Page 149 of Noel Secrets

Her voice was hollow with sorrow. “I can’t believe this. How can people be so cruel?”

“Money is a big motivator. I’m stopping by the police department and then I’ll be back at the hotel. Everything okay there?”

“Yes, we’re fine. Hercules is guarding the bed with his body, making sure it doesn’t run away.”

He chuckled at her teasing tone but knew the dog would attack if someone tried to get to her. “I’ll let you know once I’m on my way.”

He ended the call then climbed back into his pickup to head to the Sheraton police department. He sighed, realizing he had to eat crow, now that he knew Chief Dean wasn’t involved. He would gladly do so if it meant Darby was safe.

Darby awoke from a nap to find it was dark outside. She checked her phone for messages and saw one from Clay.

Still at the police station. They’ve issued a BOLO for both Brent and Rushton.

She sighed, glad that this might finally be ending. She couldn’t think about the anger she felt at the moment.

Instead, she grabbed the leash and called Hercules. He had to be walked, and then she needed food. She pulled the remainder of Mrs. Buford’s casserole dish from the mini-fridge and put it in the microwave to warm as she walked the dog.

Hercules did his business quickly and they were heading back to her room when she spotted someone by her door.

Brent. She tensed.

What was he doing here when Clay and the police were looking for him? She reached for her phone to call Clay, only to realize she’d left it inside her hotel room, along with her car keys. Uncertain what to do, she was about to turn and head to the office when he spotted her.

“Darby!” he called, rushing to her.

She turned back and made a beeline past him toward her hotel room. If she could get inside, she could call for help. “Get away from me, Brent.”

Darby reached her door, her hand shaking as she pushed her keycard into it. The door opened and she tried to rush in, but he was quicker. He shoved his foot into the door so it wouldn’t close behind her.

“Darby, you have to listen to me.” When he reached through the gap in the door and grabbed her arm, Hercules went on the defensive, growling and showing his teeth. He was ready to pounce and she should let him. Slam and lock the door against Brent’s entrance. Call Clay for help and have Brent picked up.

“Hercules, settle,” she commanded instead. The dog eased to the ground but remained on guard.

Brent relaxed and stepped inside, closing the door behind him. “Thank you.”

“How did you find me, Brent?”

“I have a friend who works at the rental agency. He gave me the GPS coordinates on the car.”

Indignation filled her that he’d done that. “I can’t believe they gave you that information.”

“I am your husband, Darby. Besides, you know how convincing I can be.”

“Ex-husband,” she reminded him. Only, it was true that he could be very charming when he wanted to. It made his manipulations all the easier.

“What do you want?”

“The police are looking for me.”

“I know. You’re not hiding out here.”

“No, that’s not why I’m here.”

She crossed her arms, bracing herself for yet another manipulation. “What do you want from me, Brent?”

“I want you to know that I never meant for this to happen, Darby.”

“You took money from my uncle. You and he are planning to kill me to get it.”