Page 28 of Bourbon and Secrets

Maggie interrupts, “Oh, come on. Faye, are you serious right now?”

Calmly, Ace says, “Maggie spends time at the tracks—and even more money. Thinking that might explain her bruises.” When my sister looks back at him, he continues. “It might be a good time to transition our agreement, considering your recent arrest.”

Maggie barely lets Ace finish, her pride evaporating. “What kind of transition?”

But it’s Lincoln who answers this time. “The one where you're not getting into trouble, Maggie. The kind of transition that won't bring your sister back to Fiasco and violence too close to my front door.”

Ace doesn't so much as glance at her again. Instead, he keeps his attention on me. “Faye, we should discuss my associate. I’m interested in knowing how you might be involved with someone like him.”

“Another time,” I answer. I’ve already said too much.

My phone buzzes in my back pocket, distracting me from the conversation.Speak of the devil.

BLACKSTONE

I’m hosting a private gathering at the end of the month that I think you might enjoy, Rosie.

This was what Cortez had been banking on happening. An invitation that will allow access to Blackstone, but beyond that, I’m not privy to the details of what the FBI is hoping to gain.

ROSIE GOLD

Would I be performing, or is this a personal invite?

BLACKSTONE

Is there a difference, Rosie?

A shiver works down my spine at what a private event would entail. When I look up, Lincoln’s jaw is tight, one arm holding his phone while the other braces on the pool table. But he’s the least of my concerns now. Blackstone is the focal point, and I want to keep it that way.

I’ve already sent half naked photos and teased a somewhat dangerous man in an effort to obtain access and information. And now, I’ll be walking right into the fire.

“Excuse me,” I say, brushing past Lincoln, through the long corridor and out the way we came. I send a text as soon as I hit the stairs.

FAYE

Got the invite.

Cortez doesn’t even text back. My phone starts ringing.

“We need to discuss our next steps,” he says before I even say hello.

“More like I need to understand what I’m looking for while I’m there.”

He clears his throat, speaking more quietly. “Meet me for a drink at Bottom of the Barrel tonight. I can’t tell you all of it, but this is good, Faye. Dammit, it’s really good.”

When I turn around, Maggie is standing in front of me with her arms crossed.

“Alright, I’ll see you there around eight, then.”

She raises her eyebrows as I end the call. “Making plans? That must be nice for you.”

“Don’t get pissed off at me. You had every chance to talk to me this past week, but you decided to act like a child and pretend I wasn’t there. So no, I don’t feel bad for you getting into trouble with...” I search for the right words for what she’s been doing. “...youremployeror whatever the Foxx family is to you. I’m not digging you out of whatever hole you’ve dug for yourself.”

She pauses and then smiles at me, like I should have chosen my words more carefully. “You know a thing or two about digging holes. Don’t you, Faye?”

My eyes dart to Lincoln, who’s walking closer now, looking right at me.

“Fuck off,” I bite out as I snatch my keys hanging from her back pocket.

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