Page 67 of Hidden Ascent

“Isla. That’s a pretty name.”

“Okay.”

“Not one for compliments, noted. So, what brought you into my bar this evening?”

“She promised me she’d stay in the car,” Jay said.

Isla leaned forward, resting her arms near her gun. “I never said that.”

“You did.”

“No, I promised you I wouldn’t get in your way.”

“And yet, here you are. In my way.”

“All I wanted was a drink. Then Mason decided he was my new best friend. I tried to leave without making a fuss, but neither Mason or the bouncer would let me do that.”

“I’d like to clear one thing up,” Carl interrupted. “Did you really take Mason out?”

“Yeah. He deserved it.”

“I have no doubt. But he’s a big guy.”

“I think I may have broken his fingers. And possibly his nose.”

“I’m sure he deserved it.”

“He did. It turns out those lessons paid off.”

“Now that you’re here, you can tell me why it is you need my help.”

Jay shifted uncomfortably in his chair.

“I never said that.” Isla’s eyes flicked to Jay and then back to Carl. “I tried to leave after things got out of control.”

“All things considered, I’m sure you can appreciate how all of this looks.” Carl leaned back in his chair. “She’s not a cop. What is she? FBI?”

Jay smiled. “You haven’t lost your touch.”

“I’m not law enforcement,” Isla tried, but Carl smirked.

“Of course you are. Federal Marshal perhaps?”

“No.”

“DEA?”

“No.”

“That’s the one. How long have you been with them?”

“I told you—”

“Isla, give it up,” Jay said. “Carl worked you out the moment you walked in.”

“You’re not helping. I thought he wasn’t supposed to know.”

“The reason I told you to stay in the car.”

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