Page 26 of Vapor

“Goodbye, Vapor,” she murmurs.

“Bye, Blue.”

As I watch her walk away, my body aches. My dick’s impossibly hard, but I can’t deal with it right now. I almost laugh thinking about Broussard finding me jacking off in his gazebo. That could be fun, if I wasn’t trying to bring down a cartel and save a woman from a horrible marriage. Look at me, being all responsible and shit.

I snort as I glance at my watch. After five minutes pass, I pick a path back out of the maze. Fortunately, it’s simple enough that it would be hard to get lost in it.

As I emerge, music spilling out of the house fills the air. Party guests are still gathered on the veranda. I smile and nod at a few as I walk past.

“How was the garden?” one asks.

“Very fun. You should try the maze,” I say.

“Maybe we should, honey.” The man’s date gives him a sultry look.

“Not a bad idea.”

They walk past me, heading toward the garden.

Inside, it’s easy to find Blue. She’s the most beautiful woman in a sea of elegant socialites. None of them can compare to her.

She’s standing with her father and Broussard, smiling at the two as if she doesn’t have a care in the world. I hope she’s not too cheerful, or they will become suspicious.

Drifting out of the ballroom, I head for one side of the grand staircase that curves up on either side of the entryway to the upper level. A servant leaves his post near the door to approach me.

“Sir, if you need to use the facilities, there are two bathrooms in the hall and an additional one back by the kitchen.”

“I’m sorry. I think I ate something slightly off and the restrooms are occupied. Are there any other bathrooms upstairs I might use?”

“Mr. Broussard doesn’t want guests roaming through the halls,” the servant warns.

“I’ll be quick,” I say.“Please. I don’t want to embarrass myself.”

“Come right down when you’re done,” the man says, frowning. He’s probably wondering what kind of mess I’m going to leave and if he’ll be the one forced to clean it up. Fortunately for him, I won’t be leaving a trace of my presence.

When I reach the top of the stairs, I turn right. Blue gave me great information. After checking the first door and discovering that it leads to the bathroom, I close it. I’m able to find the door to the study right away, or at least I’m pretty sure it’s this room because the door’s locked.

“Fuck,” I whisper.

Pulling a lock-picking kit out of my inside coat pocket, I quickly get to work. The second the tumblers fall into place, the lock clicks and disengages. I slip inside, closing the door silently behind me.

Chapter 7: Vapor

Stepping into Broussard’s study, I am enveloped by the rich scent of polished mahogany and leather-bound books. The room exudes a sense of timeless sophistication, with dark wood paneling and towering bookshelves lined with classic literature and rare first editions.

A grand oak desk, meticulously organized, sits in the center, adorned with a vintage brass lamp and a crystal decanter of aged whiskey. Plush, deep-set armchairs invite one to sit and read, while the floor-to-ceiling windows draped in heavy velvet curtains offer a glimpse of the sprawling estate beyond. Every detail, from the intricate Persian rug to the tasteful artwork on the walls, speaks of refined elegance and intellectual pursuit.

And it’s all bullshit.

A laptop sits closed on Broussard’s desk. I’m tempted to just grab it and go, but he’d notice it was missing. It wouldn’t be hard to figure out who stole it, especially if he interrogated all the staff. I can’t take that risk.

I pull my phone out and call Fang.“I’m in Broussard’s office. He’s got a laptop. What should I do?”

“Open it and see if it’s password protected.”

“Seriously?” I ask, circling around the desk to check.

“You’d be surprised how many dumbasses don’t password protect their shit,” Fang says, chuckling.

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