Page 77 of Dealing Dirty
“Will you two shut up?” Sasha chimes in.
We hold our breath when one guard twists our direction. After a beat, he returns to watching guests filter in through the gaudy double doors, and I relax back on my haunches.
“We had to have missed an entrance on the other side,” Micah whispers. “We should turn back around.”
Having already cleared the back of the house, we’d seen plenty of windows but no entry points. With more guests arriving, I’m afraid Micah’s earlier concern could be reality. If we circle back now, there could be more guards waiting.
“It’s too risky to have all three of us this close. You two hang back with Jack and let me handle this,” I say.
“Not a chance, brother.” My tux absorbs the slap he gives my back.
I move to standing, hiding behind a wall of brick. “Alright, let’s go back around then.”
Slinking away from the house, we tiptoe our way to the opposite side of the building. There are four sections of windows on the second story that look out toward the creek, forcing us to hug the walls as we move.
Sasha’s pistol rests in the belt of my pants at my lower back. The light of the full moon guides us, highlighting Sasha’s extended arms, and the Glock she carries falls to her side as she raises a small fist. Micah and I halt while she surveys the area.
My thighs flex, ready to bolt at the sight of another set of guards, but the back of the house is crony free.
“There.” She points to another door. It’s smaller, with worn hinges and a weathered frame. The wood has been bleached over time, allowing it to blend with the pale-colored brick.
“Looks promising,” I mumble.
Turning the old rusty knob, the door gives with a firm shove. I crack the door open to reveal inky darkness. Adjusting to the dark, empty hall, I double check that the coast is clear before signaling Sasha over.
The grass crunches quietly beneath her boots as she moves to peek inside.
“Be careful, Derrick.” Emotion strains her voice as she straightens the lapels of my suit jacket. Her hands rest there longer than I expect, and I lightly tap her chin.
“We’re The Dynamic Duo, remember?”
I sneak a peek at my friend. “And Micah, I guess.”
He flips me off.
“I’m the brawn. You’re the brains,” I continue. “There’s nothing that can stop us.”
She gives me a tight-lipped smile, but I reach for her before she goes. “If you get a single whiff of trouble, get the hell out of here. That’s an order, Sasha.”
They each give me a solitary nod before falling back.
“Let’s do this.” Releasing a shaky breath, I enter the musty hall. My shoes scuff against the ground as I slide my fingers along the wall in search of hidden doors. Light seeping through a small slit several paces away draws me closer to an exit. One I hope won’t lead me straight to hell.
A hot rush of adrenaline surges at the first dip in the wall.
“Juliana,” I whisper, tugging on the door handle. But there’s no reply, and the damn thing doesn’t budge.
I’m met with the same at a second door I find.
“Hazel, are you in there?” I ask, pressing my ear flush against the wood and listening for any sign of movement.
With no answer, I trek toward a set of steps that shine under the thin ray of light. Clanking noises sound from the other side of the wall, along with shouting and the unmistakable clatter of dishes.
I slip a hand into the inner pocket of my suit and remove a blue and silver mask. The foreign weight tingles my nose once I’ve secured the tie behind my head. I’ve been given a second chance tonight, and I’m not about to bite fate’s extended hand.
Laughter echoes louder with each step I climb, and as I grip the knob, vomit threatens to snake up my esophagus. There’s a decent chance that ten more guards are waiting on the other side of this door.
Pushing my luck, I sneak out into a smaller hall.
