The Enforcer - Kelli Callahan Page 0,13
listed. I’ll start there first. After all, it makes sense. Walking to the elevator and riding to the third floor, I keep my eyes straight ahead. The other guests give me a second glance before averting their gaze. I know I give off a dangerous vibe. And it’s something I like about myself. Without it, I wouldn’t be very good at my job.
Striding across the third floor, I reach room 311. I knock briskly, standing in front of the peephole so she will know it’s me. The room is silent for a few moments. Then the door swings open.
Diana asks, “What are you doing here?”
“I’ve come to talk to you,” I say, looking over my shoulder. “Can we discuss this in a more private area?” I gesture to the open hallway, indicating potential eavesdroppers.
“Oh, sure, Jake, whatever you need,” she says, polite as ever.
I wonder if she had been this polite to her abusive ex-husband. Closing the door behind me, she gestures to the little sitting area.
“Have a seat. What can I do for you?” she asks, waiting for me to choose a chair first.
“I want you to tell me what happened last night. While you were with the chief.”
“Oh, you heard about that?” she asks.
“I did,” I nod. “Charlie told me.”
“I see,” she says with a small frown. “Word gets out fast.” She sighs.
“Yes it does.”
“How did you find me here?” she asks, folding her hands on the table.
“It’s not very difficult to find you,” I shrug, leaning back in my chair.
“Come on, tell me! I’m booked under a different name. And I made sure that no one saw me arrive.”
“It just seemed like the most likely place to stash you,” I reply. “Now, as far as the room number and fake name…” I trail off. “Well, let me keep my secrets.”
I smile, leaning forward.
She automatically pulls back.
“I’m not going to hurt you, Diana,” I reassure.
She nods, “No, of course not. I apologize―”
“You don’t have to apologize to me all the time,” I interrupt. “So you were attacked at your home?”
“Yes, I was, along with the chief. He was shot.”
“Then what?” I ask.
“Then whoever it was got away. The chief and I went to the hospital and decided I should lay low for a little while,” she shrugs.
“And Holly?” I ask.
“I sent her out of town. She’s gonna go stay with my mother for a little while.”
“Why didn’t you go with her?” I ask.
“I can’t leave at a time like this with so much unsettled,” she shakes her head.
“Uh-huh. And what are you going to do when the killer comes here and you’re all alone in a hotel?” I ask, looking around the room.
“I don’t think he’s going to find me here.”.
“Oh, I disagree.” I see the coffee pot on the counter and remember I’ve been up for the last 16 hours.
“I’m glad to see you’re doing better,” she says, drawing my attention back to her. “Your vision came back okay?”
“Yeah. It did.” I reach up and rub my eyes gently. “It took a few days, but everything’s cleared, and I can drive.”
“Good,” she smiles. “I was a little worried.”
“I was too,” I admit, turning back to face her. “I’m still worried about you.”
“Oh, Jake, you don’t have to worry about me,” she smiles.
“I’m afraid I do and will continue to until everything is sorted out. Which could be a while,” I add with a small shrug.
“Yes. But I’m a patient woman,” she smiles. “I can hang out here for a little while.”
“I don’t think you’re safe here,” I say, facing her. “I don’t think you will be safe until whoever is after you is behind bars or dead.”
“Jake, the police are handling it,” she says, rising from the table and pacing back and forth.
“The police have no idea what they’re dealing with. How can they keep you safe if I was able to find you?’ I ask. “How can they keep you safe when they have no idea who they’re trying to hide you from? For all you know, it’s a person on the force.” I feel irritation rising within me.
“Oh, the police officers in this town are good men. They would never.”
“They do all the time,” I argue, rising and striding over to her.
“All the time?” she demands.
“Why do you think I’m so successful at my job?”
“Are you telling me that you bribe police officers?” she demands, her voice rising an octave.
“Yes,” I shrug casually.
“That’s a felony or a misdemeanor or something. All I know is, it’s