Page 57 of Turmoil's Target

Jolt snorts. “Clean as they’re gonna get in this line of work.”

I smirk but stay silent, waiting.

My gut tells me this isn’t just a friendly check-in.

Damon’s eyes dart around the dive bar, his posture a little too stiff.

The bartender ambles over, wiping hands on a dingy towel. “What’ll it be, boys?”

“Four whiskeys, neat,” Damon orders.

He turns back to us as the bartender sets out tumblers and pours. “So, anything to report?”

“Same old shit,” I say with a shrug, taking a sip of the cheap liquor.

It burns going down.

Keep things vague, that’s the key.

Damon hums, swirling his glass.

Ice clinks against the sides. “All right then. You boys just keep at it, yeah? Ears open, mouth shut, unless it’s to whisper sweet nothings to one of the ladies.”

Jolt and I both nod.

Message received—focus on the op, no screw ups.

As if we needed reminding.

I drain the last dregs of whiskey from my glass and thunk it back on the bar.

Jolt mirrors me, Adam’s apple bobbing as he swallows.

The burn lingers in my throat.

Damon slides off his barstool as Dixon walks away, on his phone. “Be back, gotta take a piss.”

“So, you and Seraphina... it’s official now?” Jolt asks, corner of his mouth ticking up.

I nod, allowing a small, satisfied smile. “Yeah, as official as it can be. I’m just usin’ her for this run, Jolt. Nothing more.”

“Damn! Didn’t know you had it in you,” Jolt chuckles, slapping my shoulder. “Guess that silver tongue’s good for more than talking yourself outta trouble.”

I flip him the bird, but there’s no real heat behind it.

Truth is, I’m pretty fucking proud of myself.

Worming my way into Seraphina’s good graces, into her bed.

Well, it hasn’t been easy.

The woman’s got walls higher than the goddamn Hoover Dam.

But I’m nothing if not persistent.

“What about you?” I ask, signaling the bartender for another round. “You making any headway with Rita?”

Jolt scoffs. “Headway? I got her eating outta the palm of my hand, bro. Girl’s so gone on me, she’d probably hand over Seraphina’s secret diary if I asked real nice.”

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