Page 75 of Havoc

“Leo,” I pulled myself together and called across the table, “let’s order another bottle.” I pointed to the wine and wrapped my arm around the back of Kenna’s chair.

“All right, let’s do this.” Leo grinned and signaled for the waiter. We could all play this game.

* * *

“Isit always so exciting and mysterious with you brothers?” Paige’s voice was full of fun as she put her arm through Leo’s. They walked in front of us down the sidewalk. The humid air was full of music and people partying. Jesse hadn’t liked the idea of walking, but I noticed he didn’t say no to her. Another man under her spell.

“It’s the world of money and power,” Kenna answered her. “It brings out the good, the bad, and the ugly.”

“So, who was that guy?” Paige started to dig again, and Kenna changed the topic.

“Hey, everyone,” she clapped her hands and looked up at me with a big smile, “I heard about this band. It’s close by, and I’d love to go hear them play.”

“What kind of music? who’s playing?” Leo walked backward and looked interested.

“Cajun Cat. They’re a mix of it all jazz, blues, swamp.” She smiled brightly. “Swamp just so happens to be one of my favorite kinds of music. They’re a local band, playing in a pub.”

She tried hard to get us on board, but I wasn’t feeling it. My mind was still stuck back at the restaurant as I imagined my hands snapping Sonny’s bones.

“I don’t know.” I wanted them all back at the hotel.

“Come on, music’s rooted deep in the people here. Besides, if you truly want to bring New Orleans to Vegas, we need to experience New Orleans while were in it!” She scrunched up her nose when she saw she hadn’t won me over yet. “Jesse,” she called over her shoulder then hung back as she worked her magic to convince him.

“So, are we doing this?” Leo asked as he looked at me.

“Yes, I suppose. It’s fun watching her plead her case,” I joked darkly.

“You are all kinds of messed up, Grim.” Paige glanced at me.

I shrugged. “Better you discover it now.”

“Jesse’s on board.” Kenna joined me again with her hands on her hips.

“Of course, he is.” I snagged her around the waist and hurried her along.

Voodoo’s Basement turned out to be a small pub just three blocks down from the restaurant. I appreciated the short walk and one entrance into the place. If Sonny still followed, he’d be spotted quickly. It wasn’t overly busy, and the band had been on break and were just getting started again. We snagged a table in the back corner while Jesse spread out the guys. The low lighting and the chill vibe of the locals in the place helped calm my need to spill blood.

“This band,” Kenna started in as we settled, “does covers and mixes in their own music.”

As the music started, I leaned back and took a breath. The lead singer lit up from ear to ear as he licked his lips then let out one hell of a sound. He started out with Eddie Lang’sTroubles, Troubles.After that, they played three songs I didn’t know, and I was captivated. They were a four-person band. Three men and one woman. They each pulled their weight with the instruments and their energy never faded. After a while of enjoying the music, I found myself watching Kenna watch the crowd. Just when my curiosity got to me, the music faded and the man at the mic said they needed another short break.

“I’m impressed.” Leo turned his chair back around toward the table.

“I loved the fourth song,” Paige chimed in. “The growl in his voice gave me goosebumps.”

The lead singer approached our table. “Kenna Lodge?”

“Yes, that’s me.” Kenna stood and shook his hand. “Please sit.”

“Thank you.” He waved over the woman. Leo gave me a surprised look but went with it. Clearly, Kenna had been expecting them to come over, though a little heads up would have been nice.

“Leon and Kate, this is Grim and Leo Gates, and this is Leo’s date, Paige.”

“Nice to meet you all.” Leon smiled warmly. “What did you think?”

“Goosebumps on the fourth song.” Paige spoke up first, no shocker there. Her sales background showed her need to talk first.

“I’m so happy to hear that,” Kate thanked her. “What about you, Grim?”

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