Page 16 of Filthy Little Lies

“Well, then you won’t mind if I mention her to Jonny. I sort of owe him a girl.”

“You owe him a girl? What the fuck does that even mean?”

“I spent a few nights with one of his waitresses, and afterward she quit.”

I close my eyes, take in a deep breath. “What did you do to her?”

“Nothing.”

“Roman.”

He laughs. “Seriously. Nothing. We had a fun time. I left some cash for her to get home, and she took it the wrong way. Told Jonny she wasn’t anyone’s whore to pimp out and quit.”

“You spent a weekend fucking a woman and left cash on the table after. What way did you think she was going to take that?”

“Well, in hindsight, yeah, I get why she saw it that way.” He rubs his jaw. “I had a meeting and was late. I didn’t want to wake her up. Anyway, that’s why I mentioned your scam artist; there’s a spot opened up there.”

“She’s not working for Jonny.”

“Then what are you going to do with her?”

There’s the question that’s been flashing in neon all night.

“I’m not letting her go.” That isn’t an option. It just isn’t.

“There is another option.” Roman gets to his feet, stretching his back again. I’m beginning to wonder if he slept in a strange bed last night after leaving.

“Oh? What is it? And if you suggest another strip club or dance club, or anywhere she’ll be having men gawk and paw at her, you’ll be leaving with a few broken bones.”

He smirks. “So testy this morning. Didn’t you sleep well? Or were you up all night trying to listen for sounds through the walls?”

I should have beaten him more when we were growing up.

“What is the other option?”

“You said she’s good with IDs, right? Put her to work for us,” he says.

A knock on the door comes before I can give the idea any real thought.

Mrs. Neville enters, her hands wringing in front of her as she steps inside.

“What’s wrong?” Roman asks, instantly worried about her. She’s worked with our family since we were boys. She should be retiring but refuses. “Are you all right?”

“Yes, yes. I’m fine.” She waves him away. “I was taking a tray up to your…er…guest.”

My insides knot at all the possibilities of what could have happened. Was she so scared of what was to become of her that she hurt herself?

I leap from my chair. “What happened? Is she all right?”

Mrs. Neville blanches. “Well, that’s just it.” She pauses, like she’s not sure if she should tell me or not.

“Mrs. Neville, what happened?” Roman steps forward.

“She’s not there. The room was empty.”

CHAPTER 6

Savvy