Mayes, Casey - A Deadly Row

I wasn’t sure what he was expecting, but the hug I gave him was clearly a surprise. I thought Garrett, as cool and calm as he’d been with me before, looked as though he was going to pass out.

“Barton, thank you for everything. I’ve never felt so pampered in my life.”

When I pulled away, I saw that he was smiling. “It’s my pleasure.” The hotel owner turned to his employee and added, “You may go.”

“Of course, sir,” Garrett said. As he walked to the elevator, I saw him turn back slightly and look at me with an expression of complete awe.

“Won’t you come in?” I asked, moving aside so he could step into his suite. The place was immaculate, except for the pad and pencil still on the couch. He took it in instantly.

“Forgive me. I’ve disrupted your work.”

“I haven’t even gotten started yet,” I admitted, “so you’re not disturbing anything. Can I get you anything?”

I suddenly realized how insane the offer was, since he had everything at the hotel at his disposal.

“No, I’m fine, but thank you for offering. I trust the accommodations have been suitable.”

“They’ve been more than that,” I replied.

“Good.” He frowned as he stared at his feet, then said, “Let me get to the point. I need a favor from you.”

“Anything,” I said, and I meant it. The man had spared no expense making us comfortable, and if there was a favor I could grant him, I would do it gladly.

“I’m afraid it’s a lot to ask, but I was wondering if you would help me go through Cindy’s things. The poor girl had no one else in the world but me, and I find that I can’t bear to do it alone. After our conversation the other day, I felt I had found a kindred spirit in you.” The poor man looked as though he was about to cry. “I know it’s a great deal to ask, but there’s no one else I could approach.”

It was humbling to know that this multi-millionaire had no one but me to aid him in doing such an uncomfortable task. “I’m glad to help, but isn’t there someone on your staff you could have do it?” I couldn’t imagine how many employees he had at this hotel alone, and I knew it was just one of his many holdings.

“I’m sure there are countless people I could pay to perform this service for me, but this is personal, and I’m afraid I’ve been rather remiss in allowing anyone into my life. I know it’s too much to ask. Forgive me.”

He started to leave, and without realizing what I was doing, I reached out and grabbed his arm. Barton was clearly surprised by it, but I couldn’t exactly take it back. “I’d be honored to help you.”

“Honestly?” There was a sliver of hope in his eyes as he looked at me.

“Just let me call my husband first.”

He nodded. “I have a few calls to make myself. Meet me downstairs when you’re finished, and I’ll have a car take us there.”

“I’d be glad to drive,” I said.

That got a smile. “Thank you, but that won’t be necessary.”

“I’ll just be a minute.”

He turned to go, and then hesitated. “Thank you, Savannah.”

“That’s what friends are for. No thanks are necessary.”

I called Zach the second the door closed.

“Stone,” he said when he answered, his voice sounding like the cop he used to be.

“You’re not going to believe what just happened,” I said.

“Are you still in Hickory?”

“No, I’m back in Charlotte.”

“How was Tom? Is he all right?”

“He says he is, and I believe him. Zachary, would you let me talk?”

“Sorry. Go ahead.”

“Barton Lane asked me for a favor, and I’m going to do it.”

That got the silence I’d been looking for. “Well? You don’t have any problem with that, do you?”

“What kind of favor are we talking about here?” he asked.

“He wants me to help him clean out Cindy Glass’s apartment.”

“Savannah, that’s not funny. I’m beat, and I’m not in the mood for one of your jokes.”

“Zach, he just left our hotel suite, and now he’s waiting downstairs for me in the lobby.”

“Are you serious? He really asked you for help? Can’t he get one of his minions to do it?”

“This is personal,” I said.

“Why you? Surely he’s known more folks a lot longer, and better.”

“I don’t think he has,” I admitted. “Is there a problem with us doing it?”

“No, it’s been released as a crime scene. I was there this morning, and I didn’t see anything of value to the investigation.”

“You didn’t tell me. You aren’t holding out on me, are you?”

“We haven’t talked since this morning, Savannah.”

“Okay, you’re forgiven. So, is it okay?”

“It’s fine with me, but it’s a little surreal having someone with that much money asking you for a favor, don’t you think?”

I stared out the window before I replied. “I’m trying not to think about how much money and power he has. Barton is someone who needs my help, and I’m going to give it. And, you never know, I may find something that you all missed.”

Zach’s voice lowered, and I knew he meant business. “Savannah, you’ve helped me in the past, and we both know it. There’s something about the way your mind works that allows you to reach conclusions that I can’t see. You’ve got a gift. Just be careful. Call me when you get back to the hotel,” he said.

“I will, but I have no idea how late it will be. You might beat me back here.”

“I wouldn’t count on it. I’m pushing myself through the last of these files tonight so I can actually start detecting. I’m afraid that it’s going to be a long night.”

“For both of us,” I said. “Love you.”

“Love you, too,” he said as he hung up.

At least I was ready for cleaning, since I was wearing my typical outfit of blue jeans and a T-shirt. That was one thing I loved about my job; there was no dress code.

I FOUND GARRETT WAITING FOR ME DOWNSTAIRS WHEN Ientered the lobby. “If you’ll come with me,” he said.

“Sure thing.”

He wanted to say something else to me as we walked to the front of the building, it was clear in his eyes, but he held back. The poor man looked tortured, so I finally asked him, “Is there something on your mind?”

The manager stopped and looked at me. “I know it’s not my place, but I hope you’ll be gentle with him. He’s a good man in some serious pain right now.”

It was clear Garrett cared about his boss. “I’m doing all that I can to help him.”

“We all know that, and we’re most grateful,” he said.

We started walking toward the front door again. Parked outside was a shiny black limousine. I hadn’t been in one since my wedding day, and I honestly hadn’t expected to be in one again. The driver was standing by the door, and he opened it the second I approached. Garrett bowed toward me as I got in, and I winked at him. Barton appeared to be in a deep conversation on the phone with someone, and as we started to drive off, he hung up.

“What was that about?” he asked.

“What do you mean?”

“I saw the way Garrett bowed to you. That’s out of character for him.”

How had the man caught such a subtle move out of the corner of his eye while he was on the telephone with someone else? He had to have greater powers of focus and concentration than most people did. Maybe that was one of the sources of his ability to acquire wealth.

“Your employees care about you,” I said. “It should make you feel good.”

“I hardly know the man, and he’s my only contact there,” Barton said.

“They know you’re a good boss, and it’s pretty clear you’re hurting over your loss.”

Barton looked genuinely surprised by that. “Am I that transparent? I thought I hid my grief better than that.”