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“Come, Dan.” Sully motioned at me. “I have some people you should meet.”
This could be interesting. I pressed my lips to her cheek then smiled lovingly. “I’ll be back.”
FIFTEEN
NICOLE
As much as it was a mind trip to be with Paul while he was so well disguised as a completely different person, I was glad for the opportunity to do what I did best. Dig.
I spotted someone I needed to see, so he was first up. I made my way over to the bar and ordered a glass of white wine. Then I slipped onto a free stool as close as I could. I sipped my drink and pretended to search through my purse, while I tapped record on my phone, but without warning, they decided to take their conversation elsewhere. Damn! I twisted on my chair and looked around the room. That was okay; I’d find him later.
I watched Paul for a moment as he worked the crowd like a champ. He smiled, shook hands, laughed, everything he needed to do to fit in with these people. The Cartel were rich and their friends even richer. They’d lost their moral compass soon after they slid out of their mothers’ wombs. They had zero respect for anyone or anything except the almighty dollar.
“Spill the tea, Nicole.” Sully accepted a drink from a waiter as he approached me. “Why did you bring a date to my party?”
“You mean a party I wasn’t invited to?” I raised a brow. “We had a deal.”
“I felt you were needed elsewhere. I assured our mutual friend that you were to be trusted. He gave you a job to do. You’ll have to forgive me for not extending an invitation, but—” He raised his glass to his lips.
I instantly felt nervous. “I understand he isn’t coming?”
“He’s not,” he twisted the glass between his fingers, “but Rafael Cruz is. I also have a job to do. Again, I’m going to ask, who is your date?”
“You mean my shiny new penny?” I wiggled my brows as I roped him in. “He’s actually a regalito.”
“I do enjoy regalito.” He stepped closer.
“As he mentioned, Dan is from LA and works at importing-exporting things such as artwork, artifacts,” I slid my gaze over to him, “humans who just so happen to carry high amounts of cocaína.”
“Really?”
“I figured he should come here and meet you. Dip his feet in your world so that should you decide to ask him for help with your little California problem, he might be more open to it.”
He studied my face the way he did when he was happy about something, but didn’t want to seem too eager. “You two seem very close.”
“It’s all part of the game, Sully.” I winked as I took a sip of my drink.
“All right, well, I appreciate the offering. I’ll be sure to speak with him again tonight and see if we can’t find something that would benefit us both.”
“Do that, and you’re welcome.” I hoped he’d pull his men off Paul so he could do what he needed to do. I steered the conversation back to the situation at hand. “Now tell me, Sully, why you and I are both doing the job of one.” He hesitated, and my temper got the best of me, or at least I made it look that way.
“I don’t understand.” He lifted his hands.
“That child. I don’t like being blackmailed into doing someone’s dirty work. I couldn’t give two fucks about the child. He’s not the story I’m interested in telling,” I lied with ease. “So, I’m supposed to be off looking for some child and you’re hosting a party here, I suspect for the same reason.” I waved my arm around. “Add to that a high-powered Canos soldier is in attendance. Doesn’t that tell you something? Sounds to me like we’re being played against each other. Tell me I’m wrong, Sully.” He scrunched up his nose and glanced around. I knew he must have had the same thoughts himself. I might hate Sully, but he wasn’t stupid.
“Nicole, Bruno has made it clear what he’ll do if you don’t do as he asked. You need to find that child?—”
“I’m done playing Bruno’s games,” I glared at him, “and I know that son of a bitch doesn’t have my cameraman. Ben called me yesterday and confirmed he’s okay.” I hopped off the stool and sent him a look to show him I was done with it all. “So, let me clarify.” I placed a hand on the bar. “I have proven to you time and again you can trust me. I even brought Dan to your party because I know he can be of help to you, yet you still sit here and let Bruno call the shots when it comes to our friendship? Do me a favor and don’t call on me again.”
“Wait, wait, wait.” He pointed with his head to sit back down, and I knew something was up. Careful not to seem too intrigued, I hesitated and pretended to think for a moment before I did as he asked. “I can’t get close to him.”
“Him. Who? Rafael?”
“Yes,” he hissed, clearly unhappy. “We don’t have the best relationship. Bruno seems to think we do, but he won’t give me the time of day, as you Americans say…” He took a sip of his drink.
This was an interesting development. I had to play my cards right. “So, get someone else to speak to him.”
“It’s not that simple.” He actually looked worried. “I could use your help with this.”