Page 75 of She Gives Love a Bad Name

No, whoever this sick, twisted bastard is, he likes to keep to the shadows. Judging from the six murders under his belt, he’s got an appetite for it. He knows if he makes a show of his work, he’ll get caught. Tonight, I get one shot at drawing him out, at unmasking him.

All I can do is play my cards and hope he falls for my bluff. Good thing I’m a shark when it comes to poker.

Quinn fidgets with a towel sitting atop the cooler. My grandfather’s revolver is under that rag, within reach should she need it. I warned her if she pulls it, she’d better fucking use it. Never point a gun at someone unless you’re ready to do what needs to be done. Or it will be used against you.

“You good?” I ask her, struggling to keep my foot from impatient tapping.

“I’m good.” She flashes a quick smile, but I can see the flicker of fear in her eyes. It gives me confidence. A little fear keeps us from doing stupid shit.

My brother leans against the counter. “What about you?”

“I’m fine.”

“You look like you’re about to explode.”

“Not helping, Claude.” I glare at him and shift my position to face the entrance.

“Wasn’t trying to help. Just making an observation.”

“You’re too calm right now.”

Claude smirks and takes a drink of water. “I spent a year in Vietnam. This is a walk in the park.”

The door opens, and a dark figure steps into the bar. He pauses in the shadow of the doorway to take measure of the three of us.

“What’s this, then?” The figure points at me and Claude, his hand resting on the doorknob as though he’s about to bolt.

“I’ll explain, Eddie. Come in. Have a seat.” Quinn gestures to the bar. “Want a drink?”

“Nah, I’m good.” Eddie removes his hood and steps into the light. His curly hair is longer than when I last saw him. He shoots me a nervous glance before sliding into one of the empty seats farthest away from me. “What are you doing here, Richards?”

“All in due time, Eddie. It’s not nine o’clock yet.” It takes all my effort to keep my nerves from showing.

Over the past five years, I’ve had some run-ins with Eddie Fink. He’s a low-level punk, dealing in stolen merchandise and a few inside tips if the price is right. I don’t trust him...but then again, I don’t know him. He lays low, keeps to the shadows, which makes him the perfect suspect. Quinn fences all her stolen merchandise through him, and he’s the closest thing she has to a partner. If she trusted him with the location of her hits, my guess is there really is no honor among thieves.

The door opens behind him, and he jumps. I angle myself toward the new arrivals. Quinn tenses and rocks back on her heels. She wants to run, but she won’t. Claude shifts a little, taking up position close behind her, like her own personal guard.

A handful of men enter the bar, all dressed in varying degrees of casual black, looking like they’re the personal entourage of the president himself. They part like the Red Sea, and Billy Donovan steps inside. His shrewd gaze homes in on Quinn, and a sharp smile splits his lips. My fist clenches by my side.

I’ve never had the pleasure of meeting Donovan before, but the moment I see him, I pass judgment. He’s a fucking dick. Handsome to a fault. Charming without effort. He’s a goddamn walking nightmare if the stories I’ve heard about him are true.

I hate him on principle. He threatened Quinn, and I’ll be damned if he has any sway over her ever again.

“Sister.” Donovan crosses to the bar where Quinn is standing and takes a stool. He doesn’t even acknowledge us. We’re nothing to him. He’s that fucking confident.

And that gives me an advantage. Cocky fucker.

“Billy.” Quinn reaches for a decanter of top-shelf whiskey and pours a shot. “On the house.” She sets the drink in front of him.

“My thanks.” He downs it and exhales with delight. “Excellent vintage.”

His men fan out behind him, four on each side. I don’t recognize any of them, but judging by the stance, they’re bracing for a fight.

Eddie shifts uncomfortably in his seat.

Donovan doesn’t even spare him a glance. “You don’t have my money, do you, Quinn?”

She shakes her head.

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