Page 12 of Claymore
“You can’t stay in Sedona, Ella. It’s too dangerous.”
“No, I can’t leave. My whole life is here. We have to think of something else. You don’t understand, Claymore. Sedona, Crystal’s, they’re all I have. I can’t leave that all behind,” she said, tears welling up inside her eyes.
“All right. Then you’re just gonna need someone around looking out for you. Come on.”
I stretched out my hand, and she took it while I led her to the check-in desk inside. The receptionist was frantically handling a call, tapping away at the computer keys. It was much nicer than the motels I usually saw around Mascid. This place actually had a lobby, a few couches and armchairs spread out, and a small water fountain trickling in the middle under a pretty swanky chandelier.
The receptionist hung up the phone, turning her attention toward me. She wrinkled her nose, faking a warm smile while she looked me up and down. Her gaze lingered on my leather jacket, the dog tag necklace around my neck, and the countless tattoos I had. Ella shifted uncomfortably next to me like all she wanted to do was go home. I squeezed her hand softly.
“How may I help you?”
“I’d like a room.”
“I’m sorry, sir. We’re all booked for the night.”
“Really? Not a single room?”
I glanced over at the door to see a small family heading out, looking like they were on their way back to the airport. A man wearing a button-down shirt and slacks followed them out with his satchel slung over his shoulder.
“Looks like you may just have some room after all.”
The receptionist sighed. I stepped back as the guests dropped off their keys and she got a new one ready for me, writing the room number down on it.
“Second floor. Room two hundred and seven.”
“Thank you,” I murmured, heading for the door that led out to the patio and pool.
“Sir, the elevator is that way,” the receptionist shouted, pointing in the opposite direction.
“I know! Thanks!”
I led Ella out into the open air, and she shut her eyes, taking a deep breath.
“How long are you planning on staying here?” she asked.
“However long it takes to make sure you’re safe. Come on, you need a moment to relax.”
I led her to the pool and she pointed at thePool Closedsign, but I shook my head.
“They won’t mind if we dip our toes in here. Trust me.”
I sat down and she took a seat next to me. We both pulled off our shoes, slipping our toes into the cool water. I could practically feel the tension begin to leave her body. I listened to the sound of the water trickling as I moved, and I looked over to see Ella smiling at me.
“You really didn’t have to do all of this, you know.”
“Oh, I absolutely did, darlin’. Until we know where your brother is or what he’s up to, you’re not gonna be safe. I’ll be staying here for a while, watching over you, and getting business done where I can. I’ll see what information I can dig up about Ray while I’m at it,” I explained.
“Even when he’s not here, he’s still causing trouble.”
“I know, Ella. I’m so sorry,” I said.
“This is all his fault. I spent so much of my life trying to fix him, trying to fix the brokenness that led to all this chaos. From the time he was thirteen he was already doing drugs, getting involved with the wrong people, and I just couldn’t take it anymore.”
Ella shifted around, and I could see the anger flash in her green eyes. She parted her lips like she wanted to say more, but she didn’t. She got up, slipping into her shoes, looking down at me.
“I really should be getting home. My car’s still at Crystal’s. I don’t know how I’ll be getting to work tomorrow.”
“I’ll take you home, and I’ll be there bright and early to take you there. Just get some rest, and this time, call me if you start to feel scared or worried again, okay?”
