Forty-one

I couldn’t believe it, but I had managed to extract the howling-mad professor from a barricaded room without a SWAT team for him—or a stretcher for me.

When we reached the hall, I was surprised to find it nearly deserted. On the other hand, given the scenario that I threatened with Mike’s OD Squad, I shouldn’t have been. The night manager obviously instructed his hotel staff to coax the guests back to their rooms and return to their posts.

Nothing to see here!

Now only the mustachioed manager, Addy’s elegant young assistant, and my security guard escort remained. Madame was there, too, lurking behind them.

While the nice guard gave me back my coat, along with an impressed thumbs-up, the arrogant manager merely sneered and bolted down the hall to call the elevator.

Addy’s assistant, Blair Woodbridge, was more civil. After a quick nod of thanks to me, she focused on her boss’s nephew. Moving swiftly to the professor’s side, she wrapped her arm around his waist to help me steady him.

“Are you okay, Ethan?” she asked.

He met the woman’s long-lashed green eyes and grinned foolishly.

“Hiya, Blair. Where have you been? I could have used your help a little while ago.”

“I was here the whole time,” she said with a hint of impatience. “Didn’t you hear me calling you through the door?”

“I thought you were a little bird.” He pointed to me. “Like she has.”

Professor Humphrey then let loose with a stream of loud quacks.

Horrified, Ms. Woodbridge shushed him. “Please, Ethan, quiet down. You’ll disturb the guests.”

“Okay.” He put his index finger to his lips. “Shhhhh. But you know what, Blair?” he whispered. “You missed all the fun. Aunt Addy’s event had an open bar.”

“And clearly you took advantage of it.”

He frowned. “Don’t be miffed.”

Blair Woodbridge rolled her eyes.

The manager waited at the elevator, holding the door. The guard was already inside, and he helped Blair Woodbridge move Professor Humphrey into the car. But when I tried to enter, Mr. Mustache barred my way.

“You can wait for the next one,” he snapped and let the doors close in my face.