Page 62 of Hidden Ascent

“Yeah.”

She slumped. “What gives me away?”

“It would be easier to tell you what doesn’t. Who else but a cop asks for the name of a bar owner?”

“There are easier ways to get that kind of information.”

“Then why paymefor it?”

“I’m paying for the convenience. So, are you going to tell me?”

“Nope.” He tucked the bill into his shirt. “And I ain’t giving the money back, either.”

“I didn’t expect you to.”

She pulled her hair out of its ponytail and shook it out, then untucked her shirt. “Do I still look like a cop?”

“I like the ponytail better.”

“That’s not what I asked.”

He held out his hand. “I’ll tell ya for another twenty.”

“Forget it. Have a nice day.”

He cat-called her as she walked away.

She ignored him but tucked her shirt back in and peered through the window of the door with the neon sign. It was packed.

Perfect, she wouldn’t be noticed.

Chapter14

Inside the bar,the music that was only slightly irritating on the street was now a suffocating mix of beats and raised voices. Isla paused among the clanking of glass and the press of bodies before venturing farther.

She scanned the sea of faces, noting Jay was not in her immediate line of sight, so she moved deeper into the long narrow room, continuing her perusal. She had to spot him before he did her. Then she could get a visual on his contact. If Jay couldn’t get the job done, she could always come back and try to persuade his contact in some other way.

Two men in a booth at the back stood. Isla dropped out of sight when she recognized Jay, who was facing her, but kept a visual on his companion, who she couldn’t get a clear look at besides the back of his head.

She scooted between two people and watched as Jay followed the other man through a door at the back.

From his posture, it didn’t look as though Jay had been forced. For now, Isla would take that as a good sign, although she hadn’t yet ruled out kicking down that door if she thought Jay’s life might be in danger.

For now, she’d have to wait it out.

Sliding onto a stool, she drummed her fingers on the bar while she waited to be served so she could order a Coke. She had to at least look like she was there to drink.

The man next to her propped his elbow on the counter when he turned to face her. His meaty hand rested close to hers.

“What are you drinking tonight?” He had a scruffy beard and sounded like he’d already had a couple.

“I haven’t decided yet.”

He smirked. “I bet I can guess.”

“Oh yeah?”

He got the bartender’s attention. “White wine for the lady.”

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