She nodded.
“Get the car ready,” I told Espada. “We’ll be out in five minutes.” I put my hand on Brynne’s lower back and guided her toward the staff door.
“Do you really think someone is watching me?”
“We don’t want to take any chances.”
“Right. Will you come with me?” She opened the door.
“Try to stop me.” I winked, doing my best to keep her calm. “Where is everyone?” No one was in the small dressing room.
“The flu has been making its rounds, so they’re short on staff.” She put her hair in a ponytail and put a blonde wig on. “How’s this?”
“Perfect.”
The clothing options were minimal. Everything she showed me was sparkly or lingerie. But Brynne was creative and smart as hell. She snatched someone’s pants and paired them with a man’s suit coat.
“What do you think? Do I look different?”
“Totally.” I kissed her quickly and ushered her out of the dressing room. “When we leave the building, change the way you walk.”
“Okay.” She looked at me funny.
“You need to not be you right now, baby. If someone is watching your car, they know what you look like and your mannerisms.”
“Right. How do you know so much?”
I ignored her question as we exited the building. There wasn’t a lot of lighting in the parking lot, which worked to our advantage. Brynne’s BMW was on the opposite side from where Espada’s cage was parked.
I glanced at my girl. She looked scared and sort of like a homeless person who’d been dumpster diving for clothes. The jeans were way too big and long, but she’d rolled them above her ankles. The plaid coat was just ugly. It was a perfect disguise.
We made it across the lot uneventfully. I opened the passenger door and raised the seat for Brynne to hop in the back. The two-door Monte Carlo wasn’t flashy and wouldn’t draw attention. Espada bought it when he and Cash arrived in Montana four years ago. It was practical and meant to blend in.
I sat in my seat and nodded to Espada to go.
Nobody spoke on the way down the mountain. I kept my eyes locked on the side view mirror to be sure we weren’t being followed.
“How you doing?” I glanced over my shoulder at Brynne.
“I’m burning up.” She took off the coat. “Are we running by my apartment to get my bag? And Gina’s there. Do you think she’s in danger too?”
I had no fucking deal what this guy, Dorian, was capable of. Gina could get mixed up in whatever this was, but I wouldn’t worry about her. Brynne was my priority.
“We should get her to safety, boss.” Espada looked sidelong at me.
“Boss?” Brynne snorted.
“He’s just being stupid. But he’s right. If we’re to take that note seriously, you shouldn’t go back to your apartment.”
“Joseph, I need that bag. There are very important things in it. Please.” She made praying hands. “Or I can call Gina and ask her to bring it to a gas station or something.”
“Baby—”
Espada cleared his throat.
The word had left my lips unbidden. “You can’t call her. Your phone might have a tracker on it.”
She huffed and crossed her arms over her chest. I understood her frustration.