Page 35 of Nicoletta
“Bolt really cares about you,” Marisol says.
“Maybe he did, but all that’s changed.” I lay down my taco.
“It may look that way, but I think it’s more him trying to protect himself.”
“From me?” I laugh around my words. “I’m hardly a threat.”
“For a guy like him, you are. Maybe he’s feeling things he’s never felt before, and that’s scaring him.”
At that precise moment, Bolt storms into the bar, scans the room, then his eyes land on me. He stalks over, and even Marisol puts down her taco. He stops at our table. “C’mon.”
I stare up at him, then shift my gaze to Marisol. “Doesn’t look too scared to me.”
I push away from the table, and Bolt leads me down the back hallway to their chapel. He keeps his distance, then swipes the keypad and nods for me to go in. The heavy door clicks closed behind us, sealing off any noise on the other side of the wall.
Bolt motions to the same seat I had during my interrogation. Only this time would be different—this time they need me.
Smoke stands at the head of the table, arms folded, watching me like he’s already made up his mind—daring me to prove I’m worthy of access to their sacred quarters.
Bolt doesn’t sit. He leans against the wall like he doesn’t want to get too close to me.
I focus on the diagram of the Riviera clubhouse spread across the table.
Smoke gestures to me. “Manny thought this would be useful.”
No buildup. No easing in.
Don’t ask me how he acquired such a detailed schematic, but in the few weeks I’ve known the Bastards, nothing seems impossible or out of their reach. He’s blown up the illustration to include the main ballroom, where the event will take place. I study it for a second, integrating the map with what I already know in my head.
I point to the entry gate. “Getting through here shouldn’t be a problem since I know all the guards.” Then I trace my finger over the circular driveway and car port. “This is the main entrance,” I tell them. “Valet and security presence. More to keep the cars flowing than anything else. Guest check-in will be inside in the foyer.”
“And you have an invitation?” Smoke asks.
“My invitation was probably sent to my parents’ house, butthat won’t be a problem either. I attend this function every year. Most years I volunteer in some capacity, so getting in shouldn’t be an issue.”
Blood and Smoke exchange a look, and I add, “Believe me, I’ve known most of these workers since I was five. The turnover is almost non-existent, and they are very loyal to the members. Some even look at the members’ children as their own.”
Smoke nods slightly. “So, you and Bolt get in the front door, but we still have to get everything set up behind the scene. I’m guessing these long-time workers all know each other and would spot an outsider on a dime.”
“Absolutely correct, except on a night like this when extra outside staff is hired to accommodate the crowds. Remember, there will be over five hundred people in that grand ballroom.”
“What about metal detectors?” Diesel asks.
“Because of the high-profile attendance of senators, congressmen, and the upper echelon of law enforcement, there will be a scan before we enter the main ballroom.” My eyes cut to Bolt. “So all hardware will have to stay here.”
Bolt opens his mouth to protest, but Smoke beats him to it. “I’m not doin’ this without protection.”
“You won’t have to. Remember, the rest of you will be behind the scenes.”
“I’m almost afraid to ask what you have in mind for us.” Blood laughs around his words.
Smoke leans closer to the diagram. “So how do we get in?”
“You don’t.” I smile, enjoying their confusion.
Silence.
Then Bolt’s voice cuts through, “So, what the fuck do they do?”
