Dead Roots by Nancy J. Cohen

Author:Nancy J. Cohen
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: ereads.com
Published: 2005-05-04T21:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

“Have you seen my floss?” Vail said later that morning, when they were back in their room. He shuffled through his toiletries in the lavatory. “I thought I put it next to the toothpaste.”

“You can use mine.” After a refreshing shower, she’d donned a rust-colored short-sleeved sweater and a pair of khakis. Standing in front of the dresser mirror, she brushed her hair.

Just after she put the brush down, the hotel room door burst open. Startled, she glanced up but saw no one in the doorway.

“Who’s there?” Vail called.

“I don’t see anyone.” Striding over, she peaked out. The corridor was empty. Strains of theme music from The Twilight Zone sifted through her mind. “I could have sworn I’d locked it when we came in,” she said, shutting the door.

“Must be your spooks again,” Vail said in a jovial tone.

“That’s not funny.” Had she left the door ajar, or did a breeze kick it open? “Look, what’s our plan?” she asked, disregarding the ethereal possibilities.

He emerged from the bathroom with a towel around his neck. “I’ll talk to Butler. You can corner the groundskeeper. We’ll ask them both about the thirteenth floor, and if they know anything about the legal terms of sale. Butler may have a set of blueprints for the hotel. We’ll meet back here afterward to explore Andrew’s suite.”

“We should see where the rest of the passages lead. Did you get your flashlight from the car?”

“Right there.” He pointed to the dresser.

“I want to find Harvey Lyle,” Marla said. “According to Wanda, the steward picked her up at the airport last night. I’d like to confirm her time of arrival. And I still haven’t finished asking Ma questions.”

“Wouldn’t Anita tell you if she knew something important?”

“She may need her memory refreshed. If I bring her to the twelfth floor, where she grew up, it might ring some bells. I have a feeling my family history is involved in whatever’s going on around here. For all we know, we might be sitting on a mountain of wealth, either through Andrew’s legacy or Ruth’s disposition of the property. Will you be able to check the town records today if city offices are open?”

“For you, I’d do anything.” He gave her a slow, sexy grin. “It’s a long time until lunch. Wanna kill a few hours?”

“Don’t get ideas,” she retorted, even while her body responded against her will. “If we get sidetracked, it’ll be dinnertime before we accomplish anything.”

“Is that so bad?” He sauntered closer, his eyes gleaming.

She held up a hand. “Whoa, boy. Save it for later.”

After he left, Marla phoned her mother’s room. When no one responded, she decided to track down Anita later.

Heading outside, she aimed toward the grounds-keeper’s cottage. A troop of laborers clomped by, carrying paint buckets, brushes, and other equipment. They all had a similar look, with their olive green overalls and swarthy complexions. She halted to watch them, wondering where they came from. No labor shortage here, even on holidays. When one man carrying a clipboard scowled at her, Marla hastened on her way.

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