Page 48 of Wild Temple

Brooke responded to the officers. "I'm not dressed. Can you give me a minute? What's this about?”

"We are looking for your neighbors. Have you seen them?”

"I'm sorry. No. I haven't. What did they do?"

"They're wanted fugitives, ma'am."

"Are they dangerous?”

"Extremely. If you see them, please call the police department immediately.”

"I will. Thank you.”

Brooke rushed into the bathroom, peeled out of her clothes, and wrapped a towel around her torso. She scooped water from the sink and lightly wet her hair.

I peered through the peephole. The officers stood there, waiting.

Brooke returned to the door and opened it, keeping the chain on.

I hid behind the door.

Brooke flashed that disarming smile. The towel was strategically placed to draw the eye to her lush valley of cleavage. “I don’t think I’ve seen my neighbors yet.”

The cop asked, “Are you staying here alone?”

“Yes.”

He looked her up and down for a moment. “Gunshots were reported not far from here. Two men were killed. Witnesses saw two men leave on a scooter.” He gave her a description of JD and me, but it was a little off.

“That’s scary. I’ll keep an eye out,” Brooke said. “But I don’t think that’s who’s staying next door.”

“I’m sure you’re safe, but call us if you see anyone suspicious.”

“I certainly will. Thank you.”

It dawned on me that Winslow at the consular agency had probably ratted us out. He was the only one who knew where we were staying. The dirtbag was on the take. This town was beyond corrupt.

The two officers exchanged a glance with each other, then stepped across the hall and knocked on the neighboring door. Brooke closed our door as the neighbor across the hall opened hers.

The cops went through the same drill. The woman said she hadn't seen us in a few days.

The officers continued knocking on doors, rousting sleepy-eyed nomads out of bed.

They finally wrapped up, sealed our old room with crime scene tape, then took off.

We had dodged a bullet for the time being, but it was definitely time for a venue change. It was a good thing I had rented the room and the bike under an assumed name.

Jack approached and muttered, "What the hell are we goingto do with Kelsey?" He nodded to the hazy girl. "She’s not exactly mobile at the moment.”

"Does somebody want to tell me what's going on?" Kelsey said.

I moved to her and took a seat on the edge of the bed. I flashed my badge and made introductions. I told her she'd been kidnapped and trafficked, which she was aware of. But the last several days were pretty much a drug-induced blur for her. She could only remember bits and pieces of the nightmare, and that was probably for the best.

"Who did you come to the island with?" I asked.

"My boyfriend.” She hesitated a moment. "How long have I been… missing?"

"I'm not sure. Maybe a week or so. Do you think your boyfriend is still in town?”