03 The Escape by David Baldacci

Author:David Baldacci [Baldacci, David]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

After answering innumerable questions from the local cops and looking through mug books at the precinct and giving their official statements, Puller and Knox didn’t get back to their hotel until three in the morning.

“Did you get a chance to report in to your superiors?” he asked Knox as they rode up in the elevator.

She nodded. “You?”

“They weren’t happy. But it wasn’t like I asked somebody to try to kill us.”

She slipped off her heels before walking out of the elevator, leaning against the wall and rubbing one of her feet.

“Not exactly the night I had planned,” she said, sounding depressed.

“Wouldn’t think so.”

“Who do you think those guys were?”

“Same ones who jumped me at Leavenworth, maybe?”

“Did you recognize any of them?”

“The guys in Kansas wore ski masks.”

“So maybe they followed us across the country?”

“Maybe,” he said.

She looked up at him. “You tired?”

“Not particularly. Must be the adrenaline spike from almost getting killed.”

“The Ritz has round-the-clock room service. How about some wine and a snack? I’m suddenly starving.”

They headed to her room and she placed the order. It came twenty minutes later, and after the attendant left, Knox poured out the wine and handed Puller a plate with some crackers, breads, cheeses, fruit, and a small bowl of nuts. They sat across from each other at the little table the attendant had wheeled in.

“Someone really doesn’t want us to find out the truth, Puller,” she said between sips of wine and bites of cheese.

“That’s usual in my experience. A lot of people lie.”

“Do they try to kill you often, in your experience?”

“More than I would like,” he admitted.

They were quiet for a few moments.

“You’re a strange man,” she said in an odd tone.

He swallowed a hunk of cheese. “How so? I always thought I was pretty straightforward.”

“You’re a stand-up guy, all right. Solid, predictable, always looking to do the right thing. You don’t seek glory or medals. You’re all about getting the job done. That is what defines John Puller. I’ve come to accept that as the gospel.”

“So where does the strange part come in?”

“I’m still trying to figure that out. Just call it my gut for now.” She rose. “And now I think we both need some sleep.”

Puller stood and headed for the door. He turned back. “Back in the alley?”

“Yes?” she said.

“You’re a good shot. And fast.”

“I always have been, Puller. Always. That’s how I like to live my life. Fast.” She snatched a quick glance at the bed, and when she looked back she wouldn’t meet his gaze.

“We both need some sleep,” she said. “Big day tomorrow.” She glanced up and their gazes met for a brief instant. “Good night, Puller.”

He interpreted her look as hungry. And not for food. And he thought he might be giving her the same look in return.

She rose and went into the bathroom, closing the door.

Puller stood there for a few seconds trying to dissect what had just happened. Part of it seemed straightforward. Part of it was mud.

He returned to his room, took off his clothes, and dropped into bed.

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