“Pina’s friend, the artist?” Falco asked. Niall chuckled.
“She was bartending,” Niall told him.
“She tends bar?” Falco asked.
“I guess so. Well, I’ve got shit to do,” Mercury stated.
“I need to talk with you, Niall, about this thing Saturday at the Ambiance. A private jewelry party. Jonah said he’s sending other people but requested outside security and one guy inside. They’re caught up in a few things so Rylan is going to be your inside security guy,” Falco told Niall.
“That’s great, did you call Cooper or Graham and let them know? Louisa is organizing the event but she doesn’t need to be there for it. The guys have plans with her Saturday.”
“Rylan’s got it covered. He’ll be there by five.”
“Okay, I’ll talk to you guys later,” Mercury said and then he and Falco walked out of the room.
“We heard from Slade and all the merchandise has been returned to the clients. Hiatte’s things are in the warehouse in New York. They’re very happy. So much so that they are sending money as a bonus,” Falco told Mercury as they waked down the hallway to the office.
“Hopefully it isn’t a bon voyage gift and a see ya,” Mercury said and Falco exhaled.
“Who cares, the situation could have been disastrous. It’s bad enough Rome is laid up for a while.”
“He’ll recover quickly. You know him.”
“Yeah, I do, Mercury, and he’s going to want revenge and will plow through anyone in his way who tries to stop him.”
“He won’t be the only one, Falco.”
Chapter 3
“How in the world did that happen?” Louisa asked Rose, as she, Pina, Venetia, and Gianna, got together for lunch at Steak-N-Shine.
Rose shook her head and chuckled. “You won’t believe it. I was bartending for a private party at one of the beach villas where all those mansions are,” Rose explained.
“When did you start bartending?” Venetia asked her.
“Well, things have been tight. This guy Jimmy I know calls me when he’s in a jam or when his main waitress/bartender Chelsea isn’t able to make it. It isn’t steady but sometimes when he calls it’s for a wealthy party and the tips are great. So I went.”
“What do you mean, things are tight? Do you need help with bills or finding work?” Gianna asked.
“The guys can get your paintings into a gallery. They know so many people,” Pina said to her.
“No, I’m fine and my work can’t be forced down peoples’ throats. I’m starting to think that I need to put the painting to the side and get involved with something that can make me money,” Rose said to them and looked down at her glass of iced tea.
“What? No way, your paintings are beautiful and you’re so talented. You love painting,” Venetia said to her.
“How bad are things, really, Rose, financially?” Gianna asked.
“I’m fine. Don’t worry. I can handle it.”
“Is this why you’re going to show up at the hotel and do the jewelry modeling thing?” Pina asked.
“It pays fifty dollars an hour and I’m guaranteed five hours. All I have to do is wear the jewelry.”
“It sounds suspicious. Do you wear clothes?” Pina asked, crossing her arms in front of her chest.
“Of course she wears clothes. She never would have accepted that. At least not at fifty dollars an hour,” Venetia stated and they chuckled.
“It’s actually quite common for jewelers like Mulgoff Lenotz to pay for women to model the jewelry. They’re worth thousands, even hundreds of thousands of dollars,” Louisa explained.
“So you organized the event at the hotel then?” Rose asked.
“I’m in charge of it but don’t need to be there because it’s in one of the penthouse suites. The place is huge. There will be security but limited. The regular hotel security should be enough. It’s a private party by invitation only so there shouldn’t be any issues. As a matter of fact, one of the James brothers may be there,” Louisa told her and winked.
“Oh yeah? Which one?” Pina asked and leaned forward to take a sip from her drink.