Page 5 of Rockstar Baby

“We always have room at The Hummingbird’s Nest.” Her voice was sober as she tapped her name tag. I’d not noticed it before.

And lookee there. It actually said that exact sentiment.

We always have room for you at The Hummingbird’s Nest. You’re not a friend, you’re family.

“I’m not even a friend, but I’ll take the goodwill. Let me go get that bag—”

“You haven’t finished checking in yet. I’ll send my assistant out to retrieve it for you.” She pressed a button on the phone. “Yo, Hamilton, we’ve got a live one.”

My eyebrows lifted. Was she truly having someone get my bag or would my rental car end up at the bottom of the lake, never to be found again?

Was this small town really like the one in the Richard Marx song? I was a bit west of the setting of that one, but there were crazies everywhere. Possibly ones with shiny blond curls and doe eyes.

A talk dark man in a business suit—at midnight?—came down the sweeping staircase a moment later. He said nothing to Sage, just cocked his head at me. “Vehicle make and model? And may I have the keys?”

“You say hello first.” Sage let out a long breath. “He’s not new here, but he acts it. Oliver Hamilton, this is…what’s your name?”

“Rory.”

“Last name?” When I hesitated, she tapped her keyboard pointedly. “Unless you’re checking in with an assumed name, I’ll find it out on your credit card. Unless you only have cash. Hmm. You don’t seem like the miscreant sort. Are you in trouble with the law?”

“Don’t mind my wife. She claims I’m the one with no manners, but sometimes she puts me to shame.” Oliver held out his hand and I gave him the keys.

“Blue Honda parked in front of the flagpole at the white house down the street. Bag is in the boot. Trunk,” I corrected automatically.

He nodded, moving in close for an instant as he passed me. “But if you touch a hair on her head while I’m occupied, I’ll use your own vehicle to end you.”

Two

I coughed into my fist.Weren’t small towns supposed to be welcoming? I was pretty sure implied death threats didn’t count as hospitality.

Oliver stepped back and smiled. “Have a pleasant evening. Enjoy your stay.” The door shut behind him.

“Payment method, please.”

I handed over my card. “Your husband seems nice,” I said carefully.

So did Ted Bundy.

“He isn’t. But he’s a good lover and a wonderful father and he’s easy on the eyes too. So, there’s that. A temporary additional deposit of one hundred dollars has been placed on the card and will come off assuming there is no damage to your room during your stay.”

“Okay.” I didn’t even know how much the room cost. It didn’t really matter. I’d pay anything to get out of here.

Perhaps that was the Hamilton policy. Make potential guests so uncomfortable, they’ll pay anything to escape the conversation.

I had to say it was working so far.

Oliver returned with my single bag just as Sage passed me my credit card.

“I’ll show you to your room,” he said ominously and I held up my hands before pointing at Sage.

“Her hair hasn’t moved. See?”

“Don’t mind him. He’s testy at being awakened this late.”

“Awakened? Does he sleep in a three-piece suit?”

“Only on special occasions.” Oliver nodded at the stairs and I followed him up.