Part 247 (2/2)

have things wrapped by around seven. Why don't we take a drive up the

coast? You and me and Conroy.”

”I'd like that.” When he stood she reached out a hand for his. The

contact was fleeting. Then she turned and looked back out to sea.

DREW ARRIVED AT THE BEVERLY WILs.h.i.+RE just after three. It was the first

hotel he checked. It both pleased and disgusted him that Emma was so

predictable. It was the Connaught in London, the Ritz in Paris, Little

Dix Bay in the Virgin Islands, and always the Wils.h.i.+re in L.A. He

strolled in, an easy, personable smile on his face. He knew his luck

was in when the desk clerk was young, female, and attractive. ”Hi.” He

flashed the smile at her and watched her polite expression turn to

recognition, then delight.

”Good afternoon, Mr. Latimer.”

He put a hand over hers, and lifted the other to place a finger to his

lips. ”Let's keep that between us, shall we? I'm joining my wife here,

but I'm afraid I've been careless and forgotten what room she's taken.”

”Mrs. Latimer's staying with us?” The clerk lifted a brow.

”Yes, I had some business to take care of before I joined her. You'll

find her for me, won't you?”

”Of course.” Her fingers skipped over the keyboard. ”I have no Latimer

registered.”

”No? Perhaps she checked in under McAvoy.” He held back his impatience

while the computer clicked.

”I'm sorry, Mr. Latimer, we have no McAvoys.”

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