Page 90

Story: Hide and Seek

Andy’s brows drew together. “And finally?”

Quinn hesitated. “Like I said, I believe someone in Safehaven is part of this smuggling ring. Who better to keep attention diverted from what’s really going on than a member of law enforcement?”

Andy blinked. “You think Chief Millard is part of a jewel-smuggling ring?”

“I think it’s a strong possibility.”

Andy was still wondering over that surely bizarre suggestion when the elevator arrived at their floor.

The doors opened. As they walked to their room, Andy continued to dissect Quinn’s theory. A lot of what Quinn said made sense, was maybe even logical. But somehow Andy couldn’t quite wrap his head around the notion of Chief Millard working with an international gang of jewel thieves. Not that Millard was such a terrific law-enforcement officer, but willingly taking part in a criminal enterprise seemed a stretch.

Especially since Millard didn’t seem like he’d make a terrific jewel smuggler either.

Then again, Andy was still coming to terms with the idea of Quinn working for the CIA, so what did he know?

Quinn unlocked the door to their room, then stepped back into the hallway, saying, “Why don’t you give your lawyer a call? I’m going to run a quick errand.”

“Run a quick errand?What does that mean?”

Quinn offered a funny half-smile. “It means if things go wrong tonight, I don’t want you showing up on any more surveillance cameras than necessary.”

If we’re caught red-handed, will it matter?But Andy had enough to worry about without debating Quinn’s (chivalrous?) precautions.

“I’ll see you in an about an hour,” Quinn said, and Andy nodded.

“Heck no, you’re not talking to the cops!” Ms. Lamb exclaimed when Andy phoned to update her on Chief Millard’s request for an audience. “They can talk to the hand.”

“The hand?”

“Me.I’mthe hand. If they have enough to arrest you, then they should arrest you. Otherwise—”

“I really don’t want to be arrested,” Andy interjected quickly. “Really. Truly.”

“I don’t think they’ll arrest you. I mean, it’spossiblebecause Millard is not the brightest candle on the birthday cake, but I don’t think so. You just sit tight and leave it to me.”

“Well, that’s the other thing I’m worried might agitate Chief Millard. I’m not actually in Safehaven right now.”

“Are you on the run?” Ms. Lamb sounded more interested than alarmed.

“What? No! I’m…following up on some store business for my uncle. I should be back tomorrow. I hope.”

“Okay. Don’t tell me where you are. But it would be a good idea to get your business taken care of ASAP. You’re definitely going to raise the alarm by leaving town. I’ll let the chief know you’re taking care of business for your uncle and plan to be back within the week.”

Andy thanked her, Ms. Lamb assured him that was what he was paying her for, and they ended the call.

Quinn was still not back yet, so Andy pulled the drapes, toed off his shoes, and lay down on the bed. He drew the spread up and closed his eyes. He was pretty sure he would not sleep, certainly not before Quinn returned…

He came awake to the spongey mattress remolding itself to accommodate Quinn, who hunkered down beside Andy beneath the comforter.

“How’d it go?” Andy mumbled. It seemed natural, familiar to reach out, and natural, familiar for Quinn to fall into his arms.

Quinn rested his head against Andy’s.

“It went okay.”

They breathed in quiet unison. Andy’s eyes were closed, but he felt Quinn’s smile against him.

“What?”