Page 67 of Undertow

I move away to pass the martini to the guest and start on the next order.

“Well, then, maybe I need to talk to my father about your hours.”

I glance over, surprised at her naïveté. She knows what I do, right? That I’m a “bartender” in the same way her father is a “CEO” and she’s… I don’t even know. What does a mob princess do besides stalk her subordinates with an entitled chip on her shoulder?

Easy, Shaw. Operative word is “subordinate.” She’s shallow, doesn’t mean she’s harmless.

“No thanks. I need the money,” I lie. If she doesn’t have any clue about her father’s real operations, I’m certainly not going to be the one to enlighten her.

Her face scrunches into a pout, and I leave again to deliver the next drink. She’s still waiting with an expectant look when I return, and I have to suppress a burst of irritation. Is she really so oblivious? Maybe so if no one has ever said no to her before.

Guess I will be educating her onthat.

“Sorry for making you wait, Miss McArthur,” I say in a formal tone. “What can I get you?”

Her expression falls as the rejection sinks in. Hazel eyes search mine through the dim lighting, but I remain neutral.

After several seconds of tense silence, her fingers curl around the designer purse she placed on the bar.

Her gaze turns cold. “Nothing, apparently.”

I nod and force a stiff smile. “Have a nice night, Miss McArthur.”

She doesn’t respond as she marches away.

13

WARRIORS AND ENEMIES

“And you’re sure no one saw you?” Adrian asks me for the fifth time. Does he think I’d be standing here if they did?

Mama H shoots him the irritated look I wish I could.

“Obviously they didn’t,” she snaps, then turns back to me. “You did good, kid. What do you make of this?” she asks Julia.

Julia examines the tablet where we transferred the staged photos I took. Her eyes scan each detail with meticulous intensity. Once again, Mama H is valuing her daughter’s input above the others. Even though Julia will ultimately be my downfall, some twisted part of me enjoys watching her take control. She’s a warrior.

She’s your enemy.

Yes, and I’ve already decided if I’m going to be executed, I want it to be by her hand. I want to leave this world staring into the only beautiful thing it’s ever given me.

Her breath catches when she squints at something on the screen, and a rush of anticipation spikes through me. She saw it. She must have. I planted the clue, hoping one of them would find it, but I was afraid they’d miss the small detail. I should have known better than to underestimate this woman.

“There. Look.” She turns the screen and enlarges the side of one of the duffle bags.

A tiny red emblem is embroidered on the fabric, a critical detail McArthur should be on his knees thanking me for. He wants to get in bed with the RLC and he doesn’t know jack shit about them. If not for me, his entire plan for the future of his organization falls apart before it starts.

“The Red Leaf Cartel,” Adrian whispers, a hint of fear and awe in his voice.

“No way,” Mama H hisses, snatching the device from Julia. She stiffens when she leans close. “This… No.How?!”

Julia shakes her head. Adrian looks like he wants to hide.

“How thefuckis McArthur in with the RLC?” she cries, suddenly furious. “And right under our noses, on our own turf!” Adrian shrinks back when she turns her wrath on him. “Get Tyler in here now! Clearly my useless nephew needs a dose of reality about doing his damn job.”

“Mama. It’s possible Ty wasn’t…” Julia quiets at the look blasted her way.

“No. I’ve had enough of you all screwing around and playing hopscotch on the beach while our enemies build an empire! This isn’t a fucking vacation. This iswar. Yourlegacy. McArthur is a step away from stealing everything from us, and you’re all too busy with your thumbs up your asses like whiny children on the playground! You,” she says, pointing at me.