Page 113 of Little Sunshine

“You’re welcome.”

“We’ll see if you still feel the same when I’ve gotta take a piss in your empty coffee cup.”

I threw my arms up as best as I could in the small space. “Way to ruin a beautiful moment.”

Before Maximo could apologize—or, more likely, try to fire me—my phone beeped.

Marco: Your girl is outside, and she doesn’t look good.

My gut clenched.

Me: Not good how?

Marco: Off. Shaken. Want me to talk to her or should you?

I was pretty sure I knew what was up, but I wouldn’t risk it. I was about to call her when another text came through.

Marco: Never mind, she seems okay. Nervous.

That was exactly what I’d figured.

Me: Let me know if it changes.

A while later, as a whole lot of nothing was happening on our side, Marco was having better luck.

Marco: Juliet is playing wingwoman and grilling Mila about shit she likes. I’m taking notes for you.

Christ, between everything the three of them are doing, a man could almost cry.

Too bad I gotta look like a scary motherfucker, and that’s hard to do with bloodshot eyes and dripping snot.

“I owe your wife,” I said.

“This about Juliet playing investigator? She told me she was going to try.”

“I’ll give her a Get-Out-Of-A-Snitch-Free card.”

“What the fuck?” He lifted his hands. “What happened to your gratitude toward me?”

“Yeah, well, then you threatened to piss in my coffee cup.”

Another message came through, and I expected Marco’s demands for the insider info, but it was Cole.

Cole: Tracked down an active number for Ronald Jacobs. Don’t ask how, and if the FBI comes around, I was with you.

Cole: Location Loading

When the map loaded, I turned my phone toward Maximo. “The only way this could’ve gotten easier is if they were at a Black Resorts property.”

He might’ve smiled, but there was nothing cheerful about it.

Nothing but luck.

Maximo made some calls while I drove us back to Moonlight. I was already headed through the gaming floor on my way to see Mila when Marco called.

I hit answer. “What’s?—”

“Your girl is talking to her tail, and she doesn’t look happy. Want me to intervene?”

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