The soft hum of the air conditioning unit was the only sound in the dim hotel room when Kingsley stirred. The morning light filtered lazily through the half-closed curtains, painting warm streaks across the ceiling. He opened his eyes slowly, feeling the dull ache of a restless night weigh heavy on his chest. He sat up, rubbed his face, and reached for his phone on the nightstand.

Fifteen missed calls.

Beth.

A groan escaped his ...