Page 52 of Matrix

“I’ve got a full schematic of the house. Guard schedules. Whatever you need to make this thing happen,” Fang says.

“Directions to the front door should just about do it.” Talon leans back in his chair and laces his fingers behind his head.

“You can’t just waltz in. It’s by invitation only,” Ice says.

“How do I get one of those?”

“You have to go to one of the local strip clubs and flash a whole lot of cash. Fortunately, we’ve got stacks of twenties in the safe.” Vapor grins.

“Twenties?” I’m surprised.

“Inflation’s a bitch. No one bats an eye when you make it rain with ones anymore. Twenties are the new minimum to get attention,” Ice says.

“You sound like an expert on the local stripper scene.”

“Research.” Ice smirks.

“I’ll bet. When do we go?” I ask.

“We?” Scar turns in his chair to face me.

“You can’t send one guy into a club run by the cartel.” I lean toward Vapor. “I’m assuming they run the clubs, too?”

“Yes.”

“Then we need a group.”

“Why? One guy is less suspicious,” Bones says.

“Not really. Here’s the play. We all go in like we’re a group of dudes out partying for the night. Around one a.m., we start talking about going to one of the jazz clubs, but Talon doesn’t want to go. We make a big scene about leaving him behind. That will draw attention to him. Then, he’ll try to pay one of the strippers for sex. That should put him on their radar.” I pause to see what they think.

“I actually like it,” Vapor says. “It’s the perfect way to get them to take the bait.”

“Agreed,” Scar says.

“Are we going tonight? I need a shower first. I smell like ass,” Talon says.

“The clubs don’t really get going until after ten anyway. Eleven is better. Who’s going tonight?” Vapor asks Scar.

“Talon, Reaper, and Matrix. I’ll stay behind.”

“Julia would have his ass if he found out he was getting lap dances from naked women,” Talon says.

“Wait until Daisy finds out.” Reaper smirks.

“So, you and the Fed, hmm?” Vapor eyes me in a way that suggests he disapproves of our … whatever we are.

“Maybe we skip telling her the details.” I don’t want to lie to her, but if I tell her the truth, she might stop me from going. I can’t risk it. Talon will need backup, at least until he gets an invite to Lulu’s.

“It’s your call,” Vapor says to Scar.

“Don’t tell her.”

“Thanks, pres.” I release the breath I’ve been holding.

“As long as you look but don’t touch, it shouldn’t matter,” Talon says.

“Right. I’ll let you explain that to her.” I roll my eyes.