Page 51 of Tainted Lie

And if he saw me, I’d be screwed.

Righting my tray, I went the opposite way, hiding in the thick crowd. My tray emptied quickly, and I was no closer to my target than I had been at the start of the night. Without another option, I refilled my tray, then continued circling the room.

I had to be patient, even if I was eager to get this done quickly. The longer I stayed, the higher the chances Jude would see me.

I was wearing a black wig—my hair was just too memorable—and thick, black-rimmed glasses. But if Jude got close enough, he would no doubt recognize me.

I fanned my face, wishing I was outside instead of stuck in the warm building. My blouse clung to my damp skin, and I gripped the tray so hard I was surprised I hadn’t bent it yet. I preferred assignments that allowed me to stay as far away from people as possible.

The target was out of sight more than he was in sight, and I was instead focused on Jude. And it wasn’t just to know where he was. I couldn’t take my eyes off him. He looked so at home in his suit. Moved with confidence and grace. He still had the beard and messy hair, but that only added to his appeal.

And I wasn’t the only one noticing. Jealousy reared its ugly head every time he bent low to hear one of the many women vying for his attention. Or when they put their hands on his arm. It seemed that gesture was a party favorite.

Not to mention the many times cleavages were pressed against his chest and thrust in his face.

He was friendly to everyone, because it was Jude. I found myself taking a step in his direction when one of his many admirers pressed a kiss to his cheek in greeting, and I knew I had to either finish this job now or get out. Seeing how confident and at home he was at an event like this showed me what I’d tried to ignore. He was way out of my league.

Getting this distracted would only lead to failure. Pulling my gaze away from him, I studie dthe people in the room.

It didn’t take long until I found my target.

He was by himself for the first time tonight, and I didn’t waste time approaching him. He’d been drinking out of a tumbler all night, and I guessed it was either whiskey or bourbon, judging by the color of the liquid in his glass.

When I was close enough, I nodded to his glass. “Can I get you another one?”

He placed his empty glass on my tray. “Whiskey, neat.”

I didn’t delay in making my way to the bar. “Can I get a whiskey, neat, for the gentleman over there?” I nodded to my target, who was now talking to someone else.

The bartender winked at me, grabbing a tumbler. “I haven’t seen you around before. Are you new?”

“Just helping out tonight.”

He placed the glass on the bar in front of me, and I picked it up, dropping the dissolvable pill I’d been carrying in my sleeve all night into the liquid. It fizzed, then dispersed.

Walking back to my target, I held the glass out with a smile. “Sir, your whiskey.”

He took it without acknowledging me, immediately taking a sip.

I wound my way through the guests, my eye on the exit. I didn’t look back at the pained shout. Or when someone screamed. Or when people rushed past me.

Instead, I slipped back into the kitchen, setting my tray on a bench. I grabbed my coat, then left through the back door. The large coat covered most of my body, hiding my uniform.

I inhaled the fresh air as soon as I was outside, sliding the white gloves I’d been wearing off my hands.

My destination was a small bar a couple of blocks away. It was dark inside, and I went straight to the bathroom. It was busy enough that nobody noticed me head to the back instead of ordering.

I locked myself into the small bathroom stall and changed out of my uniform. A few minutes later, I was wearing jeans, boots, and a sweater. The thin polyester uniform went into the pockets of my coat.

Then I went back into the bar, sitting down on one of the few available stools, and ordered a beer.

I hated beer, but I had to stay for at least an hour, and it was cheap.

Gladius always left a photo, a name, and spending money in the safe deposit box. It was enough to pay for dinner tonight with a little left over. I’d be able to buy a treat for Lenny before I got paid for the completed job.

I ordered a burger, wondering if I had to get another drink to pass the time. The food took almost forty minutes to come out, the kitchen thankfully overworked and understaffed, giving me an excuse to stay.

My dinner was surprisingly delicious, and I even drank half my beer. When I left again, I felt more centered. I’d completed the job.

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