Total pages in book: 141
Estimated words: 129980 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 650(@200wpm)___ 520(@250wpm)___ 433(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 129980 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 650(@200wpm)___ 520(@250wpm)___ 433(@300wpm)
Billows’ scowl deepened. “Azelie, I’ve told you it isn’t a good idea for any of our customers to see you. We might not be open, but staff arrives and sometimes others come with them. If they like to play in the Adventure Club and you’re spotted without a protector, things could go wrong for you. Someone might stalk you.”
Maestro found it interesting that Billows appeared to be somewhat protective of her, yet he hadn’t visited her in the hospital when she’d been shot. She’d nearly died and was hospitalized and then in rehab for several weeks. If Billows did visit her, Code hadn’t found evidence of it, and Azelie had indicated that her boss hadn’t come to see her. There had been no protection from press or police.
He also thought it strange, if Billows was concerned for her, that he didn’t volunteer to bring her lunch or say he’d have something waiting at the club for her. He didn’t want her seen by customers. Was that for her protection? Or was the reason sinister? No one would recognize her if she disappeared.
“I can use the private entrance on the ground floor and come down to the offices. I’ll wear my hoodie and keep my face shielded,” Azelie offered. “Hopefully, no one will see me.”
Billows rubbed his jaw and then shook his head. “I’ll come get you around six. It’s much darker then.”
Maestro’s heart did a slow stutter. He didn’t want Azelie alone in the car with her boss. The man could take her anywhere. Make her disappear.
Azelie appeared to think it over, and then she was the one shaking her head. “Everyone knows you, Alan. They know your car. If you showed up at the club with a woman in a hoodie, even if they couldn’t see my face, you know everyone would be talking. Speculating. You can’t go anywhere without celebrity press taking photographs. I think that would bring too much attention to you—and me. I’m used to taking the bus, even in the evening.”
She sounded sincerely concerned about bringing undue attention to Billows. Maestro was a little in awe of Azelie’s acting skills. He would have to always watch her carefully. He never wanted to miss a single cue, which would clue him in on what she was thinking or how she was feeling.
He knew he was born with instincts, and he’d honed them into a superb skill set. That had been done for survival. When one needed to understand and read the enemy, or any potential enemy, it made a great incentive to work hard. He also had done psychological studies at an early age to better understand and manipulate his enemies. When he was a child, he hadn’t been able to spot those willing to betray him, but he sure as hell could now.
Her boss looked pleased. He should have been worried about Azelie going out at night, but instead, he focused on her statement, taking it to mean she was looking out for him. Maestro knew better. His very intelligent woman didn’t want any part of getting in a vehicle alone with Billows. Again, Maestro had to wonder how Billows didn’t pick up on that.
“I have tons of studying to do tonight, Alan, before I can go to bed.” Azelie stood and instantly Billows followed suit, allowing her to lead the way to the door. “I’ll see you tomorrow evening,” she added as she opened the door for him, stepping back to give him room to exit.
Billows nodded, looking pleased with the outcome. He sauntered down the walkway to his car. Azelie closed the door, which automatically locked, but she stood watching Billows until he entered his vehicle. Believing her safe, Maestro swiftly raced up the stairs and let himself back into her apartment. He quickly arranged the clothes and shoes by outfit. He hadn’t shown her the sexy underwear, but he placed the lingerie on the chair as well. The little boxes of jewelry were set beside the lingerie. He hoped she wouldn’t notice until he was gone.
When Azelie entered, he was seated, but he stood up. “How did it go?”
She shrugged. “I’m going to meet him after my classes. I get out at four or four-thirty and should have enough time to get home, eat something and change before I have to be there.”
“That makes for a long day. When is your lunch break at school?”
“One-thirty, but I don’t have time to pick anything up. I’ll take some crackers with me. I usually sit outside. The campus has quite a few trees and I enjoy feeling I’m surrounded by nature. I have a semiprivate spot I like to claim where I can just sit and relax before my next class.”
“How will you get to the club?”
“I use the bus system all the time.”
Deliberately, he raised an eyebrow. “I’ll come by and pick you up.”