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“We do,” Danny said, her lips tight and eyes narrowed. “Colonel Jeffries returned earlier than previously reported from Germany.”
CHAPTER 13
Jacques turned to Remy. “I think it’s time to notify Hank’s contact with the Army CID and the local detective.”
Remy already had his cell phone out and Ruiz’s number selected. “Agent Ruiz, this is Remy Montagne with Hank Patterson’s Brotherhood Protectors.”
While Remy briefed Ruiz on what they’d learned, Danny laid a hand on Jacques’s arm. “I’d like to freshen up and maybe lie down for a while. We were up early.”
“I like that idea,” Caleb said. “It’s been a day of revelations. But if you don’t have dinner plans, I’d like to take you to one of my favorite restaurants. We can talk about the case and what you’ve been doing since the last time I saw you. What was it...a year ago? And then we only had a couple of hours together before I had to leave for Europe.”
“A quiet dinner with you sounds wonderful, and we don’t have to talk about the case,” Danny said, smiling. “I want to know what you’ve been doing with your life.”
“I’ll make a dinner reservation for seven,” Caleb said. “Meet in the lobby at six-thirty?”
“Sounds like a plan,” Danny said.
Remy ended the call with Ruiz. “Ruiz will contact local detective Collins. She wants eyes on Jeffries. We don’t have enough evidence to be one-hundred percent sure he’s our guy. Ruiz is also going to have someone follow Beaumont. He’s not in the clear, either. We also don’t know if Jeffries had an associate staying in one of the rooms. There are still too many threads hanging.”
Caleb shook his head. “Colonel Jeffries was selected for promotion to Brigadier General. I wouldn’t think he’d do anything to jeopardize his promotion.”
“Caleb, Anton and Beau will provide protection for you until we solve this case. Beau and I will check the layout of the hotel, the room reserved for your retirement ceremony and the entry and exit points. When you’re ready to go out to dinner, Beau will be your driver.”
Remy shared the team’s phone numbers with Caleb and Danny. “We’re your backup and protectors. We have your six. Call anytime.”
Caleb touched Danny’s arm. “I’m headed to my room. See you at six-thirty.”
“In the lobby at six-thirty,” she said with a nod.
Anton walked with Caleb, speaking quietly as they went.
Beau handed Jacques a key card. “You’re all checked in. You’re on the fifth floor, same as Danny’s brother. Remy and I have the rooms on either side of yours.”
“Thanks.” Jacques took the key, cupped Danny’s elbow and guided her toward the elevator.
On the fifth floor, they found their room. Jacques entered first. Once he gave her the all-clear, Danny stepped across the threshold and closed the door behind her.
She should have been relieved to see two queen-sized beds, but she wasn’t. One bed and no sofa would have been perfect.
Their bags had been delivered and stood against the wall.
Danny kicked off her shoes, shrugged out of her jacket and sat on the edge of the bed.
“Why don’t you close your eyes for a bit?” Jacques said. “I’ll wake you with enough time to get ready.”
Danny stretched out on one of the beds and closed her eyes. Sleep was far from her mind. Jacques consumed her thoughts.
For so long, she’d shrunk from a man’s touch. Now, she ached for it.
“Jacques?” she spoke without opening her eyes.
“Yes?”
“I’ve taken care of myself for so long, it’s hard to... And I know it’s not part of your job and you don’t have to, if you don’t want to. I’ll understand if you say no. It’s just that, after all that’s happened...” She opened her eyes, wanting to kick herself for rambling. “What I’m trying to say, but I’m not doing a good job of, is...”
He cocked an eyebrow, and his lips twitched at the corners, which didn't help at all. “I’m listening.”
“Damn it, I want you to lie down,” she blurted.
