Free Hush by Jess Wygle

the other sites.  Those types of situations don’t always involve the police, but if they do, I have to have record of it and have to have all my ducks in a row.  That’s something I keep a close eye on.  I like to avoid lawsuits if at all possible.”
    I nodded.  “I can imagine.  Have you ever been sued?”
    “Yes, twice, but I won both times,” he said, matter-of-factly.  “It helps to have a good lawyer, too.”  His wide smile reflected to me in the narrow mirror.  “I’ve had multiple suits out against one of my workers or my company, but only the two have gone to court.  Normally, these people try to sue because they felt they were assaulted, but a personal security professional isn’t a civilian when they’re on the job.  There are different laws that govern us, which is why we all have to be licensed.  It’s a slippery slope that normally always slides away from us.”
    We arrived at the hotel.  Callem brought my suitcase inside and waited for me to get checked in before escorting me up to my room.  “Do you do this for everyone?” I asked, when the elevator doors closed.  “I’m not used to this kind of treatment.”
    “Absolutely.  We’re in the business of five-star care at Tate Enterprises.”  I had to look at him to find out if he was being serious or not.  I knew he wasn’t when I saw a wide tacky grin on his face.
    I smiled in reply.  “It’s very hospitable of you.”
    “So has your agenda for tomorrow changed at all?  Everything still the same?”  He whipped out his phone and pulled up his calendar.
    “Yes, nothing’s changed.”
    “Okay, it’ll take us about a half hour to get to the conference from here so I’ll be here at 7:30 to pick you up, does that sound good?”  He stuffed his phone back in his pocket as the elevator stopped and the doors parted.
    “That will be fine, thank you.”
    “Great.  Well, have a pleasant evening, Doctor, and please feel free to call me if you need anything.”
    I smiled, holding the door to my room open.  “Thank you, Mr. Tate.  I hope you have a good night, too.  See you in the morning.”
    He nodded before turning down the corridor.  I closed the door behind me, locking the deadbolt and chain.  Even though I was used to being alone, looking around the glorious hotel room, I hadn’t felt that alone in quite a while.  Maybe I was just anxious or wound-up from my trip.  Something made me want to chase Callem down and ask him for some company.  
    “No, that’s unprofessional,” I said to the empty room as I threw my suitcase onto the foot of the bed.  “Just put your nose in your laptop and distract your night away.  It’ll be morning before you know it.”
    And I did just that.

2006 - Callem
     
     
     
     
    I arrived at the door promptly at 7:30.  I only had to knock once when the door swung open.  Olivia stood before me in a form-fitting coral pencil skirt, chunky black pumps, and a see-through white blouse with clunky gold buttons down the front.  I had to fight every urge to give her a once over as she smiled widely at me.  “Good morning,” I said with a smile of my own, forcing myself to keep my eyes on hers.
    “Good morning.  You weren’t lying when you said 7:30, were you?” she asked jokingly.  “Come on in.  I only need one more second and I’ll be ready to go.”
    “Not a problem.  Take your time,” I said, stepping one step into the room.  Her perfume clung to the air in the small space, being challenged by the harsh aroma of coffee.  She moved quickly into the bathroom as I stood awkwardly by the door.  Her suitcase hung open on the stand next to the TV.  Her bed as neatly made as if she hadn’t slept in it at all.
    She emerged from the bathroom sticking some stud diamonds into her lobes.  He hair was pinned back tightly in the front, but hung loosely in the back, falling over her shoulders delicately.  In all my years of working with high society women, I knew dress