"Jess?" His voice called out, sounding a bit strained as he quickly pocketed his phone, wary of me seeing too much.
"What's up?" I managed to ask, feigning calm.
"Let's stretch our legs and clear our heads with a walk," he suggested, grabbing his jacket from the table and signaling for me to follow.
As he threw on his jacket, something shiny slipped from the lining and clattered to the floor.
It was a knife!
Was he planning on using it outside?
A chill ran down my spine.
Panic set in, and every sense heightened.
No, I couldn't go outside—not with cameras everywhere here in the safety of the hotel.
He bent down swiftly, retrieving the knife.
As it caught the light, I instinctively stepped back, distancing myself while my hands searched behind me.
My fingers closed around a hotel umbrella, which I gripped firmly.
Mike examined the knife, his brow furrowed in confusion. "Huh? How did this fruit knife get in my jacket?"
He casually placed it back on the table, pushing me, "Let's hit the road, come on."
My hands were sweaty, the umbrella handle slipping and falling with a thud.
I looked down and cleared my throat awkwardly, "I think I'll stay in... feeling a bit off, need to sleep early."
Mike paused, his disappointment clear as day.
"It's a perfect night for a stroll, come on!"
I shook my head again.
He pressed on, "Jess, I'm always swamped at work, we rarely get these moments. Let's make the most of it!"
I grew more agitated, raising my voice, "I said no! Go by yourself if you're so keen!"
He glanced down and sighed softly, "Alright, rest up then."
And with that, he was gone.
I tiptoed to the door and watched through the peephole as his figure receded down the hallway.
I finally relaxed, feeling a temporary relief.
"Phew..."
I slumped into the sofa, letting out a long, relieved sigh.
Now what?
Call the cops?
But that old woman's note was pointed inside—cameras couldn't have caught it.
And the incriminating text was on Mike's phone.
No concrete evidence.
Would the cops even take my word for it?
And if Mike knew I was onto him, what would stop him from acting right then and there...?
Thoughts swirling, I was lost in a sea of confusion.
My goodness!
Maybe it was best to pack up and make a break for it before deciding anything else.
"Knock, knock, knock..."
That sound again at the door.
The old woman, perhaps?
Just what I needed—I had a slew of questions for her.