Christy Barritt - Squeaky Clean 04 - Dirty Deeds by Christy Barritt Read Free Book Online Page A

because he knew better than to go kayaking alone. Anyway, it won’t be the same without him around here.”
    “I’m sure that’s hard.”
    “He was the best fake person around here.”
    “Fake person?”
    She nodded. “Let’s face it. Most of us are from the mountains. Knowing how to act at a fancy resort like this doesn’t come natural. We have to take all of these classes on how to be proper and how to treat our guests, etc. You would think he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth the way he acted around here, all suave and gentleman-like.”
    “And when he was away?”
    “He tricked out his car, cussed like a sailor, and liked nothing better than to drink some moonshine.” She waved her hand in the air. “Listen to me. I’m sure you don’t want to know all of this.”
    I leaned forward. “Deanna, I know this is a strange question, but do you know if this place has security cameras?”
    She stopped dusting for long enough to snort. “You’re joking, right?”
    Right … I nodded. “I mean, of course they have cameras. Every establishment like this does. But who monitors them?”
    “Security, of course.” She picked up a stack of books and twirled her duster. Fine particles flew into the air.
    I stood and joined her. I picked up the books so she could dust under them, and then moved them back to their rightful place. “Do you know anyone who works in security here?”
    “Ricky works security.”
    “Do you think he’d let me take a look at some tapes?”
    She stopped again, her eyes wide. “Are you serious? That’s, like, a major no-no.”
    “I’m serious. Unfortunately. I can’t tell you why, but it’s majorly important.”
    She shook her head. “I couldn’t do that … ”
    I put my hand over her duster for a moment, knowing that’s what I had to do to get her attention. “Listen, I know it’s a no-no, but it’s important. What if I found out if that dignitary you were gushing about is single or not … ”
    She stared at me a moment. “Really? You could do that?”
    “I could do it more easily than you. I’m sure you’re not supposed to ask personal questions like that. There’s nothing stopping me.”
    “If he were single … ” She looked up at the ceiling and twirled around. “It could be my very own Cinderella story. I haven’t given up hope yet, you know.”
    “Hope is always good.”
    She continued staring for a moment before nodding. “Okay. You promise not to get me in trouble? You can’t tell anyone I put you up to this or tell anyone that I’m letting you into a secure part of the hotel.”
    “Understood. You have my word.”
    “I’ll try and help you out, then. Ricky doesn’t start his shift until tomorrow. Meet me in the lobby at one, and I’ll introduce you. Okay?”
    I nodded. “That sounds perfect.” I knelt beside her on the floor. “Now, let me give you that top secret formula to get out wine stains. You’ll be the talk of the housekeeping staff for this one.”
     
     
     
     
     

CHAPTER 6
    Just as I put the final touch of concealer under my eyes the next morning, someone knocked at the door.  My heart rate sped when I pulled it open and spotted Riley there. I hoped that quickening of my pulse never stopped happening when I looked at him.
    “Morning, sunshine,” he mumbled. He stood there, his hands stuffed into the pockets of his khaki pants and wearing a neat, pressed button up shirt. Business casual, I realized. Just as his conference required. The soft grin on his face captured my heart.
    I leaned up and gave him a quick kiss. “Come in a minute. I’ve just got to put my shoes on.”
    He stepped inside, shut the door, and glanced around as if expecting to see that I’d strung up crime scene tape or something. Finally, he bobbed his head up and down as if pleasantly surprised. “How are you this morning?”
    Dog tired, more curious than ever, and anxious about my meeting with Ricky from security.
    “Same old, same old, I guess.”