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Wait a second… I know his plan. Dad goes to the underground card game to deliver a message to Uncle F and Nikolaj, and Silver poses as one of the crooked cops by my old home. Maybe I can—oh what the fuck am I thinking?
Pulling at my hair again, I pace all around the bedroom.
What am I going to do, run in screaming to tell Silver I love him? Yeah, that’ll make the bratva put down their weapons.
After collapsing to my knees and sobbing out a river of pain, I’m drawn to the letter again. I read it, and read it, and read it… thinking of him writing before he left in the middle of the night. That bastard knew wine puts me sleeping on my ass like a corpse. He used my own mistake of ordering it to his advantage.
Shit!
I pick myself up and remember who I am. The daughter of Captain Patrick Dall, the one who should’ve been a forensics specialist.
Think, Quinn. What can I do to stop this?
You can’t lose Silver. You can’t.
Running back down the stairs, I grab my jacket, stuff my bare feet into my boots, and bear the cold. There are tire marks over the slush in the driveway, but he’s been driving the business car lately. What about the rental he was supposed to return? It’s got to be around here somewhere.
I use the faint moonlight and street lamps to guide my way. This part of Jersey is a bit more secluded than where I grew up, so it’s going to be hard to call for help, but with a little luck…
I squint when I see it—the beat-up Ford SUV he rented a week ago. It’s the only car a half mile in either direction. Except I don’t know how to hot wire. I’m not a criminal and I have no phone to teach me.
Shutting my eyes and cursing to myself, I wrack my brain.
Think, Quinn. Think.
When a lightbulb hits me, I rush in the other direction—towards the shed off to the side. All of Silver’s stage houses have them. It’s unlocked, and when I click on the light, I grab the first sturdy piece of equipment I can find—a crowbar.
Running back up to the gate, I know I’m crazy, but so ishefor going through with his plan. I bang on the gates when Idiscover he’s locked me in from the inside. He probably gave my dad instructions to pick me up when all is over. This one’s taller than the one in my neighborhood.
But if I don’t act, Silver’s going to die… If he didn’t get himself killed already.
I have to try.
Tossing the crowbar through the slit of the gate, I jump for the top, banging my shin twice while struggling to pull myself over. Look, I’m a fit woman, but doing a pull-up ishard. That’s why in gym class, they used to make the ladies hang there while the guys showed off their skill.
Screw… that!
My face scrunches as I tense all my muscles to pull myself over.
You’re not… the only…
I pull hard until I can’t feel my arms.
One with a… plan!
I throw my arm over the top and whip my legs so I’m teetering over the gate. Thank God it’s smooth, otherwise I would’ve picketed myself ten times by now.
Thwmp!
I fall awkwardly over the side, mostly on my feet.
No time.I grab the crowbar and stare at the window of the beat-up Ford.This better work.
Chapter 29
Arosso
I’m in the car with Captain Dall, speeding to our first location where I have a car for him to take. It hurt more than anything to leave Quinn sleeping in the night. I knew white wine was her kryptonite, and I knew her wearing that dress would induce a sexual session I’d never be able to control. The combo? She’s out like a light so I can finish this thing.