Page 57 of Ignite

Chapter 19

CONAN

Driving the Range Rover feels dull compared to Hallie’s Shelby. But I don’t know how this shit’s gonna go down. Never know when I gotta shove a body in the trunk.

I pull up next to Reggie and Rowan and kill the engine.

“Are we expecting a party?” I smirk, pulling out a cigarette.

“With you? Probably,” Reggie replies, opening the trunk. “And here’s your present.”

I blow out smoke, eyes on the stash. Knives. Guns. Even some throwing stars.

I pocket a few.

“You know me so well.”

We grab what we need. I go for a pistol, an easy choice and concealable. My pocketknife’s always on me anyway. Most of the time, my fists are enough. But I gotta protect myself. Can’t risk it before a fight.

Before we head in, I pull up the tracking app on my phone. Hallie’s still out driving the McLaren. I grin watching the red dot move.

She better be safe.

“So what’s the plan?” Rowan cuts in.

“We go in as normal customers. Ask for a booth, ask to see the owner. Business-related. Maybe slide ‘em some cash. Or show them the guns. Quiet way first.”

“And if that fails?”

“The Conan way. I beat my way through the doors.”

Reggie nods. Rowan grins like he lives for chaos.

“I prefer the second option.”

I lead the way, pushing into the club past the bouncers.

“Table for three?”

He sizes me up, then steps back.

“Sure. Stephanie will show you over.”

A short woman in a gold glitter thong and no bra struts over.

“What kind of experience you after? You want to look or touch, sir?”

“Look,” I snap.

“Really?” Rowan hisses behind me.

“Are you kidding me?” I throw him a glare.

She leads us to a booth, brings champagne, and slides her hand over my forearm.

“I’ll be up on stage soon.”

I smile at her. “Nice. Now, I do have to ask you a favor.” I motion her close.

---