She's My Kind of Rain (Sue Thomas FBEye)

Chapter Two

After wasting his time trying to follow Roy and the owner, Myles snuck up in the Saloon late at night. The lobby was empty, the entertainment lounge was closed, and the registration desk was unmanned. Not one to let an opportunity pass by, Myles slipped behind the counter. No computer or laptop, just an old fashion ledger with the names of the guests and their rooms. He laid the thick book on the counter and flipped through the pages for the last two days. His finger traveled down the list of guests...

A name had been erased. Taking a blank sheet of paper from his notebook, he placed it over the page, and with a pencil, he delicately brushed over the indentations left on the paper. Faint letters appeared—Sue & Jack MacLean #206.

Her perfume gave away her presence. Myles quickly shoved the note in his pocket and closed the ledger, but she approached before he had a chance to put it back.

Vibrant green eyes gauging his reaction washed over him like morning mist.

Myles took a step back. "If you'd let me explain—"

"Explain what, Carson?"

The deep voice didn't belong to the woman. Myles turned sideways.

The owner stood in the doorway of the lounge. A bottle of liquor was in his left hand, and he stared hazily at both of them. From the corner of his eyes, Myles saw the daughter furtively move behind the desk where he'd stood moments earlier. Her hand rested over the registration book.

"Mr. Carson was explaining how he couldn't stretch his legs, pop. I was checking to see if we had another room available."

Her melodious voice enthralled Myles and convincingly carried her lie to her father.

"Fine." The older man dropped his arms down his side, the bottle hitting his hip. "But it'll be hundred buck more for the week, Carson, and if I need the room for another client, you're out."

"Understood, sir."

"You take care of him, Storm, and don't forget to lock up. I'm going to bed." With one last disgruntled look, the owner headed for the passageway separating the Saloon from the house.

"Miss—"

"Your key, Mr. Carson. Good night." And like a shadow, she was gone.

If not for the silver key he held in his palm, Myles would have wondered if he'd imagined the entire encounter. Glancing at the number engraved on the bow, his heart missed a beat. Room 206.

***

Jack had been ripping patches from his blue shirt, and every ten feet, he left a piece on the ground to mark their progression. "You can help me if you want," he teased.

The woman by his side chuckled. "I feel like Gretel. What will you do when your shirt is gone?"

"Use yours." He winked. "And I'll even help with the buttons."

"Jack!"

He casually shrugged, loving the blush he so easily generated. "I'm a helpful guy."

"If I didn't know you better, I'd say you've become very single-minded since we got trapped underground."

His smile widened. It was only a matter of time before she got to know him better—a whole lot better. "Blame it on the stale air we're breathing. It's affecting my brain."

The twinkling in her eyes as they rolled up betrayed her amusement. "Sure."

"Would you like to rest for a few minutes?"

Their watches, phones, wallet and purse had been taken by the criminals, so Jack didn't know how long they'd been walking, but it felt like hours. While Sue hadn't asked to stop, he noticed she'd slowed down.