Page 97 of Secret Weapon

I began to stiffen, then quickly forced myself to relax.To wear my poker face.

“Doyou want me to come?”

“I do.”When I didn’t answer, he continued, “If work’s a problem, Bradley could probably cover at the store.”

My first instinct was to say “no way,” but that was based on my feelings toward Emmy.I considered the offer.A chance to get away for some winter sun, a temporary staff member for the Craft Cabin, a few days with Alex, and presumably Emmy would pay for a hotel room.All I’d have to do was kill someone—why else would she want me there?—and if that person was themudakresponsible for the damage to Ottie Marquette’s face, I wouldn’t much mind eliminating them.Perhaps I could leverage this to my advantage?

“Emmy mentioned paying me for the work I already did this weekend.Do you think she meant it?”

“If she said it, then she meant it.”

Hmm.

Okay, I’d play.

“Then tell her I’ll go to Huntington Beach, but my rate is five thousand dollars a day plus wages for my replacement at the Craft Cabin.Brooke and Paulo will probably work extra hours if Bradley can’t help.”

How long would I be in California?Five days?A week?Twenty-five thousand bucks would buy me two new rifles with plenty left over for my emergency fund.Paulo would be happy to teach my arm-knitting class later.He loved making those giant blankets.

A smile spread across Alex’s face, and thank goodness I wasn’t in his arms anymore because he’d have felt my heart thumping against my ribcage.

“I’ll tell her.”And he did.Well, kind of.Emmy must have picked up quickly because a second later, he spoke into the phone.“Dasha will come, but her rate is eight thousand a day plus expenses.… Yes… Yes… I’ll get back to you on that.”

What the fuck?

Alex tucked the phone back into his pocket.“We need to leave in half an hour.Do you want to drive yourself to Medford or ride with us?”

“I… Eight thousand dollars a day?”

“You undervalued yourself.”

“And Emmyagreedto it?”

I’d thought I was pushing it with five, but I didn’t particularly want to do the job, so…

“She pays people what they’re worth.You already have a bag packed?Plan on being there for a week.”

“Of course I have a bag packed.”

“And the transport?”

“I’ll drive myself.”

For fifty thousand bucks, I’d walk to Medford if necessary.

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