Part 248 (1/2)

He wanted to grab the clerk by her slender throat and squeeze.

With an effort, he fixed a puzzled frown on his face. ”That's odd. I'm

almost sure I haven't mixed the hotels. Emma wouldn't stay anywhere but

the Wils.h.i.+re.” His mind jumped from possibility to possibility. Then he

smiled. ”Ah, of course. I don't know how I could be so addlebrained.

She stayed here with a friend for a bit, probably kept the room in her

name. You know how it is when you're trying to slip away for a few

days. Thy Marianne Carter. It's more than likely on the third floor.

Emma's twitchy about heights.”

”Yes, here it is. Suite 305.”

”That's a relief” Behind his smile, his teeth ground together. ”I'd

hate to think I'd lose my wife.” He waited for the key, struggling to

keep his breathing calm and steady. ”You've been a big help, luy.”

”My pleasure, Mr. Latimer.”

Oh no, he thought as he headed for the elevators, it was going to be his

pleasure. His great pleasure.

He wasn't disappointed that the suite was empty. In fact, he decided it

was that much better. From his bag, he took a small tape recorder and a

belt of rich, supple leather. He drew the drapes snug at the windows,

then lighting a cigarette, settled down to wait.

”KESSELRING.” A young detective opened the door of the interrogation

room where Michael and McCarthy were working in tandem to wear down a

suspect. ”You got a call.”

”I'm a little busy here, Drummond. Take a message.”

”Tried. She says it's an emergency.”

He started to swear, then thought it might be Emma. ”Try not to miss