“I can pay the rest.”
“Excellent. That will be twelve hundred dollars.”
My mouth drops. “But the website said the rate is six hundred a night.”
“It usually is, but there’s an event at the hotel the next few days, and the rates are higher.” He eyes me. “Is that going to be a problem?”
“No. I just need to get my purse.”
He nods, sniffing the air. “We’ll wait.”
Closing the door, I lean against it for a moment. Twelve hundred dollars! That’s going to cut into my money stash a lot. If I don’t pay, then we’re going to be out on the streets until the bus station opens. My eyes water. I’ll just pay it and then be extra careful with the rest. Padding across the floor, I grab my purse. When I open the door, the man is in the middle of chastising Angela, who is crying again.
“Here.”
He looks appalled. “I can’t take your money. You will have to come to the front desk and check in as every other guest does. You’ll need identification, too.”
I bite the inside of my cheek. “My little sister and brother are asleep in there. Can I do it in the morning?”
“No.”
Angela chooses this moment to speak up. “I can stay with them while you go downstairs.”
I glare.Nowshe wants to play by the rules?
“Let me grab my wallet.”
Angela follows me into the room and whispers, “I’m so sorry. He saw you getting on the elevators and started asking questions. I was afraid I was going to lose my job.”
“I’m the one who should apologize! You were just doing me a huge favor when you didn’t have to.”
She gives me a weak smile. “Once you pay, everything will be okay.”
She sits in the chair by the window, scrolling on her phone. I’m not thrilled about leaving a stranger with my siblings, but I’ll only be gone for a few minutes. In the hallway, Mr. Prick leads the way to the elevator, never speaking. In the lobby, he takes me to an office, where he slides over a form for me to fill out.
“I need a copy of a government issued ID or passport.”
I slide my license and then fill out the paperwork. I thought most places like this were all electronic, but maybe I’m wrong. Maybe it’s part of the whole old-world vibe. I’m almost finished when the phone on the desk rings. The man answers the phone, nodding. His gaze goes to my license as he whispers into the receiver. The walls feel like they’re closing in on me. Did he just say my name or am I imagining things?
Finally, he ends the call and says, “I’m going to make a copy of this. I’ll be right back.”
It’s on the tip of my tongue to tell him I’ve changed my mind, but that might draw more attention. So, I wait, tapping my foot to let out the nervous energy coursing through me.
The door opens and Mr. Prick enters. But he’s not alone. A massive man stands behind him, arms crossed over his chest. And the thing I notice second? The tattoo on his hand. The Di Bello crest.
“Miss. Potts, I’m going to have to ask that you go quietly with this man.”
“Wh-who is he?”
“He works with the Di Bello Family. You have something that they want.”
I shake my head. “I have nothing. There’s been some kind of misunderstanding.”
“If that is the case, then I’m sure Mr. Di Bello will let you go as soon as you tell him.” His tone suggests that he doesn’t believe me.
Hot tears fill my eyes and there’s a sharp burning sensation in the back of my nose. I won’t cry. I won’t! My options zoom through my mind, all fleeing just as quickly. I could try to run, but the massive man blocking the doorway will probably stop me in my tracks. I could scream, but who will believe my word against a Di Bello? I could go, but there’s no telling what will happen if I do. The thing is, I know the Di Bello Family runs part of the city. If they want me, they’re going to get me. No matter what.
“What about my siblings?”