Hearts Under Fire (24 page)

Daniel sighed, watching her go. “You’re on her good side, Clark. That’s impressive.”

“What can I say?” Clark retorted. “Mother figures adore me.”

Rubbing his shoulder, Daniel laughed and hugged Clark before turning to the left of the front desk. He opened the fire door and let Clark take the weight of it as he went through and waited for the others.

Adams, Sorenson, and McGaverty followed Daniel and Clark into the stairwell. Sorenson went to the outer door and turned to look back at Adams.

“You two,” Adams said to the other officers. “Out and guard and be there to open the back door to the car. There’s only a few steps to go, and I don’t expect trouble, but...”

“Plan for it anyway,” Clark supplied. He sighed and pulled Daniel to him, squeezing hard but briefly. “Keep your head down and eyes on the car.”

Sorenson opened the door, and a wave of noise invaded the stairwell. It wasn’t as loud as back on campus, but a chorus of questions rose, each individual one getting lost in the caterwaul. Daniel ducked down, watching where his feet needed to go while he inhaled Clark’s scent. Sorenson got the back door of the Towncar open, and Clark got Daniel inside. Clark barely had time to clear his ankle and foot from the door before Sorenson slammed it. The officers moved ahead of the car, shouting and pushing the press back so the car could move out of the alleyway. A slender man was behind the wheel. Daniel also noted that the Towncar’s glass was bulletproof, making the view watery and out-of-focus.

“The Magnolia, sirs,” the driver said.

“Has anyone called ahead?” Clark asked.

“I’m not sure, sir,” the driver said. “But you can use my phone to check if you like.”

“I like,” Clark said, taking the black phone when the driver handed it back.

Daniel closed his eyes, rested against Clark’s strength, shutting out the world. Daniel had told the story of what happened enough times that he could let it go. The blood was past. His hands strayed across the planes of Clark’s stomach and sides, grateful for Clark’s presence and solidity.

Clark kissed the shell of Daniel’s ear. “Just going to call and make sure they’re ready for us,” he said softly, one hand in Daniel’s hair. “Get you safe in a room so you can rest.”

“Mm...” Daniel hummed, melting at Clark’s touch. Trusting that Clark would do what was needed, Daniel let go of consciousness and fell asleep.

***

Protectiveness flared fierce and bright as Daniel went limp against Clark. Flipping open the phone, Clark dialed information, and in moments, a courteous male voice said, “The Magnolia Hotel. How may we serve you?”

“This is Maxwell Clark,” he said, trying to keep his voice soft, though he knew the professor would probably sleep like the dead.

“Yes, sir!” the clerk said. “We’ve been informed you might call.”

“Mr. Gray made arrangements, then?”

“Of a sort, sir,” the clerk replied. “You have a penthouse room at your disposal. But we’ve not been told if you need any specifics. Mr. Gray was in a bit of a rush.”

“I imagine so,” Clark said. “Yes, specifics.”

“Go ahead, please, sir. I’m ready.”

Clark grinned. “We’ll need access to the underground parking area. I’m with the hero of the hour, he’s exhausted, and the press are hounding us.”

“Already done, sir. You’ll have clearance, and there will be staff waiting to ensure that the press stay back from the gate. We’ll escort you to the room in the private elevator from the garage level. No need to interact with anyone but staff.”

“Perfect,” Clark said. He hugged Daniel closer and ran his lips over dark hair before he continued. “I’ll need a few changes of clothing -- just large, loose, and comfortable. Not sure how long we’ll be with you before we can retrieve our own things. Food -- stocked fridge if possible.”

“Yes, sir. Of course.”

Clark considered. “Stock the bathroom, too. Something for long soaks and two of the largest, coziest robes you’ve got.”

“Sir, if I may?”

“You may.” Clark’s lip twitched.

“While I do not know your level of involvement with Professor Germain, might I suggest the Romance package? It would be easy to direct the staff, fast to do as it’s stocked, and comes with robes and bathing accouterments.”

“Perfect.”

“And flowers -- any preference, sir?”

Clark smiled, thinking of the vase of lilies that Daniel always kept at his house to remind him of his mother. “White calla lilies. Vases full of them, if you can.”

“We can and will, sir. Do you know how far out you are?”

Clark considered. “Probably at least half an hour.”

“Fantastic, sir. It will be ready for you when you and your guest arrive.”

“Thank you,” Clark said, infinitely pleased.

“And may I say, sir -- we appreciate you both very much. My son is a student at NAU.”

Clark paused and closed his eyes. “I’ll pass that along to Daniel when he’s a little more conscious. Thank you.”

“Of course, sir. Do let us know if your needs change before you arrive. We thank you for thinking of the Magnolia.”

Clark clicked the phone shut and sighed. He needed rest, but first he would see to it that Daniel was safe, clean, and settled. That was more important than anything else in Clark’s entire world. The car pressed through traffic, and Clark shut his eyes, listening to his lover breathe. He gently petted Daniel’s hair and let himself get lost in the reassurance of touch. The crisis of the day faded in his mind now that the university and the station were behind them. Clark hoped Daniel didn’t mind the idea of Clark attached to his hip for at least the next forty-eight hours. Maybe seventy-two.

Maybe forever.

The Magnolia was in Old Town, and the streets were narrower, traffic thicker. The press gave chase, and a helicopter whirled over the car as it navigated a series of turns before slowing for the final one. The renovated Magnolia Hotel had made a name for itself by doing anything and everything -- up to and including flying in a real pony for the daughter of a guest because it was her only wish for her birthday -- for its clients. The building was only twenty stories tall, with old-world architecture and antique furnishings, and the four penthouse suites had been added during the renovation. Not only were the new rooms secure, they were also decadently comfortable, a perfect combination for what Clark and Daniel needed.

The Towncar turned and descended on a ramp with narrow concrete sides. Clark could practically hear the press gnashing teeth. The car paused at a service gate: not a bar like other garages, but a twelve-foot, black metal gate. The garage was staffed by ex-military and professional guards who didn’t know how to be anything but well-armed. Catering to the paranoid elite did require certain adjustments to typical hotel operations, and Clark sighed in relief.

The driver gave their name, and the gate opened to allow the car to pass. The driver moved the car just beyond the gate and then stopped, making the press van behind them slam on its brakes. Slowly, the gate closed, and only then did the driver continue deeper into the garage.

Clark saw hotel staff standing outside an elevator, and as the car came to a stop, a man approached. Reluctantly, Clark ran his fingers over Daniel’s cheek, gently rousing the exhausted man. “Daniel?” Clark whispered. “Wake up for me. We’re here.”

Sighing, Daniel caught Clark’s fingers, closing the gap to kiss Clark’s mouth. “All right. I think I’m awake...” He sat up, still holding Clark’s hand, and looked out the windows and chuckled. “Then again, maybe I’m still asleep and this is a dream?”

“As long as it’s a good dream, I’m okay with you blurring the line on real versus not right now,” Clark said, as the car door opened. “Let me go first, and you can lean on me as much as you need to.”

Daniel nodded, and Clark kissed the professor hard and swiftly before maneuvering around him to climb out. He offered both hands to Daniel, who took them. Clark gave stern nods to the staff, who kept their distance, and Daniel managed tired smiles as they made their way to the elevator, where a man held the doors like he could do it for all eternity.

The attendant slipped inside the elevator with a quick turn of the penthouse-level key. Clark held Daniel against him, hoping the room that awaited them would be good for Daniel’s spirits. Clark worried about a crash. Daniel had shot and killed a monster today, but killing was still killing. The circus and whirlwind of the rest of the day was good for distraction but bad for added exhaustion. Clark felt like he could sleep for a year without issue and knew Daniel had to be in worse shape.

“Penthouse level, sirs,” said the attendant cheerfully as the elevator stopped. “Please allow me to hold the doors while you key in your code to room two.”

Daniel peered out into the hallway. “I hope you know how to get in. I do want to see the view from up here.”

“Sure,” Clark said softly, leading them to room number two. He keyed in the birthday of Lucian’s childhood friend, and the lock glowed green with a soft chirp. The door automatically opened, and they walked into the room.

Penthouse Number Two was the Blue Willow Suite, and it was done in rich shades of cerulean blue. The small landing just inside the door was elevated from the sunken living area. There was a door into a bedroom immediately to their left, next to a fireplace with a stone hearth. Over the mantel was a mirror surrounded in a frame with the traditional blue willow china pattern hand-painted on the wood.

The furniture was sparse but comfortable, all in white and blue and rich wood tones. A balcony ran along the back wall of the suite, curtains pulled back by dark blue ropes. Each suite came with a full kitchen, and Clark was pleased to see the counters covered in antique blue willow china that was heaped with food. He knew without looking that the fridge would be full and the bar stocked. There was a bucket of champagne chilling, and the hotel would send up fresh food from Leaf at every meal unless Clark called to stop them.

Dozens of calla lilies stood in simple, glass vases. A short hallway ended in an oak door that led into the master suite: over-sized king bed, more floor-to-ceiling windows, a bathroom with a soaking tub and large shower. Lucian sometimes stayed at the hotel for meetings with his staff and knew the room was Clark’s favorite.

“Well, here we are,” Clark said, as the door clicked shut behind them with a soft, pneumatic hiss.

***

“Oh, lilies.” Daniel’s breath caught at the familiar flowers amid all the perfect white and blue. He was half-afraid to step down from the entrance platform, but the lilies convinced him it would be all right. They were a touch of comfort in the unfamiliar richness of his surroundings. “I think... I think this is bigger than my house.”

“Since we’ll likely be here a few days, it’s good to have plenty of space.”

“Days, huh?” Daniel asked, daunted.

“One can hope,” Clark answered, and caught Daniel’s hand to pull him toward the master bedroom. “Come on. Let’s get you out of those clothes and on your way to clean.”

“All right,” Daniel said, following. He realized with relief that the university would likely close after the shooting. Since he and Clark had already gone through the work of rescheduling his clients, there were no responsibilities he had to deal with other than the promised interview for Lucian.

The hallway was dim, the hinges silent as Clark pushed open the door into the back bedroom. Daniel stepped in and saw light streaming through the bank of windows. On the bed was a massive pile of pillows and two sets of dark blue silk pajamas. Daniel spied an ornately filled basket on the nightstand and smiled, wondering what was hotel standard and what was Clark’s ability to conjure.

Clark turned to Daniel and kissed him. “Alone,” Clark murmured over Daniel’s lips. “With no reporters or political demi-gods trying to interrupt.” The next kiss started gentle and grew deeper, and Clark made a soft sound. Daniel pulled Clark closer, arms sliding against Clark’s back. He trembled as he tasted Clark, need flaring high. Tears startled him, and Daniel broke the kiss to take a deep, harsh breath.

Clark took Daniel’s shirt off, one thumb stroking over Daniel’s cheek through the tears. He tossed away the borrowed bit of cotton before returning to knead Daniel’s lower back. “Only good dreams here,” Clark said quietly. “Let’s go into the bathroom and get you sitting down to take off the shoes and pants.” Clark slipped under Daniel’s arm and started walking toward the other door.

“Probably for the best,” Daniel whispered, wiping his face. “Can you tell me... when he fired down that hallway, where were you? What happened? I heard you and the woman, and I thought he was targeting you because... well, you were there. And I thought... I really thought I’d lost you, you know?”

Nodding, Clark led the professor into the bathroom, and Daniel sat on one corner of the tub. Clark kept a hand on Daniel’s shoulder, turned on the water, and knelt. “I came through the front entrance and went to the lounge first, looking for you.” Clark spoke softly and got Daniel’s shoes off. He pushed up the stained denim to caress Daniel’s skin before taking off each sock.

“Went upstairs when I didn’t find you. Managed to miss most of the exodus as people were still confused. It happened fast.” Clark finished with the socks and took a foot in each hand, squeezing them to a soft sigh from Daniel. Clark helped Daniel lean back so he could start undoing Daniel’s jeans. “I heard a gunshot down the hallway, saw a girl in a doorway screaming. I got to the girl. I think it startled the killer, but I was behind cover by the time he fired, and the bullet went wild.”

“He was firing single-handed, too.” Daniel propped himself up on his elbows. “I remembered thinking it was stupid of him, but, God, I’m glad.” The tears fell, and Daniel didn’t bother to wipe them away. “I’m sorry I’m so out of control right now, and I feel so damned needy. I think that after everything, you’ll be all right with me like this?”

Clark finished getting the pants off and threw them into the far corner with unmasked distaste. Wrapping his arms around Daniel and pulling up, Clark kissed Daniel soundly, hugging tightly. When the kiss broke, Clark’s eyes were fever bright.