Page 29 of Wild Temple

My blood boiled. “Get out. You’re coming with me.”

Rafi’s eyes rounded. “Oh, no. I can’t go in there with you.”

“They know you. You’re helping me get in.”

“I’m married,” he said, putting on the innocent act. “I can’t go into a place like that.”

If he was married, he didn’t wear a ring. But that didn’t really mean anything. It wasn’t a universal custom in these parts.

I glared at him. “Get out of the car, Rafi. Now!”

After a moment’s hesitation, he killed the engine.

“Nope. Leave it running,” I said. “Jack, take the wheel. Keep an eye on Brooke. I’ll be back.”

“I don’t think you should go in there by yourself,” he cautioned.

“I’m just going to have a look around,” I assured with a mischievous grin.

He didn’t buy it for a second.

Rafi climbed out of the car, and so did I.

Jack slipped behind the wheel.

“Keep it running,” I said.

I told him to hand me Rafi’s ball cap and sunglasses, which rested on the passenger’s seat. He did, and I put them on and pulled the brim low. It wasn’t much of a disguise, but better than nothing.

I marched Rafi down the narrow alleyway, lit by a vapor light that drew swarming insects and cast long shadows.

“You’ll never get past security with a weapon,” Rafi hissed.

“Yes, I will. You’re going to distract them.”

“How am I going to do that?”

“Better think of something quick.”

“I’m telling you, don’t do this,” Rafi warned in a grave tone. “You are making a terrible mistake.”

17

Ikept my head low, and my face angled away from the camera as we approached the black steel door. The camera mounted above captured visitors.

My veins pulsed with adrenaline. I can't deny I was feeling a little anxious about the whole thing.

Rafi knocked on the steel door.

A moment later, the viewing slot at eye level slid open, and two predatory eyes peered through.

Rafi smiled and waved. "This is my friend. A#1. Very good customer. I tell him Black Opal is the best.”

The eyes behind the slot flicked from Rafi to me.

I smiled and nodded, still trying to keep my face away from the camera above.

After an unbearably long moment, the door buzzed, and the bouncer pulled it open.