hard time. The only person who deserves a free room is the occupant of the room he went into.”

She nods, her smile lifting. “Yes. Right. She was so scared, poor little thing, and who could blame her.”

“Did your security people figure out where he was intending to be?”

Shaking her head, she moves up to type on the computer. “No, and the girl left a few days ago, so it’s over now.”

Damn. Turn on the charm. “I hope she went to a place full of fun distractions. Something like this can affect you long term.”

---