Page 41 of Sweet Lies

“This was used in the old days as a smuggling route. It was discovered a while ago when renovations were going on. You can understand why the boss wants it kept a secret.”

“Yes, I can see that.”

He waves me in, and I second-guess this choice. For all I know, there’s nothing down there but my death.

With a deep breath, I take the chance and take the first step. I make it to the third when he closes the wall.

Breathing out, I continue down and hope I haven’t made a huge mistake. Andre’s note lies in the bottom of my purse. I took it with me in case things didn’t go as planned, hopeful his name would mean something.

I hear the sounds of the machines and customers long before I see them. Their voices carry along the stone corridor.

Two large men who could pass for trees stand at the entrance. They eye me not as a threat but with curiosity—much as the bartender had before. They look unsurprised to see me, so I assume the bartender has given them notice. There must be some sort of a bottom under the bar to give notice if something was wrong or someone unexpected was coming down. I did not see him make a call and that makes the most sense.

“I’m here to see Juliet Rose.” My voice comes out powerfully as I stand in front of the men.

“Who wants to see her?” the dark-haired one to my left demands. Somehow, he manages to stand even straighter.

“Andre gave me her information.”

“That’s not what he asked,” the blond man to the right states.

“That information I’ll save for Juliet,” I reply, stepping forward.

They block my path as I knew they would, so I glare, holding my ground.

“You don’t go anywhere till we have a name.” They both scowl, using their build to intimidate me. I must admit it’s working, but I refuse to show it.

A small older woman with graying hair steps out from behind the giants; I believe she’s one of the many customers till she says, “Frank, Joe, it’s okay. I’m expecting her.”

Both men look at each other before stepping aside.

Juliet Rose isn’t what I was expecting. She’s tiny—a slight breeze might blow her away—and she’s dressed in a bright yellow dress that looks out of place in this underground hall. Her smile is bright, and she almost hops in excitement as she takes me around the room till we reach what appears to be an office. A very disorganized office with papers thrown everywhere, but an office nonetheless.

“Andre called me and said you might show up. He didn’t give me your name. I figured there was a reason for that. I’m Juliet Rose, but I’m sure you know that. I seem to be at a disadvantage with nothing to call you. Would you care to put us on even ground?” She smiles as she moves papers around to make an inch of clean space on the desk before sitting down and crossing her fingers together, looking at me intently.

I debate lying. I should, but something about her makes me feel guilty about the idea. “Rebecca. My name is Rebecca.”

“Rebecca. Well, Rebecca, I owe Andre a favor.”

My face gives my surprise away because she laughs.

“Yes, I know. What favor I could owe the great hitman Andre? Nothing all that exciting. It was a favor I owed his mom. When she passed, I gave it to him. We were friends, his mom and I.”

Her eyes drift past my shoulder, and she appears lost in thought. I leave her to the past. There’s no need to rush her back to the present.

Finally, she says, “He said he needed to lie low for a while. And that you need a job.”

“Is that what he told you?” I ask, stunned. He leaves after we sleep together with nothing but a note, yet calls in a favor for me. A favor he’s had tucked away for years. He’s the most confusing person I’ve ever met.

“Yes. He said you’re good at numbers and organizing,” she replies, glancing around the room.

“Yes…I mean, I was. I kept my father’s books and kept his schedule running.”

“Perfect. You’re hired.” She grins, standing.

I’m stunned. “Just like that?”

“Just like that. Were you expecting something else?”

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