Glancing back at Donn, who Lay crumpled on the floor, Barlow noted his unfocused eyes and the swelling bump on his forehead that was slowly oozing blood.
Had someone else beaten him like this before him?
With no time to ponder that now, Barlow exited the private room, swiftly pulling out his phone to dial Karinaâs number.
The call connected, but it took her an unsettlingly long time to answer.
âKarina, Iâm at Leeway Restaurant.
Where are you?â Barlowâs voice trembled with worry.
A sharp intake of breath and the distant sound of a car horn came through the receiver.
Finally, she spoke.
âBarlow, Iâm at a nearby hotel.
Come find me.
â
She was at a hotel?
His eyes narrowing in suspicion, Barlow quickened his pace out of the restaurant.
As he walked, he pressed, âKarina, are you okay?â
âNo, Iâm not feeling well.
â Her breath became more rapid.
Barlowâs heart skipped a beat.
âWere you set up?â
âBarlow, I feel terrible.
â Karinaâs shaky voice came through the phone, laden with distress.
Gripping his phone tighter, Barlow broke into a brisk walk.
âHold on,
Books Chapters Are Daily Updated Join & Stay Updated For All Books Updatesâ¦
Iâm coming.
Which room are you in?â
âJust ask the receptionist when you get here,â Karina replied, hanging up abruptly.
Exiting the restaurant, Barlow located the nearby hotel.
He hurried inside and asked the receptionist for Karinaâs room number.
With a quick word of thanks, Barlow headed to the third floor.
âKarina, open the door.
â
After a brief moment, the door swung open to reveal Karina, her clothes and hair disheveled.
âKarina, are you all right?â Barlow asked anxiously.
In response, Karina wrapped her arms around his neck and rose on her tiptoes to kiss him.
Her skin felt unusually warm against his, and she sighed as if in relief.