Chapter Three
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Alex didn’t bother informing the manager what he’d returned to. Back in Boston, he would’ve had the place fingerprinted. Here, he didn’t think it would matter if they had a name or picture of the person responsible. It was every man for himself in Tabiq.
He still couldn’t believe the person was able to get in and out that quickly. Bennett must’ve been five minutes behind him and swore he passed no one. Alex wracked his brain, trying to recall seeing anyone in the lobby or the hall. Nothing came to mind. That could only mean one thing. The culprit had a room on the same floor as he did.
Alex needed to know who Ziva was. Why had she followed him? Given she was a local, why would she take him up on his offer to stay in the hotel? Surely she had a home somewhere. Why follow me? That room would be perfect for monitoring his coming and goings. But why would she care? Against Bennett’s instructions, Alex went to her room and knocked on the door.
No one answered. He knocked again, harder this time and called out, “Ziva, it’s Alex.” He heard the turn of the lock. When she opened it, he noticed the chain remained on the door so it only opened a few inches.
“Good morning.”
Not really.“Good morning.” He had intended to ask her if she’d seen or heard anything out of the ordinary last night. But, was Ziva hiding something? For all Alex knew, it could easily be a boyfriend. Whatever it was, he needed to know. “Do you think I can come in? I have something I’d like to discuss with you.”
He could see the concern in her eyes. What did she think he was going to do to her? Surely she’d seen his concern for her yesterday, and how he’d—
Oh.
Of course.
I’m a Henderson.
I wouldn’t open the door to me either.That wasn’t going to stop him from pushing it further.
“Ziva, I have a key. I could’ve entered anytime if I wanted to harm you.” Concern quickly became panic in her eyes. Alex knew his choice of words were stupid at best.
“Is that some kind of threat?” Ziva asked firmly, but Alex could hear her voice crack slightly.
He didn’t enjoy manipulating her, but he had to do whatever necessary to get inside her room. If she wouldn’t do it willingly, he’d kick the damn door down. She was hiding something. Either she was working with the guy who broke in yesterday, or she’d seen who it was. Either way, Alex wanted answers.
He shouldn’t be standing there, wasting time on this. If they’d have gotten the weapons, it would be something to take seriously, but this was more about his ego, and he knew it. Someone ransacking his room was chump change compared to the big fish they were going after.
Knowing that didn’t change how he felt. When his eyes met hers, he could see she was hiding something or someone. That irked him. At that moment, he didn’t care about anything other than getting into her room.
Finally, Ziva closed the door, and he heard the chain unlatch. When the door opened again, she allowed him in. With her hand on the knob, she gestured for him to enter, but the look on her face said she was doing so reluctantly. Because I’m a man or because I’m a Henderson?
Once inside, he scanned the room. It didn’t look like she’d been there, never mind having anyone with her. The bed was pristinely made, and nothing at all showed occupancy.
“Are you alone?”
Her eyebrows rose. “Does it look like anyone else is here?”
Alex looked around again, knowing damn well there wasn’t anyone else. “I had an issue with my room. Did you hear or see anyone?”
Although he didn’t make it obvious, he was studying her body language as she replied. She instantly crossed her arms and averted her eyes. “I didn’t hear anything last night. I’m a deep sleeper.”
I don’t remember saying it was during the night. So what did you hear?He walked to stand directly in front of her. She practically dropped her chin to her chest. Reaching out, he placed one finger under her chin and tipped her head so she faced him. “Nothing at all?” Alex asked softly.
Ziva closed her eyes before saying, “Your door may have opened a few times. But I didn’t see anything. I was in... asleep early.”
And the story changes. Heard nothing, now saw nothing. I wish it weren’t true, but you, my dear Ziva, are a liar. A bad liar. Who are you lying for?
Dropping his hand, he said, “That’s a shame. Something very valuable to me was taken out of that room. When I find the person responsible, they will wish they were dead.”
Her eyes widened, and he watched as she swallowed hard. “I... I hope you recover your belongings.”
Alex expected her to say he should’ve stored them away in the hotel safe with the manager instead of leaving them unprotected in his room. Or even where he was when whatever was taken. Yet, Ziva didn’t ask any questions. That’s because you already know the answer.