“Sorry about that, but you can’t be too careful,” I said.
“Your prudence is admirable,” the man said. “Allow me to introduce myself in person. I’m Barton Lane.”
I wasn’t sure what he was expecting, but the hug I gave him was clearly a surprise. I thought Garrett, as cool and calm as he’d been with me before, looked as though he was going to pass out.
“Barton, thank you for everything. I’ve never felt so pampered in my life.”
When I pulled away, I saw that he was smiling. “It’s my pleasure.” The hotel owner turned to his employee and added, “You may go.”
“Of course, sir,” Garrett said. As he walked to the elevator, I saw him turn back slightly and look at me with an expression of complete awe.
“Won’t you come in?” I asked, moving aside so he could step into his suite. The place was immaculate, except for the pad and pencil still on the couch. He took it in instantly.
“Forgive me. I’ve disrupted your work.”
“I haven’t even gotten started yet,” I admitted, “so you’re not disturbing anything. Can I get you anything?”
I suddenly realized how insane the offer was, since he had everything at the hotel at his disposal.
“No, I’m fine, but thank you for offering. I trust the accommodations have been suitable.”
“They’ve been more than that,” I replied.
“Good.” He frowned as he stared at his feet, then said, “Let me get to the point. I need a favor from you.”
“Anything,” I said, and I meant it. The man had spared no expense making us comfortable, and if there was a favor I could grant him, I would do it gladly.
“I’m afraid it’s a lot to ask, but I was wondering if you would help me go through Cindy’s things. The poor girl had no one else in the world but me, and I find that I can’t bear to do it alone. After our conversation the other day, I felt I had found a kindred spirit in you.” The poor man looked as though he was about to cry. “I know it’s a great deal to ask, but there’s no one else I could approach.”
It was humbling to know that this multi-millionaire had no one but me to aid him in doing such an uncomfortable task. “I’m glad to help, but isn’t there someone on your staff you could have do it?” I couldn’t imagine how many employees he had at this hotel alone, and I knew it was just one of his many holdings.
“I’m sure there are countless people I could pay to perform this service for me, but this is personal, and I’m afraid I’ve been rather remiss in allowing anyone into my life. I know it’s too much to ask. Forgive me.”
He started to leave, and without realizing what I was doing, I reached out and grabbed his arm. Barton was clearly surprised by it, but I couldn’t exactly take it back. “I’d be honored to help you.”
“Honestly?” There was a sliver of hope in his eyes as he looked at me.
“Just let me call my husband first.”
He nodded. “I have a few calls to make myself. Meet me downstairs when you’re finished, and I’ll have a car take us there.”
“I’d be glad to drive,” I said.
That got a smile. “Thank you, but that won’t be necessary.”
“I’ll just be a minute.”
He turned to go, and then hesitated. “Thank you, Savannah.”
“That’s what friends are for. No thanks are necessary.”
I called Zach the second the door closed.
“Stone,” he said when he answered, his voice sounding like the cop he used to be.
“You’re not going to believe what just happened,” I said.
“Are you still in Hickory?”
“No, I’m back in Charlotte.”
“How was Tom? Is he all right?”
“He says he is, and I believe him. Zachary, would you let me talk?”
“Sorry. Go ahead.”
“Barton Lane asked me for a favor, and I’m going to do it.”
That got the silence I’d been looking for. “Well? You don’t have any problem with that, do you?”
“What kind of favor are we talking about here?” he asked.
“He wants me to help him clean out Cindy Glass’s apartment.”
“Savannah, that’s not funny. I’m beat, and I’m not in the mood for one of your jokes.”
“Zach, he just left our hotel suite, and now he’s waiting downstairs for me in the lobby.”
“Are you serious? He really asked you for help? Can’t he get one of his minions to do it?”
“This is personal,” I said.
“Why you? Surely he’s known more folks a lot longer, and better.”
