The Love You Crave

30.

After passing the condo twice, Hailey drives all the way to the public beach parking area, a full mile east of the condo.

She says, “We should probably change into bathing suits and cover-ups.”

“Right.”

“You don’t happen to have a large sun hat in your suitcase, do you?”

“I’ve got a ball cap and sunglasses.”

“That’ll do.”

They get out and head to the public bathroom, change into their suits, and put their clothes in their totes to further conceal their weapons. Maybe puts a second clip into the back pocket of her jeans.

“Is your silencer attached?” Hailey says.

Maybe nods.

The two assassins make their way toward the water, careful to step around the real estate sunbathers have staked out and claimed as their own for the day. Maybe doesn’t understand why so many people are sporting angry sunburns. At some point, they’ve got to know their skin’s on fire.

When they get to the hard-packed sand, she says, “What’s our boss’s name?”

“He should be the one to tell you that.”

They walk in silence a few minutes. Then Maybe says, “Have you slept with him?”

Hailey stops. “Look, honey. You need to take a step back. Not because it’s none of your business, but because I can tell he’s really got a hold on you. You can’t let a man get hold of your mind like that. My ex did that to me, and it was hell on wheels.”

“Is that a yes?”

Hailey sighs. “It’s a no. I’ve only met him once.”

“When was that?”

“About six weeks ago.”

“You’ve only been doing this for six weeks?”

“No. I was hired and trained by someone else to do this type of work, but he retired about six weeks ago, and passed me off to your boss. I insisted on meeting him.”

“What’s he like?”

“I can’t go into any details. But I can tell you he hates the fact I know his name. Not that I’d ever use it against him. To be honest, I’m not sure I’m cut out for this. I thought I was, but…I don’t know. This…” she makes a sweeping gesture with her hand to indicate the hit in general, then shakes her head and starts walking again.

“What about it?” Maybe says, catching up.

“It’s not what I signed up for.”

“What did you sign up for?”

“Snuffing business men.”

“Why?”

Hailey says, “Why am I doing it, or why does he pay me to?”

“The second one.”

“I think these guys pose as hit men and hire you and me to do the jobs they’re supposed to do. In my case, they used to get all the information on a businessman who’s supposed to be killed. When the guy would go out of town to a meeting or convention, I’d get him to lure me to his room. I was married to a serial cheater once. Would’ve killed him if I could, so I figure these men have it coming. I get paid very well to punish them.”

“What if a guy doesn’t invite you to his room?”

“That’s happened only once out of four times. But you solved that problem.”

Maybe thinks a minute. “The college professor?”

“Yup.”

“That was my first paying job.”

“You’re welcome.”

“So,” Maybe says. “There are just two of us working?”

“Far as I know.”

Maybe stops. Hailey says, “What?”

“We’re here.”