My heart is thudding in my ears as I knock on Byrne’s office door.
“Come in,” he calls.
I open the door and clear my throat. “Sorry to disturb you, sir.”
He looks up, eyes narrowing when he sees me. “What do you want, Elias?” He glances at the clock on his wall. “And why aren’t you in class?”
“My uncle told me he sent you a letter requesting that I be on leave this morning.” My brow furrows. “Have you received it?”
He shakes his head. “No.” His eyes narrow. “I’ll check today’s mail.”
Perfect.
I nod and step aside while Principal Byrne goes to his mailbox. He returns, clutching a pile of envelopes with the one I forged at the top. “It looks like it arrived this morning.”
He throws down the other letters and opens mine. I watch him nervously as he sinks into his chair and reads the brief and rather nonspecific letter I wrote, mentioning I’m needed for a family event.
Byrne shakes his head and sighs. “What is with your families all thinking you can leave on a moment’s notice?”
I shrug. “Perhaps it’s because they pay so much for us to be here.”
He glares at me. “Quit the smart guy act, Elias. Or I’ll deny your uncle.”
It’s a loose threat at best, since he believes my uncle did indeed write the letter. There’s no way he’d really deny the request.
There are a few more moments of silence as he reads through the letter again, before he gives me one nod and then stamps it. “You can go.” He holds the letter up with the stamp and I take it from him. “But be back by the start of next week. Too many students are falling behind, and you are one of them, Elias.”
I nod. “Got it, sir.” I turn away and walk out of his office, thankful that my last-minute plan worked.
Now I just need to get a taxi to Boston and break into a wedding party at the Gurin house. I fear it’s going to be easier said than done.
* * *
The taxi costme a fortune and this tuxedo isn’t the best fit for me, but I’ve made it to the wedding party at the Gurin residence.
It’s a large and fancy home, but not as lavish as my uncle’s mansion. There are two guards posted at the door. One has to be a little taller than me but as thin as a rake with bright blonde hair, and the other is at least a foot shorter and stocky with dark hair and a mean look on his face.
If it goes south, I’d not be too uncomfortable coming to blows with them, but then looks can be deceiving. Somehow I’m going to need to convince them I’m supposed to be here.
I stand in line and hope for the best. When I get to the front, I give them a smile and wait for them to demand an invitation or something.
“Name?” the taller guy asks, glaring at me.
Fuck.
What name could I give that might be on the guest list?
“Thiago Estrada,” I say, quoting my cousin’s name. After all, the Estrada Cartel is a strong business partner for Mikhail. He would have extended an invitation out of courtesy. Whether my uncle would have even considered attending is another matter entirely.
The shorter guard with dark hair scans the list and then nods.
Bingo.
“Go on in,” the taller guy says, stepping aside to allow me into Mikhail Gurin’s home.
I walk past them calmly, even though I can’t quite believe that worked. I’m certain my uncle and cousins won’t make an appearance, so it shouldn’t matter that I’ve given Thiago’s name.
Now, I just need to find my little pet and deliver my gift to her. The contract carefully stowed in the inside pocket of my jacket. I walk through the halls and follow the music and chatter to a large ballroom at the heart of the home.