Chapter 27

“Sir—”

“You know the occupants of this room?”

The new inquiry came from the suit, who joined the uniform to confront Carlo. “I met the wife when I checked in a few hours ago. Is she all right?”

“Did she give you her name?”

Carlo frowned. “You’re the one knocking on her door, and you don’t know who she is?”

The suit’s eyes narrowed. Reaching inside his jacket, he pulled out a battered wallet. “Check the attitude, son.” He flashed his badge. “My name’s Wallace. I’d just like to ask you a couple questions.”

He knew right away this was the cop Joe worried about. Wallace was the one he’d talked to on the phone. It was more important than ever to protect him.

“I’m sorry, sir, but no, she didn’t give me her name.”

“Why did you speak to her?”

“I got the room numbers mixed up. She opened the door when I was fumbling with the lock.”

“What time was that?”

“Six-thirty.”

“And what did she say to you? Did she mention anything unusual?”