Page 60 of Wicked Oath
“It’s ok,” she says, hugging me back. “I’ll make him see me sooner or later.”
I don’t comment on that. Instead, I pull back and say, “Lucy, I need your help.”
“Of course. Anything.”
I glance around to make sure no one else is listening, and my eyes gaze through a window, landing on my house a couple of doors down. My father is there, with no idea that James is up to something. I just need to find out what.
I turn back to Lucy. “I need to figure out what James is keeping from me, but he’s refusing to tell me. I need you to help me figure it out. Can you do that?”
Her eyes gleam with interest. “Ooooh! So, like, we’re going on an undercover mission.”
“Well … you are. James will never admit to anything if I’m around. But I know he likes to conduct business at the fight ring. I need you to go there, keep your cell on, and let me listen in on the conversation. Think you can manage that?
“I’m not sure, but I’m all for trying.”
“Thanks,” I breathe out. “We just need to put you in disguise so James doesn’t recognize you, then find a way to leave your phone behind, so we can listen in without James noticing.”
“You’re really serious about figuring out what he’s hiding, aren’t you?”
“I am. I know in my gut he’s keeping something from me, and it’s bothering me that he’s holding back. I need answers. And I’m willing to go to desperate lengths to figure it out.”
“Then let’s do it.”
* * *
After dressingLucy in a brown wig and glasses—it’s not perfect under short notice, but I’m hoping James hasn’t paid much attention to her to really recognize her face—Lucy and I go over the plan on more time.
We’ll go to the ring, and Lucy will enter like she’s some random clubgoer who just lost her way. She’ll hide her phone in one of the back booths, and hopefully, we’ll be able to hear James. It’s not the best plan, but we don’t have many other options.
The one perk of being a married mafia woman is the freedom, like being able to drive my own car without a guard. I told James before he left for the day that I was going over to Lucy’s, and he didn’t seem to think anything of it.
Now, Lucy and I are outside the ring in the middle of the day. A handful of cars sit near the entrance, and I recognize James’ car.
“Ok.” I turn to Lucy. “If any of the men in there try anything with you, just get out. Your safety is more important than information.”
“Thanks, but I’m here to help you figure out what your husband is keeping from you. I won’t stop until we do that.”
I wrap her in another hug. “Just be careful.”
“I will,” she says into my hair. She opens her phone and calls my number, then stuffs it into her purse.
I answer her call. “All right. Make sure you’re phone stays on, ok?”
“Duly noted.” With a wink, Lucy gets out of the car. This is more excitement than she’s ever seen in her entire life. It’s great to have her support, but it’s also terrifying that she might get into trouble. Lucy has never been one for self-preservation. I’ve also been the one to ground her, and now look at us—I’m the one sending her into the lion’s den.
I watch as Lucy approaches the club and goes inside. All I can hear is her breathing until the chatter of male voices flits through the phone.
All of a sudden, the male voices stop until one guy says, “Who do we have here?”
“Sorry,” Lucy squeaks out.
“What are you doing here?” It’s James. Oh god, does he recognize her?
“Sorry. I was here last night and left behind a bracelet. I wanted to look for it if that’s ok.”
James barks a laugh. “Lady, if you were here last night, then you know how crazy this place can get. Your bracelet is probably long gone by now.” Good, it doesn’t seem like he knows her.
“Please,” Lucy begs. “Can I just good look over in that booth for a second? It won't take long, I promise.”
