Page 15 of Wrecked
Cooper flashed a smile. “I know that.” He regarded Addison. “Get it done.” He hurried toward the boardwalk.
“I’ve got an idea,” Hawk murmured to Addison. “You ready to hear it?”
“Been ready,” she replied.
* * *
They entered the Harbor House, the hotel lobby swarming with activity. Guests spoke with clerks at the front desk, while a short line waited for assistance. There were people milling around, some in groups. Others stood alone, their attention directed at their phones. Most of the sofas were taken, but Hawk found an empty chair.
He sat, flipped open his laptop, and got to work.
Addison walked around the lobby, her focus sweeping from person to person to person. While the shooter worked alone, she wasn’t going to rule out an accomplice. She was looking for a man in a disguise, a man who blended in, a man who didn’t want to draw attention to himself.
She made a slow pass around the lobby, but no one caught her eye. She returned to Hawk.
“I’m in,” he said.
“Nice,” she replied. “Now, I need a keycard.”
“You’re Jane Calley, room 404,” he said. “You lost your keycard. As soon as you get a replacement, I can recode it.”
“Got it.” She stood in line.
A short moment later, one of the clerks motioned for her. “I can help you.”
“Hi, I’m in room 404 and I lost my keycard.”
The clerk started typing. “What’s your name?”
“Jane Calley.”
“Can I see your ID?”
Busted.
“It’s in the room.” Addison smiled, but not too big.
The clerk stopped typing. “I’m sorry, but I can’t give you a keycard without ID. We’ve had some issues with break-ins.”
Hawk was by her side. “What’s wrong, babe?”
The clerk’s gaze stilled on Hawk.
Here we go.Addison bit back a smile. He was about to charm the clerk into giving him a keycard.
“My IDs in our room,” Addison said to him.
“Damn,” Hawk replied, “So’s mine.” He flashed the clerk a smile. “How ‘bout I wait down here while my wife runs upstairs and grabs her ID?”
“I’m not supposed to,” whispered the clerk.
“Help us out,” Hawk said.
“I’ve got to run to the Ladies’ room,” Addison said. “Be right back.” She beelined toward the end of the counter where someone had just dropped off a card. She snatched it up, shoved it into her duster pocket, and returned to find the clerk giggling.
The clerk handed Hawk a keycard. “You’re so funny, Mr. Calley.”
“I’ll mention you in my review,” Hawk said. “Thanks for your help.”
