Page 15 of Max's Mission

“This is us.” Max paused outside a pair of doors.

Sure enough, the number on the wall matched the number written on the little folder the desk clerk had handed her. She withdrew a keycard and held it up to the reader. The door snicked and the light turned green. She twisted the handle and pushed it open. “I’ll see you in the morning.” They’d already planned to meet for breakfast about eight a.m. They had to meet the detective at nine.

“Margot.”

Max’s hand on her jacket stopped her from going inside. She looked up at him through bleary eyes.

“Will you be all right tonight?”

The simple question broke through her wall. She felt the press of tears against the backs of her eyes again. She wanted to lean into him and let him hold her all night, but she didn’t dare. Getting any closer to Max than she already was would just add to how overwhelmed she already felt. Right now, she needed to concentrate on Tad and straightening out the mess he’d left behind.

So, she nodded and pushed the door open wider. “I’m okay. Have a good night.” Without waiting for an answer, she escaped into her room, hearing him call a soft goodnight as the door closed.

Margot closed her eyes, squeezing out a couple of tears.

How did her life get so complicated?

Six

Hot coffee seared Max’s tongue. Wincing, he blew on the fragrant brew as he leaned against the wall in the hotel’s breakfast area, waiting on Margot. He’d been up for nearly two hours. So far, he’d been for a run in the hotel’s fitness center and had a shower. He probably should have slept longer, but after being stationary so long yesterday because of all the traveling, he’d needed the physical movement. He wanted to swim, but that would have to wait until he returned home. The hotel’s small pool wasn’t open at the hours he wanted to exercise, and when it was, it was filled with children. There was nothing wrong with that, but he had no desire to dodge kids doing cannonballs while he swam laps.

His stomach growled. Margot needed to hurry up. If she took much longer, he was going to eat without her.

Crossing his ankles, Max took another sip of his coffee and wrinkled his nose. It needed cream.

Movement in his peripheral vision caught his attention, and he glanced up to see Margot rounding the corner into the dining area. He pushed away from the wall, smiling as he studied her face. She looked perkier, and her expression was no longer pinched or sad. Apparently, the rest had done her some good.

“Good morning.” She returned his smile with a sunny one of her own.

“Morning.” He raised his coffee cup in greeting. “You look like you got some rest.”

“I did. I washed off the travel grunge, then went right to sleep. But I could still use some of that.” She pointed at his cup.

Max nodded toward the large coffee urn. “Make sure you leave room for cream. It’s pretty bitter.”

“Good to know. Ooo, waffles.” She bypassed the coffee for the waffle maker.

His chuckle was low as he followed her into the buffet area. She was much more herself this morning. Whether that was due to the rest or she’d just shored up her walls, he didn’t know. Probably a bit of both. Hopefully, whatever it was, it would get her through their meeting with the detective.

Breakfast was a quick affair, neither of them wanting to linger. Max, too, had a waffle, which was surprisingly good, though he wished they had real syrup instead of the pre-packaged, artificially flavored stuff. Along with eggs and some bacon, he had a full belly and was ready for the day.

Except he needed better coffee. Grimacing, he tossed his cup in the trash, along with his napkin, then turned to Margot. “We need to get real coffee before we meet with the police.”

“Agreed. Even with cream, this isn’t very good. It tastes burned.” Her cup landed next to his in the bin. “Let’s go.”

Leaving the dining area, they walked through the lobby and exited the front door. Ice cold air and a fine snow sandblasted Max’s face. He hunched his shoulders, trying to shield his ears. Man, it was cold here.

Beside him, Margot shivered. “I definitely need a better coat.”

“If we have to stay very long, or spend a lot of time outside, we’ll get you one. For now, I think you’ll be okay. Although, itwouldn’t be a bad idea to get better gloves. I didn’t bring the right ones, either.” He held up a glove-covered hand and flexed his fingers. They were meant for a normal, run-of-the-mill chill. Not the deep freeze.

“Let’s see what the detective has to say, then we’ll figure it out. Unlock the doors before I turn into a popsicle.” She sped up, heading for their car.

Max pressed the button on the fob in his pocket. The car locks clicked open as she reached the vehicle. In one smooth movement, she opened the door and slid inside. Max wasn’t far behind her.

Cranking the engine, he let it heat up for a minute, steeling himself to go out and scrape the frost off the windows. For a moment, he debated letting the defrost do the work, but that would take several minutes. And he really did want better coffee.

Gritting his teeth, he hopped out. After finding the ice scraper in the rear cargo area, he set to work, stopping every so often to flex his fingers. The wind just cut right through his thin gloves.

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