“I know I am.”
I give him a small smile. “I wish I were as confident as the three of you. Maybe when I’m old, I’ll have the same attitude.”
He laughs. “Angel, you’re already halfway there and it is a sight to see. Come on. We should eat before we go.”
“Fine, but you’re trying my food first. Just in case.”
Together, the three of us go to the kitchen, where we enjoy a non-poisoned meal. As we eat, I can’t shake the bad feeling that’s setting over me. And, like Red used to say, one should always listen to their gut.
Too bad I didn’t.
13
Goldie
It’s strange walking up to the hotel to meet Wolfe. I know the guys are nearby, but I’m basically unprotected out here. If Wolfe were to shoot me, there would be nothing I could do to protect myself. Heck, I probably wouldn’t even be able to get to the gun strapped to my ankle in time. Stop it, Goldie! That’s not going to happen. Somehow, I don’t believe the little voice in my head.
No one will miss me when I’m gone. It’s sad to say, but true. Even the guys haven’t known me long enough to mourn me for very long. If I come out of this alive, I’m going to change that. I’m going to really live, so that one day when I’m gone, it’s a big deal. Yeah, this is kind of morbid, but it gives me the courage to keep walking.
I take the elevator to the thirteenth floor. Isn’t there some kind of rule where hotels aren’t supposed to have a floor with this number? Talk about setting the creepy mood. Stepping off, I find the room number. 1313. Great. Another thirteen. If I make it out of this, I’m going to tell the guys they need to let Di Bello know that having this many thirteens is bad luck!
I reach out, but don’t even get to knock before Wolfe opens the door, pulling me in. Di Bello better keep his end of the deal and unlock the door when the time comes, or I’m screwed, and not in the fun way. Which would be a shame since I literally discovered the fun way last night.
The room is beautiful, decorated to look like an old French hotel right out of the 20s. Di Bello told Atticus that the safes in the room are authentic, too. So I’ll have to listen as I turn the dial. No pressure, right?
Wolfe’s harsh words tear me from my thoughts. “Where is it?”
“Hello to you, too, Wolfe.”
He glares. “We’re not friends. Remember that.”
Oh, I’ll remember.
I say, “Sad. I was hoping you might use me in the future.”
He eyes me, making my skin crawl. “I’m sure I can find some use for you.”
Barf. No, thank you.
“I only work withfriends. Sorry.”
“Like Red? Such a shame about her.”
I still. “Can I ask you something?”
“Sure.”
“Why did you kill her?”
Something that looks like surprise flickers in his eyes. “What makes you think I killed her?”
“Come on, Wolfe. You found both of us and told us we had to work for you and then she’s found with a bullet in her head. That’s no coincidence.”
“You’re right, it’s not.”
I feel sick.
“So, why did you do it?”