Page 69 of Poison

"You'll get the video when this is all over. Don't worry, I don't have a backup. A deal is a deal."

"I'm not worried about that. I'm worried that Hobbs could hurt you."

I grinned at him. "I'm Starburst, baby. Nothing can hurt me."

Chapter 48

Fifteen minutes before closing, it was finally time to let Vic in on the plan. There wasn't anyone at the bar since most people had cleared out. "Vic," I called, interrupting his cleaning.

He leaned over the countertop with a smile on his handsome face. "What's up?"

"I'm going to get Hobbs to confess on record that he killed Alex."

His eyes grew wide, and he took a moment to process every word I had said one by one. "How?"

Looking over my shoulder, I searched for Beau, but he was already gone. "I blackmailed Beau. Lucien's husband. It's why I couldn't let you know what I was doing. In exchange for giving him the video, he got the cops to give me a wire. And now, I have to get Trevor to confess."

Vic looked utterly shocked. "How?"

"I need you to tell Hobbs that I took someone upstairs, and you can't find the receipt. He'll know I didn't get clearance for it. I need him to believe I gave someone a freebie."

"Won't that get you into trouble?"

"Yeah. He isn't going to be happy, but he won't take it out on me here. Getting Hobbs pissed off at me is the only way I can bring up the subject without making it seem like a setup. He'll assume I'm bringing it up out of spite."

Vic began to pace in agitation. "I don't like this."

"Don't worry. I have a safe word. The cops will be listening in."

"But what if something happens?"

I smiled. "He won't kill me. He might smack me around a bit, but that's it."

"That's supposed to make me feel better?"

"I'm used to it. I can take a hit. Please, Vic. This is the only way we get rid of Trevor Hobbs for good. It's how we get justice for Alex and my freedom. I need you to do this for me, please."

Sighing heavily, he stared at me before muttering, "Fine."

"Good. When the club closes, Hobbs will head to his office, and I'll be in the dressing room to put the wire on. That's when you tell him."

Vic shook his head. "I still hate this."

"I know." Slapping my hand on the bar, I smirked confidently. "I need some liquid courage, though. Make it strong."

I watched Vic mix the Poison Apple, making sure he was heavy-handed with the alcohol. When he offered it to me, I snatched it up and went to the far end of the club to keep an eye on Trevor. Eventually, the last patron leftthe building, and Hobbs moved to the bar. I nodded at Vic, who scrolled through a tablet before grabbing his attention. That was my cue.

Rushing to the dressing room, I locked the door behind me and proceeded to my vanity, pulling out the tiny sticker with the golden wires. As I peeled off the backing and pressed it to my chest, I examined myself in the mirror. There was no going back. The mic had been activated. The cops were officially listening in.

Grabbing a black pair of pants, I yanked them on and pulled on a zip-up black top with no sleeves. The garment covered the bug... barely. Hopefully, I wouldn't have to bend over in front of anyone. Even after getting dressed, I stayed put, making sure to give Vic plenty of time to sell the story.

When I was sure I couldn't wait any longer, I picked up my handbag and walked out the door.

Hobbs was leaning against the bar with a furious look on his face. Clearly, he didn't take the news well. "Are you ready to leave?"

I pretended to act confused. "Everything okay?"

"Let's get home."

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