Page 91 of Tell Me All Your Lies

She grins and gives a slight shake of her head.

“Follow me.”

She leads us over to a red leather circular sofa, and I sit on the side opposite her.

“What am I doing here?” I ask.

“Patience must not be something you possess.”

She takes a sip of her drink as she crosses one leg over the other. I lean back in my seat and wait for her to continue. It’s clear that Taby is trying to lure me into her fold. The art of seduction must be one of her usual ploys with men like me.

“Oh, you’re no fun, I see.”

“I can be from time to time.”

She leans forward, and her breasts start to spill over the edge of her dress.

“How fun?” she asks.

Ordinarily, I would give in to what she’s asking for. A beautiful woman in a position of power, whom I need something from.

Only things are different now. I haven’t even started with Cara, so I can’t mess it up, even if it is part of the job.

“I’m a married man,” I say while showing her my ring.

She grins and then laughs wildly as she sits back.

“Rare.”

With a bob of her head, she takes another sip of her whiskey.

“Good.”

I swallow down my whiskey and set the glass on the table.

“I have a job for you.”

“I’m listening.”

“In two days. On the coast. Go to this address at this time,” she says as she slides a paper across the table.

“There’s a poker tournament being hosted by one of my colleagues. Win. The prize is in diamonds. My contact needs you to win in order for the deal to be made.”

“Why?”

“Don’t go asking questions you don’t want the answers to.”

“What if I do?”

She considers this.

“Win the tournament and then come back here. I’ll let you know more if you can deliver the diamonds.”

“I take it these are special.”

“To say the least.”

I glance to my side and see Cordelia still in the other room, paying us no attention.

---