Cameron of the Skies

5: Unexpected Summer Deluge-4

THE OPEN TOP JEEP WAS on the same spot it was last night but no sign of Henry.

Banjo parked the car behind the building, close to the rear exit. He followed Andy to her room and insisted that he should enter first.

She crossed her arms on her chest and tilted her head just so. ‘Go ahead. Feel free.’

Banjo put her behind him, which made her moan dramatically.

‘Geez, too much James Bond, don’t you think?’

But it was her who was rendered speechless when the door opened. Her stuff had been rummaged through; the bed slept in. A vase of flowers sat atop the side table next to the bed with a card that said, “You are the reason I live.” A chill ran up her spine.

Just when she thought it couldn’t get any worse, Henry came out of the bathroom looking freshly showered.

‘Babe,’ he said with glee, but stopped right there.

His eyes rested on Banjo. His facial expression changed in an instant from one of delight to a frightening scowl.

‘Who are you?’ he demanded as if he had the right to ask.

In a steely voice, Banjo replied, ‘Who’s asking?’

Andy tried to get between them, but Banjo wouldn’t have it. He gripped her wrist and tugged her back. In a barely-restrained voice, he told Henry, ‘You need to leave.’

Henry huffed, straightened his back and stomped out.

‘This isn’t over,’ he hissed before slamming the door.

Banjo turned around to face Andy.

She hastily said, ‘I’m checking out, right now.’

He helped her pack.

They walked down to the front desk so she could settle her account.

He perused a stand of advertising leaflets and brochures, picked one out and pocketed it.

They took the rear exit.

He drove the vehicle to a blind spot, whipped out the brochure and called the hotel receptionist.

‘Hi, could you do me a favour? There’s a man sitting in an open-top Jeep outside your hotel. Can you get him on the phone? It’s an emergency. Tell him it’s about Andy. He knows who I mean.’

Andy listened open-mouthed.

He winked and patted his head. The self-congratulatory gesture made her smile. He leant on the steering wheel, spotted a hotel valet walking towards Henry.

Any minute now.

‘Coast is clear,’ he said, then stepped on the accelerator.

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