Page 156 of Cross & Crown

Nick set his glass on the table after a small sip, and Paddy

did the same. “Good then. Shall we take this upstairs?”

The bodyguards backed the four of them against the railing

as their boss walked by. They fell into step behind Paddy, and

Kelly and the others followed, with Mikey bringing up the

rear. They were instructed to wait for the next elevator, then

left without escort in the vestibule.

“What the hell?” Kelly asked as soon as they were alone.

“Why not just have us meet them in the room?”

Nick cleared his throat, looking a little sick. “A lobby full

of people just saw a Boston police detective having a drink

with a mob boss. Did you see the tourist with the camera on

the floor above us?”

Kelly shook his head.

157

“Added security,” Julian commented. “One hint at

corruption and it could bring the police force to its knees. I

like it.”

Nick scowled at Julian. “Try not to keep reminding me

that you’re not a good person, okay?”

“I will do my very best.”

“I’m so nervous,” JD announced. “I might throw up on

this suit.”

Kelly shook his head. “You throw up, I throw up. Nobody

wants that in an elevator.”

JD laughed shakily.

“It’ll be fine,” Nick said. “Just keep your mouth shut unless

they ask you a direct question. Don’t try to play them, just

answer honestly.”

Kelly stood beside Nick, staring at his profile, waiting

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