Page 41 of Cross Point

“Participate?” Confused, Trinity said, “Um, ma’am, really I—”

“We have several business owners donating various items. My husbands I are donating a fabulous vintage Rolex, and Oliva is donating some things from her store. Now, what do you do?”

Trinity and Nikita glanced at one another.

“Rosie,” one of the older women said with a chuckle. “She means your job. What do you do for work?”

“Yes, of course,” Rosie agreed. “Are you employed? If not, that is totally fine as well.”

“I own a tattoo shop in Texas,” Nikita explained.

“Oh, that’s cool,” the young woman standing next to Olivia said. “I love your tattoos. Did you design the ones on your arms?”

Nikita nodded. “But I’m not sure I’ll be here for—”

“That’s fine, honey. We’ll work around your schedule,” Rosie said, rolling right over her. “And you, dear?”

Trinity fought the urge to fidget. “I’m a security specialist.”

Rosie’s brow creased at that. “Well, I don’t quite know what that means or what we can do with that.”

“I work for a company that creates and implements security systems in some of the largest corporations in the world and other high-value targets,” Trinity clarified.

Olivia gasped. “Wow, that’s awesome!”

“That sounds dangerous,” the other older woman said, sounding thrilled by the idea.

“It…can be,” Trinity admitted.

Rosie’s eyes widened comically. “My, my. So, I assume you know how to shoot and defend yourself?”

Among other things. “Yes, ma’am.”

“Perfect!” Rosie clapped her hands together, jostling the giant purse she was carrying. “We can auction off a special personalized training session with you. I’m sure we can get permission for you to use the gun range and training facility that our police officers use. I bet all the single men at the auction will be willing to pay loads of money to be able to spend a little one-on-one time with you. Even some of the married ones, too, if their wives don’t murder them first!”

“Oh, no. I couldn’t—”

“Sure you can! Now, where are you staying? With friends? Did you rent a place?”

“I’m at the Palace Resort, but—”

“I simply love that place! I’ll have your auction items printed up on the list.”

“Items?” Nikita asked with a raised brow.

“Of course, we can’t forget about you, dear. You won’t mind using the shop here in town to complete a tattoo, right?” Before she could reply, Rosie said, “I’ll send your invitations to the resort with all the details. It was so wonderful to meet you both and can’t wait to see you again soon! Have a good night!”

With that parting shot, Rosie whisked the other ladies away, leaving Trinity and Nikita alone in front of the bar.

“What the fuck just happened?” Trinity asked, feeling slightly dazed.

Nikita sighed. “It’s a small-town thing. I guess I’m doing a tattoo for charity. Again.”

“Again?”

“It happens in Breakers every now and then. I’ve learned it’s easier not to argue with do-gooders who are determined to make me participate in things I would rather avoid. Especially if it’s for charity.”

Trinity laughed. “I guess that’s the price you pay for friendship.”

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