Page 47 of Bourbon and Secrets

And while I haven’t found anything share-worthy on his phone, Ace might be another story.

CORTEZ

Blackstone is only a piece of the larger puzzle. What are the chances you can plant surveillance on Atticus Foxx?

It’s still not clear to me how far the oldest Foxx brother’s involvement with Blackstone extends and, more importantly, I only know a fraction of the story, since Cortez won’t give me more information.

FAYE

You’ll never guess where I am right now.

CORTEZ

Hooch’s?

FAYE

No. Marla is still only serving me water.

CORTEZ

Not surprised. You’re missing out though, she had buttermilk pie last week.

FAYE

I hate you.

And I’m at Foxx’s house now. I’ll see what I can do.

CORTEZ

Make it work.

FAYE

We’ll see if I’m willing to share.

“I see the appeal.”

I slap a hand to my chest and jump as soon as I hear it. I didn’t expect anyone to be leaning to the right of the doors, but Hadley’s standing there, seemingly waiting for me.

“You scared me,” I say with a laugh. “I didn’t know anyone was out here.”

“Freezing today, isn’t it?”

I open my mouth to answer, but she doesn’t let me.

“What’s going on with you and Lincoln?”I wish I fucking knew.

“Quite frankly, I have no idea,” I say truthfully.

With a sigh, she jokingly says, “I feel that. Down to my toes.” It’s easy to see how much she cares about him. They both have an ease that makes me feel welcomed and seen. “I’m nosy as fuck when it comes to my people, so you can expect me to be prying later. Maybe some drinks after dinner?”

I smile at her frankness. “Drinks sound nice,” I tell her as we walk through the front entrance of the estate.

The floor of the foyer is stamped with a giant letter ‘F’ and the head of a fox hugs tightly around it. If I had forgotten where I was, this house would have quickly reminded me. The masculine colors mingle with the scent of tobacco, charred oak,and bourbon, making it abundantly clear this house is in the heart of Fiasco, Kentucky.

Laney moves around the massive kitchen island, mincing mint leaves as a long piece of red licorice hangs from the side of her mouth.

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