“She wanted to bail on the job. Said it was too dangerous.”
“Was it?”
He smiles. “You tell me.”
“I did get shot, so maybe she was on to something. Why didn’t you tell me that the old man knew you?”
“What?”
“The first night I tried to rob him, he said to tell you that you were going to have to do better than that right before he freaking shot me.”
He snorts. “Didn’t realize the old fucker was still in the game.”
“Game?”
“In with the Mafia. Used to work for the Don, a man named Midas.” He spits. “But Midas is a fool, and didn’t want all that power, so he split the city into different territories.”
“What does that have to do with the pieces?”
“The pieces belonged to someone important to one of the Families.”
“So, your plan is to get the jewelry and then what? Bribe them with it?”
“Bribe? That’s cute. No, my plan is to rub it in their faces that I have it before taking their empire from under their noses. Ever hear of The Thorny Rose?”
“Doesn’t ring a bell.”
“Don’t suppose it would. It’s a brothel that I run, hidden by an offshore corporation so that no one can link it back to me. There’s only one other brothel in town. Imagine my surprise when I found out the same people I’m trying to ruin are the ones who own it.”
He’s talking about Neverland.
“This is about power?”
“It’s always about power. Something you’ll do well to remember.”
“So your plan is to…what? Kill them?”
“Yes.”
“Okay. Well, here’s your necklace.”
If he’s surprised by my sudden change in attitude, he doesn’t show it. Reaching into my bag, I pull out the box. He takes it before it’s even all the way out.
“Dude. That was rude. Now, where’s my money?”
Ignoring me, he opens the box. The necklace glimmers in the light.
“Oh, how sweet this revenge is.”
He crosses the room, to the safe in the closet. I’ve broken into a hotel safe before, so I’m not worried about this one. He unlocks it, pulling out a box with the ring and earrings. The set is complete. Who would have known what this was going to mean for me? I thought it was just a job. Turns out this is so much more than a job.
“Wolfe? My money?”
He waves his free hand. “Give a man a moment to look at his prize.”
He finally puts the box in the safe, shutting it. This is where he’s going to turn on me and show his true colors. Good thing I already know it’s coming.
“My dear, sweet child. I’m so sorry to do this to you. When your mother told me she was pregnant with you, I was angry. Sent her away when I shouldn’t.”