Page 144 of Call Back

Colt’s name was on the guest list, along with a table number, and while I expected to be seated at a table on the edge of the room, we were close to the dance floor. Two older couples who reeked of money were already seated, and a purse lay in front of another spot.

“This table had to cost a fortune,” I whispered. “How did you get the tickets?”

His answer was a grin.

We were forty minutes late by the time we got inside, and the event was already in full swing. An orchestra was playing a waltz. While I expected Colt to make fun of it, he surprised me by throwing his mask down on the table. “I’m not putting this on tonight, and you’re not putting yours on either. No more hiding. Not anymore.” He took the mask out of my hand and tossed it next to his. “Let’s dance.”

“You know how to waltz?”

“I’m a man of many talents,” he teased. “I’ll be happy to demonstrate them all, but the X-rated ones will have to wait until later.”

I rolled my eyes, ignoring the heat his words had spread through me. Before answering, I dug my phone out of the clutch Belinda had sent for me to use and checked to see if I had any messages. None.

The small gun made the purse look bulky, but it made me feel safer to have it.

I looked up at Colt, the gravity of the situation weighing on me. “How will we know when we’re supposed to meet whoever it is we’re supposed to meet?”

Colt took my phone and tucked it into his jacket pocket. “I’m the one in charge of communicating with criminals tonight.” Then he took my purse and dropped it on the floor under the table. “We don’t want anyone stumbling across that.”

No kidding. Especially since I didn’t have a concealed carry permit.

He put an arm around my back and ushered me onto the dance floor. Only a few other couples were dancing, but I could hardly focus on what was going on around us. Colt’s comment had struck a nerve. “What do you mean you’re the one communicating with criminals tonight?”

His eyes narrowed. “It means I’m checking the messages. I’m serious, Magnolia. I want you as far removed from this as possible.” His expression softened and his voice lowered, filling his words with plenty of playful innuendo. “Now let’s dance. I finally get to show you my moves.”

I found myself laughing despite the fact I was becoming more nervous by the minute.

He pulled me into his arms, and true to his word, not only could he waltz, but he was good. He whirled me around the dance floor, my skirt billowing around me.

“Breathe, Maggie,” he said softly, searching my eyes. “Just breathe. It’s going to be okay.”

“What are you going to do? What’s the plan?”

A grin lit up his face, but I could tell he was nervous too. “I thought you didn’t care about the gold.”

“I don’t . . . mostly. But I’m not too happy about turning it over to a blackmailer either.”

His jaw clenched. “Me neither.”

“So what’s the plan?” I repeated.

“The plan is for you to stick close to Belinda while I’m gone.”

“Why?” I asked, getting defensive.

He remained silent for a moment, but something seemed to click for him. Reaching up to tuck an errant strand of hair behind my ear, he said, “I think Roy’s going to make a move. We both know how much he hates you. He’ll think nothing of sacrificing you to get what he wants.”

“Sacrificing? What do you think is going to happen?”

He lowered his voice. “I think several people have somehow found out about the gold, and a lot of them will do anything to get their hands on that much money.”

“I don’t understand why you’re here,” I said, looking out at the people sitting at the tables. “You have the gold. The Colt I know wouldn’t have come to this thing, but here you are, about ready to potentially give up a lot of money in exchange for . . . me. It doesn’t make any sense.”

He laughed, but the sound was short and tight. “Are you saying you think I’d just let them kill you?”

“No,” I said, watching him closely. “I’m saying that one, you wouldn’t have come at all. And two, you would have tried to talk me out of coming.”

His brow lowered. “Are you saying I’m knowingly putting you in danger?”

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