Speak Easy (Speak Easy 1)

I sat stiffly on the edge of a chair and placed the envelope on the desk.

“Enzo?” Without taking his eyes off me, Angel indicated his older son should take the money. When Raymond stepped forward and tried to take the envelope, Angel snatched it out of his reach. “I said Enzo. Count this.”

Enzo came from behind me to take the envelope while Raymond retreated to the corner and sulked. “He always gets the money. He’s probably skimming,” he mumbled.

“Raymond, please.”

“I’m sick of him bossing me. When’s it my turn to—”

“Never,” Enzo interrupted. He fell silent, presumably counting the cash.

I braced myself for the discovery, my heart like gunfire in my ears.

“It’s all here.”

Huh? I whipped my head around to stare at him, my mouth open. The envelope and cash were hidden somewhere already.

“May I offer you something?” Enzo asked, his face impassive. “A drink? Some champagne perhaps?”

“Don’t let her say no, Enzo.” Angel walked over to the sideboard laid out with glassware and bottles of booze.

“No, thank you,” I answered, managing to close my mouth. What the hell kind of game was Enzo playing? He refuses to help me, he steals business from me—now he covers for me?

“Nonsense,” said Angel. “I have the best champagne in town, the real thing. Imported from France.”

“She prolly never drank shampoo before,” said Raymond, lumbering out of the corner.

“Champagne,” Enzo corrected. “No more talking out of you.”

Angel popped the cork, the noise startling me. He poured three glasses, handed one to me and one to Enzo, and kept the third for himself.

“Hey, Pop, what about me?”

“Go ask Matilda to cook me a steak dinner, Raymond. Rare. I’m ravenous.”

“But how come—”

“Now, please.”

Raymond shot his brother and father a nasty look as he left the room. Angel raised his glass. “A toast. To Miss O’Mara. I’m most impressed.” He sipped his champagne and stared at me. After an uncomfortable pause, I sipped mine too, the bubbles fizzing down my throat. It tasted so good, I took three more quick swallows.

“Now,” Angel continued, returning to his chair. “I’ve got business to attend to. Enzo will escort you back to the club, where I hope you and your companion will enjoy the evening.”

“I believe she’s unattended tonight,” said Enzo.

Angel regarded me. “A pretty girl like you?”

“Yes,” I said, getting to my feet. My mind was still spinning. “Uh, I want to ask about my father.”

“What about him?” Angel’s eyebrows rose.

“Is he all right?”

“He will be very glad to know you paid me tonight, and even gladder once you bring me the rest of the money on Friday.”

My heart stopped. “Friday?” I repeated in disbelief.

“Friday.” His tone was final, and his stare told me not to argue.