Page 47 of Glow

“Why would someone break in and not take anything?” he mused. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad they didn’t rob me blind. But what did they hope to find?”

“You,” Quinn guessed. “Unless there’s something you have in your car or in your pockets that would be worth the risk.”

Dan frowned. “Just my wallet and car keys. I’m wearing the pendants that Amy gave me, but I can’t imagine those being what the thief was after.”

Armel walked up to them. “We got a couple of prints from around the doorknob, and we’ll run them through the system, but I’m doubting they’re from the intruder. We’ll also check the hotel’s security cameras to see if they caught anything. The security here is somewhat antiquated, but it’s worth looking. Since the person who did this seemed to know what they were doing, they probably didn’t show themselves or leave their fingerprints, but sometimes thieves get sloppy. I’ll let you know when we have results.” He paused. “I’d suggest not staying here, at least for a few days. Just in case.”

“He’s coming home with me,” Quinn said. “Safety in numbers.”

Armel nodded. “Good. I’ll give you a report and talk with the hotel manager. Remind them again it’s time to change these locks. Who knows, maybe they’ll give you a discount.” He glanced toward the hallway ceiling. “I don’t see any security cameras here, but we can also check the traffic cams and maybe pick up a lead.”

“Do you think this has anything to do with the bounty hunter?” Dan asked.

Armel shrugged. “Maybe, but we don’t know enough details to say for sure. It’s one hell of a coincidence, so stay on the safe side by assuming it is until we can rule that out.”

To Quinn’s relief, Armel volunteered to leave the officer with them while Dan threw his clothing into a suitcase and gathered the rest of his things, most of which still hadn’t been unpacked.

The deputy kept watch while they got a luggage cart and took loads down to Quinn’s truck, which made both Quinn and Dan feel safer. If the would-be thief was staking out the hotel, Quinn didn’t want to be surprised.

“That’s the last of things,” Dan said as they put the final bag into the truck. “Thank you for sticking around,” he told the officer.

“Sorry you had this happen,” the man replied. “Not a great welcome to Fox Hollow.”

“That’s okay.” Dan managed a wan smile. “I’ve got somewhere to go.”

The patrol car trailed them out of the parking lot, then turned in the opposite direction on the main road.

“I’m going to take a roundabout route, just in case.” Quinn meandered for fifteen minutes before finally going back to his house.

“Thank you.” Dan sounded less shaky, but Quinn’s heart went out to him.

They had just brought the last load of stuff up to Quinn’s cabin when Dan’s phone rang.

“Huh. It’s the hotel,” he told Quinn, and put the call on speakerphone.

“Dan Connor? I’m with the Fox Hollow Hotel, calling to see if you know why the sheriff and his deputy were in your room?”

“Because someone broke in,” Dan replied, regaining the timbre in his voice. “They opened an investigation. You’ll be getting a copy of their report. I believe the sheriff planned on speaking with the manager.”

“Oh, dear,” the man said. “Was anything taken? Are you okay?”

“I’m okay, and so far, I haven’t noticed anything missing,” Dan replied, “but there was some scratching on the doorknob where the thief picked the lock.” He paused. “Are there security cameras that record the building entrance or that hallway? We didn’t see any, but the police will want footage if they exist.”

“Nothing in the hallway itself, but there are parking lot cameras that also pick up the building doorways,” the man told him. “I’ll let security know that the sheriff’s office is likely to inquire.”

“Thanks,” Dan said, and while his tone remained civil, the stormy expression made his mood clear to Quinn.

“It’s an unfortunate situation,” the man continued. “We can offer you a discount on your room fee.”

“Actually, I won’t be returning,” Dan said. “I don’t feel safe there anymore.”

“There’s a penalty for breaking a multi-night reservation,” the man replied.

“Your hotel failed to keep my belongings and living space safe.” Dan’s voice became chilly. “If I had been in the room, I could have been hurt, maybe killed. When I took the room, the desk clerk said there was on-site security and nightly patrols, but that didn’t stop the break-in. I’ve already removed my things, and I don’t want to pay a penalty.”

“I’d need to consult my manager⁠—”

“Then I’ll have to post to the tourist social media pages about the break-in and on the local hotel ratings,” Dan replied. Quinn shot him a thumbs-up for pushing back.