Speak Easy (Speak Easy 1)

“You don’t want me to answer that question. I’m going, and that’s that.”

I thought about arguing, but realized it might be smart to have someone with me, even if it was big-mouth Joey. “OK, fine.”

“Now let’s talk about getting those ten G’s,” he said. “That’s a lotta dough.”

“I need to make a run as soon as possible.”

Joey rubbed the stubble on his chin. “Tiny, I think you need…some friends in this.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, you’re a girl alone trying to defend yourself against guys who hustle people for a living, and that’s putting it nicely. You need allies.”

I blinked at him. “Like who?”

“Well, I got some friends I know from when I was at the Bishop school. They used to be with Big Leo, but they’re kinda doing their own thing now. They call themselves the River Gang, and—”

I put my hands up. “No. No way. I’m not getting involved in any Italian gang wars, Joey. All I want is to pay off Angel DiFiore and get Daddy released.”

“But DiFiore’s not just going to go away. Even your dad is going to need allies after this.”

“That’ll be his problem then. I’m not interested in revenge or power or allies or anything else—I just want my father back. Now are you going to help me or not?”

Joey exhaled and scratched his head. “We’ll need dark. Tomorrow night’s out. How about Sunday?”

“OK.”

“Do you have the money to buy with?”

I swallowed. “Yes.”

“What about a distributor?”

“I’ll call our usual guy, Blaise. I just hope he doesn’t get prickly about selling to me without Daddy there.” My stomach turned over. “And I hope the boat has enough gasoline.”

“Leave that to me.” He swung his leg over the top of the chair and picked up his cap from the table. “I better go. Delivery truck’s coming early in the morning and I told Bridget I’d help unload.”

“What time will we meet tomorrow night?” I whispered, following him to the front door.

“I’ll pick you up at nine.” He paused, glancing over my shoulder up the stairs. “Do you want me to stay?”

Yes. The word popped into my mind before I had a chance to think about it. Joey noticed my hesitation.

“I don’t mind staying here, if it will make you feel safer.” His voice was soft and low, and it was the first time I’d ever heard him say something like that without joking. Standing there in the dark, I was tempted to tell him to stay. With his full, familiar lips so close, I was tempted to do more than that.

What the hell is with you today? Say goodnight! “No,” I said, stepping back. “You can go. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

After he left, I locked the door, crept into my room, and undressed. Wearily I climbed back into bed and lay there, my body numb with fatigue but my brain buzzing with questions. Where were they keeping Daddy? Would they hurt him again? Were we safe here? I chewed on the edge of the sheet. Now that I knew a locked door was no match for Enzo DiFiore, I wasn’t sure I’d ever feel safe again. What was his role in all this? And why had he kissed me like that?

My eyes slammed shut. Jesus, you couldn’t trust anybody. Not even men with movie star faces whose kisses felt like fire in your veins.

Rolling to my side, I crooked one elbow underneath my head. I’m a horrible person. How can I even think about kissing Enzo with Daddy being held hostage? What was the matter with me? And had I really been tempted to kiss Joey at the door? That boy had been nothing but trouble my entire life, and now it looked he’d make a career out of it. Was he working for the River Gang? It was hard to believe he’d want the same kind of life his father had—or the same kind of death. But he sure had a lot of information. Could I trust him?

I wanted to trust him.

But I also wanted a gun.

&nbsp