Jaden (Jaded #3)(24)

Then the back door opened. I slunk farther down behind the bush, hoping they couldn’t see me as one employee stepped outside and lit a cigarette. He leaned back against the wall, inhaling and seeming to savor the taste of it before letting it back out. I frowned. This could take a while, but then a name was called from inside the building.

“Aron.”

He opened the door and stuck his head inside. “Here?”

A woman dressed in a housekeeper’s uniform came to the door. She saw the cigarette and heavy disapproval flashed to her face. She shook her head, her hands resting on her hips. “What are you doing? Those things will kill you.”

“Yeah, yeah.” He took another drag before asking, “What do you need?”

She gestured inside, over her shoulder. “Security’s saying a door was left open by the west stairs. I’m supposed to send you over to check it out.”

He made an impatient sound. “What? Can’t they check the security cameras?”

“Glen said he was in the process of wiping the footage from yesterday. He messed up though and accidentally deleted the footage of today, too. He said to have you check it out, just post there and make sure no one’s trying to slip in.”

“Come on.” He held his cigarette up. “I’m taking a break.”

“Take a break over there, but no smoking.” She batted at his arm as he lifted it for another drag. “Too many people can see you over there. Too many big people are here today.”

He groaned, but snuffed out his cigarette and made a motion for the door. “Okay. Come on. I’m going. Move out of the way, woman.”

She shook her head again, her eyebrows bunching forward. “I know your mother. Watch your tone with me, or I’ll tell on you.”

“Yeah, yeah.” His tone was still smart, but it had softened. His head went down as he followed her inside.

This was my chance. Before the door could completely close, I dashed for it and stuck my hand inside, catching it before it completely closed. It slammed on my hand, and I realized how heavy these doors were made. They were designed to slam shut with force.

“What the—?”

He was coming back. I had to think quickly. Looking around, I grabbed his discarded cigarette and held it between the door. Pulling my hand out, at just the right moment, the guy came back and reached for the door. He pulled it shut the rest of the way, and this time it did shut. I heard from the other side, “Goddamn doors. This is the fourth time they haven’t shut, just this week.”

“Let’s go!” the woman called after him.

“I’m coming! Jeez, woman.”

I held my breath, standing frozen until I was sure they had gone far enough away where I could dare to try to sneak inside. I tried the handle. It was still locked, but I pulled at the door.

It swung open.

“Thank you, Mr. Cigarette Man,” I murmured under my breath and pulled out the cigarette. It had jammed the door so the lock hadn’t clicked into place, even though the door had shut all the way. Then I moved inside, but a thought struck me.

I pulled out my phone and sent a text to Denton. The back door can be opened. Can you have someone let this info ‘slip’ to a trusted media source? I need them inside the hotel for this showdown.

A second later, my phone buzzed. Done. Be safe. They almost caught Bryce opening a door. They’re on the lookout. The media has doubled outside the gate since we arrived.

Thanks. Then I moved forward, muttering to myself, “That’s exactly what I want to hear.”

CHAPTER NINE

I didn’t know where Corrigan had gone, and I wasn’t going to wait. I sent him a text. Inside. I’m heading for her room.

He replied instantly. Don’t. Wait.

No. Wherever you are, stay there. I’m going to get in trouble, but it’ll just be me then. Besides, you can be backup if I need help.

You’ll need help. Wait for me.

Bryce is with her. He’ll help.

Sheldon! Stop. I’m almost to your door.

Sit tight and wait it out. I’m going to head up and bring them to the lobby somehow. I’m not at the door. Already gone.

Sheldon.

I didn’t reply, and instead, headed farther down the back hallway. I was in the employee section. As I went past a room, I reversed and backtracked. It was a locker room. Slipping inside, I grabbed a housekeeper’s uniform. I felt a little ridiculous in the gray skirt and top with a black vest, but whatever it took to blend in. Then I started trying the lockers. The first three were locked, but the fourth sprung open and a nice, shiny, ID badge was inside. I snatched it up and clipped it so the picture was facing against me. If someone saw, they’d see the ID badge, and I hoped that was enough for them to keep moving. I didn’t want that extra attention, not until I got to where I needed to go anyway.

Once I got to the stairs, I sent Bryce a text. What room?

10th floor, room 1014. I’m inside already.

Should I knock to get in there? We didn’t plan this part.

I’ll stand next to the door and let you in. She’s here.

He didn’t mean Guadalupe. He meant the assistant, but I wanted both of them. I sent one last text, Good, and headed up. I bypassed the elevator and went up the stairs.

As I ascended each floor, memories came flooding back. First, hearing from an entertainment channel that there were rumors Bryce had been with her. That’d been a nice gut punch. Bryce hadn’t wanted to talk about it then.