Chapter 289

Was the officer inquiring about Everett? Had Everett's earlier phone call been directed to this officer?

Rosalind nodded slowly, her voice barely above a whisper. "Yes, he's left."

The officer remained silent for a moment. "We'll detain this suspect. Tomorrow, we'll require your official statement."

Rosalind gave another quiet nod. "Understood."

"It's monsoon season now, and this storm's intensifying. Traveling in these conditions isn't safe. There's a motel just ahead. You should get dry clothes and warm up. Catching pneumonia won't help anyone," the officer suggested with genuine concern.

Nathaniel, Harrison, and Rosalind were completely drenched. The late autumn chill made the rain feel like ice against their skin. With limited options, they followed the officer's suggestion and headed toward the roadside motel.

The motel was modest but well-kept. The young clerk led them to their room. "Apologies, but this is our last available room tonight."

Three adults sharing one room?

Harrison peeked inside and saw only a single queen-sized bed.

Choices were scarce.

Nathaniel gave a curt nod. "It'll suffice."

The clerk handed over the keycard and turned to leave.

Nathaniel stepped inside, but Harrison suddenly rushed after the clerk, calling out, "Excuse me!"

The young man turned back. "Yes, miss?"

Nathaniel watched as Harrison flashed her most charming smile at the clerk. "Could we possibly get extra bedding? There are three of us."

The clerk blinked, then asked, "Is that gentleman with you part of your group?"

"Yes, that's my brother," Harrison replied smoothly.

Nathaniel heard every word.

"Please, could you help us out? Just some extra blankets?" Harrison added in that honeyed tone that made men's knees weak.

The clerk's ears turned bright red.

Nathaniel remained by the doorway, his expression hardening before he turned abruptly and retreated into the room.

He stood rigidly by the bed, loosening his soaked tie with sharp movements. Moments later, Harrison returned with an armful of linens. She ignored Nathaniel completely, addressing Rosalind instead.

"Rosalind, you're shivering. You should shower first."

Rosalind recognized the wisdom in this and nodded. "Right. I'll be quick."

As Rosalind disappeared into the bathroom, Nathaniel remained frozen by the bed. Harrison moved past him to arrange the extra bedding without a word.

Truthfully, they hadn't exchanged more than necessary words all evening - an uncomfortable silence had settled between them.

Nathaniel's jaw tightened, his voice edged with something dark. "Did you flirt for those blankets?"

Harrison finally met his gaze, her eyes flashing. "When needs must, one adapts. I'm unattached now - it's hardly scandalous."

Nathaniel's expression turned glacial. "So you're on the market again?"

Harrison dropped her bag onto the dresser with deliberate force. "Is that so shocking? You're engaged to Isabella. I intend to date and remarry eventually. Eternal spinsterhood doesn't appeal to me."

The dim lighting carved shadows across Nathaniel's sharp features, making his expression unreadable. "That clerk earlier... surely beneath your standards?"

Harrison froze, then slowly turned to face him fully.

Despite his ruined suit clinging to his frame, Nathaniel still exuded that powerful executive aura. His towering presence seemed absurdly out of place in the humble motel room.

Harrison understood his implication perfectly. The man she'd once married was the pinnacle - a diamond among pebbles. Some small-town motel clerk could never compare.