Free 24/7 by Yolanda Wallace Page B

and space, but I think we have—” She ran her finger down a handwritten list of names and room numbers. “Thirty-nine,” she announced with a gap-toothed grin. “Like I said. Room for one more. The trip is fifteen hundred pesos. If you’ve set up an account with the hotel, give me your room key and we’ll get started.”
    While Veronique swiped her card in the small reader hooked to her computer terminal, Finn added her name and room number to the manifest. Then she listened attentively as Veronique told her how to prepare for her upcoming trip.
    “Chichén Itzá is located near the jungle, so the weather will be very hot and humid. That’s why we offer the trip early in the day. Later in the afternoon, the conditions are too brutal for the outing to be enjoyable. You will have a six a.m. wake-up call on Thursday, and the main restaurant will open an hour early so you and your fellow travelers can have breakfast before you leave. The bus will depart promptly at seven and will return at two thirty that afternoon. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes because there will be a great deal of walking. There isn’t much shade. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are highly recommended, as is mosquito repellent. Bring a camera so you can take plenty of pictures, and cash if you want to purchase souvenirs. There are many available at the site, and the bus will stop at a small indoor flea market on the way so you can look around or simply stretch your legs. Lunch is not included, but you are welcome to bring snacks of your own. The bus is air-conditioned and it has its own bathroom, which might come in handy since the pyramids are two hours away. Do you have any questions?”
    “Yes. Who’s the guide? Is it someone from the area?” Finn wanted to learn something only locals knew, not something she could read in a brochure.
    “All our guides are local and are extremely knowledgeable about their selected routes. Your guide will be Richard Haarhuis. He’s from Amsterdam originally, but he has lived in Mexico for several years and is married to a Mexican national. He has a personal connection to and a true affinity for Mayan culture. He’s one of our best and most popular guides.”
    “Excellent.”
    “Will that be all or do you see something else that interests you?”
    Finn couldn’t tell if Veronique meant the excursions or her.
    “That’s all for now. Thanks for your help.”
    “Anytime. I’m here all week if you change your mind.”
    Finn left the office and headed for the beach. She had experienced her share of flings and one-night stands while she was on assignment, but she was only slightly tempted to add Veronique to the list. Even though Veronique was incredibly attractive and her accent was beyond sexy, she didn’t hold a candle to Luisa. At the moment, no one else could compare. Finn looked forward to their daily phone calls and the fantasy-fueled nights that followed.
    Her favorite fantasy featured Luisa wearing nothing but her gun belt and a set of handcuffs. She had never been a huge fan of bondage, but Officer Luisa Moreno could shackle her any time she wanted.
    Today was Luisa’s first day at work. Finn wondered how it had gone. She hoped Luisa would tell her about it later. If, that was, she was allowed to talk about it. The goings-on inside the Federal Police Building were confidential, so Luisa was probably sworn to secrecy.
    Finn had never dated a cop before. But was that what she and Luisa were doing, dating? Sex usually came after the getting-to-know-you stage, not before. Yet another first Finn could chalk up to this trip.
    “At this rate, my bucket list will be empty in two days.”
    She hoped she hadn’t scared Luisa off by responding to her question the way she had. Luisa probably hadn’t expected to hear her say her favorite location was in Luisa’s arms. Finn hadn’t expected to say it, either, but she couldn’t deny that it was true. Or that she wanted to be there again. Right now, in