“Where did you get this?” He motioned with his hand, indicating her wig and clothes.
She smiled at him and sashayed toward him. “Anything will be hand delivered if you have enough money. I do, but I don’t think we can buy off the rack for you.”
He snorted. His minimal wardrobe was specially ordered from big and tall catalogs. Mrs. Henshaw had hand-tailored the suit he currently wore. He missed that woman. She was more of a mother to him than his own had ever been.
“Bathroom’s through there. Oh, could you bring the televisions out before you shower?”
He stopped short and turned toward her. “Why are the televisions in the bathroom?”
“They’re smart TVs that can be used to watch and listen to people if the right computer hacker is working the keyboard. I didn’t have my scanner, so I needed to be sure my conversation with Guardian wasn’t monitored.”
“Scanner?”
“Yep. It looks like a lady's shaver, pink case and all. I checked it in my bags.” Val lifted the menu again. “Steak?”
He blinked as he digested the information she’d just delivered. She looked at him expectantly, and he confirmed, “Yes. Steak.”
She picked up the phone as he went into the bathroom. He’d never spent the money to have a smart TV, and now, he was glad he hadn’t. The used television he got from the pawn shop worked for him. He moved the flat-screen televisions, which weren’t heavy at all, placing them back where the cabling was located in the bedroom and the living room before turning on the shower and finding the largest robe the hotel had provided. He looked at the white cotton and lifted an eyebrow. There was no way it would fit him. He slid one arm in and then the other. The robe cinched his arms back at the elbows. He couldn’t even shrug it onto his biceps, let alone his shoulders. Regardless, he still ached for a shower. He’d wear his t-shirt and slacks again. He took off his clothes and laid them neatly over a bar beside the side of the shower. What he needed was the white noise of the fall of water to allow him to think.
6
Val put the phone in its cradle and sat on the large leather couch. The sound of water falling in the bathroom gave her immense satisfaction. Thank God Smith had decided to stay. She’d have booked him the first flight back to New York if he’d wanted to leave. Hell, she should probably still offer him the opportunity. God only knew what would come of the situation in the Hague. Although she hadn’t been called in to help with operations, she knew the others had, on occasion, helped with a team’s mission. She knew why she hadn’t been asked to help, and it didn’t bother her. Her expertise was more finesse than banging down doors, although she could take down a man the size of Smith if she had to.
Her cell phone vibrated on the arm of the couch, and Harbinger’s number flashed. She answered it on the second ring. “Did you forget something?”
“No. I’ve done some surveillance on the hotel. It doesn’t look like he was followed. Is he registered as a guest?”
“No. Do you think I’m an idiot?”
“Well, you are a natural blonde.” Harbinger laughed.
“Ass. Thanks for the all-clear.” She smiled as she talked on the phone.
“You’d do it for me.”
“True. Why are you in London?”
“I like the weather.” Harbinger laughed again.
“Nobody likes the weather in London.” She shook her head. “Not my business, I get it.”
“Hey, Val, that guy Smith. He’s pretty intense. You sure you’re not messing with fire?” Harbinger’s brotherly side came out big time with those words.
“I like to play with fire. Phoenix isn’t the only one allowed to do so.” She wouldn’t let Harbinger know what she was up to any more than he would tell her what he was doing. It was best to keep everyone at arm’s length.
“He took good care of Mrs. Henshaw, Val. Don’t use him and throw him away.”
She stilled at his words. “Ouch.” The whisper conveyed more than just the word.
“You know I love you, Val. This guy has paid for his past mistakes.”
Val listened to the fall of the water. “He’s different, H. He reminds me of someone I used to know.”
There was no sound except for the sound of water for a long minute. “Your husband is gone. You won’t be able to find him again.” H’s words were soft.
“I know. I’m not trying to do that.” She got why H was warning her not to hurt Smith. She had a tendency to disappear when emotions became involved. No one was allowed to get close, yet Smith knew more about her than anyone. It was different. She’d opened the gates and found a safe place to play for a while. She’d already explained that to Smith. He could leave with no strings, no heartache, no harm, no foul. When it was done, it was done. No one would get hurt except her. Smith was special. She didn’t lie on that count.
“Be good to yourself and stay safe,” H finally said.