Page 135 of Ozzie

“Actually, that’s how we can get her out of here,” Tom says. He stares at me, then smiles. “Yes, it will work.”

“What will work?” Patsy asks.

He turns to her. “We still wheel her out of here in a wheelchair. But before we do, I’ll knock her out. Then we don’t have to worry about her screaming her head off.”

Patsy stares at me. “And we can still go out the back entrance. You’re right, it will work.”

“Where are we? Why aren’t there others staying here?” I ask.

Tom glares at me. “Good job with the duct tape Patsy,” he says sarcastically. “Well, you’re perceptive. We’re not in the city. And as far as this place goes, it was recently tented and disinfected. I guess that tends to drive customers away.”

“Yes, the front desk was so happy when we called and made the reservation,” Patsy says. “We got a great rate for the rooms on this floor. It was for the wedding party, of course.”

“Oh, that reminds me, you better go mess up the bed so it looks slept in. Apparently your son doesn’t move much in the night,” Tom says.

Patsy jumps up. “You’re right.”

At first, I thought they’d grabbed me while they had theopportunity, but now it’s clear they had a plan in place for a while. It had only been a matter of time until they drugged me and brought me here.

It hits me that I might not get a chance to get free. Not if Tom knocks me unconscious before untying me.

Durango must be looking for me. But what are the odds he will find me in some random hotel room? One that isn’t in New York City? Are we even in the state? No, I’m on my own to get out of this mess. Before tomorrow. I’ve got one free hand. Now, I just need an opportunity.

CHAPTER 38

Ozzie

“No! I can’t afford that.”Lightning shakes his head as he stares down at the game board.

He’d managed to find an old Monopoly game, among other board games, a few hours ago. Despite my protest, both the senator and Lightning insisted we play. Fortunately, Lightning wiped me out early on, and I’ve spent my time near the window keeping watch.

I really don’t think anyone followed us, and there is no reason for anyone other than Harding to know we’re here. I just don’t want to get roped into another game. Don’t get me wrong, I love games. Card games. Give me a deck of cards and I can play games all night.

A car pulls up and parks in the driveway. “We have company.”

Lightning is up and next to me. Harding gets out of thedriver’s seat, and a man gets out from the passenger side. She pulls her phone from her pocket. Then my phone rings.

“Hey, what’s going on?” I ask.

“We’re here to take over,” she says as they walk to the front door.

“Who’s the guy?”

“He’s with the CIA. He’s good.”

I open the front door. They both enter, and I relock the door.

“This is Agent Simons.”

We all make introductions.

“Why are you taking over?” I ask.

“Figured after a couple of days you’d want to be relieved.”

“Yes, but I want to know what’s going on.”

She nods toward the kitchen, and we all head that way and sit down. The game is still sprawled over the table.

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