Chapter 16 - Ryker

"Penn," I mumbled into the phone.

"Hello Mr. Penn, I have a Mr. Rafael Amatucci and guest here at reception. I'm calling to verify your connection," a pleasant feminine voice said down the line.

My eyes popped open. I turned to see the glowing numbers of the clock on my side table. "It's four-fucking-thirty in the morning."

The woman laughed softly. "Indeed, it is. Can you verify the relationship, please, sir?"

I got my head out of my ass. "Yes. Rafael Amatucci is a friend and I'll vouch for him." It was the second time in as many days that I'd claimed a closer relationship to an Amatucci than I'd ever thought possible.

"Thank you, sir. Enjoy your day."

"Wait! Is the friend with him a female in her early thirties?" I asked before she could hang up.

"I can't answer that information request, sir. If you would like to speak with Mr. Amatucci or his guest, you need to provide the correct name or visit during regular business hours. Have a good day." The line went dead.