Page 68 of The Players

Whoever this Brian was, it didn’t bode well for her. What to do?

In the back, she could see people getting more anxious for the games to start. Judging by the scorecards, more bets were being placed. It wouldn’t be long before she’d be forced to take a dive into the mud.

“I… Please help me out.”

“Sure, just as soon as you do me a little favor.” He pulled up his phone, pushed in some digits, and gave it to her.

“Stop calling me every ten minutes.”

Carmen immediately recognized the grouchy voice. “Tess?”

Silence, then a squeal. “Carmen? Why are you calling me with that devil’s phone?”

Why indeed? She looked at Angel in anticipation, dread filling her stomach.

He inched closer. “Hello, Tessa, your friend is in a pickle. And as it happens to be, I’m the only one who can help her out. That is, if you give me your sister’s location.”

“Never gonna happen!”

“So, youdoknow where she is. See, my guy tracked her to some shoe store in Tokyo. Then to some nail studio in Singapore.”

“You have no idea the toll it takes on your fingers to be using a computer all day. I, more than once, have broken a nail or two myself.”

Carmen couldn’t believe they were discussing footwear and nail polish. Any minute now, her cage was going to open.

Angel tsked. “Is that so? Last chance. Tell me where she is and I’ll get your friend out of this mess.”

“What mess? Carmen, are you okay? Has he done—?”

Carmen plucked the phone from Angel’s grasp. “I’m fine, really, nothing to worry about. I’ll call you later.” Then she hung up.

Angel took his phone back and sighed. “Pity. Do you want me to call your men, or are you gonna handle this yourself?”

“Call my men? Do I look like a fifties wife?”

His lip curled up. “I was hoping you’d say that. Don’t let anyone tell you that pride comes before the fall. I’m sure that’s just bullshit and, in your case, that cardinal sin will elevate you to… the next round.”

That’s when she realized he’d played her like a violin.

“There’s more than one round?” she quipped.

“Of course there is, but no worries. Life is a marathon, not a sprint.” After that ridiculous piece of “life’s advice,” he gave her his back.

She stared at him in disbelief. “Wait! Are you seriously going to just leave me here?”

He turned and something dark flashed in Angel’s eyes, making Carmen shiver.

“Don’t let the name fool you. I’m no angel. I don’t do gratis.” He straightened his collar. “Don’t fret it, you’ll be fine. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to place some bets. Please don’t take it personal that I won’t be putting my hard-stolen money on you. I’d rather take my chances with Ivana and Ivanka over there. They look as if they eat kitties like you for breakfast.”

One look in her adversaries’ direction and Carmen knew he wasn’t just talking shit. Those two really did look mean. And muscular.

Angel waved at them. “Hi, girls.”

The women jumped up at seeing him. Their obvious fake breasts almost popped out of their tiny glitter tops.

“Hi, Angel!” they cooed in unison.

“Nowtheyare professionals,” he told her. “Working girls are always the toughest.”

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