Page 28 of Spring Break with a Bodyguard
It’s a masterful reversal—painting our trap as the actual crime. I have to admit, Roberts is smarter than I gave him credit for. He’s turned our hastily implemented trap into a weapon against us.
“Conrad,” Roberts says, turning his attention to me. “You’ve been conducting additional security rounds on all floors today. Did you notice anything suspicious?”
Every eye in the room turns to me. This is a test—Roberts suspects I’m involved but doesn’t have proof. If I deny seeing anything, he’ll know I’m lying, since the trackers show I was in all those rooms. If I admit planting the items, I’m confessing to the very scheme he’s describing.
Instead, I choose a third option.
“Actually, sir, I’ve been conducting an authorized security test,” I say, keeping my voice even and professional. “Those items were planted at the request of Hollister Security to test staff response to valuable items left in rooms.”
Roberts’ expression freezes. “I received no notification of such a test.”
“It was meant to be blind, sir,” I continue smoothly. “Testing real-world responses rather than performance under observation. I can call Mr. Hollister if you’d like confirmation.”
The bluff is risky—bringing Brogan into this would expose Teddy’s presence and our unauthorized investigation. But I’m betting Roberts won’t want to call me on it, not when doing so might connect him to the real thefts.
A tense silence fills the room. Carmen and the other security officers look uncomfortable, caught in a standoff they don’t fully understand.
Finally, Roberts forces a tight smile. “That won’t be necessary. However, in the future, I expect to be informed of all security exercises in my hotel, regardless of who authorizes them. Is that clear?”
“Crystal clear, sir,” I respond, meeting his gaze steadily.
“Good. Everyone back to your posts. Conrad, stay a moment.”
As the others file out, I notice Teddy passing by in the hallway, her expression neutral though I recognize concern in her eyes. I give her the smallest shake of my head—a warning to stay away.
When we’re alone, Roberts drops the manager persona, his voice hardening. “I don’t know what game you’re playing, Conrad, but it stops now.”
“No game, sir. Just doing my job.”
“Your job?” He laughs without humor. “Your job is hotel security during spring break, not running unauthorized ‘tests’ on my staff.”
“My assignment came directly from Brogan Hollister,” I say, doubling down on the bluff. “If you have concerns about the scope of my duties, I suggest you take them up with him.”
Roberts studies me for a few seconds, clearly weighing his options. “You know,” he says. “I’ve been doing some research on you. Navy SEAL, executive protection, personal security detail for Preston Hollister himself. Quite the résumé for someone pulling routine hotel security during spring break.”
I keep my expression neutral, though internally I’m on high alert. “I go where I’m assigned.”
“Yes, but why were you assigned here? What’s so special about The Sandpiper during spring break that requires Preston Hollister’s personal bodyguard?” His eyes narrow. “Or should I ask, who’s so special?”
He knows. Maybe not the full story, but he’s figured out I’m here protecting someone. The question is, has he connected that someone to Teddy?
“Again, sir, if you have questions about Hollister Security staffing decisions, I suggest you speak with Mr. Hollister.” I maintain eye contact, refusing to show any reaction.
Roberts’ mouth twists into something between a smile and a sneer. “I think I will. In the meantime, I’ll be keeping a very close eye on you, Conrad. And on certain members of my housekeeping staff.”
The threat is clear. He’s targeting Teddy, either suspecting her true identity or simply because of her connection to me. Either way, she’s in danger of being exposed.
“Will that be all, sir?” I ask, keeping my tone professionally detached.
“For now.” He dismisses me with a wave, turning his attention to his computer as if I’m suddenly beneath his notice.
Once outside his office, I text Teddy:Meet me in supply closet 2B in 10 min. Emergency.
The next ten minutes are the longest of my life as I patrol the hallway with deliberate casualness, nodding to guests, checking door locks, all while my mind races with contingency plans. I’ve waited out insurgents in the mountains of Afghanistan and held position during hostile extractions under heavy fire, yet somehow this feels more stressful.
Because it’s not just a mission at stake—it’s Teddy.
The thought of her being exposed or in danger creates a tightness in my chest that no amount of tactical training prepared me for. Roberts is onto us—maybe not fully, but enough to be dangerous, and my feelings for her are making it impossible to maintain my usual detached professionalism.
