Page 46 of Sizzling Nights

Marco glanced at Theresa. "Get your acting skills honed up."

She chuckled. "I don't know if there's enough time. But I'll absolutely do the best I can."

Marco's gut tightened. He didn't like putting her there in that place. It would be crawling with assholes who wanted her shut up. Assholes who killed and didn't flinch.

He took a deep breath. "Okay. And you'll be doing the same?"

"Yep. And if I can get into the office, I'm going to do that and find anything to tie Torin Terry to the Celtics. That will be difficult. But I'll do anything I can to stop this jackass."

Mitch continued. "Also, there are wires and cameras sewn into your lapels, and buttons."

Theresa smiled. "What about me?"

Mitch chuckled and nodded. "Yes. Along the neckline, there are minute cameras sewn in. Recorders are sewn in too."

Marco took a deep breath. He didn't like putting Theresa in danger like this, but he'd do everything in his power to guard her.

30

Mitch drove them to the charity ball. She sat in the back, practicing her breathing and telling herself she wouldn't be in any more danger here than she'd been at her rental. At least here she was aware they knew about her. At her rental, she thought she was still in hiding.

In fact, if the unthinkable did happen, she was wired, with cameras and audio, so they'd find her quickly.

Mitch and Marco spoke in the front seats about nothing in particular. Neither of them seemed nervous or edgy. She didn't know if she should be irritated about that or happy this was an ordinary day for them.

They pulled into the parking lot at Paradise Gardens. She hadn't been here before. It sure was pretty outside.

The palm trees had white Christmas-type lights wrapped around the trunks, which lit up the palm fronds. They lined a curved drive, and her brain told her nothing bad could happen in a place that looked like this, right?

Mitch parked off to the side and twisted in his seat.

"If we get separated for any reason, and you feel scared, just say so. My employees will get in touch with me immediately."

He turned to Marco as well. "You too. I know you're used to this kind of stuff. At least you used to be. But I'm serious. If either of you needs me, just say so."

Mitch looked her in the eye. "Got it? Just say so."

She nodded. "I've got it."

He turned to Marco.

"And you?"

"Got it," Marco said.

Mitch picked up his phone and tapped a couple of times. Then he said, "Gabby, turn on the cameras and the mics."

Theresa heard a click, and her breathing increased. It was getting real.

Mitch turned again. "Theresa, say something in a normal voice. What color is your dress?"

"It's burnt orange. Gabby, it's beautiful."

Mitch grinned, and Marco turned and smiled at her.

Mitch nodded. "She said thank you, and she can hear you perfectly."

Then he nodded to Marco.

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