‘So, what’s the plan for dealing with the guest who overdosed?’
Jake hesitated, looking out the window like he wanted to be anywhere else. ‘I talked to Eleanor. She wants to keep it quiet, you know, sweep it under the rug. She’s afraid of what we might find if we start poking around.’
Lauren felt sick to her stomach. Of course, her mother would care more about the hotel’s reputation than actually dealing with the problem.
‘We can’t just pretend like there isn’t an issue, Jake. Drug dealing could be rampant, happening right under our noses. What if someone dies next time?’
Jake knocked back his drink and poured another one. ‘That’s how Eleanor wants it handled. My hands are tied.’
‘Anything for an easy life, eh?’
‘Think what you want. You always do anyway,’ Jake finished his drink and poured himself another.
‘When it comes to you, I guess I have reason to. Believe me, I would love to be wrong.’
‘No, you wouldn’t. Who else would you have to blame for leading such a miserable existence?’
Just as Lauren was gearing up for another heated exchange, a knock at the door interrupted them. Hurrying to answer it, she pulled it open, only to find herself face to face with Rain.
Before she could say anything, Jake appeared behind her.
‘You new here? This area’s off-limits to staff,’ Jake said, eyeing Rain’s uniform questioningly.
Rain hesitated for a moment, her gaze flickering between Lauren and Jake. ‘I, um, I’m sorry. Yes, I’m new—’
‘I asked for someone to be sent up,’ Lauren quickly intervened, sensing Rain’s discomfort. ‘I need help with something.’
‘Well, isn’t this a first? My fiercely independent wife actually asking for assistance. Must be serious.’
Rain entered and followed Lauren into the living room.
‘Take a seat,’ Lauren said, her voice strained as she struggled to maintain her composure. She couldn’t fathom what had possessed Rain to show up unannounced like this.
Jake sauntered in behind them, leaning against the wall as he observed their interaction with keen interest.
‘So, are you going to enlighten her about her duties, or are you just going to leave her in suspense?’ he said. ‘Poor thing looks like she’s about to jump out of her skin.’
Lauren searched her mind for a plausible explanation.
‘Right, yes, I, um, need help with . . .’ she trailed off, her words failing her as panic began to set in.
To her relief, Rain jumped in to save the day.
‘The upcoming team-building event, right? Sarah mentioned you needed someone to distribute the details to the staff.’
Jake raised his eyebrows, clearly sceptical. ‘Couldn’t you just send an email? Seems like a waste of time to involve an employee.’
Lauren shot Rain a grateful look. ‘I don’t have everyone’s email addresses on file. It’s more efficient this way. Rain, come to my office and I’ll print out the information for you.’
Without waiting for a response, Lauren turned and strode out of the room with Rain close behind. Jake, not one to be left out, trailed after them.
They reached Lauren’s office. Lauren made a beeline for her desk and clicked on the first file that appeared on her screen, not even bothering to check its contents before hitting the print button. The printer whirred to life, spitting out pages at an agonisingly slow pace.
As the seconds ticked by, Lauren could feel Jake’s eyes boring into her back, his suspicion practically radiating off him in waves.
The printer finally spit out the last page, and Lauren snatched up the stack of papers, thrusting them into Rain’s hands.
‘Here you are. Please make sure everyone RSVPs by the end of the day. Thank you, Rain.’
Rain nodded, her fingers brushing against Lauren’s as she took the papers. The brief contact sent a jolt of electricity up Lauren’s arm, and she had to fight the urge to gasp.
After Rain had left, Jake lingered in the doorway, his presence looming over Lauren like a dark cloud. ‘Since when are you on a first-name basis with the staff?’ he asked, his tone deceptively casual.
Lauren’s heart raced, but she forced herself to meet his gaze head-on. ‘Now what are you talking about?’
‘Probably nothing, but I could’ve sworn you two seemed awfully familiar with each other.’
Lauren shook her head, a bit too vehemently. ‘Jake, I had no idea who Sarah was sending up. It’s not like I have a say in the matter.’
‘Is that so?’ Jake said. ‘Then why did you call her by name? Unless “Rain” is just a cute little nickname you’ve given her?’
Lauren’s blood ran cold, the realisation of her slip-up hitting her like a ton of bricks. She opened her mouth to respond, but no words came out.
‘You know what? I don’t have time for this. I’m heading back to the office,’ he said.
With that, he turned and walked out of the room. Lauren sank into her chair, her legs trembling as the adrenaline began to wear off.
That had been too close, far too close.
