Page 45 of Sweet Lies

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Watching her is second nature. I know the moment she realizes she’s being watched—her shoulders tighten, and she stands a little straighter. I wasn’t going to check in on her, but I was only an hour away, and before I could tell myself why this was a bad idea a few more times, I was hitting the gas and halfway there.

I’ve kept up with her through Julie and know she’s about to take ownership of the hall in the next few weeks. Julie is retiring and plans on traveling. She’s been impressed with Rebecca through the years, just as I knew she would be.

Not much has changed with her appearance. Her hair is a little longer and straighter. She’s in jeans and a black top. It isn’t her appearance that has changed as much as the air around her though. She moves with more confidence than I’ve ever seen. She runs the room, smiling and laughing. People look at her with respect, something she’s never had before through her own making. At her father’s home, she had respect based on her name—here, it’s something she’s built, something she’s fought for every day. It was what I’d always wanted for her. A world outside of ours that was just hers. Her gambling hall isn’t legal, but it didn’t cut off heads in the basement.

I hide in the darkness of the bar above the hall, watching. It’s Julie’s retirement party, and they’ve closed down the bar to the public. It’s an interesting crowd, from movers and shakers to the lowest of the underground—people who wouldn’t mingle outside this room, laughing and buying each other drinks.

“Wasn’t sure if you’d make it,” Julie says, sliding next to me. Her bright pink dress looks out of place beside me.

“I wanted to congratulate you on the next part of your life.”

She laughs. “Oh, I’m sure that’s the reason. Why are you here? And don’t insult my intelligence by lying.”

“I’m looking for someone who pissed off one of my bosses in Italy.”

“Wants him dead pissed off or pissed enough to want him alive?”

“Alive.”

“That pissed, hmm? I’m sure you being here has nothing to do with Bec.”

“Of course not. I’m here for business.”

“Who are you looking for?”

“Lorenzo Ricci.”

She nods. “I’ve seen him around. He pays on time; that’s about all I can say. He’s not started any drama. He isn’t here tonight, if that’s what you were hoping.”

I’m distracted watching Rebecca move from one group to the next, her smile slipping as she glances in my direction, though I know she can’t see us properly.

“You know I can’t help you find him, correct? It would make me a bad businesswoman.”

“Of course. You’re going to be retired at midnight. I can wait fifteen minutes.”

She laughs. “Good try! Don’t even think of trying to get the information of her either. She’s more of a stickler than I am. Must be the background.”

An idea blossoms, and I feel my grin slip into place.

“Whatever you’re thinking, just don’t,” Juliet bites out, taking a sip of her martini.

“Congrats on the retirement,” I respond, stepping back. It’s time for me to leave—I have plans to make.

She stops me with her next words. “I care for the girl.”

“There was a time you cared for me as well.”

“I still do. But you made your bed a long time ago. Leave the girl in the light.”

“What light? She’s underground,” I point out, slipping away. But I know she’s right; I should leave well enough alone. Coming back to New York was hazardous to both of us.

Elijah once said that Rebecca would be the death of me, and that could still be the case.

ChapterSixteen

REBECCA

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