Page 33 of Samson

She tucked the money in her bra. “This’ll get you ten minutes.”

“Prices have gone up.”

“Inflation.”

“I need information on a man named Marc Rubin.”

Her eyes widened a fraction, and she pulled the money back out, handing it to him. “I changed my mind. I don’t have time to talk tonight. I have real work to do.”

Samson looked at the money but didn’t take it. Instead, he put his hands on his hips. “Keep it.”

“I don’t want it.” She dropped it but watched as it fluttered to the ground, looking undecided if she would leave it there or not.

“So, he’s a scary guy around here?”

“I never said that.”

Samson picked up the money and tucked it into her strap. “If you’re afraid of retribution, I can protect you.”

She huffed. “Yeah, right. What are you going to do? Put me in some women’s shelter where I’ll be kicked to the curb a couple days later.”

“Nothing’s changed, Simone. I offered to pay for you to get out of this life.”

“Except this isn’t Pretty Woman. We’re not in a movie.”

“That’s true. But you don’t have to be afraid of Marc. I can take care of him.”

“I have no doubt about that. But that doesn’t mean you’ll get to him before he gets to me.”

She pulled away from him and moved down the sidewalk.

Samson shook his head. “Okay then, forget business. How about I buy your companionship instead?”

“For real?”

He pulled out two hundred-dollar bills and held them out to her.

She squinted at him. “You’re serious?”

“My car’s right over there.”

“Well, well.” She moved closer and took the money. “Samson’s finally come around.”

Sliding her arm through his, she tucked in close to him as he led her across the street.

“I know good value when I see it.”

He opened the door for her and let her get settled before shutting it. As he moved around to the driver’s side, he scanned the surrounding street to make sure no one dangerous was watching.

“Where are we going?” Simone said, rubbing her hand along the leather seat after Samson got in. “This is a nice car.”

“I know.”

“There’s a quiet place around the corner.”

“I thought we could just go for a drive.”

“A drive?”

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