Maybe it really was a gift after all.
Chapter Twenty-Four
I napped the whole way back to Las Vegas.
I woke up an hour after we got into the helicopter with my head on Leo’s shoulder, my headset knocked askew, and my mouth hanging open in a very ladylike manner.
“Welcome back, Sleeping Beauty.” He didn’t push me off, so I felt the rumble of his laughter in my jaw. “That was quite a display.”
“That. Was. Amazing.” Sawyer, seeing I was awake, shuffled to the edge of her seat and looked like she was desperate to say a thousand more things. “Like, you didn’t explode. You didn’t die.”
“Didn’t I?” I pushed myself off Leo, and my body absolutely screamed in protest. I winced, unable to pretend I wasn’t in total agony. The nap had helped me get back a little energy, but I wouldn’t be running a marathon any time soon.
My stomach growled so loudly I could hear it even with my headphones on. I’m such a lady.
The helicopter had just landed, and the pilot got out to open our door for us. Teddy exited first, ducking to avoid the rotating blades as they slowed. He offered me a hand to help me, and I actually took it.
I hadn’t bothered changing out of the gown I’d been given, partly because trying to get my jeans back on in a car sounded like way too much effort, and also because I was hoping if I kept the dress on, they would let me keep it. Since no one had said anything yet about me needing to return it, I was guessing it might be my reward for a job well done.
Not that I’d have anywhere to wear it ever again, but it was so beautiful I couldn’t imagine having to give it back. I’d hang it up in my apartment like art. Once, I wore this, and I felt like the most special woman alive.
I doubted I’d have another night in my life quite like this one. The reminder would be nice during those days I got really glum about my job.
A town car was waiting for us on the tarmac. Teddy was evidently well connected and very prepared. My initial distaste for him had petered off some. We weren’t going to be besties, but we’d reached a peace. We’d both had jobs to do, and like Leo had suggested, we had stayed out of each other’s way.
It had all worked out.
And, I reminded myself with a breath of relief, no sign of our serial killer. Perhaps he had been there, mingling with the crowd, but there hadn’t been an opportunity for him to attack. How does a mere mortal face off against someone wielding the power of a god?
They don’t.
So, I’d won. At least for tonight. If he’d been there or watching from elsewhere, he had to know I wasn’t going to let him walk up and kill me. If he wanted me dead, it wasn’t going to be as easy as offing a child.
I’d fight him.
I’d win.
I wasn’t stupid enough to believe he was gone forever. The guy was clearly unhinged, and there was still a full week of public events ahead of us featuring other clerics who weren’t as capable of defending themselves.
No, I’d see him yet. I felt absolutely certain of that. This was going to end with someone dead. I was just hoping it was him and not someone I cared about.
We got back to the hotel without much fanfare, though my dress did get a few second glances as we walked through the lobby.
Leo headed upstairs with Sawyer. I marched up to the concierge desk, my limbs still feeling wobbly, but I managed to project an air of confidence and surefootedness. Easier to do while standing still.
“I’m going to need some food delivered. Not room service.”
He didn’t bat an eyelash. I doubted this was the strangest request he’d ever had. “Of course, miss. What can I arrange for you?”
“Chinese food.”
He nodded. “Do you have a restaurant preference?”
“No, whatever you think is best. Loaded with MSG, though. Nothing frilly or organic or whatever. One of those off-the-Strip places that’s probably been in the same family for three generations. Sweet and sour sauce so thick you could caulk a window with it. That sort of place.”
This made him smile as he jotted down caulk a window. “I know just the place. What would you like?”
“One of everything on the menu.”