Page 145 of See You There

“He fucked up, but it all worked out, right? Alan got me that action hero role.”

“Congratulations,” Dahlia managed. The way Chandler was sitting prevented her from sliding out of the booth.

“I wasn’t expecting toactuallyget shot, though. They were supposed to be blanks.”

Dahlia’s blood ran cold.

When she didn’t answer, Chandler mistook her silence for confusion. “In the gun, I mean. Hank was supposed to use blanks like we do on set.”

Chandler shook his head blearily. “I mean, what moron doesn’t check to see if there is a real bullet in the chamber? It was such a good plan, too!” He smiled at her. “I know you don’t think I’m very smart, Lia, but it really was the perfect plan.”

Dahlia should tell him to shut up. She didn’t want to know this. But her curiosity won out. “You were part of the robbery? I knew you didn’t have the money.”

“It wasn’t supposed to be a real robbery. I was going to be a hero, and they’d forgive my debt. Honestly, I would have paid them if I had the money,” Chandler said. “Alan thought this could be a great opportunity.”

“Alan, is involved in this?”

“Alan is involved in what?” A man's silky voice said from above her. “What are you talking about, Chandler?”

“Just chit-chat,” Dahlia said, shoving at Chandler’s side.

“Chill, Alan. Lia is cool. She gets it. She knows I never meant for Hank to go so far.” Chandler struggled to his feet, knocking the table several times. “What are the chances? He shoots me by accident but can’t hit her.” Chandler laughed like he’d told a joke.

Alan hauled him out of the seat and then offered his hand to Dahlia. “I think it’s best if we wrap this evening up. Don’t you think?”

Dahlia nodded. Absolutely! She wanted to get as far away from the two men as she could. It looked like Alan would give her the out.

“All’s well that ends well and all that,” Dahlia said in as lighthearted a voice as she could manage, getting to her feet.

“Not all well.” Chandler pointed out with a giggle. “I mean, Hank got himself killed.”

The hand Alan had helped her with suddenly tightened painfully around her fingers. “Shut up, you moron,” Alan hissed at his client. “You never said it was mob money!” Alan looked at Dahlia, his expression shifting from regret to resignation. “I think it’s time we find someplace else to go.” Alan leaned into her face. “I’m assuming you understand it is best for all involved if you forget this conversation ever happened. Once these fools bungled it, I had to do it myself. Remember, my man almost got you that night.”

Dahlia felt as if all the blood had left her head. He was talking about the shooter at Luke’s condo. “I still have his number, and he has a variety of skills.”

Dahlia blinked but nodded, not knowing what else to do.

“How fortuitous that I found you here.” A deep, lightly accented voice interrupted them. I haven’t been lucky enough to meet the woman of the hour yet.”

Alan stiffened.

An extremely handsome man with a neatly trimmed, black beard and slicked-back hair greeted them with an icy smile. His deep blue eyes were flat, and Dahlia could feel the danger emanating from him.

“This is a private conversation,” Alan said, standing straight.

“I’m sure it is private. But I think the young woman looks uncomfortable. Ms. Everton, allow me to introduce myself, Alex Kovalyov.” He cast a glance over Alan and Chandler. “I believe the two of you are familiar with an associate of mine. You’ve enjoyed his entertainments a time or two, I believe. Though, unfortunately…” His eyes raked up and down Chandler. “The last time didn’t end so well for everyone.”

Chandler and Alan paled considerably.

“I sincerely hope you weren’t threatening Ms. Everton here. That would make me very unhappy. I consider her to be aclosefriend of our family.”

Kovalyov’s smile widened, though it looked more like a wolf baring its teeth. “I hope my meaning is clear.”

Chandler and Alan looked terrified, but they nodded.

“Now, my brother asked that I pass along a message to you. You have one month to settle your debts. After that, I’m afraid he will need to hand it over to a debt collection service.” The man’s mouth pursed. “And no one wants that. It’s so terrible for your… credit.”

Alan and Chandler appeared paralyzed, gawking at the man.